Another public input session on Riverview Hospital's Heritage Conservation Plan (HCP) takes place in Coquitlam this afternoon, but it won't be the public's last chance to participate.
The HCP study team has added two more heritage values drop-in workshops next month after hearing concern from the public that there wasn't enough notice before this week's meetings.
At the meetings, participants will be asked to discuss Riverview's heritage values by answering questions on eight broad themes on the site's history, providing open comment or filling out a questionnaire.
There will also be a chance to identify heritage values on site maps.
An official with the Ministry of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government said in an email that the workshops are open to anyone who cares about the Riverview lands.
"This process is different than a land planning or decision-making process, in that it's based on participants' values - what they care about - not on their thoughts or reactions to technical information," he wrote.
When it's completed in September, the HCP will be used by the provincial government to guide future land use planning at Riverview.
"We understand people are very eager to talk about the future use and ownership of the Riverview lands," the ministry official said, noting this isn't the time for those discussions.
"This process will produce the insight and strategies that will ensure the lands' heritage values are a clearly articulated part of that conversation when it does take place," he added. "It also ensures heritage values are acknowledged as interim site management plans are prepared."
The HCP process rolls out in four phases, starting with understanding Riverview as a historic place and how it has evolved over time.
The second phase, taking place now, involves gathering community input about why Riverview is valued; this information is later compiled in a statement of significance identifying the heritage values and character-defining elements of the site.
Following that is a look at how conservation interventions would affect future changes at Riverview, followed by developing conservation strategies to preserve the site's heritage values.
Open houses will be scheduled in September, when the HCP study team will present its findings for review and comment.
The team will also present the draft values-baesd statement of significance and the draft of the HCP.
The second public drop-in workshop on Riverview's Heritage Conservation Plan is at the Executive Plaza Hotel (405 North Rd., Coquitlam) today (Wednesday) from 4 to 8 p.m. The June 11 meeting is at the Port Coquitlam recreation centre and on June 12 it's at the Centennial Pavilion in Coquitlam.
Visit www.riverviewvalues.info for more information and to provide input online.
