Do you know of a historic place that is important to your community, region, or province? You can begin the process to have it designated as a historic place! Just follow the five steps listed below.

Step 1: Has the place already been designated as a historic place?

• Check the Canadian Register of Historic Places at http://www.historicplaces.ca.
• To find out if the place has been designated but not yet listed on the register, contact Matthew Wangler, Provincial Registrar of Historic Places at (780) 438-8503 or matthew.wangler@gov.ab.ca.

Step 2: Think about what makes the place important

• Is the place associated with a historically significant theme, person or event?
• If it’s a building, is it special for its architecture or design?
• Does the place have special meaning because of its landmark, spiritual, or cultural associations?

Step 3: Consider your answers to the questions above. Is your place important to:

• A broad range of Albertans? Follow Step 4a for provincial designation.
• Your local community? Follow Step 4b for municipal designation.

Important Note - The provincial government no longer designates places as Registered Historic Resources (RHR). All RHRs will be considered for provincial designation by 2009, but those which don’t qualify should be municipally designated to ensure they remain protected.

Step 4a: If you think your place is important to the province, seek a provincial designation.

• Contact the Alberta Registrar, who will provide you with an application form to get the process started.
• The application will give you the chance to explain why you think your place is important. You will also need to supply photographs and site plans, as well as historical research if appropriate.
• See http://www.cd.gov.ab.ca/preserving/heritage/pands/forms/DesGuidelines.pdf for details on the designation process.

Step 4b: If you think your place is locally important, you will want to seek a municipal designation.

• Contact your municipality about their local historic place designation program.
• If your municipality does not have a historic place designation program they can contact Matthew Francis, Outreach Officer, Municipal Heritage Partnership Program at matthew.francis@gov.ab.ca or visit Alberta's Historic Places Designation Program for information on setting one up.

Step 5: Once you have followed the steps above, the process is in full swing!

• Expect about 18 months before the provincial designation process is complete.
• Municipal designation timelines will vary from place to place.