When a heritage group is established, it becomes a standing committee of council and an integral part of the municipal structure. The committee functions under the council and normally reports directly to council or through another standing committee.

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Briefly, these are some of the ways in which the heritage group can assist a municipal council:

- examining all the properties and areas that may deserve protection now or in the future;

- facilitating the community's interest and involvement in heritage conservation through a recognized forum;

- promoting heritage conservation within the community;

- advising property owners on appropriate conservation and maintenance practices;

- determining the value of heritage resources for protection through designation;

- providing council with reliable advice to assist them in making decisions on complex issues;

- administering designated property grant programs;

- educating the community to encourage a conservation ethic and a climate of responsible stewardship of the community's heritage assets.