The Kensington Market Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study Area is a unique neighbourhood in Downtown Toronto that includes the Kensington Market commercial area and surrounding residential neighbourhood. The area has seen several waves of immigration from the late 19th century to the present, with each generation contributing to the overall character and dynamism of Kensington Market.
The Kensington Market HCD Study was initiated in Spring 2016 and included research, a built form survey, analysis and evaluation to determine if the Study Area warrants designation as an HCD. The HCD Study recommended proceeding to develop an HCD Plan for the Study Area. The Toronto Preservation Board endorsed these recommendations on September 28, 2017.
In July 2018 Toronto City Council adopted a study area bylaw for the area, which prevents the demolition or removal of commercial and mixed-use buildings in the Kensington Market neighbourhood for a period of one year.
The HCD Plan phase began in early 2019.