Heritage Planning

We are committed to protecting and celebrating Brantford’s past with over 200 designated heritage properties in the city.

Heritage Permits

A Heritage Permit is required to make changes to a designated heritage property.
We strongly recommend consulting with Planning Staff at heritage@brantford.ca before submitting a Heritage Permit application. Staff will also be able to advise you if other permits or approvals are required.

Application Requirements

You can apply for a Heritage Permit by completing and submitting a Heritage Permit Application Form, along with a written description of the proposed works, construction drawings, and photographs.

Heritage Design Guidelines

The Brant Avenue Heritage Conservation District Study includes design guidelines for properties along Brant Avenue, from St. Paul Avenue to Colborne Street West.

The Victoria Park Square Heritage Conservation District Study includes design direction for properties surrounding Victoria Park.

The Sign By-law includes design guidelines for signs on designated heritage properties.

Application Process

Your application will be reviewed by Planning Staff and the Brantford Heritage Committee in accordance with the Committee’s meeting schedule.

Heritage Grant Program

The Heritage Grant Program provides financial assistance for projects that protect, preserve, restore and/or repair designated heritage properties. Grants can cover up to half of the costs of eligible projects, with a maximum grant amount of $5,000.

You must consult with Planning Staff at heritage@brantford.ca prior to submitting an application. Staff will be able to advise you if a Heritage Permit application is required, which can be submitted at the same time as your Heritage Grant Program application.

Eligible Projects

Examples of eligible projects include:

Restoring or reconstructing a heritage attribute like a chimney, porch, wooden windows, brickwork, or wooden trim
Repairs that are critical to the stabilization and preservation of the property, e.g. repairs to the roof structure or building foundation
Repointing or cleaning masonry or stone

Application Requirements

After consulting with Planning Staff, you can apply for a Heritage Grant by completing and submitting a Heritage Grant Program Application Form. Your application must also include:

Project details and proposed materials
A plan showing the location of the building
Recent photographs of the building and the specific features to be repaired, restored, or reconstructed
At least two quotes and an estimate of the project budget
Any other relevant plans, documentation or studies (e.g. historical photographs, construction drawings, photos of sample replacement materials, etc.)

Application Process

Your application will be reviewed by Planning Staff and the Brantford Heritage Committee in accordance with the Committee’s meeting schedule. Next, City Council will make the final decision to approve a grant, which may take up to three months following submission of your application.

If Council approves your application, you will have one year to complete the work to the satisfaction of the Planning Department. Before you receive your grant, all invoices and receipts must be submitted to the Planning Department.

Brantford Heritage Committee

The Brantford Heritage Committee is a citizen volunteer committee that meets monthly to advise Council on heritage matters in the city. Meeting agendas are published in the Council and Committee Calendar.

The Brantford Heritage Committee reviews Heritage Permit applications and Heritage Grant applications as outlined in the schedule below. Please note meetings in July and August are scheduled only when there are applications to review.

Submission Deadline Dates
Submission Deadline (4:30 pm)	Meeting Date (6:00 pm)
Tuesday, January 3, 2023	Monday, January 30, 2023
Monday, January 30, 2023	Monday, February 27, 2023
Monday, February 27, 2023	Monday, March 27, 2023
Monday, March 27, 2023	Monday, April 24, 2023
Monday, May 1, 2023	Monday, May 29, 2023
Monday, May 29, 2023	Monday, June 26, 2023
Monday, June 26, 2023	July - at the call of the chair
Monday, July 31, 2023	Monday, August 28, 2023
Monday, August 28, 2023	Monday, September 25, 2023
Monday, September 25, 2023	Monday, October 23, 2023
Monday, October 30, 2023	Monday, November 27, 2023
Monday, November 20, 2023	Monday, December 18, 2023

Heritage projects and programs

The City is developing a comprehensive Heritage Register to recognize and protect Brantford’s built heritage.