Heritage BC has launched its latest cultural map project with an open call for submissions from across the province. This project will geolocate industrial heritage sites on an interactive map, providing users with an interactive tool for tracing the historic activities that profoundly impacted on livelihoods, community growth, economy, and the environment of the province.
Communities, organizations or individuals province-wide are encouraged to submit information on any local industrial heritage site or sites that they believe belongs on the Heritage BC Industrial Heritage Cultural Map. All submissions will be evaluated with the final selection of sites hosted on a freely available interactive map where users can learn about the heritage site, and its values. There will also be an inventory list of all sites submitted but not included in the final selection.
Further information on the project and how to make a submission can be found here. Submissions are open until June 9.
Kirstin Clausen, executive director of Heritage BC explains that “we cannot underestimate the impact of industrial heritage on BC. It created communities and infrastructure that paved the way for the growth of the province. People are interested in the places and communities where historic industry occurred, and they are also interested in the many legacies that resulted.”
The Industrial Heritage Cultural Map project will aim to look at the full range of legacies from industrial activity, both positive and negative. Clausen says “it is Heritage BC’s goal to share this information with researchers, educators and lifelong learners among others on their individual journeys to become more informed global citizens.”
While industrial activity is usually considered as occurring in the 19th and 20th centuries, Heritage BC’s project will be guided by UNESCO’s definition of industrial archaeology, which exists in all phases of human development. Submissions from BC indigenous communities with what they value as their industrial heritage will be welcomed.
“This project offers a real opportunity to identify and better understand the impacts of the many resources and industries that are part of our province’s history,” says Roger Tinney, director of the provincial Heritage Branch. “The map layer will help to tell a more complete story of British Columbia”.
Heritage BC is a member based, non-profit organization that supports and advocates for BC’s broad heritage sector through education, training and skills development, and capacity building in heritage planning and conservation. In addition to raising awareness through Heritage Week, they fund heritage projects through their Heritage Legacy Fund and in partnership with the Province, and lead progressive heritage initiatives such as our Setting the Bar guide for reconciliation in heritage, which was recognized with the Governor’s 2022 Award from the National Trust for Canada.
