Heritage Week begins Monday, Feb. 17 and continues through to Sunday, Feb. 23.

This year's theme, Heritage Afloat, makes this a great time to explore local maritime heritage and learn more about the role B.C.'s waterways and maritime vessels played in building B.C.

The week is focused on waterways and maritime tradition, transportation, navigation, fisheries, recreation and sport, and settlement. Many communities in B.C. benefited economically from one or more of these activities in the past, and some still do today.

B.C.'s maritime history is vast. By participating in one or more of the events around the province, British Columbians can gain a better understanding and appreciation of the province's heritage from a marine standpoint. Some provincially designated heritage properties include the sternwheeler SS Naramata in Penticton and a number of shipwrecks including the Ericsson- at the entrance of Barkley sound, the Iroquois - off Roberts Point in Sidney and the Zephyr - off the northeast shore of Mayne Island.

Many heritage organizations are hosting events during Heritage Week. To find an event in your community, visit: http://www.heritagebc.ca/events/heritage-week/community-events

Quote:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson -

"As minister responsible for heritage, I believe heritage conservation is important in fostering community pride, as well as providing opportunities for tourism and economic revitalization."

Quick Facts:

• British Columbia's historic buildings, structures and cultural landscapes attract over 200,000 visitors annually from around the globe, creating jobs for British Columbians and supporting sustainable communities
• Heritage BC is a non-profit society that co-ordinates with local governments, not for profits, businesses, individuals and the provincial government on heritage conservation. Heritage BC also is responsible for the $5-million provincially endowed Heritage Legacy Fund of B.C. which provides over $200,000 annually to heritage conservation projects in B.C.
• The Canadian Register of Historic Places lists provincially or locally recognized marine historic places in B.C. These include the SS Sicamous in Pentiction, Fisgard Lighthouse in Victoria, Point Atkinson in West Vancouver and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston.

Learn More:

Heritage BC: http://www.heritagebc.ca/

Canadian Register of Historic Places: http://www.historicplaces.ca/

Heritage Branch: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/heritage/

Media Contact:

Greig Bethel
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261