15 Years of the Places That Matter to Vancouver

by Rebecca Bollwitt Tuesday, January 13th, 2026 — 1:00pm PST

You may recognize the signature blue plaques at sites all around the city, and this month the Places That Matter to Vancouver program is marking its 15th anniversary.

Launched in 2010 to help share the lesser-known histories of the people, places, and events that have shaped Vancouver, the Place That Matter (PTM) selection was driven entirely by public nominations, community research, and volunteer support.

People | Places | Events

A Places That Matter location with blue plaque - Miss604 Photo — A Places That Matter location with blue plaque – Miss604 Photo

People

Every site tells the story of the many people in Vancouver’s history. Some sites were nominated in honour of a particular individual while others speak to collectives, communities and grassroot activism as its strength. PTM began a process with the Musqueam First Nation (MIB) to select 5 sites of significance within the City of Vancouver. These sites are on the website, but have no physical plaques. PTM hopes to work jointly with the Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish Nations to also include 5 sites of significance to their communities, within Vancouver.

Places

There are currently over 125 individual PTM sites on the Places That Matter Community History Resource map. You can search by name, or location on the map, and it brings you to an individual webpage devoted to that site’s stories. Add your story, photo, question or connection directly online. The information presented relies on community input and content.

15 Years of the Places That Matter to Vancouver

There are a few events you can join for the upcoming anniversary:

Putting Vancouver on the Map: 15 Years of Places That Matter
- Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at Hycroft Manor
- Tickets are available online
- VHF’s Jessica Quan will moderate a discussion with John Atkin, Imogene Lim, and Naveen Girn, exploring the origins of Places That Matter and its continued importance today.
Come to the Table: A Places That Matter Winter Storytelling Event
- Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at Hycroft Manor
- Tickets are available online
- Come to the table as we spend an evening together sharing community stories and reflecting on how food brings us together and shares who we are and where we come from. Learn how cherished family recipes, beloved dishes and community tie us all to the powerful theme of food. Each speaker will be sharing stories of their own experiences growing up and the importance that food played in their lives. The Heritage Week Proclamation will also be read at this event.
Heritage Week – Places that Matter Community Fair
- Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 11:00am to 3:00pm at Heritage Hall
- RSVP online
- Join VHF for the 9th Annual Places That Matter Community Fair with over 30 community organizations from all over the City of Vancouver, items for sale, crafts, and more. Learn about the many stories and people that connect us to the places that matter in our communities.