Heritage conservation

Parks Canada works to protect and present Canada’s rich cultural heritage. Through specialized teams and expert knowledge, Parks Canada ensures the preservation of national historic sites, heritage buildings, and cultural artifacts for future generations.

Standards and guidelines for the conservation of historic places in Canada

Parks Canada’s heritage stewardship and conservation practices are guided by the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. Developed through a federal, provincial, and territorial collaboration, this document establishes a consistent, pan-Canadian set of conservation principles and guidelines useful to anyone with an interest in conserving Canada’s historic places.

Conserving heritage buildings

Parks Canada is responsible for conserving thousands of buildings and sites from coast to coast to coast, many of which are of national historic significance. Their ongoing care and maintenance is performed by a team of heritage architects, engineers, advisors, and historic craftspeople.

Caring for artifacts

Parks Canada cares for approximately 31 million historical and archaeological objects, representing over 11,000 years of human history. Collections, curatorial and conservation specialists help ensure that these artifacts are effectively preserved.

Federal property heritage requirements

In Canada, there are heritage requirements for the management of federal properties. Government of Canada departments must consult the Federal Heritage Review Office (FHRO) at Parks Canada for these heritage requirements before purchasing, using, or disposing of a property.