Heritage Benefits

The effect of heritage designation is to preserve the key features of a building and/or land that give it a distinctive heritage character.

What Would Heritage Designation Mean for Your Property?

• Designation is an effective way to preserve a property of distinctive heritage character.
• Heritage designation remains with the property, even if it is sold.
• Council approval is needed if the building or structure is to be demolished, the facade or exterior altered, or the land subdivided.
• Alterations sympathetic to the historical and architectural style of the building may be made in consultation with the Heritage Advisory Panel.
• By designating a property that meets the heritage criteria, property owners are retaining the historical, architectural, and aesthetic value of the community of Oak Bay.

Benefits to the Owner(s) of a Designated Property

• Designation gives the owner(s) access to cost sharing grants from the Oak Bay Heritage Foundation to repair or restore the exterior, roof, and foundation of a heritage residence. Designated institutional buildings are eligible for grants from the B.C. Heritage Trust.
• Designation does not affect private ownership and does not impede the purchase or sale of the property. The owner(s) retain all rights to individual enjoyment and use of their property.
• The designated building is described in a heritage inventory publication that is reprinted periodically. Designation does not give the public access to the property without the owners' consent.
• Designation may, in some cases, increase the value of a property and area as the home buying public seeks buildings that have significant heritage character.
• Owners of heritage buildings enjoy a heightened sense of pride in the history of the Oak Bay community.