The following on-campus learning opportunity is offered by the Cultural Resource Management Program at the University of Victoria, British Columbia:

Downtown Revitalization through Heritage Conservation

HA 489A (1.5 units); on-campus offering

Historic urban districts provide a valuable resource for sustainable urban and community renewal, economic and tourism development, and contribute to our community’s unique "sense of place".

This course, for heritage and urban planners, municipal managers, architects, developers and others concerned with the preservation of downtown areas, explores how large and small urban commercial cores are evaluated, conserved, and revitalized in the context of community values and social and economic development priorities. Through discussions, field visits, and case studies that emphasize strategic approaches to the revitalization of downtowns and neighbourhood commercial districts, you strengthen your ability to:

• identify and evaluate the issues facing traditional downtown areas from conservation, economic, social and tourism perspectives
• consider the role that heritage plays in revitalizing and sustaining vibrant communities
• analyze downtown preservation issues and priorities identify a downtown revitalization approach that respects heritage values, addresses urban issues and supports community goals
• understand heritage area values and the management of these values using the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada and other relevant guidelines
• build legal, community, and management frameworks to ensure sustainability address associated issues in economic and tourism development, promotion, and interpretation
• utilize effective tools for dealing with increased density within heritage areas
• understand that revitalization IS sustainable development and learn approaches to build synergy and support

Enrollment options allow you to choose to take courses either to enhance professional development or build academic credit. This course can be used for the Professional Specialization Certificate in Heritage Conservation Planning (note that there is another course that can be applied to this certificate offered in early December).

Fee: CDN$652, including a CDN$70 materials fee (Canadian funds, credit and non-credit participation options)

A CDN$170 registration deposit is required with each registration form.  

Instructor: Larry Pearson obtained his BA from Queen’s University where he studied Art and Architectural History.  He holds a Master of Environmental Design Degree in Architecture from the University of Calgary.  Larry is Director of Historic Places Stewardship Programs for the Government of Alberta where he is responsible for Alberta’s involvement on the pan-Canadian Historic Places Initiative.  He is responsible for two programs focused on municipal support for historic place management - the Municipal Heritage Partnership Program  and the Alberta Main Street Program. He has been involved in Alberta’s Main Street program since its inception in 1987.

For more information, please contact:  

Caroline J. Posynick , Program Coordinator  

Cultural Management Programs,  Division of Continuing Studies

University of Victoria