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
Tuesday, June 30th, 10am - 11:30am
2910 St George St
Free
Celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Places that Matter with our 100th Plaque presentation on Tuesday, June 30th at 10am! Join us at the Mount Pleasant Family Centre Society (MPFCS) to learn about the important work they do in the community, serving as a welcoming space for families for the past 50 years.
The plaque presentation will take place outdoors at 10am in the northeast corner of Robson Park. Following the presentation, the building will be open for touring and history displays and there will be treats and activities on site until 1pm.
We are crowdfunding for this plaque. Support by donating here or visit their website to learn more about the Mount Pleasant Family Centre Society‘s history of building community in the neighbourhood.
There will be 2 PTM plaque presentations in Mount Pleasant on June 30th so be sure to join us at 3pm to celebrate the Cellar Jazz Club at 2514 Watson Street.
Photo courtesy of the Mount Pleasant Family Centre Society
Cellar Jazz Club – Places That Matter Plaque #101
Tuesday, June 30th, 3pm - 4pm
2514 Watson St
Free
Join VHF and special guests on Tuesday, June 30th at 3pm to celebrate the unveiling of Places That Matter plaque #101, which honors 70 years since the Cellar Jazz Club first opened its doors on Watson Street in 1956. Although the club closed in 1964 and the location has been redeveloped, we recognize the lasting impact and enduring legacy it holds in musical history, as well as its influence on the contemporary jazz scene in Vancouver and beyond.
There will be 2 PTM plaque presentations in Mount Pleasant on June 30th so be sure to join us at 10am to celebrate 15 Years of PTM with the presentation of plaque #100 to the Mount Pleasant Family Centre Society.
Photo Caption: Ornette Coleman (alto saxophone), Ben Tucker (bass), Sonny Gillette (drums) at the Cellar. Photographer unknown.
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
