Less than half of Crown-owned heritage buildings in fair or better condition

Forty-five percent of federal heritage buildings owned by the Crown are in fair or better condition, according to a report from Public Services and Procurement Canada. The department targeted at least 35 percent for heritage buildings to meet the standard, but this year's goal was revised to 53 percent due to funding reallocation and shifting priorities.

There are nearly 1,260 federal heritage buildings across Canada, from Nunavut to Newfoundland. In 2025-26, the department focused on rehabilitating the Lester B. Pearson and West Memorial buildings in Ottawa. Minister Joël Lightbound emphasized that investments in heritage building rehabilitation help maintain their safety, accessibility, sustainability, and value for Canadians.

However, Chris Wiebe, manager of heritage policy at the National Trust for Canada, argues that these iconic buildings require better maintenance compared to other federal assets. Wiebe expressed concern that deferred maintenance could lead to further deterioration, making it more challenging to justify upkeep and refurbishment. The 2018 auditor general report found that federal agencies responsible for managing heritage buildings lacked a clear understanding of their ownership and conservation strategies.

Canada is the only G7 country without legislation protecting federal heritage buildings, a fact Wiebe believes should be addressed through policy to ensure their longevity.