This trio of homes on this year’s Homes Tour (at 218 Queen’s Avenue, and 221 and 219 Manitoba Street) are cast members in a heritage win-win story where the plot includes a variety of twists and turns.

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The result was the relocation of two houses — making two homeowners’ dreams of new-build, affordable family homes in Queen’s Park come true — and a longtime resident’s vision of saving homes and resettling them on his large back lot a reality.

Herbert House (221 Manitoba Street) was rescued from the fringes of a Vancouver park, and the land on which it originally stood was transformed into a beautiful pollinator meadow.

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All this was possible due to a Heritage Revitalization Agreement where heritage and zoning got creative.

What is an HRA? The City of New Westminster defines a Heritage Revitalization Agreement (HRA) as a “form of long-term, legal protection. It is a formal, voluntary, written agreement that is negotiated between a property owner and the City which is enabled through a bylaw, and registered on Title.” Learn more>

Steve Norman, the owner of the beautiful 1910 Herbert Davidson Arts and Crafts Home at 218 Queen’s Ave (ON tour),  sought out the homes on Manitoba Street.  His steadfast vision took years to become a reality. Both are excellent examples of the Early Cottage Style. 

221 Manitoba came from 1011 St. Catherine now a Pollinator Meadow at Memorial South Park.  219 Manitoba came from 217 St. Patrick Street where its owners had hoped to build new and were very happy to “give” the house to Steve.

Fast forward to 2023.  Density, family housing options, environmental and sustainability, formal protection all played roles in this heritage success story made possible by Steve Norman and his commitment to this project. .

Learn more about all the homes on the tour at 2023 Homes Tour.