Oakville Marks Heritage Milestone as Grant Program Applications Open

By: Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

The Town of Oakville is celebrating a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to preserve and protect its heritage properties, with over 80 new properties recently designated under heritage protection measures.

Since spring 2023, Oakville has assessed approximately 100 heritage properties, resulting in significant designations and heritage easements. With these additions, the town now has nearly 700 designated heritage properties, including homes, places of worship, schools, cemeteries, parks, industrial buildings, and even trees. The town plans to continue reviewing additional properties, including those it owns.

The push to assess and designate properties follows changes introduced by the province’s More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (Bill 23). Under the legislation, undesignated heritage properties must be removed from the Municipal Heritage Register by 2027 unless they receive official designation. Heritage designations help protect historic properties, preserve cultural significance, and contribute to sustainability by reducing demolition waste and maintaining traditional craftsmanship.

At an event on Feb. 25 at Town Hall, the town recognized heritage property owners and key partners for their contributions to conservation efforts. Attendees included members of the Heritage Oakville Advisory Committee, representatives from the Oakville Historical Society, Trafalgar Township Historical Society, and Bronte Historical Society, as well as Town Council and staff.

Heritage property owners in Oakville can apply for financial assistance through the town’s Heritage Grant Program, which supports restoration projects. Since its launch in 2014, the program has awarded more than $535,000 to fund over 105 conservation projects valued at $2.5 million.

Applications for the 2025 Heritage Grant Program are open until March 17, 2025. More details can be found on the town’s Heritage Grant Program webpage.

Mayor Rob Burton emphasized the importance of heritage conservation efforts.

“Our Heritage Grant program helps safeguard historic properties with cultural significance, ensuring they remain part of Oakville’s story. By designating these properties, we preserve our town’s rich history and unique character. Thank you to our heritage partners and residents for your dedication to keeping Oakville’s heritage alive,” said Mayor Rob Buron.

For more information on Oakville’s heritage conservation initiatives, visit the Heritage Planning page on the town’s website.