[BCMA] Heritage site adopts sustainable technologies; energy upgrades complete at Emily Carr House

Tue Nov 17 10:33:40 PST 2009

Media Release

November 17, 2009

Heritage site becomes sustainable; energy upgrades complete at Emily
Carr House  

Victoria, BC - Thanks to a $40,000 grant through the province's BC150
Heritage Legacy Fund, Emily Carr House, one of Victoria's most-loved
landmarks has completed significant energy efficient upgrades to its
heating, lighting and insulation that will help this heritage site, the
birthplace of Carr in 1871, be sustainable into the future. 

"Revitalization of historic buildings is critical in creating an
authentic feel of a community that appeals to citizens and tourists
alike," said Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Kevin Krueger.
"These upgrades not only help to ensure that Emily Carr House continues
to be around for future generations, but they model how building
conservation practices are an important aspect of climate change
action."

Improvements to the Emily Carr house included adding storm windows,
updating hot water tanks and sealing the attic, crawlspaces and
un-insulated walls to help keep heat inside. 

"All these small improvements add up to the site being much more energy
efficient and durable into the 21st century," said Jan Ross, of Emily
Carr House. "This property is not only a monument of a great artist, it
is a chance for us to continue the legacy of inspiration provided to us
by Emily Carr, and these upgrades will help us to do just that." 

Emily Carr House is a designated national historic site that requires
improvements to be in keeping with the original structure. Ross worked
with local businesses David Coulson Design Limited and Vintage Woodworks
Inc. to ensure the upgrades achieved this. Emily Carr House's original
charm and character defining elements attract more than 8,000 visitors
to the site each year. Telus came on board in phase two of the project
by supplying the technical support for an audio tour which will better
inform visitors about the site.  

"There are many reasons to upgrade heritage sites," said Ross. "Aside
from reducing our carbon footprint, the improvements will help to
prolong the life of the building and continue to educate visitors for
years to come." 

In December 2008, the province, in partnership with the federal
Department of Canadian Heritage, announced $1.7 million for heritage
projects in B.C. From this fund, $1 million was given to establish the
BC150 Heritage Legacy Fund to support community heritage projects
ranging from exhibits to special events and upgrades to heritage
facilities.  The remaining $700,000 was provided to Barkerville, Emily
Carr House and other provincially-owned heritage sites. Projects
incorporated one of the five pillars of the BC150. These pillars are
heritage, communities, arts and culture, First Nations and
multiculturalism.

Facts about Sustaining Heritage sites: 

*	Preservation reduces sprawl: upgrades to existing buildings
reduce the need to continue to build 
*	Conserving buildings preserves embodied energy and reduces the
need for new materials 
*	Demolition of housing produces an average of 115 lbs per square
foot 
*	Many heating technologies are reversible so they can be
installed without permanently changing any of the character defining
elements of a heritage building 
*	Certified energy advisors are available for hire to assess sites
and recommend upgrades

(Information provided by Heritage Branch of BC) 

About Emily Carr House: 

Emily Carr House in an interpretive site and community treasure
dedicated to the life and work of one of Canada's most renowned creative
figures. Celebrated author and artist, Emily Carr, was born in this
house on December 13, 1871. The house is a Victorian Italianate villa
constructed in part of Douglas fir. The ground floor has been restored
to the period when Emily lived in the home with her family and antiques,
reproductions and original artifacts have been used to recreate an
authentic Victorian household. Emily Carr House is located at 207
Government Street in Victoria, within walking distance of the Inner
Harbour and Beacon Hill Park.  For more information contact Emily Carr
House visit: www.emilycarr.com <http://www.emilycarr.com/>  

-30-

Media Contacts: 

Tartan Group: 250-592-3838 

Trisha Lees, Cell: 250-896-3838, trisha at tartangroup.ca
<mailto:trisha at tartangroup.ca>  

Christine Gleed, Cell: 250-896-3844, Christine at tartangroup.ca
<mailto:Christine at tartangroup.ca>  

VICTORIA | VANCOUVER
www.tartangroup.ca <http://www.tartangroup.ca/>   
<http://twitter.com/tartangroup>  
Trisha Lees, MBA

206, 2186 Oak Bay Avenue 
Victoria, BC,  V8R 1G3
Office: 250-592-3838 
Cell: 250-896-3838 
trisha at tartangroup.ca <mailto:trisha at tartangroup.ca>  	
Building sustainable businesses with strategic communications. 	
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