As part of the department's mandate to assess the significance of potential heritage properties, a comprehensive database of historic sites and structures has been assembled. It includes photographic, historical and architectural information on over 10,000 buildings and on a variety of construction products. Before a Provincial Heritage Property is altered, staff review and approve the proposed changes, or recommend changes. This may include revisions to architectural and engineering drawings. It is important that proper construction techniques and building materials be applied to heritage property restoration or alteration.
Staff provides advice and direct owners to relevant literature and appropriate products.
Staff periodically inspects Provincial Heritage Properties to ensure that the work complies with accepted heritage standards and provisions of The Heritage Property Act . If conflicts develop over proposed heritage property designation, alteration or repeal, staff of the Heritage Unit will try to resolve these through negotiation. Where negotiations are unsuccessful, the dispute is referred to the Saskatchewan Heritage Property Review Board, which conducts a public hearing into the matter. The findings of the Review Board are submitted to the original designating authority, which then makes the final decision in the matter.