Downtown Sydney

Heritage Properties

Heritage properties help tell the story of our communities. CBRM recognizes and protects buildings and areas with historic, architectural or cultural significance.

On this page:

Heritage Conservation in CBRM

Heritage Advisory Committee

The Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC) is established under the Heritage Property Act and CBRM’s Heritage Property By-law (By-law H-100) and appointed by Council for two-year terms. The Committee includes seven to ten members, made up of:

  • At least two members of Council, and
  • Three to seven members from local historical societies or individuals who, in Council’s opinion, have shown a strong commitment to preserving buildings of historic significance.

The HAC supports Council in fulfilling its responsibilities under the Heritage Property Act. This includes:

  • Reviewing and advising on heritage property registrations
  • Contributing to the preparation of Heritage Conservation District plans
  • Providing guidance to Council on heritage matters overall
  • Helping ensure that properties and districts with cultural, architectural or historic value are protected

The Committee’s recommendations help Council make informed decisions that shape the long-term preservation of CBRM’s heritage resources.

Sydney's North End Heritage Conservation District

In early 2008, an area in the North End of Sydney was designated as a Heritage Conservation District. This historic neighbourhood contains some of the oldest buildings on Cape Breton Island, several dating back to the late 1700s, and was the only district of its kind in Nova Scotia east of Truro at the time of designation.

Within the District, alterations to existing buildings and the construction of new buildings are regulated to ensure the area’s heritage character is preserved in perpetuity.

Read the Heritage Conservation District North End By-law.

Heritage Incentive Program

The CBRM Heritage Incentive Program assists eligible heritage property owners with costs associated with maintaining the heritage value of their property. Grants apply to exterior work that helps maintain or restore heritage character.

Applications are mailed annually to eligible owners once the Council approves the municipal budget.

Resources:

Registering a Heritage Property

A property may have heritage value because of its age, architecture, cultural significance or historical associations.

Owners may request to have their property designated as a Municipal Heritage Property. New registration must be reviewed by the Heritage Advisory Committee and approved by Council.

To request a building be registered, please contact the Heritage Officer by emailing kmneville@cbrm.ns.ca