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Community Heritage Commissions: A Resource Guide

The Community Heritage Commission is one of the most important components in a local government’s heritage program, yet the enabling legislation provides little guidance about its formation and function. As a result, there are numerous approaches—some are successful, others less so, and still others fail.

The goal of this guide is to support the formation and ongoing work of the Community Heritage Commission through research, guidelines, and standards. By understanding best practices and lessons learned, a consistent interpretation and implementation of the Community Heritage Commission can be successfully adopted by all local governments and regional districts. By establishing and authorizing a commission, the local government places importance on community-led conservation. Stronger systems and strengthened relationships will ensure greater success for the commission and improved conservation for the community-at-large.

Download the resource guide

Or click the images to access the online chapters.

 

This guide provides an overview of Community Heritage Commissions through research and commentary. Application of this heritage conservation tool is not prescriptive, as it can be adapted to each situation. Local governments and regional districts wanting to implement the heritage conservation tools should seek legal counsel as required.
SPECIAL NOTE: It is intended this guide will develop through community input. If you have best practices and case studies that would benefit this guide, please contact Heritage BC. Additionally, please contact us if you have questions or are seeking advice.
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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.