Heritage Program

A Municipal Registry of Heritage Properties is a list of properties, structures and areas that have been deemed to have a local or community-level heritage value. The Municipality of East Hants has adopted the Heritage Property Bylaw which administers the protection of the registered heritage properties.

Heritage value may extend beyond a single building to a group of related structures and their overall setting. In this case, several properties can be collectively protected through the establishment of a heritage conservation district. In 1995, Maitland was declared Nova Scotia’s first Heritage Conservation District.

The Heritage Conservation District Plan, Bylaw & Design Guidelines outline Council’s intentions on conservation of the historic and architectural value of buildings and structures and their setting in a portion of Maitland. The Heritage Conservation District Bylaw was adopted in conjunction with the Plan and contains specific regulations and administrative procedures through which the policies of the Plan are implemented. The Design Guidelines section sets out principles of conservation and provides direction for specific conservation and design issues.

Approval may be required to undertake work to the exterior of heritage properties, buildings or structures and for new buildings or structures. Before starting work on a heritage property please contact Planning & Development to discuss your project.

There are a number of benefits associated with registering as a Municipal Heritage Property:

• Recognition – A plaque is installed to officially recognize the property as an asset to the rich cultural heritage of the community and region
• Advice – Heritage staff can provide valuable information on properties and guidance in their ongoing management and maintenance. The NS Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage offers grants to assist with costs associated with professional heritage building conservation
• Protection – Significant changes to the exterior of a heritage property require review by the Heritage Advisory Committee and approval by Municipal Council. This measure of protection applies even after ownership of the property is transferred
• Financial Support – Provincial and municipal financial support may be available for owners of registered heritage properties

Municipally-registered heritage properties and properties located within the Maitland Heritage Conservation District are eligible for this program.

The incentive covers 50% of the cost of repairs or renovations (exclusive of HST) to the exterior of the building up to a maximum of $5,000 per property. Funding availability is subject to the capacity of the budget for this program.

In addition to work to the exterior of the building, work that is necessary to ensure the long term viability of a structure (repairs to the foundation, beams or trusses, or repairs to address significant storm water infiltration problems) may be considered.

Architectural, engineering and other consulting fees are eligible for funding (consultants may have to supply proof of professional qualifications to the Municipality).

Priority is given to projects that significantly enhance the heritage value of the property and to projects that are unlikely to proceed without Municipal assistance. Where a property is owned by a non–profit organization, the availability of funds from other sources (such as provincial or federal government programs) is a consideration.

Download the Application Form