News Flash Home
The original item was published from 4/13/2021 4:30:44 PM to 4/14/2021 12:00:00 AM.

News Flash

City News

Posted on: April 13, 2021

[ARCHIVED] New Heritage Strategy to Feature Improved Protection Tool

Heritage Laval Square 1920 newsflash

COQUITLAM, B.C., April 13, 2021 – Coquitlam is considering a new process for protecting heritage sites on private property as it develops its new heritage strategy.

The City plans to adopt a Heritage Management Strategy (HMS) this year that will establish a community vision for heritage and provide a comprehensive approach for how heritage is assessed, recognized, preserved and celebrated in Coquitlam. 

Last night, staff reported to Council on the most recent public feedback and outlined a new innovative approach being considered for Heritage Revitalization Agreements – a key tool for protecting heritage assets on private property – to be incorporated in the draft HMS and presented to Council this fall.

Improved Process for Heritage Revitalization Agreements

A common heritage-protection tool for municipalities, Heritage Revitalization Agreements (HRA) provide property owners with incentives – such as reduced development fees, parking exemptions or additional units or space – in exchange for conserving heritage buildings or features on their land. 

While Coquitlam, with 17 HRAs, is a regional leader in protecting valued heritage assets, staff working on the HMS identified opportunities to improve clarity and consistency throughout the process. The proposed new three-step HRA application process would include: 

  • A Heritage Assessment Template that would score HRA applications based in part on Coquitlam’s unique heritage themes;
  • For applications selected to proceed, a HRA Evaluation Tool that would factor in both heritage and development information, and assess the application against a standard list of criteria to determine the appropriate type and level of incentive; and
  • A new staff review process that would draw on in-house heritage and development expertise, and provide staff training to build the City’s capacity in this area.  

Additional policy improvements would also be built into the process to identify and recognize heritage assets and provide guidance on parameters, such as the types of buildings and incentives that may be considered. 

Stakeholder Input for Strategy Approach

Going beyond buildings and places, the proposed strategy would be framed around the heritage of natural geography, governance and institutions, settlement and multiculturalism, the local economy, community life and events, transportation and communication, and community identity.

Public engagement on the proposed heritage themes, vision and values for the HMS took place last fall, garnering 208 survey responses and 774 visits to the public engagement webpage, www.letstalkcoquitlam.ca/heritage. An easy-to-read infographic summary of the survey results is also available on the engagement page.

While most of the public responses supported the approach, some participants highlighted the importance of reflecting Coquitlam’s diverse communities, along with recognition of the natural environment and long-time stewardship efforts, in Coquitlam’s heritage. 

City staff have been working with staff from the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation to ensure the HMS accurately reflects local Indigenous perspectives, and received feedback on the heritage themes, vision and values from Coquitlam Heritage, as well as the City’s Multiculturalism Advisory Committee, Culture Services Advisory Committee and Economic Development Advisory Committee.     

Next Steps

With Council’s support of the proposed new HRA approach, staff will continue to develop the improved new process and policies over the coming months. The public feedback received will also be considered as staff refine the themes, vision and heritage values and build out the draft HMS to present to Council this fall.

More information and background is posted at www.coquitlam.ca/hms and linked to the consultation website www.letstalkcoquitlam.ca/heritage.

Those interested in HMS updates can also subscribe to notifications at www.coquitlam.ca/notifyme.

Media contact:
Demian Rueter
Senior Planner
City of Coquitlam
604-927-3438
drueter@coquitlam.ca

Additional Info...
Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in City News

"We're hiring!" sign at City of Coquitlam job fair

We’re Hiring: Join Us at Coquitlam’s Recreation Job Fair

Posted on: February 28, 2024 | Last Modified on: July 7, 2023
Doggo posing for a picture whilst on leash.

Coquitlam Dogs: Train Your Human

Posted on: January 30, 2024 | Last Modified on: July 7, 2023
Two girls float in the pool on a noodle

Registration for Spring Recreation Programs starts January 30

Posted on: January 23, 2024 | Last Modified on: July 7, 2023
A yellow graphic that reads Public Service Advisory

Coquitlam Winter Weather Response

Posted on: January 17, 2024
2023_Snow_News-Flash_519_x_390px

Coquitlam Prepares for Next Snow Event

Posted on: January 16, 2024
2023_Extreme Cold_News-Flash_519_x_390px

Coquitlam Prepares for Winter Event

Posted on: January 11, 2024
Teddy bear getting mended

Free Repair Café Event in Coquitlam

Posted on: January 8, 2024
Patrons strolling around Lights at Lafarge.

Celebrate the Season at Jingle Bells Night

Posted on: December 13, 2023
Coquitlam Dam being built

Find Coquitlam History in Other Archives

Posted on: December 11, 2023
Public works vehicle prepped for winter weather

City Crews Prepare for Snow

Posted on: December 8, 2023
High-flowing river

Be Prepared: Heavy Rain in the Forecast

Posted on: December 4, 2023
Map of Foster Avenue between North Road and Whiting Way

Update on Incident at 500 Foster Avenue

Posted on: December 1, 2023
CFR Maltese and Christmas lights.

Have a Safe and Fun Winter Season

Posted on: November 30, 2023
Map of Foster Avenue between North Road and Whiting Way

Statement on Incident at 500 Foster Avenue

Posted on: November 30, 2023
Cyclists riding through City Centre Multi Modal Path and Intersection

Go by Bike this Fall in Coquitlam

Posted on: October 13, 2023
Child holding a blue shovel with snow

Volunteer as a Coquitlam Snow Angel

Posted on: October 10, 2023
Yellow background with exclamation mark and text that says PSA

Wind Warning in Effect

Posted on: September 25, 2023
Blue sign at park reading "Glen Park"

Help Shape the City’s Plans for Glen Park

Posted on: September 21, 2023
Three Indigenous people, two dressed in 'fancy' traditional costumes

Celebrate 2023 Culture Days in Coquitlam

Posted on: September 14, 2023
People standing in front of a sport organization's tent

Coquitlam Sports Fair Returns Aug. 19

Posted on: August 3, 2023
Canada Day -News Flash

Canada Day in Coquitlam

Posted on: June 7, 2023
City Hall Property Taxes

Coquitlam Announces New City Manager

Posted on: April 13, 2023
A woman and a man sit at a coffee table with a silver laptop, calculator and paperwork.

Avoid Late Fees on 2023 Utility Bills

Posted on: March 23, 2023