ICOMOS Canada

The Appleton Charter of ICOMOS Canada outlines principles for the preservation of the built environment regarding its protection, value, setting, relocation, enhancement, use, additions, and environmental control. The Charter emphasizes management of the urban environment as an important aspect of conservation of cultural heritage. Levels of intervention (preservation, period restoration, rehabilitation, period reconstruction, redevelopment) and scales of intervention (maintenance, stabilization, addition, removal) are described. The charter recommends that interventions consider cultural significance, condition and integrity of the fabric, contextual value, and the appropriate use of available physical, social, and economic resources. It calls for public participation in the decision-making process. The Charter also includes principles of practice, among which is a recommendation regarding patina, which seen as part of the historical integrity of the built environment.