Heritage incentives programs in the province of Ontario: developing a standardized evaluation strategy

Financial incentives and property tax rebates are common approaches used to encourage the preservation and rehabilitation of heritage properties. The use of these techniques is employed across a number of Ontario municipalities. The purpose of this paper is to develop an evaluative strategy that can be used to better understand the process and improve the function of these programs. Through the review of a number of programs and relevant sources, a model was developed to allow for program organizers to evaluate and improve their heritage incentive strategies. This model incorporates both quantifiable indicators to assess program performance and opportunities for participants to express their opinions on the program process. The implementation of this program in local municipalities could provide the opportunity to make evidence based recommendations to improve the overall function of the heritage incentive strategy.