Heritage Conservation Districts

A heritage conservation district (HCD) is a geographically defined area of cultural heritage value that is designated by a municipal by-law passed under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. The designation can includes buildings, streets, landscapes and views within a specific area. The purpose of an HCD is to identify the unique cultural heritage value of an area, and provide policies and guidelines to conserve the heritage features and manage change within the district.

Village of Bolton Heritage Conservation District

The Town of Caledon has one heritage conservation district (HCD) in the Village of Bolton. The HCD contains 185 properties in the original village area, settled between 1819 and 1823. The main commercial core still reflects many of the original buildings from that time. The street layout has also maintained its original integrity and hosts a wide variety of residences from the mid- to late-Victorian era.

The goal of the Village of Bolton Heritage Conservation District Plan is to conserve our cultural heritage so that future generations will have a physical connection to their past. The Plan includes policies and guidelines regarding:

  • heritage permits
  • managing change
  • allowing property alterations
  • new construction
  • demolitions

Is your property in the Village of Bolton Heritage Conservation District? View the Bolton Heritage Conservation District map.

If your home or business is located within the Village of Bolton HCD, you may be eligible for a heritage property grant or a heritage property tax rebate.  

Alton Village Heritage Conservation District Study

The Town of Caledon is considering establishing a heritage conservation district in Alton Village. The process to establish an HCD is carried out in two phases:

  • The first phase is the HCD Study, which includes an analysis of the cultural heritage significance of the study area to determine if it, or a portion of it, should be an HCD.
    • This work involves researching the history of Alton and inventorying the properties, streetscapes and open spaces of the study area. This information will be compiled into an HCD Study, which will recommend a heritage conservation district boundary (if appropriate) for consideration by Town of Caledon Council.
  • If Council endorses the HCD Study recommendations, the Town will proceed with the second phase: creation of an HCD Plan and Guidelines. Developed through further community consultation, the HCD Plan and Guidelines would provide detailed guidelines to help manage future conservation and development activities within the district.

An HCD Study has been completed for Alton Village and was presented at a community consultation meeting on November 5, 2020. The purpose of the meeting was to present the Study’s initial findings regarding Alton’s heritage character and a recommended district boundary, and to ask for community feedback. More information can be found in the video and links below. 

Presentation Slides (November 5, 2020)

Public Meeting Q & A sheet (November 16, 2020)

The Alton Village Heritage Conservation District project is currently on hold. Updates can be found on this webpage, or by contacting Heritage staff at heritage@caledon.ca