Kamloops Heritage Railway Station (B.C). © Parks Canada
As a champion of prosperous, livable and healthy communities, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) expresses strong support for Bill C-323 which would create a 20 per cent federal tax credit for rehabilitation of recognized historic places.
The RAIC believes there is an important federal role for leadership in heritage conservation. Policies that promote preservation and re-use of historic properties have demonstrated huge economic returns on investment through job retention and creation, tourism, and enhanced property values. 
Policies such as tax incentives not only help protect cultural resources and the history represented by heritage places, they promote respectful redevelopment in our communities. In addition, conservation, repair, and adaptation fight climate change by producing less carbon than new construction. ?This is good news,? says RAIC Past President Allan Teramura, FRAIC. ?Too often, the cost is cited as justification for not practicing responsible stewardship of historic properties, and this will help mitigate those costs. As well, it is excellent to see that the role of the architect in assuring that recognized conservation practices are being followed is built into the Bill.?
Mr. Teramura notes that the Bill appears to cover only buildings that are individually designated, which are relatively rare. ?It would be good to see this expanded to include properties located within heritage d...