Community Heritage Award winners

Each year, we recognize and honour special projects and accomplishments in the field of heritage conservation with Community Heritage Awards. Here are the award recipients from 2011 to present.

2022 Heritage Award recipients

The "Christie House" (267 West Queens Road): Maintenance and Restoration of Residential/Commercial/Public Use Structures

Awarded for the window restoration work to this heritage home, the “Christie House” was constructed in 1911 and is valued for its striking Queen Anne turret, stained glass windows, and other notable exterior and interior design features, which have made it a prominent landmark on the street. The restoration work consisted of the removal, repairs, re-glazing (which used the original glass, materials, and techniques), and re-installation of the original wood windows.

This award was presented to the homeowners for their extensive and thoughtful restoration of this heritage home.

North Shore Culture Compass: Heritage Advocacy

Awarded to the North Van Arts for its North Shore Culture Compass project. North Van Arts is a grass-roots, non-profit, cultural organization that has been serving the North Shore since 1969 with many projects and events spanning the entire region.

Launched in March 2020, the North Shore Culture Compass is a free online map that helps you explore a rich cultural landscape of history, art, and stories. This tool is intended for residents, tourists, urban professionals, and the cultural sector, to help build audiences, drive tourism, and encourage partnerships to better highlight our rich cultural diversity. The Culture Compass features cultural asset listings across 10 unique categories, including creative and cultural industries, cultural and natural heritage, cultural organizations, cultural spaces and facilities, and First Nations.

 

View recipients from previous years

2021 Heritage Award recipients 

Welcome Figure at L’École Argyle Secondary: Heritage Advocacy

Awarded for the creation and installation of the Welcome Figure, Kayachtn, at L’École Argyle Secondary. Kayachtn was carved by Coast Salish artist Sinámkin (Jody Broomfield) from a red cedar tree that was harvested from the Squamish Valley and donated by the Squamish Nation. The tree is estimated to be over 200 years old. A portion of the work took place on the school grounds, providing opportunities for students and staff to learn about Indigenous history and values as well as help with painting and carving.

Designed to represent the beauty of the North Shore, Kayachtn stands approximately 5.5 metres tall with open arms to welcome individuals to the school and to protect and strengthen the school community.

Coast Salish Plant Nursery (Wild Bird Trust of BC): Heritage Advocacy

Awarded to Wild Bird Trust of BC for its Coast Salish Plant Nursery program. Located at the Maplewood Flats Conservation Area, the nursery is an ongoing program in partnership with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and aims to promote the cultural associations of Coast Salish plants and their importance for improving local wildlife. The nursery features a wide selection of native plants and seeds, and hosts a variety of workshops and events with local Indigenous ethnobotanists and regional nursery experts. All proceeds support habitat restoration and educational programming on Coast Salish culture and ecology.

The nursery provides a unique platform for educating our community on living history and the preservation and restoration of the West Coast’s natural flora and fauna.

281 West Braemar Road (Tor Y Mar): Maintenance and Restoration of Residential/Commercial/Public Use Structures

Awarded in recognition of the architecturally sympathetic addition and renovation to this heritage home. Renovations include expansion of the kitchen, addition of exterior doors, and renovation of the roof. Admirable effort has been undertaken regarding the choice of materials, colours, and detailing that complements the style and structure of the existing home.

This home, known as “Tor Y Mar” (Gaelic for “Meadow in the Mountain”) and constructed in 1920, is valued for its Craftsman style architectural features and original interior elements. This property is also valued for its garden which was designed by Barbara Mather, the first female landscape architect in BC. This home is on the District’s Heritage Register.

2020 Heritage Award recipients 

777 Crystal Court (Woolcox Residence): Maintenance and Restoration of Residential/Commercial/Public Use Structures

Awarded in recognition of the architecturally sympathetic renovation of the rear section of this heritage home. Renovations include an addition to the rear on both the upper and lower levels of the home to improve its livability while maintaining its architectural integrity. Admirable effort has been undertaken to extend the roof joists to replicate the original beams.

The Woolcox Residence, constructed circa 1956, is valued for its mid-century, post and beam architectural features. This home is on the District's Modern Heritage Inventory.

1255 Ridgewood Drive (Ingram Residence): Maintenance and Restoration of Residential/Commercial/Public Use Structures

Awarded in recognition of the renovation and preservation of this heritage home. Significant renovations were undertaken to improve the home's energy efficiency and livability, including insulation, wood-frame window replacement, and a new heat recovery system.

The home's original floating ceiling, timber flooring, and clerestory windows are some of the notable design elements that were preserved and repaired during the renovations. This home received a District of North Vancouver Heritage Grant in 2019 to replace damaged exterior windows with sympathetic, wood-framed windows which align with the spirit of the architect’s original vision.

The Ingram Residence was built by well-known West Coast Modern architect Fred Hollingsworth in 1946. This home is listed on the District's Heritage Register.

2357 Riverside Drive (Kovach Residence): Maintenance and Restoration of Residential/Commercial/Public Use Structures

Awarded in recognition of the renovation and preservation of this heritage home. This home has been well maintained over the years, extending the building’s life. Recent work includes exterior painting, added supports to the deck that are sympathetic with the building’s architectural style, and restored deck tiles. Local First Nations artwork was also integrated into the main deck, which nods to the residence's connection to renowned artist Bill Reid who had an art studio in the house at one time.

The Kovach Residence, constructed circa 1962, is valued as a unique representation of the West Coast style of modern architecture in North Vancouver. The house was designed by Ron Thom, and the interior was designed by Rudy Kovach, the first owner. This home is on the District's Heritage Register.

Lynn Valley Community Association: Heritage Advocacy

Awarded to Lynn Valley Community Association (LVCA) for the Lynn Valley LINK trail kiosks. The LINK, a collaborative project between the LVCA and the District, started in 2016 and was completed at the end of 2019. The LINK spans 14.5 km in Lynn Valley, and features several informational kiosks that highlight the history and heritage of Lynn Valley to educate and engage the public.

The LINK is an excellent example of providing a tangible way of discovering heritage within our community.

Welcome Figure at L’École Cleveland Elementary: Compatible New Design in a Heritage Context

Awarded for the creation and installation of this Welcome Figure at L'École Cleveland Elementary. Made of a red cedar tree donated by a patron of the school, the Welcome Figure was carved in 2016 by lead artist Latash Maurice Nahanee, a member of the Squamish Nation. All students and staff of L'École Cleveland Elementary had the opportunity to help with the carving.

The Squamish Nation is part of the Coast Salish cultural group whose traditional territory includes the North Shore and surrounding areas. The Welcome Figure is a human figure gripping a paddle that stands with its hands raised up in a gesture of welcome and friendship, drawing on the traditional carving style of the Coast Salish, and represents the teachings and values important to both the Coast Salish and the school.

2019 Heritage Award recipients

Blue Cabin: Restoration of Residential and Commercial Structures

Presented on behalf of the Blue Cabin Committee in recognition of the effort to restore, relocate, and repurpose the Blue Cabin into a floating artist residence and studio space.

The Blue Cabin is considered to be the last surviving example of the many squatters’ cabins which were located along the Burrard Inlet coastline.

Awarded to:

  • Glen Alteen (Grunt Gallery)
  • Esther Rausenberg (Creative Cultural Collaborations)
  • Barbara Cole (Other Sights for Artists’ Projects)

David Cook: Heritage Advocacy

Presented to David Cook in recognition of his contribution to building understanding about local old-growth trees and his advocacy work through collecting and sharing information, and education.

Photos of 2019 award winners 

2018 Heritage Award recipients

114 W. Windsor Road (Green Gables): Restoration of Residential and Commercial Structures

Presented in recognition of an extensive and thoughtful restoration of this heritage home. The exterior walls and much of the original siding were preserved, as were the interior grand staircase, hardwood floors, door openings, and windows.

Awarded to:

  • Ryan Deakin (homeowner)
  • Jeff Henderson (construction)

1043 Clements Avenue (Mann Residence): Restoration of Residential and Commercial Structures

Awarded to homeowners Melissa Noel and Jim Barnum in recognition of an extensive and thoughtful restoration of this heritage home, which maintained the original feel of the home, while improving its liveablity.

1442 Harold Road (Logan Residence): Restoration of Residential and Commercial Structures

Presented to homeowners Heather and Dave Lefebvre in recognition of a detailed preservation and renovation of this heritage home.

780 East 8th Street (Franklin House): Restoration of Residential and Commercial Structures

Presented to homeowners Dorothy and Cris Hibbert-Hyde in recognition of a detailed restoration of the front porch of this heritage home.

Alex Douglas ("Uncle Al"): Heritage Advocacy

Presented in recognition of Alex's contribution to the preservation of Mount Seymour’s history, and his advocacy work to share the pioneer history of Mount Seymour.

Photos of 2018 award winners

2017 Award of Excellence recipients

Compatible New Design in a Heritage Context: 3623 Sunnycrest Drive

Awarded for the design of a new addition which is sympathetic to the west coast modern heritage of the house, and compatible with the existing home and lot. 

Awarded to: 

  • Meagan Smith and Chris Booth (homeowners)
  • Mat Turner, Lanefab Design/Build project manager
  • Bryn Davidson, Lanefab Design/Build designer

Restoration of Residential and Commercial Structures: 234 W. Windsor Road

Awarded to John Bosco for an extensive and thoughtful restoration of this circa 1912 heritage home.

Heritage Advocacy: North Vancouver Museum & Archives (NVMA)  and their collaborators

Awarded in recognition of the Indigenous Program Collaborations at NVMA.

Awarded to:

Family of Chief Dan George (daughters, granddaughters, and a great-granddaugher):

  • Irene Aleck
  • Amy George
  • Susan Aleck
  • Charlene Aleck
  • Ocean Hyland

Members of North Vancouver Museum & Archives:

  • Nancy Kirkpatrick, Director
  • Karen Dearlove, Curator

Heritage Advocacy: Bob Muckle

Awarded to Professor Muckle for going above and beyond in educating students and people around the world on District of North Vancouver history.

Photos of 2017 award winners

2016 award winners

Heritage advocacy

Daniel Francis, author of "Where Mountains Meet the Sea"

Maintenance and renovations of a heritage register home

  • Molly and Jonathon Lawlor, 138 East Windsor Road
  • Angelo and Tracy Romano, 3051 Fromme Road

Maintenance and renovations of a heritage home

  • Karen Ungerson, 190 East Kings Road
  • Catherine Wyse, 281 East Windsor Road

Photos of 2016 award winners

2015 Award winners

Heritage advocacy

  • Donna Sacuta — Blair Rifle Range Historical Research
  • North Shore Museum and Archives — Exhibit: Walter Draycott and the Great War
  • Dave Obee — Book: "Fifty! With a Fabulous Future: A History of the District of North Vancouver Public Library"
  • Squamish Nation Education, Squamish Language Elders, and Dr. Peter Jacobs — Squamish-English Dictionary

2014 award winners

Heritage advocacy

Deep Cove Heritage Society

Maintenance and renovations to a Heritage Register residential structure

  • Bluhouse Market and Café — 4342 Gallant Avenue
  • Jennifer McCarthy and Farhad Khan
  • Jessica and Jon Reedy — 494 East Windsor Road

2013 award winners

Heritage advocacy

  • Len Corben, author of the recently published book "PLAY IT AGAIN: A Century PLUS of North Shore Sports Stories"
  • Selwyn Pullan, photographer of Modern Heritage on the North Shore
  • A.L. (Dick) Lazenby — for North Shore Archival Research

Maintenance and renovations to a Heritage Register residential structure

  • Susan McKilligan — 2576 Edgemont Boulevard
  • Synthesis Design (Ken Best, Architect)
  • Otto and Sheila Wetzlmayr — 606 East Windsor Road

Maintenance and renovations to a Heritage residential structure

  • Marianne Goco and Christopher Ramsay — 850 Hendry Avenue

2012 award winners

Heritage advocacy

  • Eve Lazarus — for contributions to heritage preservation on the North Shore
  • Kristen Schulz for her award-winning video "The Heritage of My Home"
  • Janet Pavlik, Des Smith, and Eileen Smith, authors of "Echoes Across Seymour"
  • North Vancouver Museum and Archives — "Preservation of Mountaineering History and Lore" project

Maintenance and restoration of a Heritage Register residential structure

  • David Pike and Gillian Welsh — 740 East 9th Street
  • Robert Dale — Contractor

Maintenance and restoration of a heritage residential structure

  • Cathy and Victor Groot — 3647 Sunnycrest Drive

2011 award winners

Maintenance and restoration of a designated heritage residential structure

  • Jordan Levine and Justine Blicq — "Christie House" 267 West Queens Road

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