The Canadian Register of Historic Places (the Register) is a core piece of national cultural infrastructure. Launched in 2004, it is the only pan-Canadian authoritative record of historic places recognized by federal, provincial, territorial and municipal authorities.
The Register provides a unified, publicly accessible record of more than 13,500 historic places across the country. It is the only pan-Canadian system that allows users to discover, compare and understand historic places across jurisdictions.
What is the National Trust doing?
The National Trust for Canada is working with partners and supporters across the country to Save the Canadian Register of Historic Places.
We commissioned a report
The Trust commissioned a report examining the current state of the Register and the options for preserving and modernizing this essential national resource.
Read the report → Click here
We called for a federal investment
The National Trust for Canada, the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP) and ICOMOS Canada submitted a joint written submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance as part of the 2026 Federal Budget pre-budget consultations and made a submission to the Department of Finance Pre-Budget Consultations.
The submission recommends a one-time federal investment to establish an endowment for the Register. This would enable its permanent preservation, modernization and operation as national cultural infrastructure at arm’s length from government by the National Trust for Canada, while preserving federal participation in governance and standards.
Read the 2026 Federal Budget Submission → Click here
We launched a parliamentary petition
Thousands responded to Petition e-7594, calling on the Government of Canada to transfer stewardship of the Register and provide the funding needed to stabilize and modernize it.
Read the Petition → Click here
Distribution of petition signatories across Canada.
What can you do?
Help us tell the Government of Canada that the Canadian Register of Historic Places must be saved.
- Write to your Member of Parliament
Contact your local MP and ask them to support the continued operation and modernization of the Canadian Register of Historic Places.
Find your Member of Parliament → Click here
- Send a letter of support
Use one of our letter templates to contact your MP and other decision-makers. You can personalize the letter with examples of how the Register is relevant to your community, organization or work.
Download a letter template → Click to download
Articles
September 2026 – National Trust Endangered Places List 2026 – National Trust for Canada
April 2026 – New Report Charts Path for Canadian Register of Historic Places – National Trust for Canada
March 2026 – Community Rallies for the Canadian Register of Historic Places! – National Trust for Canada
January 2026 – Alarm as Canadian Register of Historic Places to Shut Down – National Trust for Canada
