Is East Vancouver’s heritage safe?

Centenary signs put out by the Grandview Heritage Group
Photo by Kristen Harpula

In a city as young as Vancouver, it seems imperative to preserve the iconic structures that mark our short, but memorable history. However, with an out-of-date city heritage register and laws that hinder the protection of heritage properties, keeping them safe might not be a viable option.

That’s how some Grandview-Woodland residents feel after one of their cherished century-old houses was given the OK to be demolished. Brookhouse, a Queen Anne-style house built in 1908, was sold to a developer a couple years ago and although concerned local groups fought to save the house, its future is uncertain at this point.

What do proposed changes to the Agricultural Land Reserve in B.C. mean for our food security?

Map of the Agricultural Land Reserve in B.C.
Photo courtesy of alc.gov.bc.ca

Recently leaked government documents that propose major changes to the Agricultural Land Reserve in B.C. and threaten the provinces food security are causing obvious concern, but according to a Coun. Andrea Reimer “what we really need is more information.”

On Nov. 7, 2013 the Globe and Mail printed a story that revealed the details of a plan put out by B.C. Agricultural Minister Pat Pimm to “modernize” the Agricultural Land Commission. However, the plan contained some very shocking changes, including giving a portion of the land rights to the B.C. Oil and Gas Commission.

The ALC was established in 1974 to protect B.C. lands when development rates were steadily increasing and has protected approximately four million hectares of farmland. It’s shocking to think these pipeline developers have the possibility to own the land rights to northern parts of the province.

Vancouver city councillor Andrea Reimer found the details of the report to be very shocking and said that “anyone who eats should be concerned about this.”

Losing our cities heritage, one house at a time

Residence of Mr. Brookhouse [at 1872 Parker Street] in Grandview District
Photo by Stuart Thompson in 1932

New owners of an East Vancouver historic house, fondly known as the Brookhouse by locals, will be issued a permit to demolish and rebuild in early November.

The Queen Anne-style house located at 1872 Parker St., built in 1909, should be protected under the Heritage Conservation section of the Vancouver Charter, based on its age and unique design, but has not been added to the cities list of heritage sites.