The GNCC welcomes St. Catharines City Council’s decision on July 14 to reject the proposed blanket Heritage Conservation District (HCD) designation for the downtown core.

While we strongly support heritage preservation, the proposed approach raised concerns about unintended economic consequences for local businesses. Data from across Canada indicates that heritage-designated properties often face significantly higher financing costs – typically double the interest rates of non-heritage properties – and that more than half of owners report difficulties obtaining insurance.

Given these and other barriers, particularly during a time of economic pressure, the GNCC had recommended a more flexible alternative: voluntary heritage designation supported by financial incentives for the restoration and renewal of qualifying properties.

We are pleased that City Council chose a path that balances the importance of preservation with the need to maintain a vibrant, sustainable business environment in our downtown core.