The history of Collingwood is great, and proof of this lies in the fact that this town was the first municipality in Canada to have a Heritage Conservation District and be included in Canada’s Historical Places list. There are many beautiful historical homes in the Town of Collingwood, and viewing them can give you insight into the past and fresh ideas for redesigning your own space to incorporate all that is beautiful of what’s old with all that you love about what’s new.

National historical sites are of profound interest and importance in Canada. They all tell a unique story that is both all their own and a small part of Canada’s rich history. This is why preserving them and sharing information about them is so important, and that is part of the goal of Heritage Collingwood.

Heritage buildings can be found on many of Collingwood’s main streets including Elgin Street, First Street, Fourth Street, Fourth Street East, Hume Street and Huron Street, to name just a few. Detailed information about and videos of each historical property can be found at www.heritagecollingwood.com.

In addition to private residences that have been named as historical buildings, Collingwood also has several site specific heritage building areas located across town. For those who wish to tour these areas, a map can be found here. Visitors to Heritage Collingwood can also find a breakdown listed of each specific area and the buildings located there.

If your home is among those listed as a heritage home in Collingwood, you may be entitled to certain tax breaks in the form of a refund. You must be a property owner within the Town of Collingwood Downtown Heritage Conservation District or of a property designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act to qualify and apply between January 1 and March 15 each year. More information is available by calling (705) 445-1030 ex. 3243 or ex. 3235.

If you own an individual property that is not yet designated as historical but you believe it could be and would like it to be, there are six steps you must take including identifying the property as a candidate for designation, researching and evaluating it, serving a notice of intent, passing and registering the heritage designation by-law and listing the property on both the municipal register and Provincial register. More information about this process is available by contacting Cathy de Ruiter -Town of Collingwood Administrative Assistant Building Services. Telephone (705) 445-1290 (extension 3243), or by email at [email protected].

Collingwood is a beautiful town, and there is no lack of historical significance to be found here. Take some time to learn about the many properties and buildings that are rich in history, or search the site to learn more about the guidelines for altering or renovating a historical home in Collingwood. An abundance of information is waiting for you to discover, learn and enjoy.