Meeting Notes: May 2017

The GHG had another fine meeting last night, covering a diverse set of topics.

• During the 1940s and 1950s, oil heating was marketed across Canada, became a popular alternative, and many people had oil storage tanks buried in their yards. These days, the old tanks are considered a hazard and are generally removed, especially when a house is for sale. Steve Holmes gave an excellent presentation on the removal of the oil tank from his yard. The presentation was illuminated with videos of the action. There was a discussion about the pros and cons of digging up and disposing of contaminated soil as opposed to a biological remediation, which Steve chose. The discussion also encompassed the use of sawdust for heating (very popular in Grandview);
• The meeting looked at the mock-up of the plaque we are preparing for 1350 Graveley, the oldest house in Grandview. After debate, we agreed the images, the text and the financing.  We are aiming to inaugurate the plaque in July when descendants of the original house-owner will be in town. We were glad to note that Donato’s article on the house has been accepted by BC History Magazine and will be published this fall. Congratulations!
• The sixth birthday of GHG (May 5th) was duly noted;
• We discussed arrangements for a GHG table at No Car Day which this year is pushed to 9th July. Jak will prepare a series of maps showing the growth of Granville from 1900-1915, and will also have available a series of 1900s real estate ads enthusing about our neighbourhood. It was also agreed that, if we can secure power, we will have a computer available to perform searches on the GV Database. Eric will help prepare the displays, and will contact the organizers to try to secure a spot away from loud music.  Final details will be completed at the June meeting;
• Jak gave a short presentation on changes to land values between 1929 and 1955;
• James Evans, the developer, kindly visited to give us an update on the work moving forward at Brookhouse (1870 Parker). The old building has been moved to its new location (2 feet north and 8 feet west of its original spot) and the new foundations will be poured this week.  Framing for the old house and the new infill building will begin next week;
• The meeting next looked at a number of housing issues in the neighbourhood, including  the recent Open Houses on changes to the RT zones which will effect heritage (“character”) houses. It was noted that while some ideas seemed positive, there seemed to be little discussion by Planners of how they would work in the GW environment where many lots are not standard 33×100.  It was also noted that the Britannia Renewal housing committee will be meeting on May 29 to discuss housing options for the Britannia site. The unconfirmed report that Boffo is withdrawing from its tower project at Commercial & Venables was also discussed;
• The meeting closed with a shortened version of Eric’s Neighbourhood Update, during which it was noted that Vancouver Heritage Foundation is still looking for volunteers for its Heritage House Tour on June 4th.