HomeMy WebLinkAboutHK - Ministry of Tourism & Culture LetterMinistry of Tourism and Culture Ministère du Tourisme et de la Culture
Minister Ministre
9th Floor, Hearst Block 9 étage, Édifice Hearst
e
900 Bay Street 900, rue Bay
Toronto, ON M7A 2E1 Toronto, ON M7A 2E1
Tel: (416) 326-9326 Tél.: (416) 326-9326
Fax: (416) 326-9338 Téléc.: (416) 326-9338
February 23, 2011
Dear Municipality:
As activities in celebration of Ontario Heritage Week take place across the province, I would like
to take this opportunity to mark an important provincial milestone in heritage conservation.
The number of heritage conservation districts has steadily grown in recent years, and I am
pleased to announce that we have reached 102 districts in 36 municipalities. This significant
accomplishment has resulted in the protection of over 17,500 properties within these districts.
I commend those municipalities that have designated districts to safeguard valued heritage
resources that contribute to building Ontario’s cultural and economic vitality. Through
designation, you ensure that heritage decisions in your community are made at the local level.
The McGuinty Government is pleased to support municipalities in taking action to protect local
heritage. District designation is an important planning tool that municipalities are increasingly
using to ensure that our history will continue to influence community and economic
development for years to come. The benefits of heritage conservation districts extend beyond
protecting physical assets for the enjoyment of future generations. Heritage conservation districts
can also strengthen a community’s sense of place, develop a community’s physical and cultural
environment and stimulate cultural tourism.
I encourage all municipalities to consider district designation for cherished areas of cultural
heritage in your communities. The McGuinty Government strengthened the Ontario Heritage
Act in 2005 to give municipalities stronger tools to protect heritage sites. I invite those involved
in heritage conservation to learn how to effectively use the tools available to you. Detailed
information about Ontario’s heritage conservation process is posted on my ministry’s website. I
encourage you to contact ministry staff for guidance and advice as you undertake the process to
make your community’s heritage the foundation for growth and prosperity.
On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, I look forward to continuing our important
work with municipal councils and heritage committees to protect Ontario’s cultural and natural
legacy. Together, our efforts are helping to build strong, liveable communities and a greater
quality of life for Ontarians.
Yours truly,
Michael Chan
Minister
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