The Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada

The document can be accessed at a website which outlines its key features.

The website notes that

The Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada is the first-ever pan-Canadian benchmark for heritage conservation practice in this country. It offers results-oriented guidance for sound decision-making when planning for, intervening on and using historic places. This document establishes a consistent, pan-Canadian set of conservation principles and guidelines that will be useful to anyone with an interest in conserving Canada’s historic places.

Planning

With regard to the planning of the conservation decision-making process, the Standard and Guidelines recommend:

Maintain or Select an Appropriate and Sustainable Use

If the use of an historic place is part of its heritage value, every effort should be made to retain that use. Otherwise, a use compatible with its heritage value should be found. It is important to find the right fit between the use and the historic place to ensure this use will last and provide a stable context for ongoing conservation. A viable use better guarantees the long-term existence of an historic place and limits deterioration caused by human activity and the environment.

The Burra Charter is also of relevance:

Burra Charter offers a guideline for adaptive reuse of heritage buildings

Ontario Heritage Act

The Ontario Heritage Act toolkit shares similar concepts.