A Heritage plan, also called Heritage Management Plan, is a document that identifies what is significant in a historic place, to whom, and how to guide and manage change within the site or community. The plan will identify what policies are required to ensure the heritage values of the site are retained in its future use and development.  Each heritage plan will vary and will be tailored to each community or site, based on the type and size of the place, heritage attributes and needs of owners and residents. Current use, past use, and differing interests are considered and will influence the planning process.

Government of Yukon is working with Yukon First Nations to manage heritage sites as outlined in the Yukon First Nations’ Final Agreements. Sites will be designated Yukon Historic Sites under the Historic Resources Act and Heritage Management Plans developed according to the individual First Nation Final Agreements.

In addition to sites identified in Yukon First Nations Final Agreements, many Yukon communities have heritage values residents wish to safeguard. Yukon communities have a rich heritage that inspires local pride and sense of place, supports cultural tourism and showcases Yukon’s unique history and traditions. The conservation of historic places provides increased skills through conservation projects, encourages use of local resources and encourages the use of existing buildings. Re-using historic buildings can help to reduce our carbon footprint, assist in revitalizing downtown areas and decrease construction waste in Yukon’s dumps.  Building on the vision set out in a municipality’s Official Community Plan or a community’s Local Area Plan, the heritage management plan will outline the way the community will manage its historic resources.

Successful management plans completed to date: 

The Yukon Historic Resources Act

Yukon’s Historic Resources Act is legislation that outlines the protection and preservation of historic resources.

The Act defines a historic resource as “a historic site, a historic object and any assembly of works of nature or of human endeavour that is of value for its archaeological, palaeontological, pre-historic, historic, scientific, or aesthetic features.” 

The Act includes sections on educational programs and financial assistance, designation of historic sites, protection of sites, designation of historic sites by municipalities, historic objects, and human remains.