Experiences (Newsletter)

Heritage Conservation

Meeting the Demands of a Changing World

Heritage conservation has evolved from a fabric-based, what-you-see approach to a value-based, what's-important approach. It now includes safeguarding the non-physical associations between people and places, associations that are linked to use, meaning and cultural or spiritual values. Traditional knowledge and language are good examples of these associations.

To meet the many challenges of change, it's essential to have co-operation and agreement among Canada's heritage conservation stakeholders.

Parks Canada's Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada provides a framework for this co-operation. Developed in 2003, it sets the standards for heritage conservation practice in Canada, offering results-oriented guidance for sound decision-making about historic places.

CentreBeam Place in Saint John, N.B., one of the first substantial heritage rehabilitation projects to utilize the national Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places.
© Parks Canada/Rod Stears, 2007

Standards and Guidelines was at the heart of many of the decisions made during the recent restoration of a city block of heritage buildings in Saint John, New Brunswick. Built after a great fire roared through the city in 1877, the buildings exemplify Italianate and Second Empire design styles. Owned by Commercial Properties Limited of Saint John, CentreBeam Place is rejuvenating the city's business district, and is the centerpiece of its uptown development.

"We are all very proud of the CenterBeam Place project", says property manager Jeff Yerxa. "The redevelopment of the heritage buildings has created some of the most interesting and unique Class "A" office space in the city. People have a genuine interest in the historic properties and their architecture".

Standards and Guidelines also recognizes and respects the important link between sustainable development and heritage conservation. By preserving and using old sites, we save energy and resources as well as history, and prolong the enjoyment from these special places for future generations.