Annapolis Royal is a unique town. It has outstanding history, built heritage, culture and a beautiful natural setting. Most of the town is included in a National Historic District, which includes about 135 registered heritage buildings. Of these heritage buildings, several are designated as National Historic Sites, while several others have provincial designation, and the remainder are municipally designated. These assets need to be conserved and restored in an appropriate manner, and to be emphasized and included in our marketing and support of the Town. To meet these objectives we need to encourage homeowners to protect these scarce heritage assets.

Definition of a Heritage Building: A building which was constructed prior to 1940.

Definition of a Registered Heritage Building: A Registered heritage building is a structure which has been registered as such at the Registry of Deeds in Lawrencetown.

Role of Planning and Heritage Advisory Committee

All proposed changes to registered heritage buildings must be submitted to the Planning and Heritage Advisory Committee in advance of any work being done. Appropriate application forms are available at the Town Office. If no material change, such as re-shingling with the same kind and colour of roofing, etc., is anticipated, submission to the Planning and Heritage Advisory Committee is not essential. However, the submission of changes to the Committee allows the approval of the HST Rebate application, mentioned in 3 b) below, to proceed more smoothly

Guidelines

The following guidelines are for homeowners, developers, architects, building contractors and real estate agents:

1. Registered Heritage Buildings
   
   

   Type of Work	Preferred Approach
   Exterior Building Materials Generally	traditional materials, such as wood, brick, stone, etc.
   Doors & storm doors	wood
   Garage Doors	wood
   Roofing	wood shingles, shakes, slate, etc.(asphalt shingles are an acceptable alternative)
   Windows & storms	wood(Aluminum storms with baked enamel coating are an acceptable alternative)
   Colours	traditional
   Fences	Wood, wrought iron, etc.
   Signage	Wood, wrought iron, etc.

   
   
2. While these are the preferred approaches, the Planning and Heritage Advisory Committee may be willing to consider other options in certain cases and invites open dialogue from owners who have different needs for their properties.
   
   
   
3. All other Buildings, Including New and Existing Construction
   
   Traditional designs using traditional materials should be continued, so that the essential character of the Town will be maintained. Sinclair Mews and the Robert Hall Funeral Home are examples of good architecture that fits within the historic buildings of Annapolis Royal. The Liquor Store and the Post Office are examples of architecture more suited to less historic towns.
   
   
   
4. Provincial Government Assistance to Registered Heritage Properties For 2002-2003*
   
   
   1. a. Conservation Advice Grant: Owners of municipally registered heritage properties are eligible for 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $1000 for fees of an approved conservation consultant, engaged to advise on the maintenance or restoration of the building exterior or structure. Grant applications must be received by the Provincial Government prior to work commencing. For current information and forms contact Heritage Property Programs at 902-424-5647.
      
      
   2. b. HST Rebate: Owners of municipally registered heritage properties, excluding those used to generate income, may receive a rebate of the provincial portion of the Harmonized Sales Tax (8%) spent on eligible costs (HST paid on building materials, labour and scaffold rentals used in conservation and repair of the building exterior) to a maximum of $500 for work undertaken in any one year. HST rebate applications must be made through the Town Office.
      
      

* Note that provincial government policy in this area changes each year. For current information, contact Heritage Property Programs, NS Dept. of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, at 902-424-5647.