Editor:
Re: Preservation efforts frustrated, Aug. 17
I read the article with interest as I've long been an advocate of conserving our province's heritage.
I can understand Coun. Anne Peterson's frustration over the potential loss of the Kittson House. I'm hearing the same frustration across the province as heritage properties are demolished due to a lack of resources to preserve these important pieces of our history.
For many years B.C. was a national leader in heritage conservation, but a decade of B.C. Liberal neglect has sullied our reputation. In 2009, the government cut all funds to Heritage B.C. and we've seen investments in heritage protection reduced by 40 per cent.
Next year Heritage B.C. warns there could be no funds to support cities like Delta to preserve local heritage.
The decimation of Heritage B.C., coupled with the deepest cuts to arts in our history, puts B.C. at a disadvantage economically. We've seen losses in cultural tourism and the creative sector. And we risk losing our ability as a society to understand our past, and be creative about our future.
Adrian Dix and the New Democrat official Opposition have been calling for the province to get its priorities right. We see the shiny over-budget $600 million B.C. Place roof, and cuts most everywhere else.
How about re-investing in our arts and culture sectors, and taking strong action to conserve our heritage before it's gone?
Spencer Chandra Herbert
Vancouver-West End MLA
