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Vancouver Heritage Foundation: Celebrating Heritage Week in Vancouver, 2017!

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.

Heritage Week is almost upon us! This year BC’s week of celebration runs from February 13th-19th with the theme of “My Canada!” in honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation. If you are looking for ways to get involved, Vancouver Heritage Foundation has a list of events that you will not want to miss! Read on to learn about the different talks, walks, and opportunities to learn about our city’s historic places and unique history.

Francophones in Early Vancouver - Walking Tour                                          Monday, February 13, 10am - 12pm, $15.00

Join historian Maurice Guibord for a walk through Gastown and the Downtown Eastside to learn about the presence of Francophones - French-Canadian, French, Belgian - in the early decades of Vancouver's development and their legacy today.

 Marine Building and Area, 1940s. Courtesy of CVA:Air P101.1 Marine Building and Area, 1940s. Courtesy of CVA:Air P101.1

 Official Proclamation and Heritage Week Launch                                          Tuesday, February 14, 3pm - 4:30pm, JJ Bean - Marine Building, 353 Burrard St.  Free and open to the public.

Join us as we officially launch the festivities! Starting at 3pm, Councillor Heather Deal will read the official proclamation, then historian Maurice Guibord will offer a talk and short walking tour on the history of the Marine Building and surrounding area. Free coffee for the first 30 people to arrive. Thank you to event sponsor Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association and event partner JJ Bean Coffee Roasters.

  Before the City: Eburne, Marpole and the River - Walking Tour                   Saturday, February 18, 1pm - 3pm, $15.00

The shore of the Fraser River has sustained the Musqueam people for thousands of years and is the site of significant cultural and archaeological resources. It is also the site of some of the earliest non-native settlement in what would become Vancouver. On this walk John Atkin leads an exploration of the area's fascinating history.

 Ashnola Apartments at 2152 Main St, 1940s. Courtesy of CVA: AM1184-S1-: CVA 1184-2759. Ashnola Apartments at 2152 Main St, 1940s. Courtesy of CVA: AM1184-S1-: CVA 1184-2759.

 Sunday Morning at the Ashnola

Sunday, February 19, 9am - 10:30am, Cartems Main Street, 2190 Main St.,  $21.00

Join us for a truly Canadian morning discussing heritage, history and donuts in Canada's 150th year. The Ashnola Apartments, located in what is now known as the brewery district, was built in 1913 for prominent British Columbian, Dr. Israel Powell—a supporter of Confederation and BC's merging with Vancouver Island. The morning includes a short talk by author Michael Kluckner, coffee, a donut and a walking tour of the neighbourhood. Thank you to event partner Cartems Donuterie.

 Historian John Atkin leading a West End walking tour. VHF photo Historian John Atkin leading a West End walking tour. VHF photo

 New Liverpool: Before the West End - Walking Tour

Sunday, February 19, 2pm - 4pm, $15.00

The forest and surrounding waters of today’s downtown peninsula had been, for thousands of years, an important resource for the local First Nations. With non-native settlement things changed and the area was pre-empted by three settlers after they were guided on ancient trails. On this West End walk John Atkin will discuss the layers of development that give this area its character.

We hope you can join us in celebrating Vancouver’s heritage and history during Heritage Week! To register or find out more click here or call the VHF office at 604-264-9642.