The Town Hall clocktower will shine blue next week in celebration of Ontario’s Heritage Week, taking place February 16–22, 2026. Celebrated annually during the third week of February, Heritage Week recognizes the importance of preserving and promoting Ontario’s rich cultural heritage.
The Town of Collingwood takes great pride in its Heritage Conservation District and designated heritage properties. Each year during Heritage Week, Collingwood Council honours local property owners who have demonstrated excellence in heritage restoration and preservation. On Wednesday, February 18, two properties will be recognized for their outstanding restoration projects, including 328 Pine Street and 43 Hurontario Street.
In addition to celebrating local achievements, the Town is taking an important step to further protect its cultural heritage resources. Collingwood is currently developing a Heritage Emergency Management Policy to help guide the Town and property owners in preparing for and responding to emergencies and disasters that may impact heritage properties.
Community input will play a vital role in shaping the policy. Heritage property owners and key stakeholders are invited to share their experiences, particularly regarding emergency response, restoration challenges, and considerations such as cost-sharing or recovery when specialized expertise is required.
An in-person workshop will be held on Wednesday, February 25, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Collingwood Public Library (Community Rooms B & C). Those unable to attend are encouraged to participate by completing the online survey available on the project page or by filling out a hard copy at Town Hall, 97 Hurontario Street. Survey copies will also be available at the workshop.
To learn more about the project and complete the survey, visit: engage.collingwood.ca/projects/heritage-emergency-management-policy
Ways to learn more about Heritage buildings in Collingwood:
• Explore Collingwood’s history with four self-guided Heritage Walking Tours: Look Up Tour, Downtown Heritage Walk, West Heritage Walk, and East Heritage Walk. Use the free Discover Collingwood app, scan QR codes on town signs, or pick up maps at Town Hall (97 Hurontario St.) and the Collingwood Museum (45 St. Paul St.).
• Subscribe to the Town’s Heritage e-Newsletter to stay informed about heritage-related news, resources, and funding/grant opportunities for heritage homeowners, or if you are simply interested in learning more!
• Residents and visitors can also learn more about the Heritage District and Heritage Designated buildings using the interactive Heritage Buildings & District map.
• Volunteers Needed! Interested in what the Heritage Committee does? Learn more and apply to be a committee member! Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2026.
Heritage Property Ownership Incentives:
• Heritage Grant Program: The Heritage Grant Program helps owners of designated properties preserve and restore heritage features by covering up to half of eligible project costs (maximum $3,000) with matching owner contributions. Applications for projects in the following year should be submitted between October 1st and December 15th.
• Heritage Tax Refund: Property owners within the Town of Collingwood Downtown Heritage Conservation District or of a property designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act may be eligible to apply for a municipal tax refund. The tax relief program only applies to significant heritage buildings as listed on Schedule “B” of By-law 2010-020. Application dates: January 1st to March 15th, each year.
To learn more, visit: www.collingwood.ca/heritage-conservation