The Heritage Committee is composed of resident volunteers and staff. The term of office runs concurrently with Council. The Township has several heritage sites designated under The Ontario Heritage Act. After the Heritage Act was passed, all other provincial land use legislation contained heritage conservation policies and all official plans were required to also contain them.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Heritage Designations under the Ontario Heritage Act.
• Care, Maintenance, and legal requirements for Historic cemeteries, and all unregistered human burial places.
• Response to research, genealogical and archaeological inquires.
• Advisory role to owners on correct conservation principals in historic building restoration.
• Assistance to homeowners on historic restoration and appropriate renovation. Assistance in finding skilled crafts people for correct restoration techniques.
• Talks to all types of community groups on all aspects of Township history.

Mandate of the Committee

• To undertake, with review of existing inventories and resource data, suitable research preparatory to designation and conservation of worthy and significant Guelph/Eramosa properties and districts under the Ontario Heritage Act.
• To consult with Township staff and Township Council and to make recommendations to Township Council to designate selected properties and districts under the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act and to consult with and make recommendations to Township Council and civic departments regarding the adequate maintenance and conservation of designated properties and districts.
• To consult with and advise property owners relative to designation or conservation projects as well as consulting with property owners regarding projects which may relate to the architectural, landscape, streetscape and neighbourhood character of the Township.
• To provide public information concerning projects and objectives of the Committee, to support civic interest in heritage conservation and to encourage community organizations to undertake projects related to the interests and concerns of the Committee.
• To develop a program for the adequate identification of significant and designated properties and districts, and where possible, to co-ordinate similar projects sponsored by community organizations or government agencies.
• To prepare, before February 1 each year, a report of the previous year’s activities, a report of the previous year’s expenditures and a projected budget for the succeeding year.