Heritage Revitalization Agreements: Benefits
A heritage revitalization agreement (HRA) is a mutually beneficial arrangement that balances:
- Private and public interests
- Heritage conservation and development
- Liveability and densification
- Philosophy and realism
Private benefits may take the form of:
- Improved finances through a subdivision
- Increased in square footage
- Increased density through a subdivision
- Change of usage
- Relaxed zoning restrictions (e.g. parking, setbacks, etc.)
- Increased height of a building
- The increased or decreased parking area
- Changed, improved siting regulations
- Energy efficiency and sustainability
- Freedom to adapt or modernize the property to reflect one’s needs and tastes
Public benefit may take the form of:
- Longer-term protection for the property
- Restoration or rehabilitation of the property
- The extended lifecycle of the property
- Improved site condition, more attractive streetscape
- Changes to landscaping, parks or open spaces
- New historic information and documentation
- Enhanced community character with a stronger sense of place and identity
The local government’s HRA policy can support goals, such as:
- Rehabilitation of heritage districts, streets
- Civic pride in heritage properties and other resources
- Quality of life strategies; balanced and liveable neighbourhoods
- Affordable housing strategies
- Improved home rental strategies
- Mixed and expanded usages (e.g. senior or youth centre, live-work)
- Improved site-specific conditions (e.g. improved accessibility)
- Stimulated cultural tourism and other economic opportunities
- Sustainable communities