Marpole, originally a Musqueam village named c̓əsnaʔəm, is a mostly residential neighbourhood of 23,832 in 2011, located on the southern edge of the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, immediately northeast of Vancouver International Airport, and is approximately bordered by Angus Drive to the west, 57th Avenue to the north, Fraser Street to the east and the Fraser River to the south. It has undergone many changes in the 20th century, with the influx of traffic and development associated with the construction of the Oak Street Bridge (which leads to Highway 99 leading to the southern suburbs) and the Arthur Laing Bridge (which leads to Vancouver International Airport).

Dr. R. E. McKechnie Elementary School

7455 Maple St, Vancouver, BC V6P 5P8

Dr. R.E. McKechnie Elementary School enrolls a diverse student population of about 280 students from K7. All students, including those with Special Needs and English Language Learners, are well integrated into a sound learning environment that reflects their individual and group needs. Our students generally meet or exceed expectations in all academic areas. A noticeable change in student population is surfacing, with higher needs in social emotional learning and overall independence and responsibility.

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Sir William Osler Elementary School

5970 Selkirk St, Vancouver, BC V6M 2Y8

Sir William Osler Elementary School continues to thrive, with high expectations for teaching and learning. Part of the Hamber Secondary Family of Schools, nestled in a quiet and beautiful neighbourhood between West 43rd and West 45th Avenue, just east of Selkirk Street. In keeping with the VSB’s Strategic Plan “we inspire student success by providing innovative, caring and responsive learning environments.” 

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Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School

7055 Heather St, Vancouver, BC V6P 3P7

Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School is located in south-central Vancouver at the intersection of West 54th Avenue and Heather Street. First opened in 1956, the school is home to approximately 2000 students from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds, including 160 International Education students. In addition to the regular classes in standard departments, we also offer several specialty programs.

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Sir Wilfrid Laurier Elementary School

7350 Laurel St, Vancouver, BC V6P 3T9

Sir Wilfrid Laurier Elementary School is located on Laurel Street on the corner of 57th Avenue, three blocks west of Cambie Street. The neighbourhood is primarily residential, with a main local shopping area located on Cambie Street and a main Community Center, Marpole located on 59th. W 70th Ave is the approximate divide between low-rise apartments to the south and single family and duplex homes to the north. Sir Wilfrid Laurier Elementary School promotes a safe, caring, and respectful climate within a neighborhood rich in multicultural diversity. Supporting a diverse and changing community that welcomes students from varied socio-economic and linguistic backgrounds.

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Oak Park

900 W 59th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6P 1X7

Oak Park is a lively and welcoming place featuring plenty of space for various recreational activities with its basketball course, outdoor roller hockey rink, tennis courts, soccer fields, as well as grassy fields for relaxing and picnicking and play areas for children.

Fraser River Park

8705 Angus Dr, Vancouver, BC V6P 6G2

One of the most tranquil and inspiring spots in the area. This park is lined with crab apple trees and Nootka roses with large rolling lawns perfect for picnicking, relaxing in the sunshine, or flying a kite. It features beautiful views of the Fraser River from the boardwalks.

William Mackie Park

1592 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V6P 6N8

This quaint park makes for a great spot for nearby residents to take a nice stroll, bring their children to play, or relax in the wide grassy area.

Riverview Park

1751 W 66th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6P 2S3

With rolling lawns dotted with large, beautiful trees, this park is a peaceful place for a stroll and features a playground area for children.

Shannon Mews Park

1551 W 57th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6P 1T2

This brand new development is a quaint park that features space for children to play at the nearby playground and grass fields for relaxing or picnicking.

Ash Park

8288 Ash St, Vancouver, BC V6P 3L9

The playground, grassy areas, and ample shade make this a great spot for children to play.

Vancouver Heritage Housing

In April 1983, City Council initiated a Heritage Conservation Program. Both Council and the Vancouver Heritage Commission (then known as the Heritage Advisory Committee) realized that a comprehensive management program was necessary to identify the city’s heritage resources, to develop incentives to assist in the conservation of those resources, and to create a greater awareness and understanding of our built heritage. There are three main components to the Heritage Program.

Vancouver Heritage Register

By the end of 1986, Vancouver’s centennial year, City Council adopted the Vancouver Heritage Register (then known as the Heritage Inventory) which included buildings, landscapes, monuments and archaeological sites that have heritage significance. A site does not have to be designated to be included on the Register. There are approximately 2,400 resources listed on the Register ranging from workers cottages and utilitarian warehouses to elaborately decorated mansions and commercial buildings. The Vancouver Heritage Register [pdf] is a valuable record of the development and change that has occurred in Vancouver’s history. Approximately 21% (about 500) sites are municipally designated [see the Heritage Bylaw].

Heritage Management Plan

The Heritage Management Plan includes a program of incentives and protective measures that are aimed at promoting the conservation of our heritage resources. Incentives such as zoning by-law, subdivision by-law and parking by-law relaxations, density bonuses and transfers, and permit fast tracking encourage the restoration and continued use of heritage buildings. Protective measures include designation, heritage revitalization agreements, heritage alteration permits, heritage inspections, impact assessments, temporary protection, the withholding of approvals and permits, heritage control periods and heritage site maintenance standards.

Public Education and Information Program

This aspect of the Heritage Conservation Program provides information to the public on heritage issues and appropriate conservation techniques. Initiatives such as the annual Heritage Awards which recognize efforts that further the goal of heritage conservation are also an important part of the Heritage Program. The Heritage Plaque Program identifies municipally designated heritage sites with a distinctive bronze plaque and serves to acknowledge conservation efforts of building owners. It also increases public awareness of our built heritage and of our history.

What is the Vancouver Heritage Register?

The Vancouver Heritage Register [PDF] is the cornerstone of the City’s Heritage program. Adopted in 1986 (then known as the Heritage Inventory), it is a policy and guideline document which includes approximately 2,150 buildings, and 131 landscapes, monuments and archaeological sites. To be included on the Register, sites must be identified as having heritage value and/or heritage character and be at least 20 years old. The Register is a planning tool which provides a valuable record of Vancouver’s heritage.

How Was the Heritage Register Completed and How Are Buildings Evaluated?

A comprehensive architectural survey of the city was completed by a study team that looked at every street in the City to identify notable buildings. This work, together with additional historical research on the buildings, was used to evaluate each building according to the following criteria: (1) architectural significance; (2) historical significance; (3) the extent to which the original context of the building and its surroundings remain; and (4) the degree of alteration to the exterior of the building.

To be included on the Heritage Register, a site is evaluated as outlined above, and in so doing it must be identified as having heritage value and/or heritage character. Heritage value means historical, cultural, aesthetic, scientific or educational worth. Heritage character means the overall effect produced by traits or features which give a property or an area its distinctive quality. There can be different degrees and kinds of value and character. A rare example of a once-common building type may be of considerable value in one neighbourhood over a similar building in another area where that building type is more prevalent.

What do the “A”, “B” and “C” Evaluation Categories Mean?

These categories are general classifications and are based on any combination of historic, architectural, cultural, spiritual, scientific or social values.

A – Primary Significance
Represents the best examples of a style or type of building; may be associated with a person or event of significance.

B – Significant
Represents good examples of a particular style or type, either individually or collectively; may have some documented historical or cultural significance in a neighbourhood.

C – Contextual or Character
Represents those buildings that contribute to the historic character of an area or streetscape, usually found in groupings of more than one building but may also be of individual importance.

While the category is a useful reference, the key is that whichever category a building is placed under, it has heritage value.

Can Registered Buildings be Altered or Demolished?
Does a Building’s “A”, “B” or “C” Category Affect How It Is Treated?

A building which is listed on the Heritage Register can be altered on the exterior. However, when considering alterations, the way in which the exterior is treated should not depend on whether it is an “A”, “B” or “C”. In other words, the heritage value of each building on the Heritage Register is formally recognized and the elements that define its character should be afforded the same level of respect. If a permit is required for the alteration, it will be referred to heritage staff for comments as part of the permit process.

Council’s “Heritage Polices and Guidelines” describe Council’s intent with respect to heritage properties listed on the Vancouver Heritage Register (VHR). Before a permit can be issued to demolish a building on the VHR, development and building permits for the new development must first be obtained. In this period staff would explore retention options with the applicant. Often applicants do not know all the options and incentives/bonuses which are applicable if a heritage building is retained. These can include floor area bonuses and relaxations in height, setbacks, parking, etc. Heritage incentives are meant to be used to successfully find alternatives to the demolition of heritage buildings to the satisfaction of both the property owner and the city.

In addition to the process described above, Council policy specifies that if a building is listed in the “A” category on the VHR and demolition is sought by the owner, then:

“Council has instructed that, prior to consideration of a proposal for the demolition of an “A” building, a formal independent consultant’s report on the physical condition and economic viability of retaining the building should be reviewed by the Director of Planning. The consultant’s report is to be carried out at the expense of the applicant.”

The Planning Department’s practice in this regard has been to advise Council of the demolition request for an “A” listed building and seek their advice. For all other buildings on the Vancouver Heritage Register, if the development application is “outright” with respect to use and regulation, and there is no voluntary interest in keeping the building by the owner (or prospective owner) then the heritage hold would be removed and the demolition application process would proceed. The process typically takes one to three weeks.

For applications that seek a “conditional” development with respect to use or regulation, (e.g. a single family dwelling containing a secondary suite) the City is under no obligation to approve an application that seeks the demolition of a building on the VHR. Instead, Council’s policy instructs staff to give special consideration through applying zoning incentives to applications that seek the retention of a resource on the Heritage Register. It can take one to six months to complete the permitting process to retain the heritage building, depending on the complexity of the site, development requested and the level of negotiation.

In addition to the procedures described above, the Vancouver Charter (sections 583 and 589) permits Council to delay the demolition approval of a building either on the Heritage Register or a building that “may be heritage property”, through temporary protection for a period of 120 days. During this time, a heritage inspection may be ordered (at the owners expense) to assess the heritage value of the site.

How are Sites Added to the Vancouver Heritage Register?

When the original Heritage Register was adopted in 1986, Council supported a public nomination program whereby sites would be nominated for addition to the Register. Public nominations are reviewed by heritage staff who prepare an evaluation form for the site. The evaluation is then reviewed by the Vancouver Heritage Commission. If the person nominating the building is not the owner, then consultation with the owner must occur to determine whether or not the owner is supportive of the nomination. Sites with sufficient heritage value or character are forwarded to Council for consideration in amending the Register. If approved, the site is added to the Register.