Its official. The Province of British Columbia has proclaimed Heritage Week 2010.  Heritage Week 2010 runs from Monday, February 15 to Sunday, February 21.  It is no coincidence that the theme is sport and recreation, and that the week-long celebration of heritage coincides with the Winter Olympics.  During a recent meeting with the Honourable Kevin Krueger, Heritage BC presented the minister responsible for heritage with a framed copy...
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Recent deep cuts by the provincial government have impacted heritage conservation in several ways.The virtual elimination of gaming grants has been devastating.  Many museums and other community heritage organizations have had to reduce programs and cut staff.  Some will suffer significant deficits as a result.Heritage BC has addressed these cuts in a submission to the provincial Finance Committee. Heritage BC also lost 90% of its core operations...
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY ACT Last Spring the alarm was sounded in the heritage community when it became apparent that new regulations under the provincial Energy Efficiency Act could have serious consequences for heritage rehabilitation and restoration projects.  The new regulations place stringent requirements and limitations on the manufacture of new windows and doors, including replacement units in heritage buildings. Only designated heritage...
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The Government of British Columbia passed the Homeowner Protection Act (HPA) in 1998 following a commission of enquiry into leaky condos. The primary purpose of the Act is to strengthen consumer protection for buyers of new homes. Under the HPA, residential builders are required to arrange for third party home warranty insurance on new homes before obtaining a building permit.  The minimum coverage and standards for home warranty insurance policies...
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New Regulations for Windows and DoorsNew regulations for the manufacture of windows, doors and skylights in B.C. took effect on June 1.  Brought in under the BC Energy Efficiency Act, the regulations are part of a broad provincial strategy to reduce energy consumption in buildings.  While designated buildings are exempt from the regulations, other heritage buildings are not. Existing windows and doors in heritage buildings may be refurbished...
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