Person looking at the Heritage Strategy display boards

Heritage Action Plan

The Heritage Action Plan is a review of the policies and tools used to conserve and celebrate heritage resources. It was approved by Council in December 2013 to improve how the City supports heritage conservation in Vancouver.

Actions implemented through the plan will result in an update of the City’s existing Heritage Conservation Program, which was originally established in 1986, Vancouver's centennial.

Consultants, staff, and a public advisory committee are working on actions set out in the plan. You will also have numerous opportunities to provide your input.

Read the Heritage Action Plan Council report (165 KB)

What's happening

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

Get details and apply

Key areas for action and implementation

The Heritage Action Plan has five key areas for action and implementation.

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A review of the Heritage Conservation Program, includes:
- Developing a vision and strategic directions
- Reviewing best practices
- Simplifying and streamlining the approval process for retention projects
- Reviewing regulations and incentive tools to encourage heritage building retention
An upgrade of the Heritage Register, includes:
- Developing a heritage context statement for Vancouver that:
  - Describes the historical evolution of the city
  - Identifies the most important factors, events, and people that has shaped Vancouver
  - Establishes what sociocultural, economic, spiritual, and aesthetic qualities are inherent to the city
- Developing the thematic framework (themes specific to the city) for Vancouver
- Reviewing methodology for evaluating sites
- Reviewing how the register is maintained and updated
- Identifying potential sites for addition to the register
Develop sustainability initiatives, includes:
- Developing an enhanced deconstruction and recycling strategy for buildings being demolished
- Developing an energy retrofit program for existing buildings
Develop heritage awareness and advocacy initiatives, includes:
- Improving public awareness of building bylaw amendments to help heritage retention
- Engaging and consulting with the public on the implementation of the Heritage Action Plan

In depth

Learn more about past developments, find documents, and read about the background of this iniative.

Character Home Retention Incentives Program

Heritage and character buildings are valued by many residents, and are an important component of defining neigborhood identity and character.

Nominate a site to the Heritage Register

Do you know a historic place that should be formally recognized on the City’s Heritage Register? Help us identify historic sites in Vancouver that are important to you using our easy online form.

Questions about the Heritage Action Plan? Please contact us.

heritageactionplan@
vancouver.ca

Staff contact

Helen Cain
helen.cain@vancouver.ca
Phone: 604-871-6077

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Heritage Action Plan

What's happening

Three new grant programs

Key areas for action and implementation

Heritage Conservation Program review

Heritage Register upgrade

Character Home Retention Incentives Program

Sustainability initiatives

Awareness and advocacy initiatives

In depth

Character Home Retention Incentives Program

Nominate a site to the Heritage Register

Protecting Vancouver's history

Character merit assessment

Find a registered heritage building, site, or tree

Heritage grants

How we protect heritage properties

Questions about the Heritage Action Plan? Please contact us.

Get updates