Author name: Eric Rodrigues, OAA, LEED AP BD+C, CAHP

Adding to a heritage building involves careful planning to ensure that the new construction complements and enhances the historical character of the property. This article outlines the key considerations and guidelines for making additions to heritage buildings.

Replacing windows on a heritage building can be a delicate task, requiring a balance between modern needs and historical preservation. This guide will walk you through the essential considerations and steps to ensure your window replacements meet both aesthetic and regulatory requirements.

Toronto has witnessed a troubling trend in urban development known as “facadism.” This practice involves demolishing the entirety of a heritage building, except for its main facade, and constructing a new structure behind it. While it may appear to preserve the city’s historical architecture, facadism often results in a superficial nod to heritage, devoid of genuine respect for the building’s historical and cultural context. This article explores the rise of facadism in Toronto and its implications.

The Toronto Heritage Grant Program offers financial assistance to owners of residential properties designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. Grants can cover up to 50% of the costs of eligible conservation work, with a maximum grant amount of $10,000. Eligible work includes exterior conservation, structural repairs, and other restoration projects that preserve the property’s heritage attributes.