Home > Your government > City boards and agencies > City of Vancouver Archives > Get a copy of an archival document

Get a copy of an archival document

Detail from AM1545-S3-: CVA 586-2140

There are two ways to get a copy of an archival document:

Do it yourself

  • If you can view a document online, you can download it for free.
  • Take a picture of it with a digital camera.

Buy a copy

  • Make a photocopy or microcopy.
  • Order a high-quality digital reproduction.
  • Order a custom digital reproduction. 

Download digital resources

Digital resources from the City of Vancouver Archives' database that you can view online are either in the public domain or their copyright is owned by the City of Vancouver.

You can freely download these online digital resources.

When you use the resource, credit the "City of Vancouver Archives" and include the reference code, and, if it's a photograph, the photographer's name (if known).

Buy a copy

You can buy a copy of a non-digital resource or get a high-quality copy of a digital resource.

Place your order using any of the following methods:

  • In person at the Archives.
  • By phone.
  • Online.

Paying for your order

You must pay in advance before your order is filled.

You can pay using any of these methods:

  • Credit card (Mastercard, Visa, American Express).
  • Cheque payable to "City of Vancouver Archives" in Canadian funds.
  • Cash (if you place your order in person at the Archives).

For international orders, paying by credit card is the only payment method we accept.

If you place your order online and you are NOT paying by credit card, please wait for email confirmation of your order before you send your payment.

Taxes on orders from BC

5% GST and 7% PST is applied on all purchases made within BC, unless the purchaser has a tax exemption number.

Taxes on orders from the rest of Canada

GST or HST, as applicable, apply to all purchases made within Canada, unless the purchaser has a tax exemption number.

How long does it take?

After payment is received, most orders are completed within seven to ten days.

Orders requiring special handling (for example, panoramas, large orders, or custom scanning) may require more time.

Rush orders

Need it right away? Call to rush your order: 604-736-8561

Buy a copy of an archival document

You can buy a copy of a non-digital resource or get a high-quality copy of a digital one.

Order your copy online

More information about ordering Archives copies

Price list

List of prices for ordering copies of archival materials from the City of Vancouver Archives. Order digital files, custom scanning, photocopies, and more. Prices listed do not include HST or other taxes. You can pick up your order or have it mailed to you at additional cost.

Archives Reproduction of Materials policy

The complete details of the City of Vancouver Archives' Reproduction of Materials policy. The City of Vancouver Archives is committed to making the materials in its holdings available to as large a community as possible, without any unwarranted restrictions as to their use.

About copyright from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office

From the Canadian federal government agency responsible for intellectual property: an overview of copyright information, including what is a copyright, why and how to register, links to CIPO's e-services, and more.

About digitized moving imagesAbout digitized imagesPrice listArchives Reproduction of Materials policyAbout copyright from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office