Main Street: At the heart of your community is the 2015 theme for Heritage Week which runs from Feb. 16 to Feb. 22 this year. Monday, Feb. 16 is also National Heritage Day. 

Heritage Week is a great opportunity for families to explore and understand the historic significance of some of the heritage buildings that are core to their communities.

Every town and city has what they consider to be a “Main Street” that encompasses the history and growth of the community. More and more communities are revitalizing their heritage buildings to encourage business opportunities, increase tourism and create added rental space for people wanting to live in the downtown core. 

For the first time, Heritage BC is hosting a photo contest. For more details or to learn of other community events during Heritage Week, visit: http://www.heritagebc.ca/events/heritage-week/community-events

This month the Province is also seeking nominations from the public for historic places with connections to B.C.'s Chinese community, and which have contributed to the history and development of the province. Nominations are open online until Feb. 20 at: http://heritagebc.ca/chinese-historic-places-recognition-project

Quote:

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

“During Heritage Week I encourage British Columbians to explore their historic downtown core to have a better understanding of the history and growth of their communities.”

Quick Facts:

• British Columbia’s historic buildings, structures and cultural landscapes attract over 200,000 visitors annually from around the world, creating jobs for British Columbians and supporting sustainable communities

• The Province also manages B.C.’s Register of Historic Places, which has over 3,500 listings of provincial and local government recognized historic places - and there are many more that have yet to be registered. To see some of these listings search the Canadian Register of Historic Places at: http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/pages/register-repertoire.aspx

• In 2014, the Province of B.C., the Real Estate Foundation of B.C. and the Columbia Institute collaborated on a work book entitled “Dynamic Downtowns Workbook - Using  Heritage to Build Strong Vibrant Downtowns.” The workbook can be read at: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/ftp/heritage/external/!publish/web/DynamicDowntownsWorkbook_Final.pdf

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 Contacts:

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