This thesis explores the role of heritage revitalization in the downtown
revitalization process. Heritage revitalization is defined as the economic
benefits derived from heritage conservation. Three questions are addressed in
this thesis; they are:
1. Does the Provincial Heritage Conservation Statutes Amendment Act. 1994
provide local governments in British Columbia with the necessary tools to
respond to the unique circumstances of heritage revitalization?
2. Can heritage revitalization strategies improve the economic viability of
historic downtowns?
3. What planning lessons can be learned from the experiences of many
Canadian and American cities that have implemented successful downtown
heritage revitalization strategies?
A case study approach is used in this thesis to evaluate the role of
heritage revitalization in the economic renewal of downtowns. The thesis case
study is the 400 to 800 blocks of Columbia Street, located in downtown New
Westminster, British Columbia. Columbia Street is the historic commercial
core of New Westminster. A conceptual framework is developed which details the planning steps
necessary in formulating a heritage revitalization strategy. The conceptual
framework is based on approaches from several North American cities
successful in rejuvenating their historic downtowns. This framework is applied
to the Columbia Street case study and is used in the evaluation of heritage
strategies for consideration.
The thesis research concludes that Columbia Street is a sensitive heritage
precinct in need of heritage policies, and a balance between heritage
regulations and incentives. A heritage revitalization strategy is recommended
for Columbia Street. The strategy contains specific heritage policies, zoning
amendments and financial incentives designed to protect various heritage
buildings on Columbia Street and Downtown New Westminster's overall
character. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UBC/oai:circle.library.ubc.ca:2429/4509 |
| Date | 11 1900 |
| Creators | Spitale, Lisa M. |
| Source Sets | University of British Columbia |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, Thesis/Dissertation |
| Format | 18381641 bytes, application/pdf |
| Rights | For non-commercial purposes only, such as research, private study and education. Additional conditions apply, see Terms of Use https://open.library.ubc.ca/terms_of_use. |
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