County launches Heritage Conservation District study for Wellington

Originally published October 23, 2019

Picton – The County of Prince Edward is undertaking a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) study within the Wellington Urban Centre.

“Maintaining the municipality’s rural and historic character remains a priority for Council,” says Steve Ferguson, Mayor, County of Prince Edward. “This study will allow us to engage the community in a conversation about what precisely makes Wellington special and in need of particular care.”

Heritage planning consultants Bray Heritage will lead the study, which will assess whether Wellington meets the requirements of an HCD designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. The HCD designation is the best tool Ontario municipalities have for managing change in beneficial ways. The Picton Main Street area received HCD designation in 2013.

Through public workshops, focus groups, and interviews, Bray Heritage will examine the character and appearance of Wellington and make recommendations regarding the geographic boundaries of the area to be designated. The consultants will also identify the objectives of the designation and consider any changes that will be required to the Official Plan and municipal by-laws.

“This study and possible HCD designation is not about freezing Wellington in time. The intent is to make clear the types of changes that best suit the village while providing the policies, the processes, and the information necessary to make those changes,” Mayor Ferguson says.

Public consultation will take place over the next several months. Details and further information about those meetings will be posted on the County website. The study is expected to take a year to complete.

For further information about the study, please contact project manager Cristal Laanstra, Planning Coordinator, Policy, at 613.476.2148 extension 2027 or email claanstra@pecounty.on.ca.

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For media inquiries, please contact Mark Kerr at 613.476.2148 ext. 1009 or by email at mkerr@pecounty.on.ca.