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2005
Top Ten Endangered Sites
Top 10 2005 |
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(Lost - updated)
 Already
front and centre in 2005 are the implications of seismic upgrading
for Vancouver's heritage schools. Charles Dickens Elementary
School, on the 2004 Top Ten list, is under serious threat
and a final decision to replace it is imminent.
The reason: seismic and other upgrades apparently
cost more than a new school and the 'bottom line' trumps heritage.
>> Roll over image to the left for a comparison of original/current.
Constructed in 1912, and similar in design to
Henry Hudson (built the year before and a 'B' on the Heritage
Register), Dickens Elementary's brick walls, pitched roof
and decorative Renaissance-style pilasters are emblematic
of the history of our city and its neighbourhoods.
Unfortunately Dickens - and 69 other Vancouver
schools - have been designated at high risk in earthquakes
and must be upgraded or replaced. Last November - gearing
up for the 2005 provincial election - Premier Campbell promised
$1.5 billion, over the next 15 years, to seismic upgrades
of the province's schools. The Vancouver School Board (VSB)
quickly requested about $365 million to fast-track the upgrades
for completion in ten years (after all, Seattle did it). But
recent public meetings make it abundantly clear that the VSB
has no interest whatsoever in entertaining other options for
Dickens School. As the bottom line drives VSB decisions, Dickens
is just the beginning - so get ready for the wrecking ball
in your neighbourhood.
The larger issue is this: How many of our historic
schools must be demolished in order to ensure seismic safety?
That the fate of Dickens could set a precedent for the loss
of landmark schools across the city raises bluntly the question
of our commitment to heritage: do we value our public heritage
buildings, and how much are we willing to invest to save them
for future generations?
With an election approaching, perhaps its time
to ask School Board Trustees where they stand.
Updated October 29, 2008: Charles Dickens school has now been fully demolished (1912-2008). During demolition, many of the original banded stonework and brick detailings that had been covered up for decades, was revealed, and also demolished.
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