Heritage Vancouver Society has come out with its list of the Top 10 Endangered Heritage Sites in Vancouver for 2011. The top 3 are listed below and you can find the full list on the HVS website. This year the HVS Endangered list has a definite focus on Vancouver Schools – due to concerns of earthquakes and other seismic activity, Heritage school houses in the City of Vancouver are under deep scrutiny.
1. The most endangered heritage site in Vancouver for the year of 2011 is:
Photo cred - Heritage Vancouver Society
CARLETON SCHOOL HOUSE
The HVS states that Carleton School was in the news last year for all the wrong reasons. It was on the Closure hit lit, and just narrowly dodged that threat.
The Vancouver School Board has temporarily kept it open, but there is no guarantee of the future of this iconic neighbourhood landmark. Meanwhile, Carleton Hall, our oldest school building, sits deteriorating while there is a valid proposal for its re-use.
Click here for more info about Carleton School’s endangerment!
2. The second most endangered heritage site in Vancouver for the year of 2011 is:
Photo cred - Heritage Vancouver Society
KITCHENER SCHOOL HOUSE
It appears that the decision has already been made to demolish the 1924 brick portion of Kitchener School. While the highly significant 1914 portion will be retained, it will be moved and there is no information on the proposed level of building code upgrading, which could seriously compromise its heritage integrity. This wasteful and intrusive projects demonstrates what is wrong with the Vancouver School Board’s approach to its historic structures. Is this demolition necessary?
Click here for more info about Kitchener School’s endangerment!
Photo cred - Heritage Vancouver Society
SEXSMITH SCHOOL HOUSE
Sexsmith School illustrates another threat to historic Vancouver Schools – redundancy. A new school will be being constructed beside the old one, with no guarantee of the future of the original building.
This is exactly what happened at Charles Dickens School, which was eventually demolished. Sir James Douglas Elementary School is in exactly the same situation.
Click here for more info about Sexsmith School’s endangerment!
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