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Canadian Urbanism Uncovered

VHF’s Places that Matter: Walter and Mary Lee Chan House—November 3rd

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658 Keefer St
Join Vancouver Heritage Foundation’s Places That Matter plaque presentations this Saturday November 3rd at 3:30pm in front of Walter and Mary Lee Chan’s House at 658 Keefer St. to celebrate the history of Strathcona Property Owners and Tenants Association (SPOTA). Attendees will get a sneak peek inside the house with the family.

A sidewalk mosaic is also being unveiled in front of the house to celebrate the founders and supporters of SPOTA followed by refreshments at Strathcona Community Centre from 4-5pm. All are welcome!

Details

Saturday, November 3rd 3:30pm – 4pm
658 Keefer St (map)
Refreshments at Strathcona Community Centre 4pm – 5pm

 

Background

Walter and Mary Lee Chan were the driving force behind the campaign to stop urban renewal in Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood in the 1960s. Walter, Mary and friends organized the neighbourhood into the Strathcona Property Owners and Tenants Association (SPOTA) which halted the “wholesale destruction of older housing” and advocated that urban renewal funds be redirected to repair neighbourhood homes, an idea that soon became a national program.

Walter and Mary Lee Chan and family in front of their house

 

About Places That Matter

Places That Matter logoThe Places That Matter project evolved from Vancouver 125 celebrations when VHF asked the public to nominate a place, person, or event that is important to Vancouver but has yet to receive the acknowledgement it deserves.After public voting and site selection committee meetings, the final sites were chosen. We’ve been presenting plaques throughout Vancouver ever since.

 

About Vancouver Heritage Foundation

Vancouver Heritage Foundation is a registered charity supporting the conservation of heritage buildings and structures in recognition of their contribution to the city’s economy, sustainability and culture.

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