Heritage Building Incentive Program

The Heritage Building Incentive Program will consider grants to owners of heritage properties to assist with the exterior preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of buildings that are:

• identified on the Township of Langley’s Heritage Inventory 
• used for residential, commercial, institutional, industrial or agricultural purposes

All building projects for which a grant is considered must:

• have all property taxes and license fees paid
• be in compliance with all applicable bylaws
• have comprehensive insurance in place

If a property owner believes that a building, which is not currently listed on the Township’s Heritage Inventory merits grant consideration, the owner may request that staff in conjunction with the Heritage Advisory Committee assess it for its heritage value and make a recommendation to Council.  If Council determines by resolution to include the building on the Inventory, it will become eligible for grant consideration. 

There is no obligation under this program to approve a grant for any building on the Township of Langley’s Heritage Inventory. Each application for a grant shall be assessed on its own merits and the funds available.

Grant priority will be given to heritage buildings which:

• are readily visible to the general public from a public right-of-way
• are owned privately, or by a non-profit organization
• have not received any other financial incentives from the Township, such as Capital Improvement or Community Grants, tax exemptions, or the exemption from permitting fees or service costs
• have not received a grant from this program in the past

Grants will be awarded based on the level of legal protection on the property and the funds available, to a maximum of $10,000 per grant.

The funding formula for grants up to the allowable maximum value, will be calculated on a percentage of actual project costs relative to the official recognition or legal protection on a building.  Placement of the building on the Township of Langley’s Community Heritage Register is the minimum commitment required by any grant recipient.

The minimum grant awarded for any project will be $1,000 and will be subject to overall projected costs and provision of partnering funds.

Any grant provided for a building that is owned by a business must be either legally protected by a designation bylaw; included on a schedule of protected heritage property in a heritage conservation area; subject to a heritage revitalization agreement; or subject to a protective covenant, in order to qualify for grant funding.  As per Section 25 (3) of the Community Charter, such awards will require Council approval.

The owner of a heritage building may not make more than one grant application for a specific building annually.

Grants will be considered for exterior preservation, restoration or rehabilitation projects. 

Exterior or structural repair work will take priority over general maintenance work in awarding grants. 

Seismic upgrades to a public-use building where required for public safety, as well as proposed exterior changes to a public-use building for the purpose of improving access, will also be considered.

All project work shall meet the intent of the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada.

1. Confirm eligibility:

Prior to making a submission, applicants are required to contact the Heritage Planner to determine their eligibility, funding availability, and information on protection options and requirements.

2. Determine project scope:

Grant applications must include sufficient details to convey the existing condition of the building and the proposed scope of work. This may include building plans, elevations, colour or material samples, photographs of existing conditions, historic photographs, or other details that assist in describing the nature of the project. Technical and design advice is available if needed.

3. Submission requirements:

Submit the completed application form along with the information listed below by the application deadline. Completed applications can be emailed to heritageplanning@tol.ca.

• a conservation statement or plan that fully outlines the  scope of the work to be undertaken
• registered owner consent form, if the applicant is not the owner of the property
• proof of ownership, if the ownership of the subject property has changed within six months prior to application
• society incorporation number, if the owner is a registered society
• building plans and elevations as needed to describe the work to be undertaken
• photographs showing current conditions
• material specifications and samples
• proposed colour palette
• planned timeline for completion of the work
• labour and materials cost estimates to complete the proposed work (minimum two), along with the estimated total project cost
• proof of paid taxes and insurance
• relevant archival materials or photographs that assist in describing the project

Note that additional materials or cost estimates may be requested from an applicant for clarification purposes in assessing the nature, value, extent or approach to the proposed work.

Grants will only be awarded for exterior preservation, restoration or rehabilitation work on the building, and will not include the following associated costs:

• project and design consultants
• preparation of building plans, conservation plans and associated documents
• development and building permit application fees and costs (as applicable)
• legal or notary costs
• other associated administrative costs

The awarding of grants will be subject to recommendations of staff with input from representatives of the Township’s Heritage Advisory Committee.

Currently there are three calls for applications to the program each year, in the spring, fall, and winter. Annual application deadlines will be posted on the Township’s website.  

Grants will not be given for work undertaken prior to grant approval.

Work must be completed within one year of grant approval.  Upon written request addressed to the Heritage Planner the time limit for completion may be extended and will depend on funds available.

Grant funds will be released after project completion, following inspection by Township staff, itemization and submission of all paid invoices, and receipt of photographs showing details of the completed work.

Covenants or designation bylaws that are being sought as part of an application will be registered, or adopted, on completion of the work concurrent with grant payout.

During the course of the project, if the owner fails to adhere to the list of approved work, meet required codes, comply with bylaws, secure required permits, or pass municipal inspections, the award of the grant may in whole or in part be rescinded.