Restoring a Historical Resource

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Learn how to renovate a historic property or sign up for a workshop.

Buildings which are on the Register are designated as Municipal Historic Resources and have restrictions. If a building is designated the owner had to sign agreements or can see them on the land titles.

This Old Edmonton House Workshops Paused

At this time, the This Old Edmonton House workshops have been paused. Please check with the Heritage Unit for any updates about future workshops.

Making Changes

Owners are encouraged to maintain properties by restoring, repairing or replacing in kind the character defining elements as closely as possible to the resources' original design and materials. This does not prevent the application of contemporary processes and materials. The Designation Bylaw is put in place to manage change, and these are guided by the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada.

Alterations that require a development permit will be reviewed by a Heritage Planner
Land Use Bylaw and Alberta Building Code requirements apply
Zoning and attendant development rights and regulations apply
City regulations regarding fencing and landscaping apply
Municipal Historic Resources can’t be demolished

Regular Maintenance and Painting

Most alterations, including mechanical or electrical work, which are not damaging to the building's structural and historical integrity can be done at the owner's discretion. However, if you were proposing to do something that would affect the buildings' Character Defining Elements, contact a Heritage Planner to discuss and review your proposal.

Any proposed alterations to the interiors of houses on the Register, including any modifications to the plumbing, electrical or mechanical will not be subject to review or evaluation by the Heritage Planner. Only the standard development permit and building permit regulations will apply.

Any alterations to existing accessory buildings on the property will not be subject to review by the Heritage Planner unless an impact is apparent which affects the house as viewed from the public right-of-way.

New Additions

The Standards don’t require every element of a historic site remain intact and modern adaptations can easily be accommodated. Things like outdoor bathrooms, older kitchen facilities or single glazed windows are not expected to be kept. New additions are allowed but should be contextually appropriate with the site's historic architecture.

The bylaw identifies "Character-Defining Elements" that should be retained and included in any changes. The priority naturally is to keep original historical elements and favour their restoration rather than replacement. Where replacement of any character defining elements needs to occur, replacement in kind is desired.

Safety and Building Codes

Older buildings sometimes require structural retrofits or the addition of fire sprinklers and other equipment to enhance their safety. Owners are always encouraged to meet building codes where possible. Where some cannot be done, this does not make the building unsafe as some design features such as open staircases, slightly lower handrails are "grandfathered" in.

When you are considering making alterations to a heritage building, we encourage you to maintain its architectural and historical elements as outlined in the General Standards and Guidelines.

For More Information

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10111 104 Avenue NW
Edmonton AB T5J 0J4

Email	heritageplanners@edmonton.ca

Restoring a Historical Resource

This Old Edmonton House Workshops Paused

Financial Incentives

Register & Inventory

Historic Resources

For More Information

Restoring a Historical Resource

This Old Edmonton House Workshops Paused

Financial Incentives

Register & Inventory

Historic Resources

Related Documents

Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada

This Old Edmonton House Poster

For More Information