Cookstown was settled in the mid-19th Century and was originally known as Perry's Corners. By 1847, the hamlet was renamed "Cooke's Town" (later Cookstown) after an early settler, Thomas Cooke. The community flourished as a railroad line ran through the western corridor of the hamlet, creating a vibrant downtown shopping strip for local residents.

There are many benefits to the Cookstown Heritage Conservation District for the greater community and the properties located within it. These include:

• Promotion of heritage tourism, community recognition and heritage-oriented economic development
• Provide a consistent approach to protecting and enhancing features that give the area a unique identity within Innisfil and beyond
• Prevent development that does not fit the community
• Provide opportunities for small- to medium-sized businesses to locate in a community with a unique character and identity
• Prevent demolition applications from moving forward without a decision from Town Council
• Properties within districts demonstrate average to above-average value appreciation when compared to comparable properties without such designations
• Heritage Permits are administered by Town staff and not by other levels of government or consultants
• Set clear guidelines and policies for new infill development within and adjacent to the area

We encourage all property owners in the district to contact us to determine if a Heritage Alteration Permit is necessary before beginning any major renovations or alterations to your property. Staff will work with you to ensure your project complies with the policies and guidelines of the Heritage Conservation District Plan.

Heritage Alteration Permits are not required for building interior renovations. Heritage Conservation District Plans are generally focused on features that are viewable from the public realm, such as from streets and sidewalks. Policies and guidelines typically relate to a building's built form, facades, street trees, etc.

The Heritage Conservation District Plan allows for good design in every decade. Heritage character is assessed, and guidelines and policies are developed to conserve and enhance modern contemporary design elements. New development does not always have to be designed in a historical manner. Each individual building requirement is different, depending on its heritage contributions.

The University of Waterloo's Heritage Resources Centre has explored the effects of property values within Heritage Conservation Districts over the past several years. Its report, titled 'Heritage Designation and Property Values: Is there an Effect?' details the high levels of satisfaction shown by residents living within designated districts and the real estate values that generally meet or exceed the values in comparable adjacent neighbourhoods.

The designation does not change the way properties are purchased or sold. The designation is registered on title to the property.