February 17 – 23, 2020
Heritage Week offers a chance to explore heritage across BC and Canada. In 2020 the theme is “2020 Vision: Bringing the Past into the Future”. The restoration and adaptation of heritage buildings is key to a sustainable future, preserving community and cultural spaces, retaining affordable retail and residential spaces and keeping usable building materials from landfills, all while enriching our streetscapes and neighbourhoods. The future also includes reconciliation with Indigenous communities and a more inclusive telling of the stories of the past for all communities. Join us as we explore the role of heritage in our future throughout Heritage Week, February 17th – 23rd.
Places That Matter Community Celebration
Wednesday, February 19th
6pm – 8:30pm
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St
Free, and open to the public
The Places That Matter project highlights the lesser-known places, people and events that have shaped Vancouver. Learn about some of the special places recognized in the Places That Matter project, and hear about them from the people and organizations involved in bringing their history forward. We will also have updates on the project and new ways to get involved. Join us for a free evening of storytelling and community history along with community organization displays and refreshments. There will also be music provided by bluegrass band, Viper Central.
Thank you to event sponsor Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Association and community sponsor BC Golf House Society. Thank you also for in-kind donations from Cartems Donuterie and All India Sweets and Restaurant.
Mid-Project Tour: St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church Seismic Upgrade and Heritage Restoration
Friday, February 21st,
4pm – 6pm
St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, 1018 Nelson St
Register here, $85
Please note this workshop is geared towards heritage professionals. In order to attend the tour, participants must bring the following PPE: green triangle work boots, hard hat and reflective vest. This will not be provided for you and is required for everyone entering the site. A mandatory Health & Safety briefing will be provided.
St. Andrew’s-Wesley is a historic landmark church in downtown Vancouver, designed and constructed 1930-33. It is currently undergoing a full seismic upgrade and heritage restoration during a two-year closure. During Heritage Week, we are offering a special opportunity to tour inside the church and see the work in progress with project consultants, Donald Luxton FRAIC CAHP and Michael MacLean BSc, P.Eng., LEED AP O+M, CCCA.
For more information, please visit the Old School Workshops & Courses page.
Something Old/Something New: Adaptive Reuse and Industrial Heritage
Sunday, February 23rd
10am – 12pm
Register here, $16
Early Mount Pleasant saw residential development spurred on by the opening of the streetcar line up Main Street and west along Broadway, while industry was attracted to the shoreline of False Creek which brought sawmills and shipyards. Up the hill, the neighbourhood’s numerous creeks helped spur on smaller operations including an emerging brewing industry.
Today much of that early legacy of development can be found with these former industrial sites adapted to new uses. Join historian John Atkin to explore the challenges and benefits of adaptive reuse with examples found in this historic neighbourhood.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Heritage Week 2019! We’ve created a short video with some highlights from the week. Enjoy!
