2026 Heritage BC Award Recipients

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.

Collaborators:
Macdonald Communities Limited
Sean McEwen, Project Architect and Coordinating Professional
Ray Letkeman, Masterplan Architect

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.

Collaborators:
Venelin Kokalov, Principal, Revery Architecture Inc.
Donald Luxton + Associates

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.

Collaborators:
Door Gibson, British Columbia Black History Awareness Society
Paul Schachter, British Columbia Black History Awareness Society
Fran Morrison, British Columbia Black History Awareness Society
Shawn Thibault, Ravenstone Masonry & Conservation Inc.
Wilf Bruch, Ross Bay Cemetery
John Adams, Old Cemeteries Society
Gerry Buydens, Old Cemeteries Society

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.

Collaborators:
City of Richmond, Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site
Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site Staff: Rebecca Clarke, Dave Sharp, Leah Best, Tricia Buemann, Camille Owens, Philippa Dove, Talya Mallek, Mimi Horita, Johanna Trapier
Descendants of Steveston’s Japanese Canadian boatbuilders: Kishi family members Glenn, Wendy, and Leane; Bud Sakamoto; and Don Mukai
Kei Space Design: Juan Tanus, Michale Lang, Edna Chan, Gui Savioz

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 collaborative hand screened banners reflecting Indigenous knowledge, natural history, and community stories, that are being permanently installed as a legacy celebrating local cultural heritage. AIRS program recognises the significant contributions of Marion Collins, AIRS lead teacher at Tecumseh school and local knowledge holders Senaqwila Wyss and John Aiken in making this project possible.

Collaborators:
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 and John Aiken

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.

Collaborators:
Sean Markey, Simon Fraser University
Dana Lepofsky, Simon Fraser University
Oqwilowgwa Kim Recalma-Clutesi, Qualicum
Drew Blaney, Tla’amin Nation
Christine Roberts, Wei Wai Kum
Faren Wolfe, Xwe’etay
Julia Woldmo, Xwe’etay
Nicole Norris, Halalt
Michael Recalma, Qualicum
Candace Newman, K’omoks
Jesse Morin, Independent
Kaya Fraser, Xwe’etay
Owen Wilson, Simon Fraser University
Dana Kluchinski, Simon Fraser University
Vlad Krakov, Simon Fraser University
Katie Dierks, Simon Fraser University
Mary Kelly, Simon Fraser University
Madeleine MacLean, Simon Fraser University)
Peter Johnston, Xwe’etay
Morgan Ritchie, Simon Fraser University, Stsailes Nation

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.

Collaborators:
Museum of Anthropology at UBC
Karen Duffek and Marcia Crosby

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.

Collaborators:
Bulkley Valley Museum
Kira Westby, Curator, Content Writer
Dr. Tyler McCreary, Shared Histories Author, Content Writer
K'ilisët Violet Gellenbeck, Content Rreview and Witsuwit'en Translations
Facundo Gastiazoro, Exhibit Design
James Madam, Witsuwit'en Mural Artist
Eric Holdijk, Curatorial Assistance/Research
Holly Peterson, Curatorial Assistance
'Ilhdesinon Birdy Markert, Planning Committee and Content Review
Mélanie H. Morin, Content and Witsuwit'en Transcription Review
Charlotte Euverman, Planning Committee
Wilat Susie Alfred, Planning Committee
Dolores Alfred, Planning Committee/Research

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.

Collaborators:
Métis Nation BC
Patrick Harriott, Minister of Culture, Language, and Heritage, MNBC
Raynie Gervais, Associate Minister of Culture, Heritage and Language, MNBC
Colette Trudeau, CEO, MNBC
Sasha Hobbs, Chief Strategy Officer, MNBC
Mallory Blondeau, Executive Director of the Ministry of Culture, Heritage, and Language, MNBC

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.

Collaborators:
Galiano Conservancy Association
Richard Charlie, Penelakut Elder
Stephen Sylvester, Penelakut Knowledge Holder
Jaimie Jim, Penelakut Knowledge Holder
Adam Huggins, Project Coordinator
Bobbi-Jo Basarab, Project Co-Lead
Rosemary Georgeson, Indigenous Elder

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.

Project by City of Surrey, Heritage Services

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.

Collaborators:
City of Revelstoke
Denise Cook, Main Author
Cathy English, Member of the Heritage Advisory Commission
Lindsay Bourque, Member of the Heritage Advisory Commission
Eileen Fletcher, Member of the Heritage Advisory Commission
Laurie Lafontaine, Member of the Heritage Advisory Commission
Kelvin Skoretz, Member of the Heritage Advisory Commission

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Collaborators:
Gord Freeman, Freeman Construction
Keith Tetlow, KILO Architecture
Steve Hoel, JSH Engineering Ltd.
Bruce Grayson, Core Geotechnical Inc.
Ladysmith & District Historical Society