Emily Carr House

Heritage site becomes sustainable; energy upgrades complete at Emily Carr House Victoria, BC ñ Thanks to a $40,000 grant through the provinceís BC150 Heritage Legacy Fund, Emily Carr House, one of Victoriaís 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. ìRevitalization of historic buildings is critical in creating an authentic feel of a community that appeals to citizens and tourists alike,î said Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Kevin Krueger. ìThese 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.î 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. ìAll these small improvements add up to the site being much more energy efficient and durable into the 21st century,î said Jan Ross, of Emily Carr House. ìThis 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.î 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 Houseís 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. ìThere are many reasons to upgrade heritage sites,î said Ross. ìAside 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.î 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

About Emily Carr House:

Emily Carr House in an interpretive site and community treasure dedicated to the life and work of one of Canadaís 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

• Certified energy advisors are available for hire to assess sites and recommend upgrades