VHF’s Heritage Conservation courses teach homeowners, building owners and professionals skills and knowledge for the care and maintenance of older buildings and heritage sites. Formerly known as Old School, these courses and workshops can include topics such as best practices for researching the history of a building, how to manage a heritage project from start to finish, a thorough introduction to heritage conservation, and wood windows repair and maintenance.
We will be launching a new on-demand version of Heritage 101 in 2025 so check back here for updates! If you applied to be part of the pilot program, selected applicants will be contacted and receive information about the pilot program by early November.
Lohn Foundation
Wednesday, November 6th, 6pm-9pm
Heritage Hall
$45+tax
In many municipalities in BC, a Heritage Conservation Plan is a mandatory document for development permits involving a listed heritage property or for the purposes of a Heritage Revitalization Agreement, but it also represents a really helpful and thorough decision making process for owners of old buildings. In this informative in-person workshop, heritage professional Elana Zysblat will illustrate how to create a Heritage Conservation Plan using real case studies. Each project will be illustrated and analyzed from the research stage, through the owner’s plans and needs, the construction phase and the crucial role of the Heritage Conservation Plan in guiding and solving the complexity of a heritage project.
This workshop earns 2 credits towards VHF’s Heritage Conservation Certificate.
About the Instructor
A professional member of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals, Elana Zysblat is an accomplished, award-winning heritage consultant and educational program developer with expertise in heritage conservation, cultural tourism and community engagement. Formerly the Programming Director with the Vancouver Heritage Foundation (2008 to 2011), Elana is an independent heritage consultant with Ance Building Services, a Vancouver-based firm which practices across BC. Amongst her diverse activities, Elana teaches workshops for Heritage BC, supports municipalities without heritage planners, and evaluates and guides the conservation of historic sites around the province. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP), a director with the Friends of the Vancouver Archives, past President of the BC Association of Heritage Professionals (BCAHP) and a member of Heritage BC’s program and conference committees.
Online
$15+tax
Are you a homeowner looking to improve the energy performance of your character or heritage home? Learn about common issues, best practices, and available grants and resources with our informative virtual Steps for Sustainability sessions hosted by industry professionals.
Recordings from past VHF Steps for Sustainability sessions are available for purchase. A link will be sent for each virtual event following your purchase and the video will be available for viewing on YouTube up to a month after your purchase.
For students: Are you currently enrolled in an educational program and 16-30 years of age? Sponsored seats for students are available for Heritage Conservation workshops and courses. Learn more about the program here or email us if you are interested in attending.
Professional Development Credits: Most workshops can qualify for Professional Development Credits: Our courses are recognized by AIBC, PIBC, BCAAIC, BCSLA, IDIBC and BOABC. All Professional Development Credits are self-reporting – talk to your professional body to inquire how to register your attendance.
VHF’s Heritage Conservation Courses and Workshops won a 2009 City of Vancouver Heritage Award of Merit. Sign up for one and see why!
Requirements to receive this certificate include:
Heritage Hour talks and Heritage Lunch and Learns qualify for 1 credit each, to a maximum of 3 credits. Virtual strolls do not qualify for the walking tour requirement.
Completion of the certificate can take several years depending on courses schedules. Courses vary each year and some courses and tours are no longer offered. All courses are offered by heritage professionals working in the fields of architecture, trades & construction, heritage conservation, planning, landscaping and related professions.
For more information, please email VHF’s Director of Education at sarah@vancouverheritagefoundation.org.