Directors

Jane Banfield

John Blackmer
Mary Ann Clark

Graeme Falkowsky

Leigh Freeman

Lisa MacIntosh
John Quinton

Andre Rowland

Terms of Reference for the Board of Directors

The City of Vancouver Heritage Conservation Foundation, known as the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, is a non-profit, charitable organization created by the City of Vancouver in 1992 to promote the preservation, maintenance and restoration of Vancouver buildings, structures and lands with historical or architectural significance.

The Mayor and Council acted as the Board of Directors until 1998, when a citizen, community-based Board of Directors was appointed. The Mayor and Council continue to be the Honorary Patrons of the Foundation and as such retain limited voting rights with respect to the appointment of Directors, amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws and the acceptance, appointment and expulsion of ordinary members.

The Board is the governing body of the Foundation, and it responsibilities are defined by the Society Act of British Columbia. Directors are selected for their individual interests, abilities and expertise, and their willingness to participate fully in the responsibilities of the organization.


The Role of the Board

The Board of Directors of the Vancouver Heritage Foundation is responsible for increasing private and public sector involvement and investment in the conservation of heritage resources, distributing funds according to developed allocation processes, developing policies for the programs undertaken by the organization, and prudently managing the assets of the Foundation. As this is an active fundraising organization, the Board will be expected to engage in fundraising activities and to promote the Foundation to the public, sponsors, donors and planned giving professionals.


Board Composition

The Board will be comprised of no more than 15 voting members. The Mayor and Council are Honorary Members and do not vote. Mayor and Council do appoint the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors includes individuals with expertise in architecture, real estate development, heritage restoration, tourism, financial management, estate planning, fundraising
and communications.



Specific Responsibilities of the Board

1. Governance
The Board establishes the mission, purpose, and long-range objectives of the Foundation, and amends them as necessary to ensure they remain relevant to the Foundation's evolving role. The Board is responsible for formulating and approving policies consistent with the Foundation's purpose, public trust and financial capabilities, and for regularly monitoring staff progress in implementing those policies. Through the formation of committees, the Board works with the Executive Director to control the programs and operations of the Foundation.

2. Advocacy
The Board of Directors have a responsibility to communicate to the public and its elected representatives the mission and purpose of the Foundation, and to advocate both greater public involvement in the Foundation's activities and increased moral and financial support for the Foundation.

3. Fundraising
Board members are responsible for ensuring that the Foundation can meet its current and future financial responsibilities. Board members, both individually and collectively, are responsible for raising funds for the Foundation from both public and private sources, and using their influence to assist Foundation staff and volunteers in raising these funds.

Directors will also contribute their expertise to the stewardship and acquisition of financial resources, including but not limited to, investment of assets and securing corporate sponsorship.


Board Selection

The City Clerk's Office solicits for nominations for the Board of the Vancouver Heritage Foundation. Terms are two years in duration and a director may serve 3 consecutive terms. An advertisement is placed in local newspapers. Applicants may be self-nominated or be nominated by an organization.

After the deadline for nominations has passed, all applications are distributed to the Mayor and Council. Appointment to the Board will be made at an "In Camera" meeting. The names of the individuals appointed will be made public at the next open meeting of Council, and all applicants will be notified regarding the Board appointments.


Time Commitment

Attendance at Board meetings is a primary responsibility of Directors A minimum of six full Board meetings will be held each year.

Participation on sub-committees of the Board will be expected as required. Sub-committees may be organized to cover programs of the Foundation (such as Grants, Education, Communications, or Fundraising), or may be formed on an "ad hoc" basis to accomplish specific short-term tasks.

Foundation meetings are expected to last approximately two hours. In addition, members may be required to spend between two and four additional hours per month in committee work. Preparation time is also required before meetings.