Dear Editor:
Re: “Heritage buildings at risk?” News Dec. 18.
The City of Richmond has a number of mechanisms in place to plan and manage our heritage resources, particularly in Steveston Village.
Buildings such as the historic home of the Cannery Café cannot be redeveloped without the approval of council.
In 2009, after several years of effort and with the guidance of the Richmond Heritage Commission, Richmond Council approved the Steveston Village Conservation Strategy and amended the Steveston Area Plan to better manage village buildings. It provides a number of tools for council to manage changes to buildings in the village.
The Steveston Village Heritage Conservation Area contains approximately 90 buildings, 17 of which are identified as a heritage resource.
The Cannery Café is one of the 17 buildings that are identified as heritage resources. As a result there are mechanisms and a process available to work with the property owner to conserve this building long-term, with a focus on preserving its exterior.
In general, the city works with private property owners to achieve conservation, but on occasion the city will also provide funding to protect and preserve important heritage resources.
Two examples where the city has provided heritage conservation funding are the relocation and restoration of the Japanese Benevolent Society Building near the Steveston Museum and, outside of the village, the Britannia Heritage Shipyard and London Farm.
In addition, the city has the Richmond Heritage Inventory which helps guide city wide redevelopment decisions.
In early 2016, it is anticipated that the city will again consult with the Richmond Heritage Commission, and village residents and stakeholder groups regarding proposed changes to the village conservation polices and guidelines. As well, the city intends to consult with the public as it updates the Richmond Heritage Inventory. This will further strengthen protection for important heritage resources in Steveston and across Richmond.
In these ways council works with residents, stakeholders and developers to manage the heritage resources in Steveston Village and the city.
Councillor Bill McNulty
Richmond
