Collage of heritage sites

Vancouver's heritage

We recognize the importance of the diverse heritage of Vancouver residents. Inclusivity and equity are key values that shape our society. One of the ways we uphold these values is through caring for heritage, including Indigenous histories and cultures.

We all have a responsibility to not only acknowledge our past, but to identify, protect, and pass on diverse cultural values and assets to future generations.

Principles

  • Embrace cultural heritage including both tangible and intangible aspects
  • Support the self-expressed histories and heritage of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, and Urban Indigenous Peoples
  • Support cultural redress of systemically excluded ethnocultural groups
  • Enable a policy framework and planning tools to further integrate heritage conservation within citywide planning and urban development processes
  • Provide heritage conservation support for sites listed on the Vancouver Heritage Register

Read the Heritage Program summary  (6 MB)

Learn more about heritage in Vancouver

We promote and support the celebration and protection of the city’s heritage values and historic places, and its living cultural heritage, by providing opportunities for a range of public education and awareness programs and through our ongoing partnership with the Vancouver Heritage Foundation.

Find a resource on the Heritage Register

Download the Vancouver Heritage Register to find over 2,200 registered heritage buildings, parks, trees, and monuments.

How we protect heritage properties

We provide a range of management tools and incentives to support heritage conservation and ongoing care for Vancouver’s heritage.

Heritage grants

We fund three grants to support heritage conservation citywide and help preserve heritage buildings and assets in Vancouver.

Heritage Awards

The Heritage Awards acknowledge the accomplishments of those who have furthered the goal of cultural heritage stewardship in Vancouver.

Heritage plaque program

Historic buildings in Vancouver that are protected by heritage designations or other legal agreements are marked by a special plaque or marker.

Heritage advisory groups

We have three volunteer-led advisory groups that work to help preserve and protect the character of Vancouver's heritage areas.