Dear Heritage Supporters, On Tuesday, 21 July, a Public Hearing will take place on the establishment of a Heritage Conservation Area in First Shaughnessy. It is crucial that as many people as possible show support for this proposed by-law, either in person or by letter. Why? Many municipalities across North America have policies and programs in place to protect heritage neighbourhoods and districts. British Columbia has 70 Heritage Conservation Areas, 10 of which are in Victoria, yet Vancouver has none. First Shaughnessy is recognized as a unique architectural and historical area. Despite this, 56 of the 317 pre-1940 homes there have already been demolished. Only 11 are protected. In the 18 months before the June 2014 temporary moratorium on demolitions in the area, there were a further 19 inquiries to demolish. A Heritage Conservation Area will protect these homes. A Heritage Conservation Area in First Shaughnessy will also have “city-wide applicability,” meaning that other neighbourhoods, even certain blocks, could become Heritage Conservation Areas. A HCA is a much-needed tool for retaining our original, more sustainable and affordable housing stock, our green space, and our history. Attend at: City Hall Council Chamber 453 West 12th Avenue 6 pm Register to speak by 5 pm July 21, 2015: publichearing@vancouver.ca or phone 604-829-4238 Send your comments to: mayorandcouncil@vancouver.ca