Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office

Frequently Asked Questions

Cape Pine Lighthouse, Cape Pine, Newfoundland & Labrador, Recognized federal heritage building
© Parks Canada

• How are buildings designated?
• What is a Heritage Character Statement?
• What kinds of protection do federal heritage buildings receive if government departments propose changes or interventions?
• What is a disposal?
• Where can I find the list of designated federal heritage buildings?
• What is the difference between the Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC)?

How are buildings designated?

Government departments must arrange for the Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office to evaluate all buildings 40 years of age or older, in order to determine if they should be designated as federal heritage buildings. A multidisciplinary and inter-departmental advisory committee, which includes representatives from the owner department, evaluates the buildings against a set of established criteria. The FHBRO Evaluation Criteria are based on international conservation principles. The committee makes its recommendations to the Minister of Environment who is responsible for the designation of all Government of Canada heritage buildings.

What is a Heritage Character Statement?

Once a building has been recommended for designation, a heritage character statement is prepared. The heritage character statement explains why the building was designated and which of its physical features must be preserved in order to protect its heritage character. The heritage character statement is intended to guide departments when contemplating changes or interventions to a federal heritage building.

What kinds of protection do federal heritage buildings receive if government departments propose changes or interventions?

Over time, older buildings may need to be rehabilitated if they are to remain useful to their department. When undertaking such interventions, government departments are obligated to protect the heritage character of their buildings. In the case of a Classified federal heritage building , they must seek the advice of the Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office, when planning an intervention. In the case of a Recognized federal heritage building , departments must obtain appropriate heritage conservation advice before undertaking any intervention. In either case, the heritage character statement and the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada guide the intervention.

What is a disposal?

When a heritage building stands empty, its heritage character is threatened. Government departments must dispose of buildings which no longer meet operation requirements. In the case of a federal heritage building disposal, departments must notify the Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office and make best efforts to arrange for appropriate alternative uses first within the department, then within the federal government, then outside of the federal government.

Where can I find the list of designated federal heritage buildings?

The Register of the Government of Canada Heritage Buildings is maintained by the Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office.

What is the difference between the Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC)?

The Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office is concerned only with buildings and with buildings that are owned by the federal government. The HSMBC is Canada's program of historical commemoration which recognizes nationally significant sites, persons, events and other aspects of Canadian history.

However, some of the most significant federal heritage buildings are also National Historic Sites. An example would be the Parliament Buildings, which are designated as Classified federal heritage buildings and also designated as a National Historic Site because of their national significance.