Guide

Museum, archive or public body seeking to certify or acquire cultural property: request Category A or B designation

Museum, archive or public body seeking to certify or acquire cultural property: request Category A or B designation

Priority

Designation must precede legal transfer of the property. It covers only the locations and property classes expressly assessed.

Confirm the scope

Confirm the organization is an eligible publicly owned institution or public authority and choose Category A or B.

Prepare the information

Identify every location and property class and gather governance, mandate, public access, finances, staff, policies and lease or ownership.

Complete the process

Complete the designation and facilities-evaluation forms with category-specific appendices and submit through a secure channel.

Keep follow-up records

Keep the acquisition proposed until the decision, then follow designation conditions for location, preservation, access and changes.

Designation of institutions and public authorities — Canadian Heritage

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Official sources are linked in the guide. Checked August 30, 2026; confirm current rules, forms and deadlines with the responsible authority.
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