FALL 2015
Heritage: On Location
Heritage Legacy Fund Projects
Heritage BC Conference Highlights
Heritage Week 2016
Fall 2015 Heritage: On Location 3–6 HLF 2014–2015 Project Updates 7 2015 Conference Highlights 8–9 Training and Skills Development 10 Heritage BC’s New Board 11 Heritage Week 2016 12 Get On the Map 13 Corporate Members 14 Student Member Profile 15
Heritage BC is a not-for-profit, charitable
organization supporting heritage conservation across British Columbia through advocacy, training and skills development, capacity building in heritage planning, and funding through the Heritage Legacy Endowment Fund. We are passionate about building links between heritage conservation and tourism, economic and environmental sustainability, community pride, and an appreciation of our common history.
That was fun! I’m referring, of course, to our conference in Rossland this past October. The weather was perfect, the venues were divine, the community warm and welcoming, and the conference delegates were fun-filled, energetic, and so knowledgeable! Thank you to the dedicated conference planning committee: KATHRYN MOLLOY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Bjorn Simonsen, Committee Chair Jackie Drysdale, Rossland Heritage Commission Joelle Hodgins, Rossland Museum and Discovery Centre Judith Cook, Province of B.C., Heritage Branch Andre Lessard, B.C. Association of Heritage Professionals The conference would not have been possible without the big-hearted support of volunteers, billets, and of course our generous sponsors. Please see page 9 for a full list of conference sponsors. A special shout out to Anisa Musmary—conference coordinator extraordinaire, Karen Dearlove—conference content manager, as well as Shirin Shad and Maxine Schleger for behind-the-scenes support. Save the date! We are already planning our next conference—we’ll be celebrating Heritage BC’s 35th birthday by moving our conference back to Spring, and back to Vancouver. The 2016 conference—“Place Making: Where Art and Heritage Collide”—will be held on Granville Island in Vancouver from May 5 to 8, in collaboration with our colleagues at ArtsBC. Watch for great learning opportunities and some serious fun, and the content will still qualify for professional credits (AIBC and PIBC).
Programs include workshops, annual conferences, publications, and grants for the conservation of historic buildings and special places. We are funded through membership fees, program and service revenues, charitable gifts and donations, as well as sponsorships.
We have a lot more planned for 2016—see pages 12-13 for a glimpse at upcoming programs. And we’ve got other ideas brewing from our Strategic Planning session in September—we are developing new member benefits, a fresh website is in the works, and we are evaluating our traditional communications materials, including the Heritage BC Quarterly magazine. If you have an opinion about these and other ideas, please take the time to fill out our Member Survey on our website.
Today we have a growing membership of individuals, groups, and business members who share a common interest in heritage conservation, historic places, and promoting the value of British Columbia’s heritage for all.
This issue of Heritage BC Quarterly—Heritage: On Location—celebrates heritage sites across the province that have been transformed into venues for a variety of public uses—film and TV shoots, weddings, public meetings, tourist attractions, and more. Have a look, and be inspired by the innovative work of these committed heritage societies and organizations.
604.428.7243 1.855.349.7243 www.heritagebc.ca
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Message from the Executive Director
Thanks to all who contributed financially to the success of Heritage BC in 2015. For the first time, we have individual donors, we have increased corporate sponsorship, and we received new grants. As a charitable nonprofit, we count on your generosity. Please consider us in your year-end giving—it’s easy to donate online at our website or you can fill in the attached donation form and mail it to our office with your cheque. Season’s Greetings, Kathryn Molloy Executive Director
Heritage: On Location Cole Island—Esquimalt: Education on Location Historic Cole Island, located in Esquimalt Harbour on Vancouver Island, is home to B.C.’s oldest military buildings. The site was used to store munitions for the Royal Navy from 1856 to 1928. When the Navy left in 1905, ownership of the island shifted several times; it was transferred to the Province in the 1980s. From 2010 onwards, a systematic conservation program has been undertaken to stabilize the architecture, mitigate invasive plant species, and provide safety features for visitors. Most recently, Cole Island and its former gunpowder magazines have become an outdoor classroom for a series of field courses in Heritage Building Conservation offered through the Cultural Resource Management Program at the University of Victoria. Developed with support from B.C. Heritage Minister Steve Thomson, these on-location, practicebased courses provide students with hands-on opportunities to learn state of the art building conservation skills. In April 2015, instructors Gord Macdonald and Ben Gourley transformed the site into a classroom where they shared their knowledge and experience with a group of twelve students. Gourley, a practicing building conservator and archaeologist, has worked on projects in Europe,
Canada, Asia, and Africa, and has a particular interest in the conservation of vernacular building traditions. Macdonald, a Master Carpenter and Building Conservator with more than thirty years experience with historic timber buildings, has led carpentry teams through a range of award-winning projects from the restoration of medieval houses and castles to the re-creation of a thirty-ton Roman war machine for BBC Television. The instructors will return to Cole Island in March 2016 to offer the second course in the series.
More info on Cole Island: www.coleisland.ca More info on courses offered: crmcoord@uvic.ca
Looking for a way to influence your profession? Grow your potential.
Graduate Professional Certificate in Cultural Heritage Studies Apply now—start in September 2016 This five-course, fully online program is designed for working professionals, and is delivered one course per term. • Museum or Heritage specialization • Internships available • Tuition fees: $1085.34 CAD per course, as of 2015 (2% increase is expected for 2016). • Application Deadline March 15, 2016
Need just one course? • Condition Assessment, Recording and Measured Survey: March 14–19, 2016 • Cultural Landscapes: May 9–14, 2016
www.uvcs.uvic.ca/cultural/graduate/programs/certificate/ | crmcoord@uvic.ca
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Mackie Lake House—Coldstream: Bringing History to Life!
Potato House Project—Williams Lake: Compost and Zombies!
Laurel Packinghouse—Kelowna: Industry and Agriculture
The 1910 historic Mackie Lake House is nestled on the shores of Kalamalka Lake. The Mackie Lake House Foundation opens this 1910 heritage house and grounds for meetings, seminars, weddings, receptions, memorials, birthday parties, reunions, thesis presentations, filming, fundraising events, and as a podcast location. The house and grounds are available for rent when it is not being used for in-house events.
For nearly fifty years, a small lot with a blue and white bungalow in downtown Williams Lake yielded corn, squash, tomatoes, grapes, apples, and a ton of potatoes every season. When one of the two dedicated gardeners passed away, the old house was put up for sale. The soil became hard and unloved. Plants died and weeds flourished.
Located in the heart of Kelowna’s Cultural District, the Laurel Packinghouse is a unique heritage landmark connecting visitors with Okanagan history. Built in 1917, the Laurel supported the worldwide market for Okanagan apples for more than five decades. In 1982, this landmark was threatened by urban revitalization plans and scheduled for demolition. Thankfully, the Laurel was saved and restored, primarily through community effort.
From June to September visitors travel back in time through extensive house tours, learning about the architecture, history, and characteristics of this unique home and the families who lived here. Last summer we offered a weekly “Tea with Grace”—tea and sandwiches served on fine-bone china, enjoyed on the verandah overlooking the serene gardens and lake. Mackie Lake House is also the perfect place to kick back and enjoy our “Music at Mackie” Summer Concert Series held on the spacious grounds. Wedding ceremonies are held on the expansive lawn overlooking the lake, framed by two impressive old Linden trees. The grounds easily accommodate up to 200 people for an outdoor wedding or other event. This venue was recognized by Okanagan Life magazine as one of the best places in the North Okanagan to get married. Our active School Program involves spring visits by up 500 students, while 800 students visit Fylton Forest throughout the year. The Mackie Lake House and Grounds are governed by the Mackie Lake House Foundation which was formed in 1993 by Paddy Mackie. It has an active Board of Directors and many dedicated volunteers. Mackie Lake House brings history to life! More info: www.mackiehouse.ca or contact: Christine Kashuba at 250-545-1019 or mackiehouse@shaw.ca
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Mary Forbes, a local youth, saw an opportunity. She dared to ask: What did this old home have left for the community? The Potato House survives today as a heritage house in a town known for tearing them down thanks to funding for a Drive-Up Community Composting Project from the Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition (CCBAC). The annual Zombie Walk and Haunted Potato House events bring visitors to the site where composting is so easy even brain-dead zombies can do it. The Pumpkins and Bubbles Family Halloween Photoshoot is a yearly funds generator, as is the Historic Holiday Photos and Santa Claus Parade. Thanks to Heritage BC, Northern Development Initiative Trust, and CCBAC, Potato House is about to become a 1200-square-foot Micro Community Hall where weddings, potlucks, and meetings can be held. You might book the Hall just to use the bathroom, designed for the natural light filtering through vintage pane glass windows over the original claw-foot tub. The Potato House was once categorized as “dilapidated.” Love and landscaping have made it nostalgic instead of neglected, a site which provides the community a greater appreciation for where we live. The Potato House is a home from the past with a plan for the future. More info: www.potatohouseproject.com
The Laurel Packinghouse, now part of the Kelowna Museums Society, has taken on a new life. Within the Laurel is the B.C. Orchard Industry Museum and the B.C. VQA Wine Shop and Wine Museum, as well as a charming rental venue. The Orchard Industry Museum displays the region’s agricultural roots, and visitors enjoy recounting their personal experiences in the orchard industry.
For wine sampling or shopping, and learning about the Okanagan’s wine-making industry, the B.C. Wine Museum and VQA Wine Shop is a perfect stop, offering an extraordinary selection of wines representative of more than 150 estates. One of Canada’s few heritage industrial sites, the Laurel promotes the Okanagan Valley’s agricultural heritage as well as its current wine-based economy, while also making innovative use of the event space. The Laurel hosts a wide range of events, including the annual Regional Heritage Fair. The open design lends itself to conferences, weddings, trade shows, art shows, corporate meetings, and parties. Original features such as Knox Mountain bricks, hanging lamps, lofty beams, and repurposed plank flooring create warmth and atmosphere. The building regularly attracts photographers; the curiosity of its five-sided shape and crenellated roofing are particularly noteworthy. The Laurel Packinghouse continues to forge connections between the history of the Okanagan Valley and people seeking contemporary use of this sought-after landmark. More info: www.kelownamuseums.ca/museums/ the-laurel-packinghouse
Ward Tea House—Yale: Elegance Reborn
S.S. Sicamous—Penticton:
Iredale Historic House—Victoria: Intimate Performance Venue
The original home of William “Johnny” Ward in Yale was a three-room building built in or around 1863. In July 1880, during one of several fires that swept through Yale in the 1800s, the home and barn were burnt to the ground. A week later, the August 5th edition of The Inland Sentinel reported that “Mr. J. Ward has rebuilt at the corner of Douglas and Albert streets, where he again resides as for many years past.” Over the years, a kitchen and bathroom were added, as well as a cold storage area.
The S.S. Sicamous is the largest surviving stern wheeler in B.C., and was once an important part of Okanagan Valley life, transporting passengers and cargo to remote communities along the shores of Okanagan Lake. Many of its sister ships were burned, torn apart, or left to rot. Thanks to generations of dedicated volunteers, the ship was preserved and has recently passed its 101st anniversary.
My house is not a designated heritage house, although we chose our simple Edwardian craftsman home for its heritage values, and we love to share its beauty.
Used as a private residence for many years, the home and grounds eventually came under the care of the Province of B.C., and are now part of the Yale Historic Site properties. Two years ago the home underwent an extensive conservation process, and in Spring 2015 was reopened as the Ward Tea House. The interior of the home has been recreated as it would have looked in the 1800s, and the cold storage area has been converted into a modern, galley-style kitchen. A variety of hot and cold food is available and a special blend of House Tea was developed. The tea house is staffed by dedicated volunteers, and food and beverages are served on the covered front porch and at picnic tables in the garden. The Ward Tea House is open from May to September, and is an added heritage attraction to the Fraser Canyon and the Yale Historic Site. Response from visitors has been extremely positive with many returning throughout the summer, and local residents stopping in for a bite to eat and a chat. More info: www.historicyale.ca/features/theward-house
Weddings on a Heritage Steam Ship
Looking after a heritage site requires significant funding. The roof leaks, wood needs to be replaced, exteriors painted, rusting on the hull prevented, leaking pipes fixed, displays updated. Over the years the S.S. Sicamous Society has worked hard to raise funds, but admissions only just cover costs
Hosting weddings on board the heritage vessel has proved both popular with guests and beneficial for the society. Many groups have been able to come on board and enjoy the vessel, helping to promote both the ship and the society that maintains it, allowing the society to reach a much wider demographic, and not merely traditional museum-goers. Funds from wedding rentals are directed back to the restoration project, allowing upgrades to the museum and displays. The visitor experience is improved as a direct result. The upgraded appearance of the ship drives more enquiries and bookings, creating a cycle that reinforces the preservation and enjoyment of the ship. Wedding rentals have proven to be well aligned with our mission to protect the heritage of the Okanagan, and represent a new chapter in the restoration and preservation of the S.S. Sicamous for future generations. More info: www.sssicamous.ca or contact Jessie Dunlop at 250-492-0403 or info@sssicamous.ca
Our house is on Cambridge Street in Fairfield, close to the Dallas Road waterfront and a block from Beacon Hill Park. The house 1 2 dates to 1912 or 1903 , depending on if you ask my husband or me. In the early 1990s we restored many of its character-defining elements and earned a Hallmark Society Award for this work. Every few months we host a musical house concert in the wood-paneled dining room. Our house is transformed into an intimate performance space as our wood-paneled entryway—with its restored stairway overlooked by a large stained-glass window— makes for a welcoming entry for our patrons. The dining room with its wonderful acoustics hosts the stage, and we extend the living room by opening panelled pocket doors to join two rooms, providing seating for up to forty. Our kitchen and den become a green room where musicians store instruments, practice, and relax before the show. We receive many compliments on the lovely ambiance of our historic rooms. People mention the warmth of the wood paneling; the character of the beamed ceiling; the beauty of the arts and crafts light fixtures; the colour and fineness of our two fireplaces. Others mention how wonderful it is to hear live music in such an intimate and beautiful setting.
1 This date came from a penciled notation “Lowe Bros 1912”
written on one of the boards in a downstairs cupboard. We discovered this during the 1992 restoration.
2 This date came from a penciled notation “July 11, 1903 Geo.
Calder” discovered on a board taken from the roof during the course of adding a dormer.
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Huble Homestead —Prince George
Gulf of Georgia Cannery —Steveston
The Royal Hotel —Chilliwack
The common misconception that historic sites are for old people and school field trips has been challenged at Huble Homestead, where they work hard to demonstrate that local history can be fun, meaningful, and engaging. Forty kilometres north of Prince George, this 1912 homestead and trading post offers a busy public schedule that keeps local visitors returning for hands-on demonstrations, games, lunch, and local shopping. Some events, such as Seniors Day and Kids Carnival, appeal to specific age groups, while others, like Dominion Day and Homestead Days, focus on Prince George’s pioneer history. Fun-loving adults are eager to sign up for the Edwardian murder mystery. Kids and kids-at-heart love the annual Hallowe’en Spooktacular when the historic Huble house is converted to a house of horrors, the barns become a venue for magic shows and children’s crafts, and the garden is reimagined as a graveyard.
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery, built in 1894, is the last remaining cannery of fifteen that once lined the banks of the Fraser River in the historic fishing village of Steveston, south of Vancouver. It is now a national historic site, operated by the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society on behalf of Parks Canada.
The Royal Bank in Chilliwack opened in 1906, two years before construction of the Royal Hotel would begin next door at the corner of Wellington and Main Street, a prominent downtown hub. The two-storey building housed offices and suites on the upper floor, and provided financial services until 1950 when a larger bank was erected several blocks away.
The site opened as a museum in 1994, presenting the history of Canada’s west coast fishing industry. With its distinct architectural design built on 600 wooden pilings above the Fraser, this massive 55,000-square-foot building has become valued as a unique venue for community and private events, and as a filming location. The Society operates a community winter indoor market featuring local food products and artisan merchants. Last season, the market drew over 18,000 visitors to the site from October to April (when tourist traffic is usually low), reaching out to an audience who may not have been familiar with the site. The Society has partnered on events such as a popular Craft Beer Festival and Wine Festival, drawing crowds of 500. Weddings, memorials, film screenings, and corporate parties have also been held at the Cannery, often drawing a clientele with connections to the local community and its fishing heritage. The Cannery has also appeared as a TV and film location for productions such as Once Upon A Time, Supernatural and the movie Twilight.
During the six months that Huble Homestead is open, the site is a go-to day trip for locals hosting out of town visitors; lately they have been bringing more family and friends than ever, including as wedding guests. Site rentals have long been offered, and plans to attract more bookings were in the works when, in a 2014 article on Huffington Post website, Huble Homestead was nominated as one of the best wedding venues in B.C. Huble Homestead is now a highly sought-after venue for rustic, picturesque weddings. Bookings have tripled in two years, and staff are now working to re-evaluate the rental fee structure in order to accommodate this welcome addition to the site’s earning potential.
More info: www.hublehomestead.ca
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It can be challenging to facilitate rental events while protecting exhibits and the building, which is itself an artefact. But the benefits of reaching a wider audience, and the addition of new revenue, make the effort worthwhile.
More info: www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.org
Buck Berry, the colourful proprietor of the Royal Hotel, purchased the adjacent former bank. He built an addition with the intent of opening a licensed establishment, and in August 1950, the 350-seat Royal Hotel Beer Parlour debuted with separate entrances for men and women, along with a removable partition to keep the genders apart, as required by the liquor laws of the day. Buck was not thinking about the benefits of heritage preservation when he re-purposed the bank building; his goal was to establish a business that catered to working class clientele, commercial travellers, and veterans—a place to catch up with friends while enjoying a beer amongst mainly male company.
The Royal Hotel changed ownership in 1995, when a relaxing of liquor laws encouraged the introduction of neighbourhood pubs and saw the decline of beer parlours. This was the end of an era and the beginning of a second renewal—the beer parlour was re-purposed into the Wellington Pub and the Wellington 64 meeting space. Today, two separate function rooms accommodate private parties, weddings, and meetings for up to 95 guests as well as offering a unique location for television and movie productions. Filled with historical ambiance, the heritage setting of the Royal Hotel provides intimate event space where beautiful memories continue to be made. More info: www.royalhotelchilliwack.com
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Heritage Legacy Fund 2014—Project Updates Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre—Vancouver Japanese Canadian War Memorial Restoration Project The Japanese Canadian War Memorial located in Stanley Park in Vancouver was erected in 1920 in memory of Japanese Canadians that served in the First World War. It also recognizes veterans from the Second World War and the Korean War. The project included the assessment, cleaning, and repair of the monument, as well as the base and surrounding area. Bronze plaques were updated, and repairs were made to the top of the lantern. Restoration work was completed in March 2015. The project received a Vancouver Heritage Award in May 2015. Lytton First Nation—Lytton St. Mary’s and St. Paul’s Church Roof Repair Constructed in 1885, St. Mary’s and St. Paul’s Anglican Church has long served as an impor-
tant community resource and gathering place for the Lytton First Nation. With the assistance of the Heritage Legacy Fund, the roof was replaced and the steeple repaired. Reverend Danny Whitehead, current minister at St. Mary’s and St. Paul’s, described the community’s reaction to the project: “The renewed ringing of the church bell at St. Mary’s and St. Paul’s brings the attention of our community to the new roof and restored cross above the beautiful historic structure where First Nations parishioners have gathered to worship since 1885.” The project was completed in September 2015. Hope Mountain Centre—Hope Hudson’s Bay Company (1849) Heritage Trail Interpretative Signs In summer 2015, the 74 kilometres of Hudson’s Bay Company (1849) Heritage Trail was reopened with two new kiosks featuring interpretative signage. The signage describes the history of the Hudson’s Bay Company trail and the relationship between the Hudson’s Bay Company and the local First Nations.
Heritage Legacy Fund 2015 Project Restoring West Vancouver’s Point Atkinson Lighthouse In 2015, the Point Atkinson Lighthouse in West Vancouver received a grant of $8,000 from the Heritage Legacy Fund for painting and repairs necessary for ongoing preservation work. Situated within Lighthouse Park, a 75-hectare parcel of old-growth rainforest, the Point Atkinson Lighthouse is a West Coast icon. A lighthouse was first erected in this location in 1874. Promised to B.C. upon entrance into Confederation, the lighthouse supported early economic growth in the Vancouver area as it improved the safety of the voyage into Burrard Inlet, expanding trade possibilities. The original wood frame lighthouse was replaced in 1912 with the concrete tower that stands today. The current lighthouse features an innovative hexagonal design that allows it to sway during high winds while ensuring the stability of the lantern. It became a model for later lighthouses constructed throughout Canada. Keepers operated the Point Atkinson Lighthouse from 1874 until 1996 when it was automated and declared surplus by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). While DFO still owns the lighthouse and periodically services the lantern, there has been insufficient maintenance of the
structure in recent years. This has led to both aesthetic deterioration and increased risk of structural damage, threatening its long-term conservation. The West Vancouver Historical Society sought a grant from the Heritage Legacy Fund for muchneeded maintenance of the lighthouse, a federally and municipally-recognized heritage resource. The lighthouse is valued for its association with maritime trade, early non-Aboriginal settlement on Vancouver’s North Shore, and for its role as a coastal defense station. Today, it is cherished by hikers from throughout the region, who are drawn to Lighthouse Park for its natural beauty as well as its historical associations. A trip to the park is not complete without catching a view of the lighthouse amid the backdrop of Burrard Inlet, UBC, and the Gulf Islands. Indeed, the lighthouse is a symbol of West Vancouver, featured in the school board’s logo and in numerous municipal publications. Generations of children from the North Shore have attended summer camps in the park, learning about ecology and history. Through ongoing conservation of the lighthouse, its role in connecting the public to heritage can be preserved and enhanced. 67
Conference Highlights We were delighted to host our 2015 Annual Conference in historic Rossland, B.C. from October 1 to 3. More than eighty delegates from every corner of British Columbia and even further afield joined us in the Kootenay Rockies. Thought leaders and heritage enthusiasts including architects, planners, heritage commission members, heritage society representatives, museum professionals, students, tourism organisation representatives, and more came to the conference to network, learn, and teach with like-minded individuals.
www.pattisonarchitecture.ca 604.525.3232
The conference opened at the Rossland Museum with renowned CBC broadcaster Mark Forsythe speaking about his experiences with heritage. The 2015 conference keynote and workshops took place in three of Rossland’s great heritage venues—Rossland Miners’ Hall, The Old Fire Hall, and Rossland Art Gallery. The two days of conference workshops began with a welcome from Rossland’s Mayor Kathy Moore. Our keynote speaker, Jim Mountain, Director of Regeneration at Heritage Canada The National Trust, then took to the Rossland Miners’ Hall stage to give his address. The member reports this year included speakers from the Alliance for Arts and Culture, the B.C. Museums Association, and the Rossland Heritage Commission. This was followed by the Heritage BC Annual General Meeting at which new Heritage BC Board Members were elected. Attendees then took part in their chosen workshops, which included topics such as Heritage and Cultural Tourism, Main Street Revitalization Projects, and Heritage Conservation and Climate Change. The conference’s social event —the Prospector’s Dinner at the Miners’ Hall—was held on Friday night. The Gold Rush-themed evening included a delicious dinner, the Heritage Speed Meet, and performances from the Golden City Fiddlers and the Boomtown Garter Girls Can-Can Troupe.
w w w. i r e d a l e . c a
REVIVE... THRIVE
Attendees returned on Saturday morning for two more sessions of workshops including our hands-on outdoor workshops presented by Macdonald & Lawrence and Traditional Timber Framing Co. After lunch, conference delegates had the opportunity to participate in a number of expertly guided walking and bus tours in Rossland and the surrounding area. Tours included a guided tour of Nelson and the Nelson Canadian Pacific Railway Station, a walking tour of downtown Rossland, a tour of Trail’s famous rock walls, and a guided tour of Columbia Cemetery. We would like to thank all attendees, speakers, local committee members, volunteers, and sponsors who helped to make the Heritage BC Annual Conference 2015—The Main Thing such a great success. Opposite page: 1. The Boomtown Garter Girls performing with an extra special guest at the Prospector’s Dinner. 2. Gord Macdonald of Macdonald and Lawrence Timber Framing takes delegates outside for his hands-on Traditional Building Methods workshop. 3. Rossland Gallery, formerly the Bank of Montreal Building played host to conference workshops. 4. Keynote speaker Jim Mountain, Director of Regeneration at Heritage Canada The National Trust. 5. Eric Pattison of Pattison Architecture and Heritage BC Board member with Kathryn Molloy, Executive Director of Heritage BC at the Prospector’s Dinner. 6. Conference host venue and Heritage Legacy Fund project: the Rossland Miners’ Hall.
Vancouver 604.736.5581
Victoria 250.381.5582
The Exchange Project in collaboration with Harry Gugger Studio
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Conference Sponsors Platinum Sponsor—$5,000
Silver Sponsors—$1,500
Bronze Sponsors—$1,000
Workshop Sponsors—$500
Bursary Sponsors
Robert Lemon X4 604.428.7243 1.855.349.7243 102-657 Marine Drive West Vancouver, B.C. Canada V7T 1A4 www.heritagebc.ca
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Training and Skills Development Update Identifying Intangible Heritage Values for Vancouver’s Chinatown In August 2015, Heritage BC gathered public input on behalf of the Province’s Ministry of International Trade and the Legacy Initiatives Advisory Council (LIAC) to identify the intangible heritage values of Vancouver’s Chinatown. Despite the local and national recognition of Chinatown as a historic site, there has been fear that the intangible heritage and cultural values—those values difficult to define in terms of architecture and physical features alone—have not been clearly captured by prior studies of the neighbourhood. Heritage BC staff, along with an enthusiastic team of volunteers, conducted a workshop for key stakeholders and a public open house to gather information on intangible heritage values. At both events, six thematic stations were set up to encourage participants to reflect on what makes Vancouver’s Chinatown special to them. Adapted from Parks Canada’s broad themes for identifying heritage values, the themes used to guide discussion were: Arriving in B.C. and Settling in Vancouver; Establishing Community— Building Social and Community Life; Working in a New World and Developing Economies; Facing Racism, Establishing Rights; Developing and Expressing Intellectual and Cultural Life Honouring Achievements. An online form was avail-
City of Nanaimo Heritage Conservation Program Review and Update The City of Nanaimo’s Heritage Strategy was completed in 1994, followed by a Heritage Action Plan in 1998. The Heritage Action Plan led to a series of initiatives including the establishment of a Community Heritage Register and Community Heritage Commission. Since the creation of a combined Culture and Heritage Department in 2014, the City has started to review the status, objectives, and scope of the Heritage Conservation Program. As part of this review, the City of Nanaimo invited Heritage BC to provide a public “Heritage Basics” presentation and an “Identifying Heritage Values” workshop for community stakeholders in October 2015. At the Heritage Basics presentation participants learned about heritage conservation, including which tools are available to local governments and to the City of Nanaimo’s heritage conservation programs. At the Heritage Values workshop, stakeholders provided valuable input into the discussion about what makes Nanaimo a unique place, and identified those places that make Nanaimo 10
able to allow those unable to attend in person to provide input, and also to give those who did attend an opportunity to further articulate the heritage values they associate with Chinatown.
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Held at the Chinese Cultural Centre on Pender Street in Vancouver’s Chinatown, both events were well attended by enthusiastic participants. As people visited the thematic stations, the room was humming with conversation. Volunteers set up a Mah-jong table in the centre of the room, and welcomed participants to stay and play while discussing Chinatown’s heritage values. The relaxed, social atmosphere contributed to the richness of the information uncovered in the process. Recurring topics included the positive contributions of small, independent businesses to the vibrancy and uniqueness of the neighbourhood, and the powerful role of food in fostering community connectedness. Many identified a need for more places and spaces for people of all generations to connect and socialize, in particular places that are safe and accessible for Chinese seniors, who are regarded as the glue of the community. The information collected through the workshops and online form is being drafted into a report for the Ministry of International Trade.
special. Heritage BC is drafting a summary report of the comments collected at the Heritage Values workshop to aid in the city’s review of Nanaimo’s Heritage Conservation Program. Heritage BC staff spent a wonderful fall day in Nanaimo, including a personal tour of Nanaimo’s historic downtown, learning about Nanaimo’s heritage conservation success stories from city planner Chris Sholberg. Learn more about Heritage BC workshops for your community. More info: http://heritagebc.ca/education/hbcworkshops
Heritage BC Webinars As part of the Training and Skills Development Program, Heritage BC offers a series of educational webinars that demonstrate best practices in heritage conservation and planning. Accessible virtually from anywhere in British Columbia or across Canada, Heritage BC webinars are a great resource for municipal planners, organizations, and individuals interested in learning more about heritage conservation and planning. Webinar topics include:
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Writing Statements of Significance How to Write an Effective Grant Proposal How to Use the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada Heritage Legislation in British Columbia Heritage Conservation Areas in British Columbia Heritage Basics Heritage Conservation, Sustainability, and Climate Change
Members of the Planning Institute of BC and Architectural Institute of BC are eligible for Continuous Professional Learning Units for select webinars. For more information about Heritage BC webinars, including topics, schedule, and how to sign up, visit Heritage BC’s website. Can’t attend a specific webinar? Now you can purchase a webinar “in a can”—this includes a pdf of the presentation PowerPoint, and a video recording of the webinar. Contact Heritage BC staff for more information. More info: www.heritagebc.ca/education/webinars or training@heritagebc.ca
New Board at Heritage BC With gratitude and sadness we say good-bye to departing board members Eric Pattison, Bjorn Simonsen, and James Ma. These directors lead Heritage BC through a difficult transition to a successful and vibrant organization. They have all been a driving force in the development of the Sustainable Business Model and Three-Year Strategic Plan. Their steadfast commitment has set the tone for incoming board members. Eric, Bjorn, and James—you will be missed!
Welcome to the 2015-2016 board of Heritage BC!
For more information about the board and individual directors, please visit our website at www.heritagebc.ca
Helen Cain, Chair Gord Macdonald, Vice Chair Janice Henry, Past Chair Lynda Lafleur, Secretary Jason Trefanenko, Treasurer Tim Ankenman, Director at large Denise Cook, Director at large Kendall Jessiman, Director at large Patrick Stewart, Director at large Jon Weller, Director at large
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Heritage Week 2016
Distinctive Destinations: Experience Historic Places Show us your Distinctive Destination and you could win! Heritage Week 2016 takes place from February 15 to 21 across Canada. This year’s national theme is “Distinctive Destinations: Experience Historic Places.” Heritage BC commemorates Heritage Week by sending out hundreds of colourful posters to our members, community organizations, and schools. This year, we are holding a photo contest to find the images for our Heritage Week poster. Do you know of a Distinctive Destination in British Columbia—some place that attracts lo-
cals and tourists alike for an experience of B.C.’s heritage? Send a photo of your favourite B.C. historic place that represents a Distinctive Destination. Anyone can enter! Go to Heritage BC’s website for more information and to complete the entry form. Entries will be accepted until the end of the day on Friday, December 11, 2015. More info: heritagebc.ca/heritage-week-2016
Heritage BC Seeks Public Input to Locate and Assess B.C.’s Stop of Interest Signs Heritage BC wants your help to locate and visually assess the condition of the Stop of Interest signs found throughout British Columbia. Starting in 1958, Stop of Interest signs were erected across British Columba to commemorate significant people, places, and events. Over one hundred signs were erected from the 1950s through the 1990s. Since that time some signs have gone missing and some have been moved. In partnership with the Heritage Branch of the Province of British Columbia, Heritage BC is 12
seeking public input to gauge the public location, condition, and content of the Stop of Interest signs. This is the first step in creating a contemporary inventory to start planning for the future of the Stop of Interest signs. You can participate by taking pictures of the signs and the stops of interest they refer to, noting the location, then completing Heritage BC’s online form. Forms can be submitted until December 18, 2015. You can also follow Heritage BC and this proj-
ect on Facebook and @HeritageBCanada on Instagram and Twitter. Upload your Stop of Interest photos using the hashtag #bcstopsofinterest. Online and social media submissions will be entered into a prize draw. Online submission form: www.heritagebc.ca/stops-of-interest-signs-condition-assessment-survey
Get on the Map: War Monuments and Memorials in British Columbia Heritage BC is excited to announce a new mapping project: Get on the Map: War Monuments and Memorials in British Columbia. More than 6,000 monuments and memorials dedicated to Canada’s war dead can be found across Canada—the First and Second World Wars touched nearly every community in Canada, big and small. Heritage BC is seeking the public’s help to collect information about war monuments and memorials in communities across British Columbia. This information will be used to create an interactive online map.
As an online resource, this project will be accessible to people across British Columbia, as well as Canada, and throughout the world. It will serve as a valuable educational resource about Canada’s war effort and the effects on local communities. It will also provide opportunities for local communities to share their stories, heritage, and history.
community cenotaphs to commemorative plaques. In some communities, memorials take the form of park gates or even whole buildings.
Where are the war monuments and memorials in your community? They can range from
More info: www.heritagebc.ca/war-memorials-in-bc
For more information and to provide information about war memorials and monuments, go to Heritage BC’s website. Entries will be accepted until March 1, 2016.
Heritage BC Annual Awards Heritage BC is accepting nominations for our 2016 Annual Awards. Our awards gala will be held in Vancouver during Heritage Week in February 2016. Nominations will be accepted on Heritage BC’s website until the end of day on Friday, December 18, 2015. Nominations are accepted in four categories: • • • •
Heritage Conservation Heritage Education and Awareness Heritage Planning and Management Ruby Nobbs Volunteer Award
For more information about award categories, evaluation criteria, levels of recognition, eligibility, and how to submit a nomination, go to Heritage BC’s website. More info: www.heritagebc.ca/awards/awards-program
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Heritage BC Corporate Members Iredale Group Architecture Judy Oberlander and Associates Inc. Kick Start Technologies Ltd. LDR Engineering Group Macdonald & Lawrence Timber Framing McLaren Trefanenko Inc. Chartered Professional Accountants McLeod Masonry International Corp. Pattison Architecture Quoin Project and Cost Management Ltd. RATIO Architecture Ravenstone Masonry and Conservation Inc. RDH Building Science Consulting Inc. Read Jones Christofferson Ltd. Robert Lemon Architect Inc. Sasen Renovations Ltd. Vintage Woodworks
Doell Photography
Ankenman Marchand Architects Barry McGinn Architect Bastion Group Black & McDonald Limited Brian Childs & Company Construction Ltd. Brian G. Hart & Company Bull Housser & Tupper LLP Conex Projects Inc. Craven | Huston | Powers Architects Denise Cook Design Donald Luxton & Associates Inc. Edwards Consulting Glenburn Soda Fountain & Confectionery Glotman Simpson Consulting Engineers Golder Associates Heritage Restorations Inc.
Rossland Miners Union Hall, City of Rossland
Working together to strengthen the places we love We proudly support arts, culture and heritage in the Basin. cbt.org/heritage
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Student Member Profile: Carmut Me mother and sister, and she has spent much of her life moving back and forth between the two places, having to adapt quickly to the different cultures each time. This experience shaped her understanding of the importance of heritage and cultural connections, and how they shape a community.
Carmut Me is pursuing a Master’s in Community and Regional Planning and Asia Pacific Policy Studies at University of British Columbia in Vancouver. She has been a student member of Heritage BC since May 2015. Carmut’s interest in heritage is deeply rooted in her experiences growing up in two very different parts of the world. At the age of five, she emigrated from Hong Kong to Vancouver with her
Carmut’s primary research is focussed on “place-based memories” and how the urban landscape contributes to the construction of collective identity by acting as a resource for storing collective memory. She believes that heritage conservation is important because collective memories are manifested in built heritage and cultural landscapes. Her favourite part of her research is exploring the links between the tangible and intangible aspects of heritage—she believes that the intangible sto-
ries, traditions, memories, and practices of a community are what give the tangible things meaning. She sees heritage as a dynamic legacy that helps build communities and identities— as societal values change over time, so do the perspectives of heritage conservation to reflect those values. This challenging aspect of heritage conservation is what interests her most. Carmut has been involved with various projects related to Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, the Downtown Eastside. She has connected with various arts and cultural organizations and communities in the neighbourhood, and recently she has been involved with Chinatown and the revitalization of this marginalized community. On some days, you can find her leading groups of students on heritage tours around Chinatown as a volunteer tour guide.
Message from the Chair Helen Cain Board Chair
committee members, presenters, staff, local businesses, and volunteers. We could not have achieved this successful event without you.
Congratulations to the community of Rossland for hosting the well-attended and enjoyable Heritage BC 2015 conference. It was my first visit to this beautiful mountain city, and I was thrilled to experience the vibrancy and physical integrity of the historic downtown. Rossland is a model of excellence for Main Street revitalization in British Columbia and Canada. Sincere thanks to all conference sponsors,
This issue of Heritage BC Quarterly is dedicated to historic places such as Rossland Miners’ Hall which have been re-imagined from their original purpose into local venues. These historic buildings, sites, and districts bring social, cultural, and economic value to communities, and many are used as unique spaces for private and public gatherings, arts, culture and recreation events and festivals, and film locations. We invite you to experience and learn from these heritage destinations across B.C. Helen Cain Chair, Heritage BC
M&L Heritage
Building Conservation Specialists www.macdonaldandlawrence.ca
repairs • condition assessment • non destructive testing • structural analysis • roped access • repair specification • survey
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Share Your Ideas New ideas are brewing as a result of our Strategic Planning session in September—we are developing new member benefits, a fresh website is in the works, and we are evaluating our traditional communications materials, including the BC Heritage Quarterly magazine. If you have an opinion about these and other membership ideas, please take the time to fill out our Member Survey available at www.heritagebc.ca
102-657 Marine Drive West Vancouver BC Canada V7T 1A4 604.428.7243 www.heritagebc.ca 1.855.349.7243