The Statement of Significance (SoS) Burnaby, British Columbia 3 June 2004

What is the purpose of an SoS? Tool for raising awareness: To explain the heritage value of the historic place to a broad audience To identify to a broad audience what has been formally recognized and what are its character-defining elements

What is the purpose of an SoS? (con’t) Management tool: To provide guidance to property owners, planners, architects, etc. undertaking conservation work Document serves as a test at the end of a conservation or rehabilitation project May guide the choice of conservation treatment (For CRHP - to help guide the preparation of CHPIF applications and the assessment of project proposals)

Where Does the Statement of Significance Fit In the Process? Heritage value and character-defining elements taken into account in management of historic place Place is identified by a community and/or government Historical research, physical investigation undertaken; preparation of historical report Statement of Significance developed (critical link between evaluation of place and long-term management) Evaluation of place against set of criteria Formal recognition of place

National and International Examples Burra Charter U.K. National Trust Statement of Universal Value (World Heritage Sites) Heritage Character Statement (FHBRO)

Format of Canadian Register of Historic Places SoS Three sections: Description of historic place = what was designated or formally recognized Heritage Value = why is the historic place important Character-defining Elements = what key elements of the place embody the heritage value and must be retained in order to preserve heritage value

Canadian Register of Historic Places SoS identifies the Heritage Value and Character-Defining Elements of the historic place Links between the SoS, the Standards and Guidelines and the certification process Standards and Guidelines Explains how the Heritage Value and Character-Defining Elements should be conserved Certification process Projects must be undertaken in accordance with the Standards and Guidelines and must conserve the Heritage Value and Character-Defining Elements of the historic place