Print
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.
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.
Heritage Conservation Program review
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
Heritage Register upgrade
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
Character Home Retention Incentives Program
Sustainability initiatives
Develop sustainability initiatives, includes:
Developing an enhanced deconstruction and recycling strategy for buildings being demolished
Developing an energy retrofit program for existing buildings
Awareness and advocacy initiatives
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
Learn more about past developments, find documents, and read about the background of this iniative.
Heritage and character buildings are valued by many residents, and are an important component of defining neigborhood identity and character.
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.
Request a character assessment for a house built before 1940 before you begin renovations or apply for development permits.
Download the Vancouver Heritage Register to find over 2,200 registered heritage buildings, parks, trees, and monuments.
We fund three grants to support heritage conservation citywide and help preserve heritage buildings and assets in Vancouver.
The City has a range of incentives and protective measures that encourage the restoration and continued use of heritage buildings.
(165 KB)
