An Analysis of Cultural Heritage Conservation by Heritage Conservation Districts in Toronto’s Central Business District

Central business districts are one of the primary points where a city's development and preservation of its cultural heritage clash. The challenges faced in preserving the historic fabric of cities shaped by the stress of rapid growth and development have led to practices such as total preservation, adaptive reuse, and a controversial approach, such as facadism. This study examines the conservation of cultural heritage in Toronto's central business district, the provincial capital of Ontario, utilizing the Ontario Heritage Act, municipal policies, and the heritage inventory. A detailed examination of the structures within the designated area revealed a variety of approaches to preserving the city's rich cultural and architectural heritage.