Ontario Heritage Act Alternative Notice Policy

Policy Statement

The Corporation of the Town of Caledon (Town) values and encourages public engagement and is committed to open two-way communication to develop and deliver quality programs and services that meet the needs of the community. The Town supports the use of online communications to promote open, inclusive communications in accordance with the Town’s communication procedure, accessibility policy and any other related policies and procedures. The Town shall also promote environmental initiatives advancing Caledon as a sustainable community. 

Purpose

  • The objective of this Policy is to establish an alternative method for the Town to provide public notice required under the Ontario Heritage Act (the “Act”) by publishing notices on the Town website, whereas currently these public notices are published in the local newspaper.
  • This Policy provides timely, clear and accessible communication that is fiscally and environmentally sustainable.
  • This Policy supports the Paper Reduction Strategy of the Town’s Corporate Greenhouse Gas Reduction Framework by reducing consumption and increasing efficiency in resources and material use. 

Scope

When required under the Act, the Town shall provide public notice on the Town’s corporate website.

In addition to public notice, the Act requires notices to be sent to the Ontario Heritage Trust and to owners of property that is subject to a decision made under the Act. This Policy does not apply to those Notice requirements and they remain in effect.

Public notice required under the Act will still be given in the local newspaper for all notices related to heritage conservation districts and may still be given in the local newspaper for other matters under the Act, in addition to the website, if considered by staff to be beneficial and appropriate. 

This Policy applies to all Town staff who provide public notice in accordance with the Act. All notices published in accordance with the Act must adhere to all municipal policies.

References and related documents

Ontario Municipal Act, Section 270 (1)
Ontario Heritage Act, Section 26 (4)
Ontario Heritage Act, Section 39.1 (3)

Corporate Green House Gas Reduction Framework, Paper Reduction Strategy