2005 Top Ten Endangered Sites

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Conern for Firehall No. 15 persists: it's the last remaining of its kind still in use ­ Firehall No. 13 was demolished in 2002. Built in 1913, Firehall No. 15 features extensive interior woodwork, ornate pressed-metal ceilings, and the original brass pole.

The hose towers and distinctive bracketed eaves of these Craftsman-influenced structures were once familiar landmarks in neighbourhoods across the city.

An RFP has been issued for designs for a replacement firehall on the same site. But to demolish the existing building would be wasteful and unnecessary - it could easily be re-located across the street in Renfrew Park, perhaps adjacent to the library or at the old wading pool.

The old Marpole Firehall saw new life as the Marpole Place Seniors' Centre; surely Firehall #15 could make a similar contribution to its community.

Updated 19 May 2006: Council is now considering options for a replacement hall, and Firehall #15 is now under serious threat of being demolished. HV has sent a new letter to city hall.

Updated 03 August 2006: On July 20, 2006, Vancouver City Council approved the retension of the firehall on the current site, for incorporation/attachment to a new fire hall facility, and funds will be allocated for a full restoration of the building.

Updated 26 February 2007: In a sudden backtrack of last year's vote to save the firehall, city hall is once again voting on it's fate, on Thursday, March 1. The internal recommendations are to demolish the building, and build new. As of Wednesday evening, the online petition to save the building has received 361 signatures in favour of retention. We await the decision...again.

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