Steveston Village Heritage Conservation Strategy Unveiled

(Richmond, BC Canada)

The City of Richmond has taken another step towards conserving the valuable heritage resources in Steveston Village for future generations. At a regular Council meeting on Monday, April 27, Council approved the Steveston Village Conservation Strategy, which will protect the exteriors of 18 identified heritage buildings within the Village.

The strategy will provide for the retention of small lot sizes, streetscape features and existing views within the Village. Historic Moncton Street will receive special attention to preserve its character. Land uses in the Village will not be affected.

The strategy origins began in 2005 when the Richmond Heritage Commission asked Council to initiate the preparation of a village conservation strategy in response to community concerns about losing valuable village heritage resources through redevelopment.

The strategy is supported by the principles of conservation, incentives and partnerships and was developed with community and property-owner consultation, as well as assistance from the Heritage Commission, heritage consultants and City staff.

A range of financial incentives, which will assist affected property owners for the heritage conservation of the exteriors of their buildings, are defined in the strategy. They include density bonusing, reduced parking requirements and a developer-funded grant program. The implementation program involves continuous consultation with affected property owners over the long term to determine how best to apply the incentives and achieve cost-effective solutions for each specific property.

The study, funded by the City, the Real Estate Foundation of BC, and the BC Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts (Heritage Branch), and BC Ministry of Community Services (Smart Development Partnerships), will enable Council to address a long-standing community expectation to conserve the Village's heritage. An Open house and public hearing are to be held in the coming weeks to explain the strategy and its implementation.

For more information, visit www.richmond.ca/cityhall/council/agendas/council/2009/SVCP_CNCL_042709.htm