Owners undertaking any work on buildings within the conservation area must follow the City’s Heritage Building Design Guidelines. The expansion presents an ideal opportunity for a major update to the guidelines.
As part of this renewed focus on downtown heritage buildings, we are retained by the City as conservation consultants to update the Heritage Building Design Guidelines. The existing documents, originally written in the 1980s, no longer reflect the current condition of the buildings or the evolution of heritage conservation policy in Canada. Our team surveys the existing conditions of the heritage buildings within the expanded area. Drawing on our deep experience with historic structures, we recommend appropriate approaches for the preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of both existing buildings and potential new additions.
The updated guidelines include a detailed profile of each building, along with an analysis of potential revitalization strategies tailored to each one. They address critical issues related to materials and construction methods, offering practical guidance to support informed decision-making. Each building is also photographed, providing a visual record of the conservation area in its current form.
The result is a comprehensive and accessible set of guidelines that supports city planners and property owners in maintaining the character and integrity of Nanaimo’s historic core. The new Heritage Building Design Guidelines serve both as a technical resource and as a lasting record of the city’s unique architectural heritage, guiding thoughtful and respectful interventions going forward.
