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2024 Heritage BC Award Recipients

The BC Heritage Awards celebrate incredible achievements in heritage across the Province of BC every year. This page features the winners of our 2024 awards program. You can view our amazing award winners and read about what made each one stand out.

This year, winners were awarded in five categories.

Navigate to:

» Conservation
» Education, Communications, and Awareness
» Indigenous and Diverse Cultures
» Planning and Management
» Volunteers
» 2024 Award Jury

Conservation

Outstanding

Historic South Poplar Schoolhouse Restoration

Travis Thuro, Ian Boese - Thuro Construction & Design

The restoration of the South Poplar School House was an opportunity to educate secondary Skills Development students, and the general public on applied heritage preservation. Their aim was to restore the derelict schoolhouse for public access while adhering to preservation standards. Urgently conserving the building's heritage values was a key immediate outcome. Now completed, the building will function as heritage programming space with an integrated interpretive center.

Honour

SS Moyie Outer Deck and Weather Envelope Rehabilitation

Gillian Froese, Past President, Kootenay Lake Historical Society
Kit Ashenhurst, Director, Kootenay Lake Historical Society
Elizabeth Scarlett, Secretary, Kootenay Lake Historical Society
Sarah Sinclair, President, Kootenay Lake Historical Society

The SS Moyie Outer Deck and Weather Envelope Rehabilitation project breathed new life into the world's oldest intact passenger sternwheeler, securing it for future generations. Ongoing from 2021-2023, the project coincided with the vessel’s 125th anniversary celebrations. Focused initially on addressing water intrusion issues in the saloon compartments, the project underwent meticulous planning and expert consultation to balance heritage preservation with modern protective measures. The endeavor involved removing and replacing the rotted canvas weather covering, installing waterproof membranes, and repainting the exterior surfaces. Extensive scaffolding was employed due to the ship's size. Supported by various funding sources, the dedicated volunteers of the Kootenay Lake Historical Society successfully executed the project, ensuring that Kaslo’s renowned tourist attraction will continue to enchant over 20,000 visitors annually.

The Restoration of B.C Binning’s Three Historic Murals as The Binning Residence

Jesse Saniuk, Owner, The Binning Residence
Cheryle A. Harrison, Conservator, Conserv-Arte

The project aimed to create tailored restoration plans for three murals at The Binning Residence through close collaboration between owner Jesse Saniuk and conservator Cheryle Harrison. For the exterior mural, painstaking effort was made to uncover Binning's original color palette beneath layers of paint, restoring it to its authentic hues. The entrance gallery's iconic mural, damaged by foundational issues, underwent restoration after stabilization with steel-pipe push piers, revealing and preserving Binning's original patterns. Similarly, the upstairs mural, hidden under layers of wallpaper and paint, was meticulously restored after uncovering evidence of its existence. An impressive 300 hours of conservation work was invested to revive these murals, highlighting the fusion of art and architecture at The Binning Residence.

Recognition

Fairacres Stables Adaptive Re-Use

James Emery, Principal, Iredale Architecture
Denis Gautier, Associate Principal, Iredale Architecture
Lisa Codd, Heritage Planner, City of Burnaby
Mark Robertson, Associate, WHM Structural Engineers
Claudio Suraci, Vice President, Holaco Construction

The Garage and Stables building, constructed in 1911 as part of the Fairacres Estate, underwent an adaptive re-use project to transform it into a fully conditioned studio space for the Burnaby Art Gallery (BAG). This project enabled the BAG to expand its Public Programs and accommodate student groups, offices, and studio functions. The project focused on maximizing natural light and open space while preserving historical. The renovation included facilities for non-gendered washrooms and universal access, achieved through the introduction of a new floor and glulam beams. Interior finishes retained the original tongue-and-groove Douglas fir, blending historical charm with modern functionality.

Small But Mighty

Hume Hotel Ghost Sign Restoration

Ryan Martin, General Manager, Hume Hotel
Elana Zysblat, Principal, Ance Building Services Inc.
Mark Paulson, Founder & Co-Owner, Valor Painting
Lana Donaldson, Owner, K.W.C Block

This project involves restoring the Hume Hotel ghost sign on Baker Street in Nelson, a vital element of a registered heritage building. With the hotel operating for 125 years, the goal was to ensure the historic advertising was not lost to weathering, aging and time. Using the building's Statement of Significance, a visual chronology for the sign was developed. Under the guidance of heritage professionals and skilled tradespeople, the sign was restored to its original appearance. This restoration reinstates the sign as a significant historic landmark in the community, preserving its iconic status.

Education, Communications, and Awareness

Outstanding

The Paper Trail to the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act Exhibit

Catherine Clement, Creator and Curator
Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chinese Canadian Museum

The inaugural exhibition at the Chinese Canadian Museum, "The Paper Trail to the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act," marks a century since the enactment of the Chinese Immigration Act. This landmark legislation, in force until 1947, barred many Chinese immigrants from Canada for nearly 25 years. Featuring over 500 certificates of identity documents, the exhibit sheds light on the surveillance and control of Chinese Canadians during this era. It unveils previously untold stories, crucially highlighting the struggles of British Columbia's Chinese population, which constituted 60% of the province's total in 1921. Importantly, the exhibition offers details of how Chinese Canadians were forced into second-class status in Canada and the fight to regain those civil rights. Partnering with the Chinese Canadian Military Museum, this community-driven initiative explores Canada's racist past through family narratives, emphasizing the fight for inclusion and reconciliation.

Rooted: Chinese Canadian Stories in Burnaby

Jane Lemke, Curator, Burnaby Village Museum
Denise Fong, Lead Researcher, Burnaby Village Museum
Lisa Codd, Heritage Planner, City of Burnaby

The culmination of six years of community-engaged research, this coffee-table book promotes Chinese Canadian history and heritage in Burnaby. Through oral histories, interviews, and archival research, it sheds light on the contributions and perseverance of Burnaby's Chinese Canadian community. The project aims to combat racism by educating the public about their significant role in the city's history. Featuring stories of multigenerational family farms, businesses, and community activism, it highlights resilience in the face of discrimination. Available in English and Simplified Chinese, and English and Traditional Chinese, the book was guided by the Museum's Chinese Canadian History Advisory Committee. It coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act, emphasizing Burnaby's commitment to recognizing and addressing the impact of discriminatory legislation on its Chinese Canadian community.

Des Pardes

Kris Foulds, Curator of Historical Collections, The Reach Gallery Museum
Kelley Tialiou, Curator of Art & Visual Culture, The Reach Gallery Museum
Andrea Orlosky, Curator of Learning & Community Engagement, The Reach Gallery Museum
Gureena Saran, Curatorial Assistant, The Reach Gallery Museum

Des Pardes is a community-engaged research project culminating in a major exhibition, educational programs, and enhanced digital access to heritage. Informed by contributions from hundreds of community members, it celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of South Asian communities in Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley. The exhibition employs historical photographs, oral histories, and contemporary interviews to explore themes like migration, faith, and contemporary culture. Presented in four languages, including English, Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindi, the exhibition offers a multi-sensory experience. Over 100 oral histories and digitized archival resources enrich The Reach’s collections and are accessible through touchscreen kiosks. The research outputs of the projet enrich representation of South Asian community history by making the resources digitally accessible, ensuring broader public access to this history.

Recognition

La Nostra Famiglia Italiana Projects: Our Legacy Exhibit and The Casorsos: La Prima Famiglia Documentary

Gord Hotchkiss, Co-Chair, La Nostra Famiglia Italiana Heritage Committee, Kelowna Canadian Italian Club
Don Rampone, Co-Chair, La Nostra Famiglia Italiana Heritage Committee, Kelowna Canadian Italian Club

The Kelowna Canadian Italian Club's Legacy Project combines an exhibit and documentary to highlight Italian immigrant families' arrival and impact in Kelowna . The documentary follows the journey of the first Italian family in the Okanagan, while the Kelowna Museum exhibit showcases artifacts and articles from the Casorso family and others. The exhibit, utilizing multimedia elements like video, audio recordings, and physical artifacts, offers insight into the challenges and successes of Italian immigrants integrating into Kelowna society. By blending various media and firsthand accounts, the Legacy Project vividly portrays the Italian immigrant experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for their cultural heritage and contributions. Together they beautifully underscore the significance of the initial Italian families in Kelowna, fulfilling its objectives.

Sointula: History and Memories

Sointula Museum and Historical Society on behalf of the community of Sointula, BC

The 40-minute documentary "Sointula: History and Memories" showcases community elders gathering to identify historic photos at the Sointula Museum. Their lively discussions birthed the idea of preserving them in a documentary, capturing their vibrancy, memories, and deep ties to the community's utopian beginnings. Directed, filmed, and produced by community members, the film reflects their skills, passion, and dedication. Their shared goal was to create an educational and inspirational film highlighting the importance of community heritage and the central role of elders as wisdom keepers. The international premiere in May 2023 drew a full house at Sointula’s Finnish Organization Hall. The documentary is publicly available in the Sointula Museum, on YouTube, and social media, serving as a heartfelt tribute to elders and a universal reminder to cherish their wisdom.

Fire Dragon Festival (Saturday 23rd - Sunday 24th September 2023, Vancouver)

Stephanie Leo, Chinatown Celebration Society

On September 23 & 24, 2023, the Chinatown Celebration Society revived the Fire Dragon Festival for its third annual celebration in the Vancouver community. Spanning two days, the festival hosted various events and activities across Chinatown, from the new Chinese Canadian Museum to the Chinatown Memorial Square. Highlights included a craft market, walking tours, watercolor painting, lantern-making, lion dance workshops, and the traditional Fire Dragon eye-dotting ceremony and parade along Keefer Street. Originating from the Hakka village of Tai Hang in Hong Kong, the Fire Dragon Festival has been celebrated since 1880, with interruptions only during the Japanese occupation and the COVID-19 pandemic. Introduced to Vancouver in 1975, the festival is a chance to bring together the community to celebrate cultural heritage and offer a chance for gathering over important cultural events.

Indigenous and Diverse Cultures

Outstanding

ŚTEṈIST ȻENTOL EȻSIÁ TĆÁNȻE / Walking Forward with the Past

J’SINTEN / John Elliott, Saanich Native Heritage Society
Sarah Jim, Artist & Stewardship Coordinator, PEPAKEṈ HÁUTW̱ Foundation
Adrienne Brown, President, Mayne Island Conservancy
Tina Hudson, President, Mayne Island Agricultural Society
Richard DeArmond, President, Campbell Bay Music Festival Society

"ŚTEṈIST ȻENTOL EȻSIÁ TĆÁNȻE / Walking Forward with The Past is a reconciliation initiative honoring W̱SÁNEĆ knowledge and culture on SḴŦAḴ / Mayne Island. It features a wetland ethnobotanical garden and W̱SÁNEĆ art, including Welcome Poles by TEMOSEṈ Chazz Elliott and murals by W̱SÁNEĆ artist Sarah Jim, around the Museum and Agricultural Hall. The aim is to address historical erasure of marginalized communities and foster relationships between W̱SÁNEĆ people and island residents. Celebrations of project milestones included ceremonies, Elder wisdom, Salish dances by the HELI,SET Youth Drummers, and communal feasting. Through this initiative, indigenous species are returning to their homelands, symbolizing the enduring presence of the W̱SÁNEĆ community on SḴŦAḴ.

Memorial Monument for Children of IRS

Stanley C Hunt, Kwakiutl Artist

Stanley C Hunt, a Kwakiutl Master Carver from Fort Rupert, BC, and Ray Bergen, a Vancouver businessman, initiated the 2023 Memorial Monument for Children of IRS Project out of a shared desire to raise awareness of Indian Residential School (IRS) impacts. The 18-foot sacred monument aims to honor the spirits of children who never returned home from these schools. Participants express love and gratitude to the families and survivors, emphasizing reconciliation and healing. The project, led by Kwakwabalas Stan Hunt and his team, engaged communities from Port Hardy to Ottawa, inviting all Canadians to participate virtually or in person. At every stop, the monument offered the chance to celebrate what had NOT been lost through the IRS. Communities are stronger, and children hold space in the way their ancestors taught them, learning language, participating in ceremony and practicing traditional and cultural values. The monument's journey from Port Hardy to Ottawa was supported by various organizations, including the Canadian Coast Guard, RCMP, and Canadian Navy, symbolizing a collective effort to acknowledge and commemorate the resilience of Indigenous communities despite the hardships of IRS.

Planning and Management

Outstanding

Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation: Saving and Preserving a Historic Icon

Ilona Spaar, President & Founding Director, Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation
Johann Roduit, Co-President & Founding Director, Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation

The Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation was instrumental in safeguarding the historic Swiss Edelweiss Village in Golden, BC. Their advocacy prevented its demolition and now they collaborate with the new owner to preserve and promote it. The village, comprising six Swiss-style chalets, was home to CPR-employed Swiss mountain guides who introduced European mountaineering to the Canadian Rockies in the early 20th century. Threatened by development pressure and potential buyers seeking demolition, Drs. Ilona Spaar and Johann Roduit spearheaded efforts to raise awareness and secure protection. Their advocacy led to the village's inclusion in the 2022 Endangered Places List by the National Trust for Canada. Despite falling short in crowdfunding, they successfully facilitated Montayne, a heritage-conscious real estate group, to acquire the site. Under their presidency, the foundation advises the owner, aiming to establish a museum and community space for educational programs.

Recoginition

Hornby Island Community Heritage Register

Hornby Island Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association (HIRRA) Community Hall Committee

In 2023, the Hornby Island Residents' and Ratepayers' Association (HIRRA) established a Hornby Island Community Heritage Register under the direction of Margaret Birch. Supported by the Comox Valley Regional District, HIRRA worked with a local heritage consultant to prepare Statements of Significance for four buildings in their community - the Old Schoolhouse, the Community Hall, Room to Grow, and the Tribune Bay Lodge. The register, adopted by the Island Trust in 2024, recognizes and protects these historic places of special value to the community. This project highlights Hornby Island’s rich tradition of vernacular public architecture and is a significant step towards preserving its heritage.

Volunteers

Outstanding Impact Volunteer

Wendy Mobley, Volunteer & Docent, Townsite Heritage Society of Powell River

Wendy Mobley, a dedicated volunteer, contributed her time and skills to our Society until late fall of 2023. Wendy passed away in January 2024, leaving a legacy of service at the Henderson House Living Museum and the Townsite Heritage Society Centennial Sign/Garden. Her mark left on the Townsite Heritage Society include a meticulously developed and maintained a filing system for the organization, serving as a docent, and sharing her extensive knowledge of local townsite history with visitors. She also actively participated in the restoration efforts of Dr. Henderson's House. Known for her passion, resourcefulness, and unwavering dedication, Wendy's contributions left a lasting impact on the Heritage society, and her memory continues to inspire their ongoing endeavours.

Susan Diane Campbell, Chair, Cemetery Recording Committee, Kelowna and District Genealogical Society

Susan Diane Campbell, Chair of the Cemetery Recording Committee at the Kelowna and District Genealogical Society, led a 15-year mission to document and honor Central Okanagan residents through their burials. With a team of volunteers, she covered local cemeteries from Peachland to Oyama, including overlooked and unrecorded sites. Recording transcriptions and taking photographs of headstones, the committee preserved information dating back to the area's earliest pioneers. Campbell collaborated with descendants to collect names, information, and photos, researching and writing their stories. The results were published in 16 books with over 9,000 names, biographies, and maps, distributed to archives across North America. Additionally, a digital version with 6,000 photographs was created, ensuring widespread access. Campbell's extensive volunteer work forms a lasting legacy for historians, researchers, and genealogists, preserving the memory of the deceased and the region's undocumented heritage.

Michael Wicks, Volunteer, Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery

Michael Wicks, a collector, historian, and educator, began gathering information on the gay community in the 1970s. Moving to Nelson in 1976, he collected local ephemera, fascinated by the growing rural queer culture. In 2019, Wicks approached the Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery (NMAG) to house his collection, which formed the core of the Queer Archives. With guidance from JP Stienne, Collections Manager at NMAG, Wicks learned to organize and accession items. He launched the social media campaign "Out of the Closets and I nto the Archive" to expand the collection, ensuring a comprehensive representation of the queer community's story in the Archives.

John Campbell, Board Member & Social Media Coordinator, Friends of the Richmond Archives

John Campbell is the driving force behind the Friends of the Richmond Archives Social Media Program. Utilizing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, History Pin, YouTube, and the blog "Outside the Box," the program celebrates Richmond's cultural heritage. Campbell, a retired engineer and historian, volunteered 300-500 hours annually since 2010, spearheading the program's success. He is also an active Director on the Board. Since 2012, the Social Media program has been educating and intriguing residents about Richmond's heritage, often referencing current community topics. Its posts are widely shared and regularly featured in local newspapers, contributing to the preservation and appreciation of Richmond's history.

Ann-Marie Metten, Executive Director, Historic Joy Kogawa House

Ann-Marie Metten has served as the Executive Director for the Historic Joy Kogawa House Society since its inception in 2007. The house, once the childhood home of author Joy Kogawa, faced demolition until Metten spearheaded a grassroots effort to preserve it. Under her guidance, the house evolved into a nationally recognized writer-in-residence program and a hub for community engagement. Metten's dedication revitalized the site, attracting writers, artists, and schoolchildren alike. Her efforts ensured the house's longevity as a cultural and literary landmark, contributing significantly to heritage conservation and community growth. Thanks to her vision, visitors to Vancouver can continue to enjoy this historic gem for years to come.

Ruby Nobbs Distinguished Service

Maureen Arvanitidis, Volunteer, New Westminster Heritage Preservation Society

Maureen Arvanitidis of Heritage New West (formerly New Westminster Heritage Preservation Society), epitomizes dedication to heritage advocacy and preservation. Her love for old houses and the city's heritage is deeply rooted. From serving as a docent at Irving House to volunteering on civic boards like the Community Heritage Commission, she's been involved in nearly every heritage-related role in the city. Maureen's leadership spans her tenure as Heritage New West's longest-running President to her current role as director. She's actively contributed to the Heritage Homes Tour, even featuring her own protected house, the Hainsworth House. The provincial scope of her dedication to heritage is evident from her time serving as President of Heritage BC. Maureen's quiet yet determined dedication makes her a beacon of heritage preservation in New Westminster.

Honourable Mention

Fred Pepin, President, Langley Heritage Society

Fred Pepin has dedicated nearly half a century to championing the preservation of Langley's historic sites. As president of the Langley Heritage Society, his leadership has safeguarded eleven heritage buildings, contributing to over twenty others. Pepin's advocacy not only prevents demolition but also promotes repurposing for community use, often as affordable housing. His hands-on approach spans structures like the 1915 CNR Station in Fort Langley and various buildings across Langley. Even in his 80s, Pepin remains active, inspecting foundations and repairing structures. Beyond the Langley Heritage Society, he contributes to the BC Farm Museum and Langley Centennial Museum and serves on multiple heritage committees. Revered locally as "Mr. Heritage," Pepin generously shares his expertise with restoration enthusiasts from across British Columbia.


2024 Award Jury

Berdine Jonker, CAHP, Director, Heritage BC

white woman with light brown shoulder length hair wearing a striped shirt and hoop earrings smiling

Awards Committee Member, Berdine is a registered heritage professional with over 20 years’ experience working in the sector in BC. She is a board director for Heritage BC, and for the BC Association of Heritage Professionals, and is the recently appointed chair of the City of Nelson’s Heritage Working Group.

Adam Hatch, CAHP, AIBC, Architect, Director, Heritage BC

smiling white man with a beard wearing a grey shirt in front of a bush with white flowers

Awards Committee Member, Adam Hatch is a registered architect and professional CAHP member working at hcma architecture + design in Vancouver. He has experience working on a broad range of built heritage conservation projects ranging in scale from historic wood frame houses to high-rise masonry buildings. He also serves on Heritage BC’s Board.

Christina Reid, MA, Director, Heritage BC

white woman with long hair wearing a white sweater and patterned scarf posing in front of a tree in a park

Awards Committee Member, Christina Reid is the Executive Director of Heritage Abbotsford Society, a Heritage BC Director, and volunteers for the Swedish Heritage in BC Museum and Archives. She holds a MA in archaeology in combination with a Cultural Resource Management diploma, and applies those skills to projects in the Fraser Valley and the Baltic region.

Jazmin Hundal, MSc, Museum Professional

Jazmin lives and works in Victoria, on the stolen lands of the Lekwungen peoples. She works as the Outreach Coordinator for the BC Museum Association, where she runs the IBPOC Network for racialized professionals and volunteers in the arts, culture, and heritage sectors. Jazmin is passionate about tackling institutionalized racism in workplaces, and making cultural organizations more accountable workplaces for us all.

Bill Yuen, Executive Director, Heritage Vancouver Society

Bill is the Executive Director of Heritage Vancouver Society. Bill is dedicated to an understanding and practice of heritage that is centered on people and their ways of living and experiencing. He is committed to how diverse public memories, social histories, rituals and meanings of place can be better understood, experienced and appreciated through the environment around us.

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As an organization of provincial scope, Heritage BC recognizes that its members, and the local history and heritage they seek to preserve, occupy the lands and territories of B.C.’s Indigenous peoples. Heritage BC asks its members and everyone working in the heritage sector to reflect on the places where they reside and work, and to respect the diversity of cultures and experiences that form the richness of our provincial heritage.