Heritage Preservation By-Law and Design Guidelines Review

Background and overview of project:

In June of 2023, Fredericton City Council adopted the Fredericton Heritage Program and Services Review. One key recommendation from this review is to develop a new Heritage Conservation By-Law and accompanying design guidelines. These changes aim to strengthen the City’s approach to heritage conservation, and provide clear guidance, in the St. Anne’s Point Heritage Preservation Area.

What is the Heritage Preservation By-Law?

The Municipal Heritage Conservation Act of the Province of New Brunswick enables municipalities to make by-laws for the preservation of areas and sites of importance to the community. The Heritage Preservation By-Law (By-Law L-4) regulates the design of any changes or work done to the exterior of buildings within the designated area.

What areas in the city are administered under a Preservation By-Law?

The area presently administered under the by-law is called the St. Anne’s Point Preservation Area. Currently, there are approximately 350 properties in the area.

What are design guidelines?

Design guidelines are a set of principles and best practices used to guide physical changes to the built environment. They help ensure that new development, renovations, and alterations are compatible with the surrounding context and character of the neighborhood.

While they do not dictate exact designs, design guidelines provide direction on elements such as:

• Authenticity/integrity
• Scale and massing
• Compatibility
• Balance/proportion/harmony
• Window and door openings; porches
• Materials
• Colour
• Ornamentation
• Modern interventions
• Signs
• Fencings and other landscaping elements
• New buildings: siting and design.

What is changing?

• Under the New Brunswick Heritage Conservation Act, a new City of Fredericton Heritage Conservation By-Law will be created to replace the existing by-law.
• New design guidelines are being created to support the new Heritage Conservation By-Law. These will provide consistent and user-friendly standards for the design and exterior alterations of structures within the St. Anne’s Point Heritage Preservation Area.

What’s the purpose of this engagement?

The purpose of this engagement is to hear from the property owners within the Heritage Preservation Area. Your input will help shape the new Heritage Conservation By-Law and accompanying design guidelines, ensuring that the thoughts and opinions of the neighbourhood are considered during this process.

How can I ask questions or share feedback?

Attend the in-person information session:

• Date: Tuesday, June 24th, 2025
• Drop-in Time: 4:30 PM -7:30 PM (with a presentation at 5:00 PM).
• Location: Cathedral Memorial Hall at 168 Church St, Fredericton, NB E3B 4C9

Email questions or comments to:

planning@fredericton.ca or leave a question on the project page below!

What are the next steps?

1. Draft Heritage By-Law and Design Guidelines
2. The team will review all of the research gathered and community feedback collected.
3. Consultants and staff will prepare a first draft of the documents for further community input.
4. A Community Workshop will be scheduled for the Fall of 2025.
5. Final By-Law and design guidelines will be adopted by the end of 2025.