What is a Vancouver Special anyway?
Some say it derives from the “rancher” turned sideways, to adapt to Vancouver’s narrow lots. Popular and quick to build, thousands of “Vancouver Specials” were constructed in the 1960s and 70s in bluecollar neighbourhoods all over the Lower Mainland, and have become a dominant house type in Vancouver.
The sheer quantity of Specials and their adaptability to two family dwellings has made them very attractive to first time buyers. We are excited to see this stock gain respect and value, so Specials are retained and not sent to the landfill. The highest volume of landfill today is coming from demolished buildings.
 
What is the VHF's connection to Vancouver Specials?
In September 2008, the Vancouver Heritage Foundation launched the Vancouver Special with a lecture and an open house.
In 2009, the Foundation released:
New Life, Old Buildings: Your Green Guide to Heritage Conservation.
The stories of two Vancouver Specials are included in this booklet. Click on the title to read the publication in pdf format.
To view more images of Vancouver Specials check out www.vancouverspecial.com
Images from the Second Annual 2010 Vancouver Special Tour.
Thank you to the 2010 in-kind sponsors:
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