Historical Association

Thematic
How well does the building illustrate an important theme in Canadian history?
A. One of best examples (15) B. Very good example (8) C. Convenient or useful example (5) D. Obscure example (0)

Person/Event
What is the level of importance of a directly associated person or event?
A. National/ international (10)
B. Regional (6)
C. Community (4)
D. No association (0)

Local Development
How well does the building illustrate a significant phase in the development of the community, or a major change or turning point in the community's history?
A. One of best examples (10)
B. Very good example (6)
C. Convenient or useful example (4)
D. Obscure Example (0)

Explanatory notes

Historical Associations

These three criteria, "Thematic", "Person/Event" and "Local Development", allow for the evaluation of the associative value of the building.

Thematic

"How well does the building illustrate an important theme in Canadian history?"

The criterion evaluates the building in the context of broad themes of Canadian history. Themes are historical phenomena or processes having both geographical and chronological dimensions, such as development of self-government, exploitation or natural resources, industrialization or creation of national communications systems. Themes identified by the FHBRO should be significant, though not necessarily national in scope. For example, fisheries as a theme is undeniably an important theme in Canadian history although its significance does not apply equally to all provinces. The FHBRO evaluators should be prepared to identify themes with some precision, rather than merely referring to "social history" or "military history".

Person/Event

"What is the level of importance of a directly associated person or event?"

This criterion evaluates the building with respect to this direct association with persons and events. "Directly associated" is defined as ownership or occupancy in the case of a person, or a specific event that took place in the building. In other words, it has a specific sense and does not refer to more general associations. For example, public buildings like post offices, though frequented by many important persons, will seldom merit points under this criterion. "Events" of long duration, such as public works relief projects or production of Victory bonds, are not to be considered under this criterion but rather under "Thematic".

Local Development

"How well does the building illustrate a significant phase in the development of the community, or a major change or turning point in the community's history?"

This criterion evaluates the building as evidence of a significant phase in the community's development or historical evolution. It measures the building's influence over time and in a historical perspective, and should not be confused with its present situation which is assessed under "Setting". While the definition of "community" must be made by the FHBRO, suggested guidelines include the ward of a city, an entire park or the intra-muros space of a penitentiary.