Tools for conservation
What are the benefits of designation? | How do I repair windows in my heritage home? | Why is archaeology important? | What is a cultural landscape? | Where can I find information on the history of a building? | How can I save a heritage building in my community?
We have a number of tools available for you that can help answer these questions ... and more!
When people are looking to do conservation work, they often come to us to see how we did it — how we handled a project, what rules and principles we followed, and tips and tricks for completing a conservation project.
Here you will find information on some of the tools we have at our disposal and best practices we can learn from when undertaking conservation projects at heritage properties.
General heritage information
- The Ontario Heritage Trust: Who we are
- Archaeology — Frequently asked questions
- Eight guiding principles in the conservation of historical properties
- Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada
- Standards and Guidelines for Conservation of Provincial Heritage Properties
- Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists
- Guidelines for signs on cultural heritage easement properties
- Conservation plans for heritage properties
- How to research a heritage property
- Benefits of heritage designation under the Ontario Heritage Act
- Cultural heritage landscapes — An introduction
- Steps to saving a heritage site at risk in your community
Conservation easement tools
Natural environment
- Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) “Make a Map” tool — create maps and learn more about the different natural heritage features across Ontario (courtesy of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry)
- Simple Key for Plant Identification — use this tool to help identify plants of the New England region (courtesy of Go Botany)
- Grow Me Instead — find out how to avoid planting dangerous, invasive plants in your gardens (courtesy of the Ontario Invasive Plant Council)
- Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) — learn about endangered, threatened, special concern and extirpated animals and plants in the province
- Land Information Ontario (LIO)— how to find, access and share geographic data
- Managed Forest Conservation Easement Agreements
Related pages
Discover detailed information on related topics within this section
The Ontario Heritage Trust: Who we are
As the province’s lead heritage agency, the Ontario Heritage Trust is entrusted with keeping Ontario’s heritage alive and meaningful.
Read moreArchaeology — Frequently asked questions
A plate recovered from Inge-Va, Perth
Archaeology is the scientific study of the human past through investigations of physical remains and material cultural (for example, artifacts, fragments, features and structures).
Read moreEight guiding principles in the conservation of historical properties
Old Stone Mill, Delta
Photo: Ken Watson, courtesy of Doors Open Rideau Lakes
The following guiding principles are statements in the conservation of historical properties and are based on international charters that have been established over the past century.
Read moreGuidelines for signs on cultural heritage easement properties
Peel County Courthouse and Jail, Brampton
Photo: Doors Open Brampton
Signs have always played a key role on commercial streets and on public and private buildings.
Read moreConservation plans for heritage properties
Exterior of the Ontario Heritage Centre, Toronto
Photo: Mark Wolfson
The objectives of a conservation plan are to identify the cultural and historic significance of a site and to set out a policy and strategy for the management and conservation of the heritage values, attributes and integrity of that site.
Read moreHow to research a heritage property
Sharon Temple, c. 1861, East Gwillimbury
Researching a property can seem like a daunting task, but by exploring the holdings of your local library, archives or museum, you might be able to discover important information.
Read moreBenefits of heritage designation under the Ontario Heritage Act
Sandyford Place, Hamilton
Check out the benefits of designation under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Read moreCultural heritage landscapes — An introduction
Evolved cultural landscape, Scotsdale Farm, Halton Hills
Cultural heritage landscapes, or cultural landscapes, have been used as a term for several decades.
Read moreSteps to saving a heritage site at risk in your community
St. Thomas CASO Station
Steps to saving a heritage site at risk in your community.
Read moreComponents of a Trust cultural heritage easement agreement
St. Brigid’s Church, Ottawa
Components of a Trust cultural heritage easement agreement
Read moreBaseline Documentation Reports
Almonte Post Office
A cultural Baseline Documentation Report (BDR) is the document used by the Ontario Heritage Trust and the owner of a Trust heritage easement property that identifies the specific heritage character and condition of a property at the time the heritage conservation easement is established, or at an agreed-upon time thereafter.
Read more