I
REPORT TO COUNCIL
VANCOUVER HERITAGE COMMISSION
OCTOBER 16, 1995
RECOMMENDATION
1. Langara Clubhouse
The Vancouver Heritage Commission at its meetings on September 18,
and October 16, 1995, discussed at length retention and designation of
the historic Langara Clubhouse built in 1926. The Commission agreed
the building is in excellent condition, and could serve for many years
in a number of possible capacities. The original windows and hot water
heating system are still intact and a great deal of upgrade work is
unnecessary.
The Park Board earlier this year called for proposals for the use
of the building. Both the George Woodcock Literary Society and the
Langara Heritage Pavilion Society responded to the Park Board's
proposal call. However, the former withdrew its application and the
Langara Heritage Pavilion Society's proposal to maintain the current
use to serve its members, was found unsuitable by the Board at its
October 16th meeting.
It was noted a Park Board staff report stated, "If the building is
not demolished, it will likely be designated a heritage building, and
will forever more become the Board's responsibility to maintain." The
Park Board, on October 23rd, passed a motion to demolish this building.
The only apparent gain from demolition is a few parking stalls. In the
context of the Park Board's resolution, the decision is now before
Council whether to pursue heritage designation.
The Vancouver Heritage Commission, therefore,
RECOMMENDS
A. THAT the Vancouver Heritage Commission's concern is to
maintain and preserve the original building with a
minimum of alterations;
FURTHER THAT the Commission review all proposals prior
to the Park Board's consideration of them;
AND FURTHER THAT the Commission recommend Council
designate the Langara Clubhouse under the Heritage By-
law.
...2
Langara Clubhouse (cont'd)
B. THAT the Vancouver Heritage Commission strongly urge
Council to request the Park Board to ensure the Langara
Clubhouse building is stabilized and not demolished at
this point in time;
FURTHER THAT the Park Board actively request proposals
for appropriate use of the building;
AND FURTHER THAT the Commission give conditional support
to the Langara Heritage Pavilion Society's proposal.
(signed) "B. Lynne Bryson"
Chair
Vancouver Heritage Commission
CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS
The City Manager notes that the Park Board has been reviewing options
for the Langara Clubhouse for some time.
- In 1992, the Board and City Council approved redevelop-ment
plans for the three golf courses; demolition of all three
clubhouses was envisaged in those plans.
- Council discussed placing the Langara Clubhouse on the
Heritage Inventory, but decided not to do so. A heritage
evaluation about that time rated the building as a "B".
- In 1993, Council directed staff to explore the feasibi-lity
of re-use of the Langara Clubhouse.
- A request for proposals for relocation of the Clubhouse did
not generate any response.
- An adaptive re-use study was authorized -- re-use was not
recommended.
.../3
Langara Clubhouse (Cont'd)
City Manager's Comments (Cont'd)
In July of this year, the Board requested proposals for re-use from
community groups. Only one real proposal was received, and this was
considered unsatisfactory, in that no funding was in place to support
it. The Heritage Commission Chair and a representative from the local
community addressed the Board on October 23rd, when it considered this
matter. The community delegation opposed retaining the building.
The Heritage Commission is recommending that Council designate the
building. However, the City Manager believes that Council should
acknowledge the review and public process conducted by the Park Board,
and accept its decision to demolish the building.
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