Boards & Committees

About the Committee

Every four years (concurrent with the Council term), the Town appoints community members to serve on the Halton Hills Accessibility Advisory Committee. The role of this committee is to provide vision and direction to staff and Council on removing barriers within Municipal services, practices, and programs.

Meetings

Upcoming meetings, agendas and previous meeting minutes for the Halton Hills Accessibility Advisory Committee can be found on the Town's Municipal Calendar.

Members

Below are the members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee for the 2022-2026 Term.

• Councillor Michael Albano - Chair

• Councillor D'Arcy Keene

• James Bray

• Wendy Farrow-Reed

• Lisa-Dawn McKenzie

• Jeff Pearce

• Sarah Calvert

The Heritage Halton Hills Committee is an advisory body composed of community members appointed by Council, with a mandate to identify, protect, and preserve the town’s historic assets. Chaired by a member of Council, the committee brings together individuals with diverse skills and a shared passion for heritage conservation. Their work helps safeguard irreplaceable structures—such as Devereaux House and the Georgetown Public Library—while promoting the cultural and architectural distinctiveness that enriches the community.

Committee information

Heritage Halton Hills is an advisory committee to Town Council, comprised of members of the public appointed by Council to advise on identifying, protecting and preserving the Town's historic assets for the benefit of all residents. The committee is chaired by a member of Council. Members have diverse interests and skills who share an enthusiasm for preserving our Town’s heritage.

Our heritage buildings are limited in number. They are also irreplaceable, as we are reminded with the loss of the Dominion Seed House and the severe deterioration of the Barber Paper Mill. The structures we have protected, such as Devereaux House and the Georgetown Public Library, enrich us as a community, enhance Halton Hills' distinctiveness and make our streetscapes memorable. 

This is an important time in the development of Halton Hills, with newer developments altering our landscape. This new growth must take our past into consideration. What we choose to value and preserve will be part of our future landscape. Heritage Halton Hills may advise Council on heritage matters, but we cannot do it alone. We need the support of the community, property owners and developers in order to preserve what we cherish about living and working in Halton Hills. For more information please visit the Heritage Planning page.

Meetings

Upcoming meetings, agendas and previous meeting minutes for the Heritage Halton Hills Committee can be found on the Town's Municipal Calendar.

Members

Below are the members of the Heritage Halton Hills Committee for the 2022-2026 Term.

• Councillor Clark Somerville - Chair

• Councillor Matt Kindbom

• Ted Brown

• Charles Donaldson

• Ray Denny

• Lawrence Quinlan

• John (Mark) Rowe

• Alison Walker

What we do

Heritage Halton Hills assists the Town Council in making decisions on matters that relate to properties that have historic or architectural value. In addition, we promote heritage conservation awareness within the community and advise property owners on appropriate conservation and maintenance practices. A property can be significant because of its age, originality, architecture or association with a person or event of historical importance. Such a property can be residential, public or commercial.

How we do it

Our committee evaluates and rates potential heritage properties on specific criteria, using guidelines from the Ontario Heritage Act, usually at the request of a homeowner. Occasionally, the committee will reach out to the owner of a suitable property to see if they would be interested in designation.

Preserving our heritage

Heritage is what is left to us by previous generations, helping us identify ourselves as a community and foster a sense of place. We preserve because we value Halton Hills' strong heritage presence. We cherish our park system, Civic Centre, Acton Town Hall Centre, Glen Williams Town Hall, and the dozens of commercial and residential properties that make us unique.

What does a heritage designation mean

Heritage designation publicly identifies properties that are historically, architecturally or aesthetically significant. It empowers the Town to conserve and safeguard these properties for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. Heritage designation is registered on the title and can ensure that a property is protected well into the future.

Listed vs. designated properties

Listed properties

Are of cultural heritage value or interest, but not designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Must give the Town a notice of sixty days of any intention to demolish the property for the Town to consider conservation options.

Do not require Council's consent for any alterations to the property, provided they adhere to the Property Standard By-Law.

Designated properties

Are of cultural heritage value or interest and are designated under the Ontario Heritage Act through the enactment of a municipal by-law.

Require the consent of Council for any alteration or removal of the heritage features of the property as listed on the designation.

The Ontario Heritage Act requires all municipal heritage registries to identify properties designated under Parts IV (individually designated properties) and V (Heritage Conservation Districts) of the Act.

Myths & misconceptions

Heritage designation does not restrict owners from making alterations to their property. Changes may be necessary for economic or structural viability. Our mandate requires us, without fee, to advise owners on appropriate conservation and maintenance practices so that any changes respect the heritage value of the building.

As a rule, only outside features of a designated property are listed. Interior features are not usually designated, although property owners can designate interior heritage features if they so choose.

Designation does not make a property less attractive in the marketplace. In fact, studies have shown that residential heritage properties may increase in value faster than other properties and better retain their value when the real estate market is down.

Listed properties do not automatically result in future designation, nor do they need to be listed first to be designated.

Benefits of designation

Tax refund: Designated properties are eligible for a Heritage Property Tax Refund (20% refund of the local, school board and regional taxes, subject to eligibility).

Grant program: Designated properties are eligible for a matching grant of up to $3,000 per year to help with property improvements related to a home's heritage features (subject to eligibility and funding available through the Heritage Foundation of Halton Hills).

Bronze plaque: The Town will provide owners of designated properties with a bronze plaque to publicly recognize the heritage value of their property.

Potential for increased property value: Studies have shown residential heritage properties may increase in value faster than other properties and better retain value when the market is down.

Civic pride: By designating a property, you are helping to preserve the heritage and culture of Halton Hills.

Applying for heritage designation

Heritage Designation is a free process that is open to all property owners. Many factors are taken into consideration when a property is evaluated for designation, not just its age. Unique architectural features or materials may also give your property special character. It may have been the site of an important historical event or owned by a prominent local or national individual or family.

Once your request has been received by Heritage Halton Hills, a Committee member will contact you to discuss the process and arrange a time to evaluate your property. Heritage Halton Hills will then decide whether or not to recommend your property for designation to the Town Council. If approved by Council, your property is given a Heritage Designation through a by-law. Owners are expected to maintain the historic character of the property as identified under the designation. 

Committee information

Mandate: 
The Town of Halton Hills Active Transportation Advisory Committee (Formerly Bicycle Friendly Community Sub-Committee) was formed to advise and assist Town Council and Town staff on matters relating to the design, development, implementation and monitoring of policies, programs and facilities to enhance and promote a safe, convenient, efficient and accessible active transportation network by all users – pedestrians of all ages and abilities, people with disabilities, cyclists within the Town of Halton Hills.

Purpose: 
The Committee will provide advice and input to the Town of Halton Hills on any matters relating to the design, construction and funding of multi-use and inter-connecting trail systems, and cycling systems in the Town of Halton Hills through:

• Identifying issues that impact trail and cycling development in Halton Hills;

• Supporting active transportation as a more routine component of the work/school commute, shopping, socializing and entertainment endeavours;

• Education and promotion of the environmental, social, economic and health benefits of active transportation;

• Advocating for the development of a built environment that supports an active transportation network;

• Collaborating with Regional staff to support active transportation; and

• Acting as a sounding board and determining appropriate actions in response to issues and initiatives.

Principles: 
For the committee's activities to be successful, the following principles should be taken into account:

• The main focus is on the Town of Halton Hills active transportation network.

• Recognize the differing needs of users within both the urban and rural areas;

• Appropriate funding and staff resources; and

• Feasible, realistic and achievable strategies/actions tailored to the community's needs.

Meetings

Upcoming meetings, agendas and previous meeting minutes for the Active Transportation Advisory Committee can be found on the Town's Municipal Calendar.

Members

Below are the members of the Active Transportation Advisory Committee for the 2022-2026 Term.

• Councillor Jane Fogal - Chair

• Councillor Alex Hilson

• Nelson Barros

• Ramona Hendry

• Christian Lenz

• Blake Mandarino

• Cory Patten

• Angelika Sommer

• Jennifer Dougherty

• Glenn Price-Jones

The Committee deals with requests for minor changes to the Zoning By-law (e.g. structure setbacks, height, and size), permissions to extend, enlarge, or alter a Legal Non-Conforming use (Legal Non-Complying structure), as well as the creation of new lots, lot line adjustments, easements, leases over 21 years, etc. The Committee is comprised of members of the community appointed by Council, with assigned authority to deal with various applications. The hearings are held monthly and are open to the public.

Deadlines, schedules & fees

• Submission Deadline Dates

• User Fees Schedule

Consents

• Consent Info and Application Form

Minor variances or permission

• Minor Variances Info and Application Form

Hearings

Upcoming hearings, agendas and previous meeting minutes for the Committee of Adjustment can be found on the Town's Municipal Calendar.

Members

Below are the members of the Committee of Adjustment for the 2022-2026 Term.

• Todd Jenney - Chair

• Jane Watson

• Jason Smith

• Keith Medenblik

• Lloyd Hillier

The Acton BIA Board of Directors is a dedicated group of local business and property owners who provide leadership and direction for the Acton Business Improvement Area in Halton Hills, Ontario. Working collaboratively, the Board helps guide initiatives that support local businesses, enhance the downtown environment, and promote Acton as a vibrant place to shop, dine, and connect. Through strategic planning and community involvement, the Board plays an important role in shaping the ongoing success and vitality of the Acton BIA.

Learn more

The Downtown Georgetown Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a collaborative network of local businesses and property owners focused on supporting a vibrant and welcoming downtown in Georgetown, a community within the Town of Halton Hills, Ontario. The BIA works to promote local shops, dining, and services while leading events, marketing initiatives, and beautification efforts that enhance the area’s historic charm. Through partnership and advocacy, the Downtown Georgetown BIA plays an important role in strengthening the local economy and creating a lively destination for residents and visitors alike.

About the Committee

The Board is appointed by the Town of Halton Hills and consists of nine community volunteers and two Town Councilors.

We welcome any comments or questions you may have about the governance and policies of the Halton Hills Public Library. 

Members 

• Alice Strachan (Chair)
• Christina da Rocha-Feeley (Vice Chair)
• Councillor Alex Hilson
• Councillor Bob Inglis
• Betsy Cosper
• Jane Marshall
• Keith Medenblik
• Lisa Teggart
• Tamara Smith

Upcoming meetings, agendas and previous meeting minutes for the Halton Hills Public Library can be found on the HHPL website.

Learn more