Riverview Hospital Site - Added to Canada's Register of Historic Places!

The Riverview Hospital grounds has been recently added to Canada's Register of Historic Places (www.historicplaces.ca). This registry includes structures, buildings, landscape, archaeological sites or other places that have been formally recognized for their heritage value by an appropriate authority.

Riverview's addition to the federal registry is will enhance the public's appreciation of the site's history, character and heritage value and build broader support for its protection. Riverview will now be able to work on improving public access to heritage information and integrate heritage conservation into community planning.

The registry's searchable database details Riverview's history as a psychiatric hospital and discusses the therapeutic integration of the site's buildings and landscape.

Click here to see the Tri-City News article with more information.

About Riverview

Riverview - Past & Present Video

The Riverview Hospital lands are valued by the City of Coquitlam and the community as home to the province's primary mental health care facility, as a heritage site, as a treasured botanical garden, arboretum and sanctuary and as an opportunity for economic development.

In December 2003, the Mayor's Riverview Task Force was formed and together with the community developed a comprehensive report –  For the Future of Riverview (pdf). This report was completed in 2005 and unanimously endorsed by Coquitlam City Council.  The Riverview Task Force Report is based on extensive consultation in the community and focuses on three key priorities:

• The land should remain publicly –owned to provide a sanctuary and residential treatment facility for people with mental illness;
• The heritage buildings, landscapes, and arboretum should be protected and preserved; and
• Market housing is not an option that is supported by the City.

In the report, there are five key focus areas that support these priorities.

• Coquitlam's support for a mental health care facility: The Riverview lands have a long history associated with the treatment of patients with mental illness and the connected research and education.  It is important to maintain and enhance these services at Riverview and to ensure that Riverview remains a centre of excellence for mental health and wellness.
  
  
• Maintain and enhance research, education and innovation: The Forensic Psychiatric Services and Riverview Hospital have a long history of collaboration and cooperation with academic institutions in BC, particularly with the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University.  The research that takes place at Riverview is internationally recognized and it is important to continue to support and promote these research programs.
  
  
• Critical to preserve botanical garden, arboretum, sanctuary/park area: The trees on the Riverview Lands are unique in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest.  They are considered by some to be the best collection of trees in Canada and the value of the individual trees is estimated at more than $50 million.  It is worth noting, however, that the age, variety and condition of the collection as a whole make it worth much more.  As well, the site has unlimited potential as a Horticultural Centre and Provincial Botanical Garden.   It is also important to preserve and enhance the natural habitat areas and streams to protect wildlife habitat and corridors and restore wetlands.
  
  
• Historic value of site:  The Riverview Lands are included the City of Coquitlam's Community Heritage Registery in recognition of the tremendous historic value of the site.  Riverview was added to the Register by Council in January 2008. The addition of Riverview to the register will help inform the community of the site's heritage value.  Riverview's heritage status will also help the City integrate heritage conservation into community planning and enhance community sustainability.  As well, one of the goals in the Task Force report is to preserve heritage artifacts, including Centre Lawn.  Another is to create a world class destination in which the Museum of Museums showcases the region's history, heritage and culture. 
  
  
• Opportunities for economic development: Riverview is the most filmed location in Canada, with filming currently taking place in the Crease Building and adjoining cafeteria building.  There are opportunities to expand on existing film opportunities and leverage other strengths on the Riverview site.  There are other economic development opportunities related to eco-tourism and the arboretum, as well as potential related to the development of a museum at the site.
  

Addressing Homelessness

In addition to the focus areas in the report, Coquitlam is also exploring opportunities to address homelessness in the community.  There may be opportunities to leverage the services and capacity at Riverview to address some of the needs of homeless people in the area. 

The Riverview Lands are a priority for our community and City Council and staff will continue to work closely with residents and other stakeholders who share an interest in the future of Riverview.  The City of Coquitlam is proud to host this critical mental health care facility, and shares the community's interest in preserving the beautiful landscapes and arboretum.   By working together, there are tremendous opportunities to create a future plan for Riverview that reflects the interests and priorities of local residents and interest groups from across the region.