Glossary for the Directory of Federal Heritage Designations
Area of historic place
The size and boundaries of a historic place, as defined by the designation.
Commemorative intent statement
A statement that outlines the reasons why a historic person, event or place, is nationally significant as agreed to by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and the minister responsible for Parks Canada.
Custodian department
A Government of Canada department whose minister is responsible for the administration of real property for that department.
Designation
A place, person or event that has been recognized by the minister responsible for Parks Canada.
Federal heritage building
A building recognized by the minister responsible for Parks Canada as being one of the best examples of federal built heritage. Note that prior to 2022, buildings were designated using the distinctions Classified (for the best examples) and Recognized (for significant examples).
Heritage character statement (heritage railway station)
A statement that identifies the reasons for designation and heritage values and character-defining elements of a heritage railway station designated under the Heritage Railway Stations Protection Act.
Heritage value statement (federal heritage building)
A statement that explains why a federal heritage building was designated and identifies its heritage value and character-defining elements.
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
The act that establishes the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
National historic event
A designation that recognizes events representing defining actions, episodes, movements, or experiences in Canadian history.
National historic person
A designation that recognizes persons who, individually or as the representative of a group, made an outstanding and lasting contribution to Canadian history.
National historic site of Canada
A designation that recognizes places directly associated with a nationally significant aspect of the history of Canada. For example, it can be an archaeological site, a structure, a building or group of buildings, a district, or a cultural landscape.
Recognition boundary
A statement of the bounds of a site or structure included in a designation.
Statement of significance
A concise statement that describes and identifies the heritage value and character-defining elements of a national historic site of Canada or a heritage lighthouse.
