- Heritage
- Bill 23
- Planning
Later legislation extended the deadline for municipalities to deal with listed properties. The details depend on whether your property is listed, designated or neither, so here is how each case works.
1. Listed versus designated
A listed property is on the municipal heritage register because it may have heritage value, but it is not protected by a designation bylaw. Before Bill 23 and still today, an owner of a listed property must give the City 60 days' notice before demolishing, which gives the City time to decide whether to designate.
A designated property is protected by a bylaw under Part IV or Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. Demolition needs Council's consent, and Council can refuse.
2. What Bill 23 changed
The main changes that affect demolitions were:
- Listed properties are removed from the register if the municipality does not designate them within the deadline, and cannot be relisted for five years.
- New listings and designations must meet stricter criteria under the provincial regulation.
- Municipalities face limits on starting a designation once certain planning applications are filed.
3. The extended deadline
The original two-year deadline for dealing with listed properties was extended by later provincial legislation, giving municipalities more time. Toronto has been reviewing its listed properties and designating some while others will drop off. Because the dates have moved before, check the current status on the City's Heritage Register rather than relying on a general rule.
4. What it depends on
What you need to do depends on the property's status on the day you apply:
- Not on the register: normal demolition permit and demolition control rules apply.
- Listed: give 60 days' notice to the City before demolition. The City may use that time to designate.
- Designated: apply for Council consent under the Ontario Heritage Act.
- In a Heritage Conservation District: demolition needs a heritage permit, and district guidelines apply.
5. Checking your property
Toronto publishes its Heritage Register online, searchable by address. Check it before you buy a teardown property or sign a demolition contract. A heritage status discovered after the permit application can add months. Most North York houses are not listed, but some older homes and properties in areas like Hoggs Hollow and York Mills deserve a check.
6. Buying a property with a heritage question
If you are buying a house to tear down, check the register before your offer is firm. A listed property can still be designated during the notice period, and a designated property may not be approved for demolition at all.
A heritage consultant can give an early view of how likely designation is. Their report can also help if you decide to seek Council consent, since the City will want to understand what the property's heritage attributes are.
7. What we do about it
We look up the heritage status on the first visit for any residential demolition and tell you what it means for timing. If a property is listed or designated, we recommend a heritage consultant and wait for the approvals before any work. For partial projects, interior demolition inside a designated building may still need a heritage review. Request a free estimate to go through it.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I know if my Toronto house is listed?
- Search the City of Toronto Heritage Register online by address, or ask Heritage Planning.
- Can I demolish a listed property?
- You must give the City 60 days' notice first. The City may designate during that time, which would require Council consent.
- Does interior work need heritage approval?
- Usually only where the designation bylaw protects interior features. Most designations cover exterior attributes.
- Will my property drop off the register?
- It depends on whether the City designates it before the provincial deadline. Check the City's current register.