Welcome to the Smiths Falls Municipal Heritage Committee (MHC) Website. In the following website you will find information about the architectural and cultural heritage of our Town, and how the MHC protects and promotes that heritage.
The Ontario Heritage Act allows municipalities to establish a Municipal Heritage Committee which is comprised of citizens interested in the preservation of Smiths Falls' heritage. The Committee provides an advisory role to Council with respect to researching and recommending properties for heritage designation under the Ontario Heritage Act, as well as matters of heritage awareness and learning. The Committee also evaluates properties that have heritage significance in order to develop and maintain a list of heritage properties in the community.
The MHC promotes heritage conservation within the community and can advise property owners on appropriate conservation practices. We recognize that heritage conservation must include a co-operative and informed approach when working with property owners and we encourage the preservation of our heritage structures, which may include adaptive reuse as a way of preserving heritage architecture for future generations.
We invite you to explore our evolving website, and to connect with the MHC on future projects and concerns. The Town of Smiths Falls has many diverse and interesting components to its history and development. Join us in learning about our unique history.
Smiths Falls is a town that celebrates its past and a history buff's paradise. Walking tours of downtown, historic architecture and two museums highlight Smiths Falls' heritage, where you'll find something to see and do around every corner!
The Ontario Heritage Act gives local municipalities the ability to publically recognize buildings, structures, and landscapes within their community that represent the unique and local culture and heritage. Municipalities can pass bylaws to recognize important places and ensure that they are protected for future generations.
Properties meriting designation typically represent one or more items from a list of criteria. Follow the link below to view that list.
There are a couple of key steps to designating properties under the Ontario Heritage Act. Click the link below to find out more.
Being a designated property can have lots of benefits to the property owner. Read on to find out more.
A property of interest is a property that is identified as a built heritage resource in the Smiths Falls Heritage Properties Inventory
» Your Community, Your Heritage, Your Committee
» Heritage Property Evaluation
» Designating Heritage Properties
» Heritage Conservation Districts
» Heritage Resources in the Land Use Planning Process
» Standards and Guidelines for Conservation of Provincial Heritage Properties
» Heritage Property Fact Sheet
The Smiths Falls Municipal Heritage Committee is composed of a group of engaged citizens who have a vested love and interest in conserving the irreplaceable cultural, architectural and natural landscapes within our community.
We provide invaluable assistance to Council in identifying and researching properties and landmarks within the community and opinions on best practices for restoration and conservation of historic places.
Our Committee also seeks to educate the community on the role conservation has in creating community pride, identity, attracting new residents and building a sustainable tourism base.
Call the Planning Department at the Town of Smiths Falls to see if you are eligible for listing! 613-283-4124 ext. 1116 or fill out the form below.
78 Brockville Street
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30 Chambers Street
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16 Maple Avenue North
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