Free training about historic places conservation

Learn about heritage conservation in Canada through a free, open-access online course. Offered by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) with support from Parks Canada, the introductory course is available to anyone interested in heritage conservation, including professionals, students, and people working in the design, construction, and heritage sectors.

Course overview

This introductory course offers exclusive lessons on the principles of the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada by using built heritage sites managed by Parks Canada as learning tools. Registration includes a 3-part on-demand course, quizzes, and a certificate of completion.

If you need assistance, please contact the RAIC education administrator at education@raic.org.

Learning objectives

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • recognize heritage values and the character-defining elements of historic places
  • explain the conservation decision-making process
  • locate relevant resources for information on heritage value and designations
  • distinguish between the conservation treatments of preservation, restoration, rehabilitation
  • interpret which standards and guidelines apply to a given conservation project
Course outline

Part 1: understanding heritage value, character-defining elements and statements of significance

Part 1 focuses on the heritage values and character-defining elements of a historic place. These are captured in a value statement called the Statement of Significance.

At the completion of this learning module the participant will be able to:

  • recognize the heritage value of a historic place
  • identify character-defining elements of a historic place
  • analyze a statement of significance to extract the most project-relevant information for a proposed intervention

Part 2: how to use the standards and guidelines

Part 2 focuses on the second edition of the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada, 2010. This edition clarifies and updates the information contained in the 2003 edition.

At the completion of this learning module the participant will be able to:

  • apply the decision-making process outlined in the standards and guidelines
  • identify the primary treatments (preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration) of a proposed intervention and the applicable standards and guidelines

Part 3: using the standards and guidelines to plan or assess an intervention to an historic place

Part 3 focuses on the application of key concepts in the conservation decision-making process as described in the standards and guidelines. Through four case studies in Canada, each emphasizes one of the primary treatments for achieving different objectives.

At the completion of this learning module the participant will be able to:

  • evaluate a proposed intervention for compliance with the standards and guidelines
  • identify the appropriate intervention to an historic place to protect its heritage value
  • determine options that best conserve the character-defining elements of a historic place

About the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

The RAIC is:

  • a not-for-profit, national organization that has represented architects and architecture for over 100 years, in existence since 1907
  • the leading voice for excellence in the built environment in Canada, demonstrating how design enhances the quality of life, while addressing important issues of society through responsible architecture

The RAIC’s mission is to promote excellence in the built environment and to advocate for responsible architecture.

Parks Canada is pleased to work with the RAIC to expand awareness of the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada to help promote good conservation practice in Canada.

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