There are two other groups that should be considered as part of a total community heritage enterprise, and even in a heritage planning exercise: business owners and building owners.

Business Owners

Business owners have a vested interest in the success of a community. They are keenly aware that heritage activity can be a draw for tourists and visitors. People visiting the local museum or participating in a walking tour invariably stop in and buy something.

Certain skills that business owners require—persuasion, marketing, cost control—should always be tapped by heritage groups considering a major project. Some business owners will also be building owners, and this combination of economic background and heritage stewardship is an important aspect to be explored.

Building Owners

Many community members live and work in historic buildings, and the ongoing daily connection to these important local reservoirs of heritage value is a human resource that should be explored whenever possible.

Communities that have undertaken a Special Places project, one of the foundational projects recommended by the Historic Resources Branch, and which focus on buildings as a resource, will be aware of the importance of buildings in an effective local heritage enterprise. And those select buildings which will have been identified in these kinds of projects as having major local significance will have owners that can be invited to participate in planning exercises, as well as in promotional and educational projects.