The Heritage Property Act (HPA) of Nova Scotia was established to identify, designate, preserve, conserve, protect and rehabilitate buildings, structures, streetscapes, area and districts that have historic, architectural or cultural value. Such features can be found in either the urban or rural context. The Heritage Property Act was passed in 1980, and amended in 1990.

In 1990, the Act was amended to enable municipalities to establish heritage conservation districts. Together with pursuant Regulations, the Act authorizes Municipal Council to develop and adopt a Conservation Plan and a Heritage Conservation District By-Law, for each district within the municipality. For properties located within the Heritage Conservation District, the Municipality may control alterations to existing structures, may control demolition and may control the design of new structures erected therein.

To review the HPA, please go to www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/legc/statutes/heritage.htm.