2026 Heritage BC Award Nominees

The project revitalized a historic company town by integrating commercial and residential uses, employee housing, and community amenities, guided by community input and a complex rezoning process. The heritage value lies in preserving a collection of original historic buildings, maintaining key alignments and relationships while relocating some structures to new foundations, for example the church steeple on Main Street and the adjacency of the Theatre and Community Hall. Constructed at a time when there was no road access to Britannia, these buildings display good proportions, innovative structural systems, and graceful utilitarianism. They’ve been authentically revitalized as an assembly of heritage buildings that complement the Britannia Mine Museum, enhancing the potential of destination tourism.

The 1913 Carrick Bungalow, a rare California Craftsman home built from local granite, underwent a careful restoration focused on preserving its original stonework and craftsmanship. The west wall was dismantled and rebuilt using traditional hot lime mortar, deteriorated sandstone chimney details were hand-carved, and lime slaking techniques were demonstrated onsite. No new granite was needed, and custom tools replicated historic joint profiles. The project preserved the bungalow’s historic, aesthetic, and cultural significance for Victoria’s heritage community.

First Baptist Church in Vancouver, a Gothic Revival landmark since 1911, has undergone a major heritage conservation and redevelopment project. The work preserved its historic architecture while upgrading seismic safety, building systems, and accessibility. Restored and renewed spaces (including the Sanctuary, Pinder Hall, basement, courtyard, and new community facilities) now support worship, ministry, emergency shelter, and social programs. The project ensures the church remains a vital centre of faith, care, and community connection in downtown Vancouver for generations.

Vintage Woodworks Inc. developed the Integrated Grill Sash (IGS) to help heritage buildings meet modern energy standards without compromising historical authenticity. The IGS mimics traditional true divided-light sashes while incorporating insulated glazing, improving thermal performance, reducing material waste, and lowering long-term maintenance costs. This innovation allows for code-compliant window replacements or retrofits, supporting both heritage conservation and environmental sustainability across BC.

The Church of Our Lord’s steeple underwent a comprehensive restoration and seismic upgrade after a 2022 assessment revealed extensive structural decay. Starting in 2023, the project rebuilt the supporting wood structure, renewed cladding, and reinstated decorative elements. The spire was carefully removed for restoration and re-installed on April 11, 2025. The fully restored steeple, a highlight of the church’s 2025 restoration work, will be a centerpiece for its upcoming 150th anniversary.

The Ferry Building Rehabilitation Project, completed in March 2023, revitalized this century-old West Vancouver landmark. The project restored the building following the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada, raised it above flood levels, upgraded its structure and systems, and added two gender-neutral washrooms. The building continues to serve as a community art gallery and meeting space, maintaining its heritage character while supporting multi-use community functions.

The project conserved one of Steveston’s 17 protected heritage sites by reversing decades of neglect and restoring key architectural features, including windows, doors, gable vents, and cladding. Using Heritage Legacy Funding and the City of Richmond’s Steveston Village Heritage Conservation Grant, the building was rehabilitated under a Heritage Alteration Permit with minimal intervention, incorporating insulation, sheathing, rainscreens, low-profile flashings, and reuse of original materials. Gutters and perimeter drainage were also added to ensure long-term protection and performance.

In summer 2023, the BC Black History Awareness Society undertook a preservation and conservation project at Ross Bay Cemetery, a key site highlighting Black history in BC. The project stabilized and restored eight gravesites of Black pioneers and their descendants, maintaining the original markers, tombstones, and plot features. This work protects the cemetery as a heritage resource and supports education about the contributions of Black settlers to the region.

The Mission Museum underwent a comprehensive restoration to preserve its historic character and protect its collection of over 10,000 artifacts. Work included replacing cedar shingles, repairing windows and stained glass, restoring doors, trim, and exterior woodwork, and refurbishing the entrance and accessibility features. The renovation ensures the building remains a key educational centre, showcasing Mission’s rich history through dynamic programs.

This project centred on the careful restoration of one of the city’s oldest surviving buildings, originally constructed in 1865. We removed failing paint around siding, doors, and trim. Epoxy fillers and resins were skillfully applied, with each profile shaped by hand to match the building’s original details. Damaged siding was replaced using reclaimed old-growth Douglas fir. Traditional hand-crafting techniques ensured seamless integration with the original materials. The entrance doors and hardware were fully refurbished, peeling back over a century of history to reveal the craftsmanship at their origin. Selected window sills were replaced with old-growth Douglas fir carefully sourced from another local building of the same era, preserving both authenticity and historic integrity. Through this process, we not only restored structural elements but also revived the story and character embedded in this heritage landmark.

The Temperance Hotel in Ladysmith, one of the town’s earliest surviving buildings, was on the verge of collapse before a 3½-year rehabilitation project. Reopened in May 2024, the project preserved the hotel’s heritage character while restoring it as a functioning hotel. Since reopening, it has hosted over 800 guests and received glowing reviews, helping to revitalize tourism, support economic growth, and raise the heritage profile of downtown Ladysmith.

The City of Quesnel updated its heritage interpretation along the Riverfront Trail and downtown, installing 30 new panels, 7 off-trail signs, and 5 life-sized photographic murals. The project, including redevelopment of Lhtako Dene Park, highlights diverse cultural communities (particularly Indigenous and Chinese residents) through accessible, visually engaging interpretive content.

Barkerville: The Series is a six-episode web series blending humour, drama, and heritage interpretation to explore modern-day life at Barkerville Historic Town & Park. Created by the Barkerville Heritage Trust with input from the Lhtako Dene Nation, it highlights Indigenous perspectives and heritage storytelling while engaging audiences with the gold rush’s lasting legacies.

The Grade 1-3 Class of the Hornby Island Community school interviewed a number of "fascinating people of Hornby" about their experiences and contributions to the island. The project connected long-time residents with school students to share knowledge and history in a respectful and positive way.

The touring exhibition GEORGE CLUTESI: ḥašaḥʔap / ʔaapḥii / ʕc̓ik / ḥaaʔaksuqƛ / ʔiiḥmisʔap celebrated the life and legacy of artist, activist, and educator George Clutesi, highlighting his contributions to nuučaan̓ułʔatḥ cultural preservation. Featuring his artworks, archival materials, a documentary, and works by contemporary Indigenous artists, the exhibit engaged communities and promoted access to this important Canadian heritage.

In April 2025, Britannia Shipyards launched the Heritage Boat Restoration Program, offering year-round opportunities to learn traditional wooden boatbuilding skills. Highlighting Japanese Canadian craftsmanship, the program features live restoration of historic fishing boats like the 1963 Crystal S, educating visitors and preserving these important cultural and industrial traditions.

Legends, Lanterns and Fireside Folklore—BC's History Reimagined, created by Gina Armstrong and Victoria Vancek of Haunted History BC, is an immersive storytelling program that brings BC’s history, legends, and folklore to life. Through theatrical, interactive sessions, it engages audiences of all ages, fostering curiosity, community connection, and a deeper appreciation for local heritage.

The Cottonwood Falls Garden Information Sign Project by the Nelson Izu-Shi Friendship Society installed ten interpretive signs to share the park’s ecology, Indigenous history, and Japanese-Canadian connections. Launched in 2024 with a mobility-friendly pathway, the project enhances public access to heritage, received the City of Nelson Heritage Award, and inspires engagement with local history and environmental stewardship.

The Oliver & District Heritage Society’s video, “Oliver’s Irrigation Ditch: Lifeline of a Community,” tells the story of the irrigation canal that transformed Oliver into a thriving agricultural region. Combining historical photos, interviews, and on-site footage, the video highlights the canal’s engineering, its impact on the community and economy, and its ongoing importance for water management and local heritage.

Places That Matter is a long-running Vancouver project highlighting 125 publicly nominated sites that reflect the city’s diverse and lesser-known histories. Since 2011, the program has installed 96 plaques, created detailed online content for each site, and continues to grow, celebrating 15 years in 2026 as an ongoing, community-driven heritage initiative.

Revealing Our Histories was a year-long art and heritage project at Tecumseh Elementary School (2024–2025) engaging 403 students and 18 teachers to explore the school and Victoria Fraserview neighbourhood’s layered histories. Guided by printmaker Julie McIntyre, the project produced 12 silkscreened banners reflecting Indigenous knowledge, natural history, and community stories, now permanently installed as a legacy celebrating local cultural heritage.

Julie McIntyre, Artist
Marion Elizabeth Collins, AIRS Lead Teacher
Maggie Milne Martens, AIRS Artistic Director
Students and Teachers of Tecumseh Elementary School

With contributions from
Senaqwila Wyss
John Aiken

Steveston Alive! Walking Tour Vignettes, presented by the Steveston Historical Society, brings the village’s multicultural heritage to life through live, site-specific performances. Featuring student actors portraying historical figures, the tours engage audiences in immersive, educational experiences that foster cultural awareness, intergenerational learning, and community pride.

Terry Fox: Inspiring Local Champions is a permanent exhibit at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre that honors Terry Fox and local community heroes. Featuring artifacts, interactive displays, and personal stories, the exhibit inspires residents to reflect, learn, and strive to make a positive impact in their community.

The Crossroads Exhibit is a traveling showcase in Abbotsford that highlights local built heritage through water media artworks, photographs, community stories, and Statements of Significance. By combining art and heritage, the project raises awareness of cultural value, shares community stories, and engages the public through both in-person exhibits and a freely available catalogue.

The Xwe’etay/Lasqueti Archaeology Project (XLAP) celebrated and preserved Indigenous heritage on Xwe’etay, highlighting 8,000 years of Coast Salish settlement. Through collaborative exhibits, public art, and intergenerational events, the project fostered understanding, countered historical erasure, and strengthened relationships between Indigenous communities and local settlers.

The Re-enactors: Surrey’s True Stories is an interactive performance troupe that brings Surrey’s history to life at city events. Since 2012, it has portrayed diverse historical figures through research and community engagement, making heritage accessible, inclusive, and engaging while continuously evolving to reflect the city’s multicultural past and present.

To Be Seen, To Be Heard: First Nations in Public Spaces, 1900–1965 at Museum of Anthropology at UBC (2024–2025) highlighted overlooked histories of First Nations artists, activists, and leaders shaping public life under colonial rule. Curated by Dr. Marcia Crosby and Karen Duffek, the exhibition used archival materials and community interviews to make these contributions visible, engaging diverse audiences and correcting historical erasure.

In 2025, Neesha led marketing and communications for the JUNOS in Vancouver and Surrey, ensuring the event highlighted BC’s cultural diversity, particularly Surrey’s South Asian community. The initiative celebrated South Asian heritage through artists, stories, and the launch of the new JUNO Award for South Asian Recording of the Year, making this heritage visible on a national stage.

The City of Revelstoke developed a Heritage Management Plan to safeguard its cultural and natural heritage through a community-oriented, values-based approach. The plan integrates best practices in heritage conservation, supports economic development and sustainability, and was shaped through broad community engagement with actionable strategies for implementation.

Kira Westby co-curated, in collaboration with the Witsuwit'en community, author Tyler McCreary and artist Facunco Gastiazoro, "'Alhk'ikh Ts'ëdilh (Walking Together) – Shared Histories" at the Bulkley Valley Museum, a permanent exhibit exploring the colonial dispossession and resilience of the Witsuwit'en people in Smithers. Featuring elder oral histories, Witsuwit'en translations by K'lisët Violet Gellenbeck, and the Walnut Park Totem Pole, the exhibit educates the public, supports reconciliation, and connects local students to this shared history through new educational programming.

The Amelia Douglas Institute for Métis Culture and Language, founded by Métis Nation BC, serves as a central hub for Métis heritage, language, and cultural programming in British Columbia. Since its incorporation in 2022, it has developed exhibitions, an online dictionary, art collections, and educational programs, preserving and promoting Métis culture while increasing public awareness and engagement.

Dr. Sharon Fortney has spent over 20 years at the Museum of Vancouver, significantly advancing reconciliation, repatriation, and Indigenous engagement. As Senior Curator of Indigenous Collections, Engagement & Repatriation, she has strengthened relationships with local nations, guided co-developed exhibitions, supported Indigenous representation on the board, and implemented TRC and UNDRIP principles, profoundly shaping the museum’s approach to decolonization and community collaboration.

Feed the People is an Indigenous-led workshop that fosters knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and reconciliation through traditional deer harvesting, food processing, and cultural education. Since 2019, it has strengthened Indigenous access to land and food sovereignty, built intercultural understanding, and created mentorship and collaboration opportunities between Indigenous and settler participants in the Salish Sea.

Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning Centre in Surrey’s Elgin Heritage Park is an Indigenous-led space for learning, healing, and cultural celebration. Open since 2023, it offers programs for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, amplifying Indigenous heritage, fostering connections, and creating a lasting impact on future generations. Sincere gratitude goes to Semiahmoo First Nation for their guidance and support in the creation and ongoing success of the Learning Centre.

This project produced a W̱SÁNEĆ-guided tour brochure and story map for S’KTAK/Mayne Island that shares traditional use, language, and history through artwork, community partnerships, and Elder knowledge. Its impact has been to address cultural erasure and strengthen relationships, dialogue, and reconciliation between W̱SÁNEĆ communities and Mayne Island residents.

Chris Sholberg is a longtime heritage planner who dedicated over three decades to the City of Nanaimo, playing a pivotal role in establishing and strengthening its Heritage Conservation Program. Through his leadership and professional contributions across British Columbia, he has significantly advanced heritage planning practice and mentorship in the field.

Dr. Imogene Lim is a respected anthropologist and educator who has been a leading advocate for preserving and elevating Chinese Canadian history in British Columbia through scholarship, community leadership, and public programming. Her work has increased national awareness of underrepresented historic sites and advanced cultural equity and historical justice.

Dr. Satwinder Bains is a visionary heritage leader who has transformed heritage practice in British Columbia through community-based research, inclusive partnerships, and intercultural dialogue. Her work has expanded national and international recognition of community heritage and embedded equity and participation at the core of heritage practice.

Robin served as Director of the Cariboo Regional District Board, and as a member and Chair of the Cariboo Heritage Commission for several years. He was the CEO of Barkerville Heritage Trust, and Mayor of Wells. Robin was a force for educating others on Barkerville and his influence on heritage preservation continues to be felt.

Tressa Ford has made significant contributions to the Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery as Assistant Archivist, strengthening collections, exhibitions, and public programming while helping engage new audiences through writing, tours, and social media. Their curatorial and research work has brought regional history to life and expanded the museum’s reach in the community.

Neesha is a cultural communications leader who has spent over two decades championing South Asian arts and identity as an integral part of British Columbia’s living heritage. Through her platform and leadership work, she has created sustainable pathways for youth, artists, and institutions to preserve, amplify, and celebrate underrepresented cultural narratives.

Ethel Field has devoted decades to heritage leadership in New Westminster, restoring significant historic homes and championing preservation through long-term volunteer service, board leadership, and her role as a founding member and key contact of the Heritage Foundation of New Westminster. Her work has strengthened heritage protection, public education, and support for homeowners, making a lasting impact on the community’s built heritage.

Jon Henderson has dedicated over two decades of service to the Friends of the Richmond Archives, serving in multiple leadership roles and providing steady guidance as the longest-serving board member. A longtime educator and published author, he has significantly advanced community heritage education through publications, events, and ongoing volunteer commitment.

Catherine Hutson has been a steadfast advocate for New Westminster’s heritage for over 35 years, combining fact-based public advocacy, committee service, and community outreach to protect the city’s built and natural legacy. Her leadership was instrumental in establishing the Queen’s Park Heritage Conservation Area and advancing heritage work through Heritage New West.

Chuck Tasaka has devoted over five decades to preserving Greenwood, BC’s history, including leading the creation of Nikkei Legacy Park to honour Japanese Canadian internment and promote remembrance, education, and reconciliation. He has also authored two books, ensuring the community’s heritage is preserved and shared with future generations.

Linda took on a huge role as the Board Chair of Union Bay Historical Society 11 years ago when their founding director retired to Victoria. She has spent many hours behind the scenes filling out forms, fielding calls and many, many miles travelling on behalf of our Society. Linda has been devoted to organizing and producing new museum displays every summer that tell the story of Union Bay, often gathering items for a new display from community members, fostering community engagement. Linda has taken on the challenges of maintaining and upgrading our historic Post Office and Gaolhouse buildings and promoting the history and culture of Union Bay. Linda spearheaded the replacement of the old oil-fired boiler with a new electric boiler while maintaining the existing steam radiator heating system, protecting the heritage status of the Post Office building. This project was supported by a grant from the Comox Valley Regional District, along with the Society’s own funds for a total cost of $32,000 representing 47% of our total annual budget. However, the result of this boiler replacement is a lower heating cost and lower carbon footprint. It takes many projects to maintain 112-year-old historic buildings, including replacing all the windows and entire walls, while coordinating all the little things that need to be done to meet society’s purpose. Linda makes sure everything remains on track.