October 13, 2026
To my insurer or broker,
Re: heritage status of 1371 Elgin St., Burlington, Ontario
Status
According to the City of Burlington — Heritage Property Parcels (as of October 12, 2026), this property is designated of the Ontario Heritage Act. It is recorded as St. Luke's Church and Burying Grounds (aka 1370 Ontario St.). Source: https://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=8cc75fa5239e48f19a8e8c42d06cba1a
What this status requires
Designation protects the heritage attributes described in the designating by-law. Alterations that affect those attributes need a heritage permit from the municipality, and demolition needs council's consent.
It does not require the owner to rebuild a replica after a loss. In the Province's words: “The designation by-law does not require the owner to replicate any lost heritage attributes. A replacement building can be of a different design.” and “Insurance premiums should not go up because of a heritage designation.”
The building
Details insurers ask about for older buildings (filled in by the owner):
- Electrical service (60-amp or 100-amp and up) and wiring type: knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring is a common reason for refusal:
- Plumbing: galvanized steel pipes corrode from the inside:
- Heating: oil tank age (over 25 years is a concern) and any wood stove (WETT inspection):
- Roof age and condition (over 20 years raises the risk of leaks):
- Recent upgrades, with dates, receipts and photos:
Heritage contact at the municipality
Heritage Planning, City of Burlington, heritage@burlington.ca. https://www.burlington.ca/en/planning-and-development/heritage-conservation-planning.aspx
Owner:
Sources: Government of Ontario, Heritage properties and insurance (updated April 10, 2026), https://www.ontario.ca/page/heritage-properties-and-insurance. Community Heritage Ontario, ARA and University of Waterloo, Residential Property Insurance and Heritage Designation Study (June 2026). Status from The Patina Record (https://thepatinarecord.ca/property/e477355a-7046-4e1d-a0ef-49a1cf2d629f/1371-elgin-st-burlington), which shows each municipal register with its source and date. Not legal advice; the municipality's register is the official record.