Vancouver Heritage Foundation: created as a private, charitable organization in 1992 by the Mayor and Council of the City of Vancouver, who remain its honorary patrons until today. Under the direction of a private citizen Board of Directors, the Foundation assists with the conservation of Vancouver's built heritage, in recognition of its public benefit.

5.0 Core LU's

view the 2009 tour brochure
PDF (4 mb)

the participating homes from 2009
Saturday, September 25th, 2010 12-5 pm $25 Get your tickets early so you don't miss out! get INSPIRED, EDUCATED & INSIDE local renovated Specials. Experience the stories of creative and unique projects.
	PRE-TOUR LECTURE Tuesday, September 21st, 7 pm Unitarian Church, 949 West 49th Avenue (@ Oak Street) (included in the price of your ticket when purchased in August) Architect Stephanie Robb of Pechet and Robb Art & Architecture will present her perspective on 10 years of work on Vancouver Specials including a preview of one of the houses on tour. Coupled with the presentation of Robb's latest project will also be the story of a Do-It-Yourself Special renovation on E 22nd Avenue by homeowner and photographer Scott Massey. Pre-tour lecture is $10 if purchased without a tour ticket Sign up for the pre-tour lecture here or by calling 604.264.9642
The 2009 inaugural tour was sold out and saw over 600 ticket holders visit five homes open on tour. Feedback was so positive that the VHF has committed to holding this event anually. For the 2010 tour, a collection of different Vancouver Specials will be featured.
*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 they remain today the dominant house type in Vancouver. The sheer quantity of Specials and their adaptability to a two family dwelling is making them more and more attractive to first time buyers. What is the VHF's connection to Vancouver Specials? In September 2008, the Vancouver Heritage Foundation launched the Vancouver Special events including 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

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