Overview

Commissioned by the Province of BC’s Heritage Branch in 2022, this report which lays the groundwork for understanding the seismic risks facing British Columbia’s heritage resources and offers actionable recommendations for mitigating those risks. The report catalogues the state of seismic history and risk in British Columbia and provides case studies, both local and abroad, on different approaches to seismic rehabilitation. Read the report for a broad overview that helps British Columbians better understand the seismic risk our heritage resources face, and what rehabilitation options are available to improve public safety.

Please note that these documents are meant to be a broad overview, intended for a general audience, such as property owners and policy makers, as opposed to a technical document. They are not an in-depth evaluation of the effectiveness or merits of individual approaches or policies.

Download Resources

» 2022 Seismic Report (Summary Brief)
» 2022 Seismic Report (Full Report)
» 2022 Seismic Upgrading Infographic

Prepared By

Katie Cummer, PhD CAHP, Cummer Heritage Consulting (CHC), on behalf of Heritage BC and the Provincial Heritage Branch.

Suggested Use & Distribution

This report provides comprehensive information on the state of seismic risk at present in British Columbia. It is relevant for heritage advocates, heritage property owners, and policy makers. It can and should be used to develop a case for seismic upgrades at the individual, community and municipal level.

Check out Heritage BC’s Calls to Action based on the 2022 report’s recommendations.

Get a Quick Look with our Fact Sheet (2022):

Seismic Risk Advocacy

Heritage BC’s Calls to Action based on 2022 Seismic Report Recommendations

1. Educate yourself by reading the Full Report (2022) (or at least the Summary Brief).
2. Engage with your network and peers to further increase awareness of this pressing issue.
3. Do you work in or own a heritage building with fall hazards? Do you know anyone that does? Bring attention to these life-safety threats and secure them as soon as possible.
4. Seek creative solutions to address seismic upgrading of heritage buildings, while respecting and protecting their heritage value and Character Defining Elements, and avoid causing unnecessary damage.
5. Write your local government asking them to compile a publicly available list of their seismically vulnerable buildings.
6. Write your MP and request support to financially incentivize the conservation of heritage buildings in Canada, including seismic upgrades.
7. Write a letter to your MLA in support of:
   • Expanding financial incentives and assistance for seismic upgrading of heritage buildings;
   • Implementing policies that strengthen requirements for securing life-safety threats and reducing risks within buildings;
   • Investigating what additional tools can be used to increase efforts in seismic rehabilitation; and
   • Establishing provincial representation in the Western States Seismic Policy Council (WSSPC) for British Columbia.