Ontario Heritage Act amendments passed
April 19, 2005
The following press release was issued by the Ontario government
to announce the passage of Bill 60. For more information on the
amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act, visit the Ministry
of Culture website.
New Legislation Helps Build Strong Communities By Improving Ontario
Heritage Act
TORONTO, April 19 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government has passed
comprehensive amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act that will strengthen
and
improve heritage protection in Ontario.
"This is a historic moment for heritage in Ontario,"
said Minister of
Culture Madeleine Meilleur. "For too many years, our heritage
resources have
been left vulnerable. With this new legislation, we have the will
and the way
to ensure that our heritage survives and thrives for the benefit
of present
and future generations of Ontarians."
Since the Ontario Heritage Act was introduced in 1975, this is
the first
government to make major improvements to the act to bring Ontario's
heritage
legislation in line with leading jurisdictions in Canada and around
the world.
The amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act will:
- Give the Province and municipalities new powers not only to
delay but
to stop demolition of heritage sites. Enhanced demolition controls
will be balanced with an appeals process to respect the rights of
property owners
- Enable the Province to identify and designate sites of provincial
heritage significance
- Provide clear standards and guidelines for the preservation
of
provincial heritage properties
- Enhance protection of heritage conservation districts, marine
heritage
sites and archaeological resources.
"These changes to the Ontario Heritage Act are long overdue
and I believe
that they will have a significant positive impact on the Province's
heritage
resources," said Jane Jacobs, world-renowned urban thinker
and writer. "This
new act represents real protection."
The government will continue its dialogue with stakeholders on
regulations and guidelines to ensure effective implementation of
its key
amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act.
"Our improvements to the Ontario Heritage Act, especially
the key
amendment to prevent demolition, will greatly change the way Ontario
views and
protects its heritage," said Meilleur. "We look forward
to working with
municipalities and other heritage partners as we develop regulations,
guidelines and tools to help build stronger communities and a better
quality
of life for all Ontarians."
The new legislation comes into force upon Royal Assent.
Disponible en français
www.culture.gov.on.ca
-30-
For further information:
Contacts: Carole Drouin, Minister's Office, (416) 325-1676; David
Ellis, Communications Branch, (416) 326-6893
Ontario Museum Association
50 Baldwin Street
Toronto, Ontario
M5T 1L4
416-348-8672 or 1-866-OMA-8672
Fax 416-348-0438
Contact
Us
www.museumsontario.com
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