Like other municipalities in British Columbia, the City of Prince George utilizes five main heritage tools to manage heritage property resources:
1. Heritage Inventory
Level of Protection: None
A listing of sites in Prince George that may have heritage value. The inventory is maintained by the Heritage Commission for the purposes of future study and research. Sites on this list are not recognized or protect in any official way.
2. Heritage Register
Level of Protection: Low
An official list of properties with heritage value, as documented by a Statement of Significance for each property. Sites are added to the Heritage Register only upon approval by City Council. The Register serves to inform the public about local heritage resources, notify property owners of heritage considerations, and to monitor (but not prevent) alterations to building with heritage value.
3. Heritage Conservations Areas
Level of Protection: Moderate
Designated in the Official Community Plan (OCP), Heritage Conservation Areas provide long-term protection to distinctive heritage areas.
4. Heritage Covenants and Agreements
Level of Protection: Higher
Local governments can negotiate terms of a contractual agreement or covenant, registered on the legal title of a property, to outline specific heritage features that need to be retained.
5. Heritage Designations
Level of Protection: Highest
"Designated" buildings are protected by the city through bylaws that regulate future alterations to each property. Notification is registered on the legal title of the property to advise existing and new owners of the Designation. The City has the legal right to prohibit the demolition of properties that are Designated.