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Going out on your own

How to start a heritage consulting practice in Ontario

Heritage consultants help projects navigate the past — Heritage Impact Assessments, Cultural Heritage Evaluation Reports, and conservation plans that development approvals increasingly require under the Ontario Heritage Act. It is a specialized advisory business at the intersection of planning, architecture, and history.

Heritage Consultant at a glance

Credential
Not licensed — CAHP Professional membership is the recognized mark
Path in
Heritage / planning / architecture / archaeology background → experience → CAHP
Regulated by
Ontario Heritage Act; municipalities; CAHP sets professional standards
Insurance baseline
Professional liability (E&O) for assessment and advisory work
Professional body
Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP)

The steps to start your practice

  1. 1

    Stand up your heritage consulting practice

    There is no firm licence — but clients and municipalities expect CAHP-credentialed authors and professional liability (E&O) insurance. Incorporate, carry E&O, and build relationships with developers, planners, and municipalities navigating heritage approvals.

    Full guide: Insurance
  2. 2

    Incorporate (or form a professional corporation)

    Most professionals incorporate to limit liability and for tax efficiency. Several regulated professions (architects, engineers) can form a professional corporation with a Certificate of Authorization — confirm the right entity type with your regulator before filing.

    Full guide: Incorporation
  3. 3

    Set up your CRA accounts

    Register for a Business Number, HST/GST (mandatory above $30,000 in revenue), payroll if you will hire, and corporate income tax. Professional service fees are HST-taxable.

    Full guide: CRA Registration
  4. 4

    Carry professional liability (E&O) insurance

    Errors & omissions insurance is the core coverage for a professional practice — and a firm-authorization condition for regulated professions. It protects against claims arising from your professional advice, designs, or certifications.

    Full guide: Insurance
  5. 5

    Stand up your practice operations

    Business banking, professional accounting, engagement letters and contracts, and the project and document workflows a practice runs on. This is the back office that keeps you paid and protected.

    Full guide: Operational Setup

Your launch checklist

The whole page in one list.

  • Stand up your heritage consulting practice
  • Incorporate (or form a professional corporation)
  • Set up your CRA accounts
  • Carry professional liability (E&O) insurance
  • Stand up your practice operations

Let AEC Stack handle the business side

Incorporation, CRA, insurance, and the operations to run a practice, set up so you can focus on the professional work.

Start your practice