Dear Heritage Supporters, On 15 September a third 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? Heritage Vancouver Society endorses the HCA as powerful heritage conservation tool because: 1) It incentivizes retention of older homes 2) It limits demolitions 3) There is clear language that prevents people from exploiting the loopholes in the original Official Development Plan (ODP) of 1982 in order to build out-of-context McMansions and/or additions 4) It's much easier to apply than Heritage Revitalization Agreements 5) It allows for sensible densification in the form of infill and Multiple Conversion Dwellings. This is densification done well 6) It retains landscaping and it reduces building material waste which aligns with the Greenest City Initiative 7) It introduces maintenance standards to keep buildings and landscaping in good condition and prevent neglect 8) It allows for the area to maintain its unique character 9) It provides a framework for other areas that need protection 10) This is a precedent setting tool for heritage conservation in our city 11) HCAs exist in around 70 locations across BC, Victoria has 10 and is considering an 11th. We have yet to have one despite having key historic areas at risk Please show your support for the establishment of a Heritage Conservation Area in First Shaughnessy. In person: Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Time: 6:00 pm Location: City Hall, Council Chamber 453 West 12th Avenue, 3rd Floor To register to speak, send an email to publichearing@vancouver.ca or call 604-829-4238 If you are unable to attend, you can send your comments to: mayorandcouncil@vancouver.ca Here is a template letter for your convenience: RE: First Shaughnessy Heritage Conservation Area Dear Mayor and Council, I wholeheartedly support the establishment of Heritage Conservation Area in First Shaughnessy. 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 architecturally and historically unique. 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. I believe that there will be no significant long-term impact on housing values in a Heritage Conservation Area. As shown in other municipalities such as Sydney, Australia, and Victoria, BC, value in heritage areas holds and grows due to the stability, beauty and desirability of these neighbourhoods. I urge you to accept the proposed recommendations. Sincerely,