It's funny how a parade of letters following a person's name or their business title can create a good impression.
A PhD, or CGA designation can provide quite an enhancement.
Same, too, for places around the world. And one currently being sought to emphasize the importance of Steveston as a cultural and historical place of interest rests with UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and its World Heritage designation.
What would that mean for Steveston if it was granted UNESCO status? It would further entrench the fact our little town at the mouth of the Fraser River has a significant story to tell about the history of the area - its people and industries.
And that would put the village on the map for travellers who make a point of visiting UNESCO sites. I'm one of them, who, for the past 30 years have travelled to places bearing the designation and have been enriched by what I found there.
One such place was the walled city of Dubrovnik an important Mediterranean sea port from the 13th century onwards that was decimated by the
Serbo-Croation war during the 1990s. Now, it's considered to be the "Pearl of the Adriatic" with beautifully restored churches and buildings - a move helped along by UNESCO designation.
I see Steveston in much the same light. What we have right here on our doorstep is a place whose history goes back centuries to the First Nations people whose existence relied on the bounty supplied by what is still one of the most important salmon-bearing rivers in the world.
And from that sprang an internationally renowned salmon canning industry which not only supported efforts through two world wars, but became a cultural hub where an ethnic mosaic of labourers toiled on fish boats and inside the 40 or so canneries that lined Steveston's waterfront. Many of those workers went on to become residents, adding to the cultural diversity we've enjoyed for generations.
Thankfully, Steveston already has a number of protected heritage sites, which will help in gaining UNESCO status.
To the credit of the community, city and federal powers, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery and Britannia Heritage Shipyard are both designated as national historic sites. The Steveston Post Office Museum has a federal designation as a point of historic interest. London Farm is listed for historical significance, while Garry Point Park and Shady Island have an ecological sensitive area designation.
We need to use their significance to help tell the overarching story that is Steveston in hopes of acquiring UNESCO designation.
Canada currently has 17 sites - the only one in B.C. is SGang Gwaay which is located on a small island off the west coast of Haida Gwaii.
It's time we added another UNESCO site. And with the help of city staff and community groups, we are going through that process, which if successful, will be enjoyed by many generations to come.
Loren Slye is a longtime Steveston resident and active volunteer
