Encouraging heritage

Past posts on this blog have indicated a certain skepticism on my part regarding the importance of heritage preservation as urban development policy. This post will hopefully show a more balanced view of how heritage preservation and planning could benefit the City of Saint John and perhaps cities in general.

Responding to a post regarding windows with vinyl frames a commenter mentioned that one should look at issues around built heritage from the perspective of a tourist. This is similar to the sentiment that some city councilors have communicated. Also, some businesspeople and groups in the city have also expressed a desire to make the city’s heritage the centre piece in tourism.

In centering a heritage strategy around tourism the city could encourage the preservation of several blocks in the CBD. These blocks would be attractive and present streetscapes that are appealing to history conscious tourists. This can be a wise policy if the tourist income provided from the preservation of history benefits the city as well as those who are paying the cost of preservation.

I have heard owners in the city core who have poured money into the restoration of historic buildings explain that they are having difficulty generating revenue from tourists and do not see support from a large segment of the local community.

A strategy of heritage planning for tourists’ sakes should somehow address the business needs of operators so that they are able to earn back what is spent on heritage.

While it is not difficult to realize that many people respect and cherish heritage and will protect it even when there is no financial gain in it, a city must respond to the challenge of heritage preservation by providing incentive if preserving heritage is to be a priority.

If the market does not support heritage development (i.e. rents and income do not rise in to offset and justify heritage costs) institutions must respond. Either city hall, other levels of government or private heritage groups need to give owners a reason to develop in a heritage respecting way.

Having regulations that dictate practices in some areas (the heritage development zones) are able to keep streetscapes historic. However more may be required to encourage owners to do more than they are regulated to do, or historical buildings will not get the attention that they require.

If Saint John as a community values heritage and expects buildings like the “the oldest brick building” to be preserved, the city needs to make sure that owners have a reason to keep heritage in mind. This might cost money.

After a bit more resonating on this issue I plan on posting some ideas about how to better utilize heritage for tourism and economic benefit.