Vancouver Heritage Program

2024 Vancouver Heritage Register upgraded

The comprehensive overhaul of Vancouver Heritage Register policy reinforces our commitment to honoring Vancouver's diverse cultures, prioritizing community values, and integrating our heritage assets at the heart of our urban planning practice. By listening to the community and embracing diverse approaches to cultural heritage, we're advancing towards more inclusive and equitable community building and land-use decisions.

The updated VHR policy:

• Clarifies its purpose
• Defines eligibility criteria
• Streamlines the application and evaluation process
• Expands the scope of eligible places by recognizing a broader range of heritage values

Review the Council Report PDF file (843 KB)

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  Truth-Telling Statement 

  The Truth-Telling Statement was developed in collaboration with xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). It:

  • Acknowledges the colonial legacy of heritage preservation
  • Commits to ongoing support for the development of new approaches and tools for Indigenous cultural heritage
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  Enhanced consultation and engagement

  Over 2 years, the VHR review process involved consultation with:

  • Indigenous Nations
  • Civic advisory bodies
  • Heritage organizations
  • The community at large
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  Modernized heritage evaluation methodology 

  The former numerical system was based on Eurocentric cultural influences, emphasizing the architectural significance of historic places. It has now been replaced by a more equitable, values-based approach that prioritizes community perspectives and diverse cultural values. 

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  Data management upgrade

  The new data management system will modernize the collection, storage, and management of VHR information making it easier to find and access.

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  Policy and by-law amendments

  Amendments to the Heritage Policies and the Zoning and Development By-law reflect the removal of outdated categories, aligning with the updated heritage evaluation methodology.  

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  Past updates and documents

  2020

  On March 10, 2020, Council approved a progress report on the Heritage Action Plan and the following:

  • The new Vancouver Heritage Program including its vision, goals, strategic directions, and new policies and management tools 
  • Updated Heritage Property Standards of Maintenance By-law to apply to designated heritage properties city-wide
  • The application of the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada to development on heritage sites city-wide
  • To complete the Vancouver Heritage Register upgrade through the Vancouver Plan public engagement process

  Documents

  • Staff report PDF file PDF file (3 MB)
  • Heritage Policies PDF file (119 KB)
  • Heritage Property Standards of Maintenance By-law PDF file (72 KB)
  • Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada External website, opens in new tab

  2019

  Three new grant programs

  On March 13, 2019, Council approved three new grant programs to support citywide heritage conservation:

  • Heritage Incentive Program
  • Heritage Façade Rehabilitation Program
  • Heritage House Conservation Program

  2017

  Council approves by-law amendments

  On October 3, 2017, Council approved amendments to the Zoning and Development Bylaw. The amendments introduce character retention incentives and increased opportunities for housing choice in all single-family (RS) zones across the city.

  • Council meeting agenda, minutes, and video
  • Staff report PDF file (1.5 MB)
  • Staff presentation PDF file (3.7 MB)

  Density bank update and Heritage Amenity Shares approved

  On July 25, 2017 Council received an update on the on the heritage density bank and approved changes to the Zoning and Development By-law to support heritage conservation. Developments applying for an increase of up to 10% in permitted density on their site may now request to purchase amenity shares to the City’s Heritage Conservation Fund for citywide heritage conservation.

  • Council report PDF file (52 KB)

  Open houses: Heritage Action Plan emerging directions

  June 26, 2017 - We held open houses in June to show recent work on the Heritage Action Plan and to gather feedback on updates to the City’s Heritage Conservation Program.

  • Open house information boards PDF file (4 MB)

  Draft consultant reports:

  • Historic Context Statement and Thematic Framework Summary PDF file (17 MB)
  • Vancouver Heritage Register System Plan PDF file (4 MB)
  • Heritage Conservation Program Review PDF file (11 MB)

  2015

  First Shaughnessy designated Heritage Conservation Area

  September 29, 2015 – Vancouver City Council established the First Shaughnessy District as the city’s first-ever Heritage Conservation Area.

  2014

  Review of the Heritage Conservation Program

  Fall 2014 – Work began with an advisory committee made up of key stakeholders and consultants to review the current Heritage Conservation Program by looking at best practices and how to improve processes. Heritage consultants began researching and assessing options to encourage the retention of character homes.

  2013

  Council approves Heritage Action Plan

  December 4, 2013 – City Council approved the start of work on the Heritage Action Plan. The plan is an update of the City’s existing Heritage Conservation Program.

  • Council report PDF file (166 KB)