Dear Heritage Supporter, At long last the Character Home Zoning Review of the the Heritage Action Plan is ready for public input. Zoning changes could successfully reduce the number of demolitions in our city and help retain our original housing stock, but they will require public support. Below is a list of the upcoming open houses. Please take the time to attend and express your views. You may also (and additionally!) complete the on-line questionnaire to be posted on 21 November, the date of the first open house (link below). Because of the way they were built (hand-crafted) and the materials they are made from (old growth wood), these homes are far more than housing. They have the capacity to endure many more generations and, through time, come to stand for all the people who ever lived in them. They honour our elders, define our neighbourhoods, and embody our history. They are also the greenest buildings we have. Yet wherever zoning permits a larger house, these beloved homes are bought as building lots for redevelopment, regardless of their condition, further decreasing affordability and eliminating the possibility of added density. Please speak out in favour of preservation. CHARACTER HOME ZONING REVIEW The City of Vancouver is conducting the Character Home Zoning Review to look at options for the retention of heritage and character homes in single-family (RS) zoning districts. Geographic and zoning options are being explored that could result in changes to regulations for both pre-1940 character homes and new home development in older single-family neighbourhoods. This review is part of the Heritage Action Plan. COME TO AN OPEN HOUSE TO LEARN MORE AND GIVE US YOUR INPUT: Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, 5 – 9 pm Hellenic Centre, 4500 Arbutus St Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016, 10 am – 4 pm Vancouver City Hall, 453 West 12th Ave Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, 5 – 9 pm PNE Hastings Room, 2901 East Hastings St. (Gate 2, Forum Gate) Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, 5 – 9 pm Town Hall Hellenic Centre, 4500 Arbutus St ONLINE SURVEY FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO JOIN THE MAILING LIST A survey will also be available on our website starting November 21. vancouver.ca/characterhomereview *ADDITIONAL TOWN HALL MEETING with COUNCILLOR ADRIANE CARR: Monday 21 November, 7:30-9:30 West Point Grey United Church 4595 W 8th Ave Open mic and Q&A session for residents