Built Heritage

Built Heritage: Preserving Our History

Built heritage reflects the history, identity, and development of our communities. Historic buildings, whether residential, commercial, institutional, or religious, bear witness to the evolution of our region and contribute to its distinctive character.

Since April 2021, Québec’s Regional County Municipalities (MRCs) have been assigned new responsibilities regarding built heritage. In particular, they are required to prepare and maintain an inventory of properties with heritage value within their territories in order to improve knowledge, preservation, and promotion of this collective heritage.

In accordance with Section 120 of the Cultural Heritage Act, all Regional County Municipalities (MRCs) in Québec must identify and inventory buildings constructed before 1940 that possess heritage value. This inventory helps document significant buildings and supports their consideration in land-use planning and community development decisions.

By gaining a better understanding of our built heritage, we contribute to its preservation and ensure its transmission to future generations.

CHARACTERIZATION STUDY OF BUILDINGS, COMPLEXES, AND AREAS WITH HERITAGE POTENTIAL IN THE MRC OF PONTIAC

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What is a Heritage Inventory?

A heritage inventory is first and foremost a tool for knowledge and planning. It involves identifying buildings within a territory, documenting their characteristics (age, architectural style, materials, condition, etc.), assessing their potential heritage value, and creating an organized and accessible database.

In 2025, the MRC of Pontiac completed a characterization study of buildings, groups of buildings, and areas with heritage potential. This initiative helped identify the built assets that contribute to the history, identity, and landscape of the region.

In May 2026, the MRC of Pontiac officially adopted its Built Heritage Inventory through Resolution C.M. 2026-03-25. This inventory is available in the Répertoire du patrimoine culturel du Québec du ministère de la Culture et des Communications.

This inventory will continue to be updated over the coming months. As part of this process, the team responsible for the MRC of Pontiac’s built heritage inventory will travel throughout the region to document and photograph the selected properties.

To enhance the Built Heritage Inventory, a team mandated by the MRC will visit various municipalities throughout Pontiac to observe, document, and, where appropriate, photograph properties of heritage interest. This initiative will take place primarily during 2026, 2027, and 2028 and will contribute to a better understanding and appreciation of our region’s built heritage.

For more information about the schedule of visits to municipalities across the territory, please contact Marie Gionet, Economic Development Commissioner, at m.gionet@mrcpontiac.qc.ca or 819-648-5689, ext. 129

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why Conduct a Heritage Inventory?

An inventory helps improve our understanding of significant buildings, supports informed land-use planning and development decisions, prevents the loss of important heritage assets, encourages their preservation and promotion, and facilitates access to certain financial assistance programs.

No

Inclusion in the inventory has no impact on a property’s assessed value or municipal tax bill. The inventory is simply a tool for information, knowledge, and planning purposes. It is intended to document and better understand the region’s built heritage and does not result in additional taxes or changes to property assessment.

No.

A property included in the inventory does nothave its insurability affected.

It is important to understand that:

  • The inventory does notgrant any legal heritage protection status.
  • Inclusion in the inventory is a form of >documentation and recognition, not a regulatory designation in itself.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) provides resources to help insurance professionals and property owners better understand the various statuses that may apply to buildings of heritage interest. These tools can help clarify the differences between inventoried properties, designated heritage properties, and protected heritage buildings.

Inclusion in the inventory offers several benefits:

  • Recognition of the heritage value of your property;
  • A contribution to the preservation of local history;
  • The possibility, in some cases, of being eligible for financial assistance programs for restoration projects.

Yes, certain implications may apply.

A property included in the inventory may be subject to municipal regulations, including:

  • Demolition control bylaws;
  • Property maintenance and occupancy bylaws.

Not in all cases.

It is important to distinguish between:

  • An inventoried property: a building that is included in a heritage inventory as part of a documentation and knowledge tool.
  • A legally protected property: a building that has been designated or classified under the Cultural Heritage Act.

A property included in the inventory does not have legal heritage status. However, you should verify any applicable regulations with your municipality.

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