Markham Heritage Estates

• Letter of Intent from the building owner
• Budget proposal and timeline
• Proof of financing capability
• Authorization to Release Information form
• Site plan and restoration drawings

Who is eligible?

• Owners or purchasers of qualifying heritage buildings
• Applicants seeking to relocate and restore a threatened heritage dwelling
• Applicants proposing approved additions or accessory buildings with the project

Who is not eligible

• Buildings that can be retained on site
• Buildings located outside Markham, except limited case-by-case exceptions
• Properties already benefiting from the City’s heritage property grant program under the stated exception rules

Eligible expenses

• Building relocation costs, including movers, permits, wire lifts, and police escort
• Restoration work, including exterior repairs and approved additions
• Landscaping, grading, and related professional fees
• Insurance, legal, and permit-related costs

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Short-term maintenance of a building
• Projects without approved site plan and restoration plans
• Buildings that can still be successfully retained on site

Eligible geographic areas

• City of Markham
• Limited case-by-case consideration for buildings from the former Township of Markham

• Architectural and historical merit of the building
• Degree of threat to the building
• Whether on-site retention has been exhausted
• Financial capacity of the applicant
• Lot suitability and compatibility with the dwelling

• Step 1: Review guidelines and identify an eligible building
  • Read the administrative guidelines and related documents.
  • Confirm the building meets the program’s basic requirements.
• Step 2: Secure owner interest
  • Obtain a Letter of Intent from the building owner.
  • Contact the Heritage Section for building information if using the City notification process.
• Step 3: Submit financial evaluation package
  • Provide a budget, timeline, proof of financing capability, and the Authorization to Release Information form.
  • Submit the package to the Heritage Section for review.
• Step 4: Complete approvals and agreements
  • Receive lot allocation and enter into the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.
  • Obtain site plan, restoration, and required permit approvals before relocation.

• The City reviews the building’s eligibility and heritage value.
• Heritage staff and committees make recommendations to Council.
• The City reviews financial capability before approving the lot sale.
• After approval, the applicant must sign the required purchase, site plan, and heritage agreements.
• Work is subject to inspections and release of security once approved work is completed.

• Applicants must obtain a Letter of Intent from the building owner before proceeding.
• The City may require a credit check and proof of financing capacity.
• Lot allocation is at the City’s discretion.
• A Site Plan Agreement, Heritage Easement Agreement, and other approvals are required before relocation.