HERITAGE OTTAWA
A private members bill recently tabled in the House of Commons would, if passed, create tax credits for the rehabilition of Canada's historic places.
Bill C-323, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act ( Rehabilitation of Historic Property ), would help support the preservation of designated heritage properties by creating a 20% federal tax credit on eligible costs of rehabilitation work. The proposed tax credits, tabled on December 1 by the Hon. Peter Van Loan, MP for York-Simcoe, are inspired by the success of the US Federal Historic Tax Credit Program in effect for the past 40 years.
Heritage properties make a valuable public contribution to communities across Canada, but their ongoing preservation comes at private cost of their owners. At a time when demolition-by-neglect is an increasing problem for communities across Canada, this federal tax credit would help to encourage the appropriate restoration and upkeep of designated heritage properties that contribute so much to our urban fabric.
Heritage preservation creates jobs and helps fight climate change.
Historic districts such as Ottawa's Byward Market are significant economic drivers for the city's restaurant and tourism industries.
Restoring and preserving heritage buildings recapitalizes on materials and energy already invested, reduces construction and demolition waste, and avoids environmental impact associated with new development. Click here for more information about Bill C-323 and the benefits of heritage preservation.
Heritage Ottawa encourages everyone who cares about Canada's historic places to voice their support for this federal initiative.
What you can do
1. Write to your Member of Parliament and ask them to support Bill C-323. Click here to find your MP by postal code. ( Ottawa-Vanier constituents can direct their emails or letters to the Chief Government Whip / MP for Orléans. )
2. Write to Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, who is also the Minister responsible for Canada's built heritage:
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, MPMinister of Environment and Climate Change
200 Sacré-Coeur Boulevard
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3
ec.ministre-minister.ec@canada.ca
Bill C-323 presents an historic opportunity to tell our elected officials that Canada's historic places matter and that federal actions can help save and preserve them for future generations. What an appropriate and fitting gift this would be to all Canadians as we mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
Click here for a sample letter to send by email or regular mail.
Hard-copy letters can be mailed to MPs free of charge, without postage.