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DO YOU OWN A HERITAGE HOME?

If you do, congratulations! You have an especially important - and direct - connection with our past.

Non-profit groups and local government can't do it all. We're delighted that committed individuals, like you, are willing to work with us.

How can we help you? We work closely with individual heritage building owners providing insight, guidance, technical support and advice. We are often an internal advocate as you proceed through the building or development permit process. We keep our key community partners informed so there are no surprises. There may even be some incentives or special assistance we can extend.

Our goal is not only to see that heritage is protected and respected but that owners and developers can proceed in a straightforward manner.

So - if you own a heritage building and want to make some changes that will affect the exterior of the building, call us before you get too far into the planning process. We'll do our best to help you avoid problems before it costs you time and money.

You may also want to visit the Resource Library at the Langley Centennial Museum to review our numerous publications and technical papers.

Heritage Building Incentive Program

The Heritage Building Incentive Program will assist with costs associated with the stabilization and exterior restoration, repair and maintenance of eligible heritage buildings in the Township.

Grants are available to property owners of a heritage building included in the Township of Langley’s “Listing of Heritage Resources” and for work that maximizes the retention of original materials and design.

The goal of the program is to “Do the Right Thing by the Real Thing” and to help you, the homeowner, with some of the extra costs involved.

The next deadline will be 12 Oct 2007.

Download the Township Heritage Building Incentive Program Guidelines and Application Form here.

New Information

2008 Application Deadlines

  • January 11, 2008

  • April 18, 2008

  • August 8, 2008

  • October 17, 2008

Important

Due to the current construction situation we've made some improvements

  • Only 1 estimate per trade is required

  • The level of funding for each category has been increased; each application will be assessed on a case by case basis

Tips for Preparing a Successful Application

Plan your work based on research about your house

  • Check the Museum’s historic photo data base for archival images either of your home or similar properties from the same era (www.langleymuseum.org)
  • Check the Museum’s resource library files; ask long time neighbours
  • Carefully survey and document the exterior of your building for original siding that may be hidden behind more contemporary siding, the size and location of original windows, etc. Be a detective!
  • Consult “Your Old House” pamphlets available at the Museum for the treatment of specific elements e.g. wood siding, masonry etc.
  • Be true to your building’s own aesthetic; it was built a certain way for a reason
  • Confirm any permit requirements BEFORE you develop a budget and make application
  • Check with the Township’s Permits and Licensing Department to find out if the planned work requires a permit and whether or not that work complies with the Building Code. (Note: in some instances Heritage Building Code equivalencies may apply.)

Select a Historically Appropriate colour scheme

  • To find the original colours, carefully scrape different parts of the building. A hint: often the truest colour samples are up under the eaves where fading is less prevalent. Window trim was often a different colour than the body of the building.
  • Consult Benjamin Moore’s “True Colours” brochure which details historically appropriate colours used throughout the Lower Mainland 1890-1920’s

Painting Tips

As tempting as it is, do NOT prepare for painting by sandblasting or power washing your wood siding.  Rough treatment exposes the cambrium layer, will speed deterioration and result in rot underneath.  If you take the time to do it right the first time (hand scraping, hole and crack caulking, and application of a primer) then maintenance will be less frequent and much easier from that point on.

When selecting a Contractor

  • Query the contractor about their experience working on historic wood frame buildings
  • Check references and ask specifically about the attention paid to historic materials

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do some of the work myself?

Yes, provided you can demonstrate a competency in that particular area.

What’s eligible under this program?

  • Generally speaking, it’s all the elements on the outside of the building including the foundation and roof. While interior work is not eligible, seismic upgrading requirements will be considered.
  • All new materials used must be the modern equivalent of historic materials.
  • Foundation repairs or replacement and roofs are eligible.
  • Porch replacement is eligible if it is in very poor condition.
  • Paint
  • Wood window repairs and construction of storm windows (the latter provide good noise abatement and control heat loss)

Who makes the decisions?

All applications will be reviewed by Township Building Department and Heritage staff to ensure that building code and restoration best practices are addressed.  Applications will be assessed and adjudicated by the Community Heritage Commission’s volunteer Land Use and Planning committee, all of who have extensive experience working with heritage buildings.

Who funds this program?

  • A majority of the funding originates with the Township of Langley.
  • Contributions are occasionally made to the fund by developers and other donors.

How do I get on the Township’s Heritage Listing? 

You must nominate your building to the Community Heritage Commission, Township of Langley. Send a letter explaining all the heritage values associated with the building (architectural elements, age, previous long timer owners, association with a special event or place etc.) accompanied with photographs, both contemporary and historic (if available).

Once the Commission completes its assessment and finds the expressed heritage values are legitimate, a positive recommendation will be made to Township Council. It is they who make the final decision.

Please Note:

  • Grants will NOT be given for work undertaken prior to grant approval.
  • The program is under no obligation to approve every grant request. Each application will be assessed on its own merits and the availability of funds in that given year.

 
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