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Vancouver Heritage Foundation Weekly: Supporting First Shaughnessy as a Heritage Conservation Area

Vancouver Heritage Foundation is a registered charity supporting the conservation of heritage buildings and structures in recognition of their contribution to the city’s economy, sustainability and culture.

Vancouver Heritage Foundation is a registered charity supporting the conservation of heritage buildings and structures in recognition of their contribution to the city’s economy, sustainability and culture.

On July 21st at 6pm at City Hall, there will be a public hearing regarding creating a Heritage Conservation Area in First Shaughnessy. If this initiative goes ahead, the City will gain significant tools to retain the important heritage buildings and landscapes found in this area, including revised zoning regulations for all new development and protection of over 300 pre-1940 homes.

Vancouver Heritage Foundation’s Heritage Site Finder Interactive Map is a great way to find out more about this heritage-rich area and the resources that the proposed Heritage Conservation Area would be able to protect. For example, “Shaughnessy House”, a site already protected by heritage designation, gives a taste of the history and architecture of the area.

"Completed in 1910-11, this house was originally designed for Sir Thomas Shaughnessy, President of the CPR (Canadian Pacific Railway). The house is a good example of the English Arts and Crafts style with front facing asymmetrical gable ends and cross gable roof form. Other notable design features include a central tower, wood casement windows with leaded glass, half-timber detailing in the gable ends and a pediment over the doorway. The house is significant because it was constructed for Sir Thomas Shaughnessy, (although he never actually lived in the house) and was one of the first homes to be built in First Shaughnessy."  (source: City of Vancouver)

VHF is strongly encouraging everyone to show support for the creation of a Heritage Conservation Area by contacting City Council. You can do this by signing up to speak at the meeting by emailing publichearing@vancouver.ca or send your thoughts to mayorandcouncil@vancouver.ca.

The Heritage Action Plan and associated public input opportunities are a rare chance to influence the future of heritage conservation in Vancouver. Positive support from the public is very important for the success of these initiatives. Read more about the City of Vancouver's Heritage Action Plan here.