Sunday, February 17, 2013

British Columbia Celebrates Heritage Week

Heritage Week starts Monday, Feb. 18 and runs until Feb. 24, and this year they are celebrating Good Neighbours: Heritage Homes and Neighbourhoods. It is the perfect opportunity to explore your local heritage and learn more about the role historic neighbours play in your community.

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson says that it is a good time to “Take the opportunity this Heritage Week to get out and learn more about our province's rich past and the contributions historic neighbours make to your community."

The character and warmth of historic homes and heritage neighbourhoods enhance a community's attractiveness and liveability with their vintage house styles, gardens, landscapes and boulevards and create a positive sense of well-being throughout a community.

Many heritage organizations are hosting events during Heritage Week.

Find an event in your community http://www.heritagebc.ca/events/heritage-week/community-events

Some quick facts about B.C.’s heritage are -

Local governments have been responsible for conserving their own heritage buildings since 1994, when legislation was amended to give them the tools to recognize and protect their historic sites, and the ability to encourage conservation.

B.C.'s historic buildings, structures and cultural landscapes attract over 200,000 visitors annually from around the globe, creating jobs for British Columbians and supporting sustainable communities.

B.C.'s Register of Historic Places has over 3,500 listings of recognized historic sites - and ere may be hundreds more that have yet to be registered.

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