The Preservation Area of this by-law shall apply to any building that meets the following three (3) criteria:

1. Building was constructed prior to 1924; and,

2. Building is registered as a Local Historic Place on the New Brunswick Register of Historic Places on the day this By-law comes into effect or is added to the Register after this By-law comes into effect; and,

3. Building is located within the Town Plat or Historic Business District as shown on Schedule “A” of the proposed by-law.

No. While property assessments have clearly been increasing town-wide, this is calculated by Service New Brunswick and is based on a variety of different elements including recently sold homes in the area, among other calculations. Being located within a preservation area is not one of the criteria for assessing the value of property.

No. Heritage bylaws like the one being proposed for Saint Andrews are focused on regulating changes to heritage defining elements, demolition, or any major additions. It does not limit owners from making their property their own.

Yes, the bylaw doesn’t limit the ability for a heritage property to be changed or renovated. However, it does provide some basic guidelines and expectations for preserving the main heritage defining elements that make it an excellent example of its architectural style or are important to the history of the people who lived there, the structure, or the history of the town. The purpose of having a bylaw and a Heritage Preservation Area is not to make it impossible to make changes; it is to make sure that the change is “appropriate”.

We have a wide-range of architectural styles across the Town Plat. Heritage-defining elements vary by architectural style, but can include the materials, forms, location, spatial configurations, uses and cultural associations or meanings that contribute to the heritage value of an historic place, which must be retained in order to preserve its heritage value.

No, the proposed by-law is focused primarily on the exterior of defined structures within the preservation area.

Somewhat, but within reason. The proposed bylaw asks that any modifications and renovations to the exterior of a structure on the list of buildings identified in the by-law use materials that are identical or replicate the look and feel of the original heritage structure.

The New Brunswick Register of Historic Places has been established over many years to recognize and protect houses, sites, and buildings across the province of significance to the history of New Brunswick and Canada. It is managed by the Government of New Brunswick’s Department of Wellness, Culture and Sport. There are 1,624 historic sites recognized province-wide, with many of them located within Saint Andrews.

You can search all heritage properties and sites by CLICKING HERE.

No, as mentioned above, only properties already listed on the Provincial registry are subject to the by-law.

The unique architectural heritage character of Saint Andrews is a major draw for visitors and residents. The value of the heritage architecture of the town is one residents take great pride in and what makes the town unique. The by-law is designed to preserve this character of the town for residents today, and for future generations.

The purpose of the Heritage By-law is to set basic regulations for protecting heritage structures within the Town Plat, which is a National Historic District and part of the unique character of the town.

The Heritage Conservation Act enables municipalities in New Brunswick to designate a portion or portions of the municipality considered significant as a conservation area, and to make bylaws for the conservation of those buildings, structures, or lands which lie within the designated areas.

The Heritage Conservation Act requires the municipality to appoint a Heritage Board. As part of the municipal development review process, the Board grants municipal heritage permits to applicants from conservation areas who wish to alter those elements of their properties that fall under the municipality’s heritage conservation by-law.

Yes. The Heritage Board reports to the Town Council and the establishment of a municipal heritage conservation area and how bylaws may be established, enacted, and enforced is outlined in Section 55 of the Heritage Conservation Act of New Brunswick.

The Town of Saint Andrews, along with a future Heritage Officer. The initial bylaw is currently being drafted by the volunteer Heritage Board and once approved by council, would be administered and enforced by the Heritage Officer.

The proposed Heritage Preservation District would follow the same boundaries as the current National Historic District, as defined by the Federal Government and Parks Canada. This would be the area outlined in the original 1784 Town Plat of Saint Andrews between the waterfront, and Prince of Wales street in the rear, and between Harriet Street on the north west and Patrick street on the south and east.

In early 1784, it is believed that Charles Morris Jr., the Deputy Surveyor, laid out the Town of Saint Andrews in what we now see as its regular and uniform plan. This was done with six parallel streets running lengthwise and thirteen streets cutting them at right angles. This created sixty blocks of perfectly square form. This, along with the concentration of heritage structures in this area is why it was designated a National Historic District back in 1995. Today, it is a major draw for visitors to our town.

Yes. Water Street would have more stringent rules. However, these are already in place as part of the Town of Saint Andrew’s Secondary Plan.

The National Historic District is a major draw for residents and visitors alike to the Town of Saint Andrews. When it was established in 1995, it was done to recognize the many structures of heritage significance across the town, not simply Water Street. Generations of residents have come to love the unique look and feel of our town. The bylaw will work to protect this for generations to come.

Actually, no. Roughly 86% of the structures of heritage significance to our Town and the National Historic District are outside the Water Street commercial district.

At one point in time, yes. However, that is no longer the case today. There are several traditional and modern building materials that are actually the same price, or in some circumstances more affordable, without sacrificing the heritage look and feel or drastically altering any heritage-defining elements. The proposed by-law allows for these new replica materials to be used.

In theory, no. As a heritage property owner, your replacement value and premiums would have been pre-calculated at the time you applied for coverage of a given property, asking for information like the structure’s age, any special architectural features, the materials used, distance from a fire station or hydrant, heating or cooling system, age and materials used on the roof, and more. The age of the home, square footage, and the degree of upgrades to major electrical, plumbing, and structural elements are all things they consider. The proposed bylaw, and being in the Town Plat Preservation Area, does not add anything that would make the cost for replacing an insured building inherently more expensive than what the insurer would have calculated when you applied for your current policy and their premium calculation.

In theory, yes. Ensuring your heritage home is well-maintained and thoughtfully renovated not only sustains its authenticity but offers the opportunity to lower your home insurance premium. Things like replacing your roof, updating old knob/tube electrical wiring, or updating your plumbing are all things property owners have done and can continue to do to help lower insurance premiums.

Statistically, No. Saint Andrews has seen a steady increase in both the sale price and number of properties sold, as more and more people move to the area seeking the unique lifestyle and opportunity to live in a beautiful historic town. All the bylaw will do is help to further preserve the historic charm that is attracting potential buyers today. The proposed bylaw and Heritage Preservation Area should help to ensure that in 30 years, the Town Plat will tend to look very much the same as it does today. That is the goal and if anything, should make your property, and the broader Town Plat, even more attractive to buyers.

In towns and cities all over North America, keeping historical buildings and neighborhoods intact is more than just holding onto old bricks and decor. It’s about communities taking pride in their past and choosing to protect it. Heritage preservation by-laws are not just legal requirements. They are a commitment by a community to cherish its history and blend it into its future growth.

Heritage preservation by-laws are set up to manage and protect places of historical, cultural, and architectural significance. Here’s why that’s important:

1. Keeping the Look and Feel: These laws help make sure any changes or fixes keep the building’s old character.
2. Remembering the Story: Historic sites help us see and feel the history of where we live, keeping the town’s story alive.
3. Boosting Tourism: Tourists love to visit places that have a strong sense of history which in turn brings money into the local economy.
4. Building Community Pride: When towns take good care of their historical sites, it boosts local pride and beautifies the area.
5. Going Green: Using what’s already built is often more sustainable than building anew, making preservation both practical and eco-friendly.

The big goal is to weave historical elements seamlessly into the town’s present and future life. Specifically, towns aim to:

• Make sure changes to historical properties respect their historical importance.
• Increase public awareness and appreciation for the town’s historical roots.
• Make historical properties more usable without ruining their historical value.
• Get the community involved in the preservation efforts, boosting local engagement.
• Helps to develop the community economically.