A copy of B.C.’s heritage program - A Call to Renew - has been sent to every MLA, including the Premier and heritage minister. The heritage association is requesting that our members, members of all other heritage associations, organizations and museums, as well as the concerned public, join them in a letter writing campaign.
Heritage BC is calling on the provincial government to take five steps to renew the heritage program:
Adopt the Provincial Heritage Strategy
Adopt the draft British Columbia Heritage Strategy to reaffirm commitment to conservation and renew confidence in the future.
Restore the Heritage Branch Budget
The Heritage Branch is the provincial agency that implements government heritage policies and administers essential programs, but drastic cuts have seriously undermined its capacity to deliver on these responsibilities. The Heritage Branch budget must be restored.
Resolve the Heritage Properties Question
The series of historic sites known as the Heritage Properties has become a chronic problem and a drain on energy and resources. The government must resolve the Heritage Properties question so that it can address other urgent issues in the heritage file.
Restore Community Support
The “B.C. approach” to heritage conservation devolves substantial responsibilities to the local level. A restored heritage program budget must restore services, funding and encouragement to local government and community heritage organizations.
Invest in the Heritage Legacy Fund
The Heritage Legacy Fund now plays a central role in the provincial heritage program. To meet new and growing responsibilities the fund must have a substantial increment to its endowment.
Liberal leadership candidate George Abbott recently committed himself to heritage conservation if he becomes Premier. The commitment was contained in a news release on Friday.
“This is a great way to begin Heritage Week 2011”, said HBC President, Larry Foster. “Mr. Abbott clearly understands the value of heritage conservation to B.C. communities, and he is the first leadership candidate to take a clear and strong position on this important issue. We hope that others will do the same.”