For the 18th annual Vancouver Heritage House Tour, Vancouver Heritage Foundation (“VHF”) will present several virtual events as well as self-guided tour ideas you can take whenever you like, and more.
Vancouver Heritage House Tour Online
Photo courtesy of the Vancouver Heritage Foundation
In non-COVID times, over 1,000 people would experience this one-day tour that spotlights heritage homes, their history, design and the distinct character of Vancouver’s diverse neighbourhoods. The up side is that now more people that ever can see these homes, from the comfort of their homes.
The annual tour offers a great way to learn about local history and heritage places, highlighting historic homes and heritage buildings in diverse neighbourhoods while also raising much-needed funding for VHF programs and projects.
Online Event Lineup
A Virtual Stroll in Marpole ($12, register online) Wednesday, September 16, 2020 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Join us to explore local history and heritage from home on this virtual walking tour with local historian, author and seasoned walking tour guide, John Atkin. On this virtual you’ll be lead on an exploration of the area’s fascinating architecture along with diverse cultural and transportation history. Throughout and after the pre-recorded virtual stroll, there will be opportunities to ask John questions live.
History on the Street: Vancouver’s House Styles ($15, register online) Tuesday, September 22, 2020 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Find out how well you know your house styles on this exploration through the decades with artist and author, Michael Kluckner and hosted by VHF Special Projects Manager, Jessica Quan. Learn how the styles that contribute so much to the distinct character of Vancouver’s neighbourhoods reflect the city’s history. Michael and Jessica will offer tips on identifying them and will answer questions.
A Colour Primer: Vancouver’s Historical Paint Schemes ($10, register online) Tuesday, September 29, 2020 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
In this informative and visual session, heritage consultant Donald Luxton will explain the changing use of colour and discuss how it can complete an authentic restoration. Explore the historic local palettes from the 1880s to the 1920s, made available in VHF’s True Colours range, and look at the different approaches of later decades. Following a colourful presentation, there will be opportunity to put questions to Donald.
Shortly after 8:00pm this evening reports of a fire at New Westminster’s Pier Park (which runs from the foot of 6th St to the SkyBridge) hit Twitter. Photos started rolling in of the 150 year old structure ablaze, from the creosote-soaked pilings underneath, with the iconic “W” of the WOW Westminster sculpture surrounded by flames.
Just ahead of 9:00pm, Translink posted a service notice, suspending all Expo Line SkyTrains from Columbia to Scott Road due to the smoke. Vancouver Fire Rescue’s Assistant Chief Young reported that the fire boat was on the way to help out:
At 10:44pm the Mayor of New Westminster, Jonathan Cote, shared on Twitter: “Devastating fire in Pier Park this evening. Just spoke to our Fire Chief. We are receiving assistance from fire departments across the region. The fire is being contained to the old part of the pier, but it is likely the old pier of the park will be completely destroyed. At this time the cause is not known. It is not believed anyone was caught in this fire.”
Fire at New Westminster’s Pier Park as viewed from across the river in Surrey. Photo by Jenny Miles.
This weekend the region was socked in with wildfire smoke from Washington, Oregon and California and tonight’s fire has contributed to even worse air conditions for the Lower Mainland.
As of 10:35pm, New Westminster Schools posted on Twitter that despite wildfire smoke and the fire at the pier, school will be in session tomorrow but they are consulting with the ministry.
The New West Record reports: “Coun. Patrick Johnstone was [one of] the community members who went to the Front Street parkade to view the fire. A friend who had seen it in its early stages told him the fire appeared to have started on the east side of the park and travelled west…
…Westminster Pier Park, a $25.2-milllion, 600-metre long linear park, opened on New Westminster’s waterfront in June 2012. The popular destination includes playgrounds, a sports court, a “festival lawn” gathering area, a concession, walking paths, beach volleyball courts and more.”
The fire comes just a few days after the 122nd anniversary of the Great New Westminster Fire that wiped out the city from the waterfront to Royal Ave back in 1898.
Fire Update: Visited the site this morning. The fire is still going at Pier Park, but it is now fully contained to the old pier section. The fire could last a few days and will not be able to be put out until they remove the deck. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/krjPKLQggO
“The old pier part of the park will not be salvageable and the big “W” will need to come down. Thank you to all of the hard working fire fighters at NWFD and other departments that worked hard all night containing the fire.
Please avoid the area as the air quality near the park site is very poor. Very sad day for the City of New Westminster, this was a very special place in our community.”
In the last few weeks I ventured out to some gardens around Vancouver. First the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival, then the Stanley Park Rose Garden and VanDusen Botanical Garden. The bright colours, soft tones, sun-kissed petals and fragrant boughs were rejuvenating after so much time in isolation at home. To brighten your screens and hopefully inspire you to partake in your own outdoor adventure, here are some of my photos of these experiences:
Join the first-ever virtual Gift of Time Gala in support of Canuck Place children living with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Your support is needed now more than ever.
Canuck Place Gift of Time Gala 2020
When: Saturday, September 26, 2020 at 8:00pm Where: Online link will be sent to registrants Registration: Donate to register for the 2020 Gift of Time virtual experience. All donations over $10 will be eligible for a full tax receipt. Register now through September 18th and your donation will be matched up to $50,000—dollar for dollar—thanks to Nicola Wealth. You will also be entered into a draw to win a signed jersey from Vancouver Canucks team captain, Bo Horvat!
Attendees will be granted access to an exclusive online auction and be treated to an engaging virtual program featuring a powerful speech from Canuck Place mom, Katie Jameson.
Your support is needed now more than ever. The diseases and conditions Canuck Place children endure don’t stop during a pandemic. And their care desperately needs funding.
About Canuck Place
For 25 years, Canuck Place has been providing paediatric palliative care for the most medically complex and ill children in the province. This past year alone, over 765 children and families across BC and Yukon received care through Canuck Place programs and essential services.
Follow Canuck Place Children’s Hospice on Facebook and Twitter for more information.
Miss604 is the proud blog partner of the Canuck Place Gift of Time Gala for the 8th year.
September looks much different this year but we still have some mainstay events and activities like the Fringe Festival (on now, virtual), corn mazes and more. Here is a quick list of things to do in Vancouver this weekend, online and beyond: