Designating and Restoring a Historic Resource

Designating a Historic Resource

Designation is the highest level of Municipal recognition and adds the site to Lacombe’s Municipal Register of Historic Resources. In order to be eligible for designation, the site must have a Statement of Significance attached to it. 

Owners should keep in mind that once designated:

  • A site/building cannot be demolished
  • Inappropriate changes cannot occur, and any alterations must be in character with the original structure
  • The site will be maintained in a fair to good condition
  • Any modifications, restoration, or rehabilitation to the character-defining elements must have approval prior to work being started
  • A caveat will be placed on the property title
  • The site becomes eligible for incentives at various government levels.

Misconceptions

There are, however, numerous misunderstandings about the designation and what it affects. A few of these are listed below, and owners are encouraged to contact the HRC with any questions.

  1. Renovations
  2. Selling Property
  3. Home Insurance

Does designation prevent renovations to a property?

Absolutely not. Designation protects specific features listed in a site’s Statement of Significance, and these Character Defining Elements are generally exterior features. Interior work, such as bathroom or kitchen upgrades and renovations, will face no extra bureaucracy or red tape compared to a typical property. Sometimes interior elements, such as tin ceilings in a commercial property, are listed in the SOS, so that specific element would have to be preserved. Larger scale work, such as building additions, is also possible. If designated, any work requiring a City building permit would require HRC approval.

The Process

The formal process of designating a site as a Municipal Historic Resource in Lacombe is outlined in the Heritage Management Plan (PDF)  Appendix A, and all associated forms can be found in subsequent appendices. 

Below is a visual outline of the process, and interested parties are encouraged to contact either the City of Lacombe’s Planning and Development office or the HRC to discuss designation.

Heritage Designation Process

Apply for Designation

If you are interested in applying for designating a site as a Municipal Historic Resource in Lacomben please download the form linked below and return to the Planning Department or send it via email to planning@lacombe.ca