Human Resources in Canada's Built Heritage Sector: Mapping the ...

HUMAN RESOURCES IN CANADA’S BUILT HERITAGE SECTORAdaptive use and expansion are also aspects of work in the built heritage sector. Adaptive use consists ofaltering a structure or its components with a view to modernizing its use, but maintaining as far as practicalcharacter-defining features of the structure. Adaptive use may involve, in particular, modernization ofmechanical systems. Expansion involves the extension of a structure with a view to adding to its capacity,but maintaining key features of the original architectural and aesthetic character.Based on interviews, workshops and other research, there are a number of developments or trends thatbear comment. These developments and trends are affecting the built heritage sector and will ultimatelyaffect both the number of persons who work in that sector, the skills they require, and the professional oroccupational standards expected of them. Some of these trends are positive, others are negative.“Over the past 20 years, people have become more conscious of the sector give more consideration to it.The changes are significant. but not enormous.”Architect, Québec“There is a general increase in preservation work, but it is not always strict conservation. It is frequentlyadaptive use. Compared to the 70s there is now an assumption that a building should be saved.”Heritage Consultant , Ontario1 Although views are not unanimous, the majority of persons interviewed for this study believe there hasbeen a discernible, though modest, increase in the amount of work undertaken in the built heritage sector.Since there is no national inventory of built heritage structures, especially structures in privateownership, we do not have a baseline for making quantitative estimates of changes in the amountwork associated with built heritage structures. There are many private developments which arepreserving original facades and common spaces, while modernizing other aspects of buildings.These trends are affecting both residential and non-residential structures.“There is a definite increase in work due to Historic Places Initiative. This was the most importantinfusion of dollars in the last few years. Yes there has been more rehabilitation.”Heritage Consultant, British Columbia2. The Federal government’s Historic Places Initiative is a broadly-based federal-provincial collaborationto strengthen strategic approaches to preserving built heritage, encourage increased awareness ofhistoric places and build a broad culture of conservation in Canada. HPI was launched in 2001.The 2005 Federal Budget confirmed ongoing funding for core heritage conservation programs.These include: the Canadian Register of Historic Places, Standards and Guidelines for the Conservationof Historic Places in Canada, and the development of a Certification Program supporting theimplementation of the Commercial Heritage Properties Incentive Fund (CHPIF). In 2003, the federalgovernment launched CHPIF to provide financial assistance to businesses that meet certain criteriaand are housed in designated heritage properties. The Fund provides assistance up to 20% of the costsof conservation work, to a ceiling of $1 million. Access to the fund links to the Register of HistoricPlaces and the Standards and Guidelines. Ongoing HPI work includes the development of proposedfederal heritage conservation legislation, programs enabling aboriginal communities to fully engage10©CULTURAL HUMAN RESOURCES COUNCIL