Two city properties are expected to make up the cornerstone of a new heritage registry that will identify historically significant buildings and architecture in Port Coquitlam.
PoCo city hall and the Rowland lacrosse box are the first listings in the registry and more properties could be added soon. If council approves the report incorporating the registry, residents with property deemed historically significant could put their names forward for consideration.
Owners are encouraged to adhere to heritage standards and may even qualify for financial incentives and certain provisions under the B.C. Building Code, according to a city staff report.
In order for a property to be considered for the registry, it must follow guidelines set out by the city, which include:
a request must be made by the property owner;
the property must be listed on the 1985 heritage resource inventory;
and an acceptable statement of significance must be prepared by a qualified heritage professional and submitted in support of the request.
A heritage registry is designed to identify and monitor existing heritage structures but does not put any restrictions on a homeowner to change or alter their property, the report stated.
The heritage registry is being launched as part of the city's overall heritage strategic plan, which seeks to identify and preserve Port Coquitlam's heritage structures.
The plan was endorsed by city council, which is now working to implement some of the recommendations outlined in the strategy.
