Community Heritage Commissions: Composition of Commission

Today, heritage is broadly defined and can include almost all aspects – past, present and future – of a community. A successful Community Heritage Commission (CHC) is one that brings together individuals with a range of experiences, interests, and cultural backgrounds so that the commission as a whole can consider the community’s diverse heritage.

The following suggests the types of members and ways in which local governments connect to their communities:

• One or two councillors
• Individuals with interests and knowledge, such as:
  • local heritage conservation;
  • architecture, planning and design;
  • archaeologist, anthropologist, historian
  • building construction;
  • environmental expert, agriculturist, forester, a representative from an environmental group
  • landscape architecture and horticulture;
  • business and tourism
  • First Nations, diverse groups

Community organizations

• Public schools
• Chamber of Commerce
• Business improvement associations
• Local heritage preservation society, museum
• Open Doors committees
• Business Improvement Associations
• Tourism organizations

Staff representation can include:

• Manager of municipal museum and/or archives
• City librarian
• Parks Department
• Director of Development Services
• City staff secretary

New members, along with the entire commission, should receive training and orientation. This includes an introduction to the terms of reference and a thorough discussion of the CHC’s work, member expectations, and local government goals. This can easily be accomplished in one meeting. The success of CHCs often rests on the members’ knowledge and common understanding of heritage issues and practices. This can be easily and effectively addressed with Heritage BC webinars-on-demand (link) or with on-site or remote (through an electronic platform) workshops (link).

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.