Community Heritage Commissions: Responsibilities

The Community Heritage Commission (CHC) will generally oversee heritage issues and the implementation of heritage initiatives. More specifically, the CHC may manage and implement community heritage conservation planning and activities, provide advice, and support authorized activities, and may consider land use, planning, bylaws, and permits, and advise on official community plans, zoning, permits, and other requirements.

The following list offers a range of broad and specific activities that can be undertaken.

The description of the CHC’s work is a critical section in the commission’s terms of reference. It is important that this section is well thought out, taking into account the benefit of the Commission (e.g. community connections, expertise, experiences, advise, interests) and the needs and goals of the local government. The success of the CHC often rests on the thorough and comprehensive description of its work.

Broad work of the commission

• Initiate and complete strategies; recommend policies
• Consider issues raised by commission members and referred by the Council
• Assist staff in identifying areas that merit consideration as heritage conservation areas for future amendments to the Official Community Plan
• Undertake Public Consultation

Programs, Activities

• Educate, build awareness and undertake public consultation
• Undertake and support activities of a heritage nature, including fundraising, education, heritage research, and the organization of or participation in heritage events
• Support heritage education and public awareness through programs such as Heritage Week displays and newsletters

Heritage Conservation

• Create and maintain a register
• Develop a program of recognition and incentives
• Recommend conservation actions
• Recommend criteria to Council for determining heritage value, including sites of historic, cultural and natural significance

Planning Related

• Consider rezoning applications and requests for demolition permits
• Review and submit recommendations to the Council on land use and planning matters which have heritage implications
• Raise funds and pursue partnerships for the support of conservation and promotion of heritage

Administrative

• Prepare annual financial statements and budgets
• Manage the operations of the Commission and other Commission budgets as required
• Review and submit recommendations on the City’s capital and operational budgets with regard to heritage
• Prepare an annual work plan and report
• Appoint sub-committees, as needed

While this list is made up of actual activities from Community Heritage Commission terms of references, it should not be considered an exhaustive or an ideal list. Nevertheless, this information does illustrate the potential of a CHC and the support it can provide to its council and community.

This guide provides an overview of Community Heritage Commissions through research and commentary. Application of this heritage conservation tool is not prescriptive, as it can be adapted to each situation. Local governments and regional districts wanting to implement the heritage conservation tools should seek legal counsel as required.

SPECIAL NOTE: It is intended this guide will develop through community input. If you have best practices and case studies that would benefit this guide, please contact Heritage BC. Additionally, please contact us if you have questions or are seeking advice.