The Places That Matter Community History Resource website is an information-rich website that expands on the original Places That Matter (PTM) plaque program – a project created in 2011 to celebrate Vancouver’s 125th anniversary as an incorporated city. PTM has helped recognize 125 community-nominated sites, covering some of the people, places and events that tell the story of Vancouver’s history. Each of the 125 sites is profiled with their own webpage exhibiting the plaque text, historic research, oral histories, contemporary and historic photos, as well as opportunities for community contribution.
The aim is to further engage residents of Vancouver by providing an accessible digital space for sharing information, while telling inclusive stories about these significant places. We hope this website will appeal to Vancouver residents, newcomers, visitors, students, and researchers, who are interested in local cultural history. Users will access it as a resource guide and as a tool to increase awareness about our city’s past and present.
Places That Matter is celebrating its 15th anniversary year in 2026!
Thank You
This project is made possible by the support of countless volunteers and partners
Thank you for our continued plaque producer, East Van Signs.
Places That Matter’s Site Selection Committee
John Atkin, Rebecca Bolwitt, Arabella Campbell, Marguerite Ford, Charles Gauthier, Michael Kluckner, Kamala Todd, Hal Wake, Catherine Wang and Bruce Watson
Awards
2019 City of Vancouver Heritage Award of Honour for Education and Awareness
2019 Heritage BC Award of Honour for Education and Awareness
Sunday, November 15th, 4pm - 5pm
3611 W Broadway*
By donation**
Join Vancouver Heritage Foundation, Cory Weeds and special guests in recognizing the brief but lasting legacy of the Cory Weeds’ Cellar jazz club. From 2000-2014, this Kitsilano underground venue became a jazz destination. Meet and hear from the thriving local jazz scene and celebrate our last PTM plaque presentation of 2026!
If you are interested in attending, please RSVP directly to jessica@vancouverheritagefoundation.org
*The plaque presentation will take place in the Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu studio, located in the basement of the building, which can be found by following the stairs. Please note you will be seated on floor mats where shoes must be removed (martial arts attire not required). Seating is first-come first-served and there will only be a limited number of chairs reserved be saved for those with mobility issues and speakers.
**We are crowdfunding for this plaque! Support the project by donating directly towards the Cory Weeds’ Cellar Jazz Club plaque here: https://give-can.keela.co/places-that-matter-2026-donations
Photo Caption: Cory Weeds and Lou Donaldson. Credit: S Mynett
Want to know more about Places that Matter?
If you’re wondering how the original PTM sites got selected, watch this video from a February 26, 2011 where a steady stream of the curious stopped by large maps covered with dots and stickies marking the sites already nominated at a public event at the Vancouver Public Library.
Curious about the plaque selection and production process? Visit the About page on placesthatmatter.ca!
Arbutus Grocery PTM plaque presentation Photo credit: Alex Salaveria
PTM Plaque unveiling at the Livestock Building in Hastings Park in 2012..
Group in front of the Militant Mothers of Raymur Overpass. Photo credit: Murray Bush
PTM Plaque presentation at Punjabi Market in 2013.
China Creek Skatepark plaque presentation on July 16. Photo Credit: Rob Atkins
Plaque presentation at Joy Kogawa House. Photo Credit: Thekla Lit
Arbutus Corridor at Choices Plaque presentation.
Places that Matter Plaque at Celtic Cannery.
Ace Cycles Plaque presentation Credit: J Quan
PTM plaque at the Walter and Mary Chan House.
Arbutus Grocery PTM plaque presentation Photo credit: Alex Salaveria
PTM Plaque unveiling at the Livestock Building in Hastings Park in 2012..
Group in front of the Militant Mothers of Raymur Overpass. Photo credit: Murray Bush
PTM Plaque presentation at Punjabi Market in 2013.
China Creek Skatepark plaque presentation on July 16. Photo Credit: Rob Atkins
Plaque presentation at Joy Kogawa House. Photo Credit: Thekla Lit
Arbutus Corridor at Choices Plaque presentation.
Places that Matter Plaque at Celtic Cannery.
Ace Cycles Plaque presentation Credit: J Quan
PTM plaque at the Walter and Mary Chan House.
Support PTM
The Places That Matter plaque project and the Community History Resource website are initiatives of Vancouver Heritage Foundation. Your support will help sustain and grow the project and build awareness and appreciation of the sites and local history recognized through the program.
A few ways in which your donations support VHF and the PTM Community History Resource:
- Cover plaque maintenance and installation costs by becoming a plaque sponsor or online site sponsor
- Fund continued research on a particular site or collection of sites
- In-kind donations and sponsorship support free public celebrations, like the annual PTM Community Celebration and PTM plaque presentations
- Support VHF’s Heritage Study Guide for Schools and the creation of documents and materials for teachers and students to use the Community History Resource website in classrooms
