The RAIC is proud to partner with Parks Canada Agency to bring an important educational offering in our Heritage Conservation Series to the architecture community. We are pleased to offer this new, on-demand course–available in English and French–and to make registration available free for anyone.    

Introduction to the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada 
Launch Date: September 1, 2021 
Heritage Conservation Series 
Topics: Heritage and Conservation / Practice 
Length: 3 hours | What's Included: a 3-Part online, on-demand course, Quizzes, and a Certificate of Completion 
Level: Introductory 

Available in French and English 

The RAIC, in partnership with Parks Canada Agency, is offering a new online course on Heritage Conservation in Canada. The course offers exclusive lessons on the principles of the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada by using built heritage sites managed by Parks Canada as learning tools. 

Learning Objectives:  

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:  

• Recognize heritage values and the character-defining elements of historic places  
• Explain the Conservation Decision Making Process  
• Locate relevant resources for information on heritage value and designations. 
• Distinguish between the conservation treatments of preservation, restoration, rehabilitation  
• Interpret which Standards and Guidelines apply to a given conservation project

Project Description   

This contribution supports the development and implementation of an online course regarding the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada intended as an informational training tool for use by Royal Architectural Institute of Canada members, as well as other interested parties from across the public and private sectors, in Canada’s heritage community and the design and construction industry.  

Background   

In 2003, Parks Canada led the development of the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative intended to create what was supposed to be the nation’s first-ever pan-Canadian reference document on best practices in heritage conservation.   

After its original issue, the Standards and Guidelines were adopted by many federal, provincial, territorial and municipal jurisdictions, as ‘best in class’ guidance for management of Canadian conservation projects and sites. Since then, there has been a sustained and increasing interest in the document.  

In 2010, Parks Canada led a federal-provincial-territorial collaboration to update the Standards and Guidelines, resulting in Edition 2.  

In 2017, the RAIC surveyed its membership, seeking to understand the areas of professional architectural practice for which members wanted more educational tools and training opportunities. Further training opportunities in the field of heritage conservation and adaptive reuse were amongst the most requested topics.  

At that point, the RAIC contacted Parks Canada, and discussions started with regards to a collaboration to expand awareness, understanding, and use of the Standards and Guidelines.  

About Parks Canada Agency 

Parks Canada’s mandate is to protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage– and to foster public understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative integrity for present and future generations.  

In collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, Parks Canada developed the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada, as the benchmark guide for the conservation of historic resources.   

Parks Canada is pleased to work with the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada to expand awareness of the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada, in order to help promote good conservation practice in Canada. 

About the RAIC   

The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is a not-for-profit, national organization that has represented architects and architecture for over 100 years, in existence since 1907. The RAIC is the leading voice for excellence in the built environment in Canada, demonstrating how design enhances the quality of life, while addressing important issues of society through responsible architecture. The RAIC’s mission is to promote excellence in the built environment and to advocate for responsible architecture. The organization national office is based in Ottawa with a growing federated chapter model. Current chapters and networks are based in British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.