Council has ‘lack of respect’ for Port Coquitlam’s history

Re: A last chance so save local history (Aug. 1, 2008)

I wholeheartedly agree with the comments made by the author in the letter “A last chance to save local history.” The city of Port Coquitlam continues to show its blatant lack of respect for the city’s heritage and culture. 

I discovered a few days ago that the $25,000 allocated to the establishment of a Heritage Conservation Plan in Port Coquitlam has been derailed. This is followed by Mayor Scott Young advising the heritage society during a regular society meeting that this money has been earmarked for a Heritage Conservation Plan. 

The funding has been used to hire a consultant instead of being used to follow the protocol set out by Heritage Branch B.C. to initiate a formal Heritage Conservation Plan, as requested by the Port Coquitlam Heritage and Cultural Society. 

A Heritage Branch B.C. representative has stated that following the “made in Port Coquitlam” approach by the planning department is a waste of money as it does not afford proper protection, nor does it allow the city of Port Coquitlam to apply for provincial heritage grants. This maneuver indicates once again that the protection and conservation of our heritage buildings is not important.

Coun. Greg Moore proposed that the city of PoCo sell a parcel of land to the Heritage amd Cultural Society for a dollar in order for the oldest heritage house in PoCo be moved to this location to act as the city’s museum. I applaud this move except that it is contingent on the heritage society, to provide the funding to relocate the heritage house, undertake the restorations and fund the operation of the museum — an expectation unfairly imposed on a volunteer non-profit organization.

The other issue at stake regarding our heritage and culture is the imminent demolition of the Charles Lobb building. What a fabulous museum this building would make to “Historic Downtown”, prominently displayed on the street signs. 

Other than a section of city hall, there is absolutely nothing historic about the downtown core. The city of Port Coquitlam’s lack of vision and the constant excuse of “other priorities” will make sure that once again a historically significant landmark will be history.

The onus of protecting the heritage buildings and historic sites of Port Coquitlam is the city’s. These historic buildings are priceless, irreplaceable parts of our heritage and a tribute to the citizens who shaped this community. These heritage buildings have significant historic, cultural and esthetic value to this community. 

PoCo will one day regret the folly of indulging in the destructive practice of demolishing its heritage buildings as everyone in this community loses. The goal of successful city planning is to create a balance between the old heritage buildings and new developments, a balance the city has failed to achieve.

Those residents concerned about the destruction of our heritage buildings, please contact the mayor and council to express your displeasure as the city has indicated heritage conservation is not important to the citizens of this community.

Wendy Sankey

Port Coquitlam Heritage and Cultural Society