VHF’s Heritage Conservation courses teach homeowners, building owners and professionals skills and knowledge for the care and maintenance of older buildings and heritage sites. Formerly known as Old School, these courses and workshops can include topics such as best practices for researching the history of a building, how to manage a heritage project from start to finish, a thorough introduction to heritage conservation, and wood windows repair and maintenance.
Thank You to Our Project Partners
Lohn Foundation
Tuesday November 4th, 6pm - 9pm
Heritage Hall
$45+tax
Join us for a Heritage Conservation Education Workshop on Statements of Significance
Statements of Significance (SOS) are tools that articulate the heritage values and character-defining elements of historic places (whether buildings, groups of buildings, landscapes, districts, or structures), and are mandatory documents to formally recognize historic places at local, provincial and federal levels. They are also an important part of conservation planning and are used to guide the how change can happen in historic places in a way that safeguards heritage values.
This in-person workshop at Heritage Hall, led by heritage consultant Elana Zysblat, will explore the formal structure of SOSs and attendees will gain greater insight into the types of heritage values, how to evaluate historic places, and the key principles of writing the SOS.
There are five Student sponsored spots in this workshop. Please email Katherine@vancouverheritagefoundation.org for more information about our Student Access Program
This workshop earns 2 credits towards VHF’s Heritage Conservation Certificate.
About the Instructor
A professional member of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP), and of the Canadian National Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), Elana Zysblat is an accomplished heritage consultant and educational program developer with expertise and experience in heritage conservation, cultural tourism, and community engagement. Formerly the Programming Director for the Vancouver Heritage Foundation (2008-2011), Elana’s practice as an independent heritage professional (Principal of Ance Building Services), has reached all areas of BC and has informed the national stance on heritage through her involvement on the CAHP national board. Amongst her diverse activities, Elana teaches for Heritage BC and the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, supports municipalities without heritage planners, and evaluates and guides the conservation of historic sites around the province. She is the past President of the BC Association of Heritage Professionals, the past Vice President of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals and is a director with the Friends of the Vancouver Archives.
Please note that event cancellations require 4 weeks notice as most event and course expenses are incurred in the weeks immediately prior.
The Vancouver Heritage Register and Heritage Designation – and What It Means for You
Tuesday, November 18th, 6pm - 8pm
Heritage Hall
$40 +tax
Join us for a Heritage Conservation Education Workshop on the Vancouver Heritage Register! The Vancouver Heritage Register (VHR) lists nearly 2,300 buildings and structures formally recognized by City Council for their heritage value. It is a key tool for heritage recognition and resource management. In 2024, there was a significant VHR Upgrade, which clarified its purpose, expanded eligibility, and replaced the A, B, and C grading system with a new values-based evaluation approach that better reflects diverse community values.
This in-person workshop at Heritage Hall, led by heritage professional Jenni Pace, will explore how the VHR works and why it matters for city planning and community growth. The session will also cover heritage designation, the legal protection that prevents unauthorized demolition or alteration of a heritage property. Through an illustrated presentation and interactive case studies, participants will gain practical insight into the application process and the new evaluation methodology.
There are five Student sponsored spots in this workshop. Please email Katherine@vancouverheritagefoundation.org for more information about our Student Access Program
This workshop earns 1 credit towards VHF’s Heritage Conservation Certificate.
About the Instructor
Jenni Pace is a historian and heritage professional who bridges cultural research with community voices. She works to make heritage conservation both inclusive and forward-looking.
Please note that event cancellations require 4 weeks notice as most event and course expenses are incurred in the weeks immediately prior.
Photo Credit: Sarah Carlson
Heritage 101: An Introduction to Heritage Conservation
Online
$119+tax
Heritage 101 is the core required course for the Heritage Conservation Certificate. The course covers the basics of heritage conservation in Canada, with topics ranging from intangible cultural heritage values to writing conservation plans for historic sites. There are 7 modules and an assignment, it is available on demand, so you can take it at your own pace.
Virtual Steps for Sustainability Recordings
Online
$15+tax
Are you a homeowner looking to improve the energy performance of your character or heritage home? Learn about common issues, best practices, and available grants and resources with our informative virtual Steps for Sustainability sessions hosted by industry professionals.
Recordings from past VHF Steps for Sustainability sessions are available for purchase. A link will be sent for each virtual event following your purchase and the video will be available for viewing on YouTube up to a month after your purchase.
Participant takes a picture of 'Concerto', a public art piece outside of Buchanan building at UBC during the 2022 Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop and Tour. Credit: S. Carlson
Jim Stiven demonstrates how to rehang window weights with new sash cord during a wood windows workshop in 2008.
Group in front of International House during the 2022 Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop and Tour at UBC. Credit: S. Carlson
Statements of Significance workshop attendees identifying character-defining elements for an SoS exercise.
Removing white paint from a wood door during a paint stripping workshop in 2012.
Opportunity to try out new skills during hands-on portion of 2015 wood windows workshop.
Students participating in 2017 masonry workshop.
Students participating in 2017 masonry workshop.
Photographing the Marine Building lobby's architecture and ornamentation during a photography workshop.
Participants at the archives during a 2006 Researching the History of a Building workshop.
Heritage 101 instructor Donald Luxton reviewing the True Colours palette.
Group in front of the 1968 addition to the University Centre and reflecting pool designed by local architect, Arthur Erickson, during the 2022 Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop and Tour at UBC. Credit: S. Carlson
Heritage houses from Historic Colours workshop with Donald Luxton in 2018.
Site visit to The Cultch during 2019 Heritage 101 course.
Examining the fabric of a heritage building during Heritage 101.
Researching at the City of Vancouver Archives in 2011.
Exteriors 2009 Old School Course with instructor James Burton.
Participant takes a picture of 'Concerto', a public art piece outside of Buchanan building at UBC during the 2022 Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop and Tour. Credit: S. Carlson
Jim Stiven demonstrates how to rehang window weights with new sash cord during a wood windows workshop in 2008.
Group in front of International House during the 2022 Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop and Tour at UBC. Credit: S. Carlson
Statements of Significance workshop attendees identifying character-defining elements for an SoS exercise.
Removing white paint from a wood door during a paint stripping workshop in 2012.
Opportunity to try out new skills during hands-on portion of 2015 wood windows workshop.
Students participating in 2017 masonry workshop.
Students participating in 2017 masonry workshop.
Photographing the Marine Building lobby's architecture and ornamentation during a photography workshop.
Participants at the archives during a 2006 Researching the History of a Building workshop.
Heritage 101 instructor Donald Luxton reviewing the True Colours palette.
Group in front of the 1968 addition to the University Centre and reflecting pool designed by local architect, Arthur Erickson, during the 2022 Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop and Tour at UBC. Credit: S. Carlson
Heritage houses from Historic Colours workshop with Donald Luxton in 2018.
Site visit to The Cultch during 2019 Heritage 101 course.
Examining the fabric of a heritage building during Heritage 101.
Researching at the City of Vancouver Archives in 2011.
Exteriors 2009 Old School Course with instructor James Burton.
Heritage Conservation Education Program Opportunities
For students: Are you currently enrolled in an educational program and 16-30 years of age? Sponsored seats for students are available for Heritage Conservation workshops and courses. Learn more about the program here or email us if you are interested in attending.
Professional Development Credits: Most workshops can qualify for Professional Development Credits: Our courses are recognized by AIBC, PIBC, BCAAIC, BCSLA, IDIBC and BOABC. All Professional Development Credits are self-reporting – talk to your professional body to inquire how to register your attendance.
VHF’s Heritage Conservation Courses and Workshops won a 2009 City of Vancouver Heritage Award of Merit. Sign up for one and see why!
Heritage Conservation Certificate
Requirements to receive this certificate include:
- Heritage 101: An Introduction to Heritage Conservation
- 15 additional elective credits
- A house tour (ie. Heritage Discovery Day) or 3 walking tours
Heritage Hour talks and Heritage Lunch and Learns qualify for 1 credit each, to a maximum of 3 credits. Virtual strolls do not qualify for the walking tour requirement.
Completion of the certificate can take several years depending on courses schedules. Courses vary each year and some courses and tours are no longer offered. All courses are offered by heritage professionals working in the fields of architecture, trades & construction, heritage conservation, planning, landscaping and related professions.
For more information, please email VHF’s Director of Education at sarah@vancouverheritagefoundation.org.
Past Workshops and Courses
- September 28 – Maintenance and Repair of Wood Windows
- November 6 – Creating A Heritage Conservation Plan
- April 4 – Historic Colour Analysis using the True Colours Palette at Roedde House
- April 27 – Vancouver Heritage Program in Action: An Introduction to Heritage Conservation in Vancouver
- May 4 – Vancouver Heritage Program in Action: Heritage Grants and Other Management Tools
- Nov 4 & 8 – Heritage 101: An Introduction to Heritage Conservation
- Nov 15 – Writing a Statement of Significance
- March 23 – Researching the History of a Building Online
- May 2 – Planning a Heritage Garden
- August 13 – Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop & Tour at UBC
- November 5 & 8 – Heritage 101: An Introduction to Heritage Conservation
- March 30 – Drafting a Statement of Significance
- October 16 & 19 – Heritage 101: An Introduction to Heritage Conservation
- November 6 – Creating a Heritage Conservation Plan
- November 25 – Steps for Sustainability: Heat Pumps
- February 21 – Mid-Project Tour: St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church Seismic Upgrade and Heritage Restoration
- February 29 – Professional Historical Colours Analysis Workshop
- May 21 – Planning a Heritage Garden Webinar
- June 10 – Researching the History of a Building Online
- November 21 & 26 – Heritage 101: An Introduction to Heritage Conservation
- March 2 – Heritage 101: An Introduction to Heritage Conservation
- March 16 – Maintenance and Repair of Wood Windows
- May 2 – Planning a Heritage Garden
- November 6 – Creating a Heritage Conservation Plan
- November 21 – Researching the History of a Building at Aberthau Mansion
- March 13 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Archives
- April 14 – Heritage 101: An Introduction to Heritage Conservation
- April 28 – Exterior Painting and Historic Colours Workshop
- May 1 – Electrical Safety in Older Buildings
- November 13 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Public Library
- November 20 – The Vancouver Heritage Register and Heritage Designation – and What It Means for You
- March 4 – Heritage 101: Understanding Heritage Conservation
- April 2 – Neighbourhood Zoning Walk: How We Got to Today’s Chinatown
- April 5 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Archives
- April 8 – Maintenance and Repair of Double-Hung Wood Windows
- April 11 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Public Library
- May 13 – Masonry Workshop
- November 25 – Neighbourhood Zoning Walk: Kitsilano
- November 28 – Paint Stripping and Prepping Interior Wood Surfaces
- February 23 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Archives
- March 1 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Public Library
- March 5 – Heritage 101: Understanding Heritage Conservation
- April 24 – Neighbourhood Zoning Walk: South Shaughnessy
- October 15 – Drafting a Statement of Significance
- October 25 – Navigating City Hall
- October 29 – Neighbourhood Zoning Walk: Delamont Park
- November 22 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Public Library
- March 11 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Archives
- March 18 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Public Library
- March 28 – Heritage Projects: From Idea to Completion
- April 25 – Heritage 101: Understanding Heritage Conservation
- May 9 – Wood Window Restoration and Repair
- November 3 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Public Library
- November 14 – Neighbourhood Zoning Walk: Mt. Pleasant
- November 19 – Drafting a Conservation Plan
- November 25 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Archives
- February 26 – & March 5 – Heritage 101: Introduction to Heritage Conservation
- February 27 – Historic Paint Schemes
- April 1 – Researching at the Library
- April 2 – Energy Retrofits for Older Buildings
- April 5 – Neighbourhood Zoning & History Walk: Strathcona
- April 8 – Researching at the Archives
- April 9 – Interior Wood Paint Stripping
- May 21 – Wood Windows & Storefronts Walk: Chinatown and Strathcona
- October 1 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Public Library
- October 8 – Researching the History of a Building: City of Vancouver Archives
- October 11- Kerrisdale Walk: How Zoning Shaped this Neighbourhood
- November 19 – Knob & Tube Electrical