The Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office (FHBRO) administers the program evaluating and designating federal heritage buildings. The program ensures historic federal properties are properly identified, evaluated, and conserved. Buildings over 40 years old scheduled for major changes or disposal must be evaluated for heritage significance. Designated buildings (Classified or Recognized) must be managed to protect their heritage character—alterations require review to ensure compatibility. Parks Canada provides guidance on conserving character-defining elements. The program recognizes that federal buildings represent significant investment in Canadian architectural and historical heritage that warrants protection. For municipalities, the program means federal heritage buildings in their communities should be maintained appropriately, though it also limits redevelopment options for surplus federal properties if heritage-designated. Municipalities sometimes acquire federal heritage buildings and must then maintain them according to heritage conservation principles.