Vancouver Heritage Register (VHR)

How to read the VHR

The VHR includes almost 2,300 buildings and structures.

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  VHR listings

  VHR listings are organized by street address in a table. Numbered avenues are followed by streets, listed in alphabetical order.

  If a building has an historic name or association, it may be listed in the building name/specifics column. Any formal recognition or legal protection is indicated by the notations shown in this table. 

  Notation	Explanation
  M	Building or site is protected by a legal heritage designation by the City of Vancouver
  P	Building or site is protected by a legal heritage designation by the Province of British Columbia
  F	Building or site is recognized by the Federal Government as a national historic site; no legal protection
  HRA	Building or site is the subject of a heritage revitalization agreement
  CA	Building is protected within a heritage conservation area
  HA	Building or site is located within a historic area
  HC	Building, or some portion thereof, is protected by a heritage restoration covenant registered on title to the property at the Land Title Office
  I	Indicates that specific interior features and/or fixtures in the building are protected
  L	Indicates that certain landscape features are protected

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  VHR appendix

  The items in the appendix were:

  • Included in the original Heritage Inventory in 1986 without proper heritage evaluation
  • Transferred to the Vancouver Heritage Register in 1994 without undergoing formal heritage evaluation  

  They are now listed in the appendix for reference.

What you need to know about the VHR

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  Heritage evaluation methodology

  The new Heritage Evaluation Methodology PDF file (169 KB) supports the implementation of the VHR Policy. Heritage planning staff, with input from community and heritage professionals, will lead an evaluation of the nominated property, identifying tangible and intangible values of the place. Heritage evaluation is a crucial first step in integrating cultural heritage into city-wide land-use planning practices.

  Changes that were made to the evaluation process

  The former numerical system used for evaluating architectural significance has been replaced with a values-based approach. This updated methodology prioritizes the meaning of a place to the community, integrating cultural traditions, practices, and historical associations together with the building's physical design. 

  After an initial staff review, VHR applications are assessed by the VHR Evaluation Subcommittee. Following this evaluation, the applications are presented to the Vancouver Heritage Commission for endorsement. After endorsement, they are forwarded to Council for addition to the VHR with the owner's consent.

  Review the VHR Evaluation Methodology PDF file (169 KB) and Evaluation Form PDF file (356 KB)

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  History of the VHR 

  In September 1986, Council adopted the Vancouver Heritage Inventory, which became the foundation for our Heritage Conservation Program. Buildings and structures were evaluated using an A, B, C grading system adapted from Parks Canada methodology, which prioritized Euro-centric architectural values. This system reflected the best practices at the time for evaluating architectural merit and historical importance. 

  The Vancouver Heritage Inventory also included non-building resources, such as parks, trees, monuments, public works, and archaeological sites. However, only buildings were evaluated using the adopted methodology. In 1994, the Vancouver Heritage Inventory was renamed the Vancouver Heritage Register.  

  The old grading system for building evaluation has been phased-out. This change aligns the VHR with Canada-wide and international best practices, leading to broader recognition and representation of diverse histories.  

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  Why grades were eliminated

  The former A, B, and C evaluation categories were phased out to better align with these community-centred, equitable approaches to heritage:

  • Recognition
  • Awareness
  • Stewardship
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  Altering a building on the VHR

  The heritage value of buildings listed on the VHR is formally recognized by Council. While exterior alterations are allowed, the key elements that define the building’s character should be retained and conserved. 

  VHR-listed buildings that also carry legal protection cannot be altered or modified without getting a heritage alteration permit (HAP). Heritage staff will be consulted to assist in the permit application process. 

  For information on heritage standards and conservation procedures, consult the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada External website, opens in new tab.

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  Demolishing a building on the VHR

  Before a VHR-listed building can be demolished, you must get all required permits.  

  The Vancouver Charter empowers Council to delay approval of a building's demolition if the building:

  • Is listed on the VHR, OR
  • Potentially holds heritage value

  This delay provides temporary protection for up to 120 days.  

  For additional information, review the Heritage Procedure By-law PDF file (80 KB). 

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  Related policies and regulations

  Property owners and developers should refer to these documents when considering changes to VHR-listed protected buildings.

  • Heritage Policies  PDF file (119 KB)
  • Heritage Procedure By-Law PDF file (80 KB)
  • Heritage Property Standards of Maintenance By-law PDF file (51 KB)
  • Heritage Assessment Process Bulletin PDF file (790 KB)
  • Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada External website, opens in new tab