Barclay Heritage Square

Like the surrounding heritage buildings, the gardens of Barclay Heritage Square are colourful and well-tended. The many paths allow exploration of an intricate blend of formal and informal garden spaces. Both visitors and neighbourhood residents alike enjoy the friendly and peaceful character of this urban sanctuary.

Before its development, this area was known as Park Site 19 for decades. The Park Board was intent on incrementally purchasing lots on this West End block in order to eventually demolish the buildings to make way for parkland.

Despite the nearby location of Stanley Park, a greenspace serving the region, Vancouver’s West End with its high population density, was deficient in neighbourhood parks. By the time the Park Board had assembled the block, heritage building advocates approached the Board and asked them to consider reprieving buildings with architectural merit. The Board concurred and many perimeter homes were saved (now owned and rented/leased through the City) with several restored including Barclay Manor (West End seniors centre that opened in 1990), the Weeks House (now the Diamond Centre for Living)and the Roedde House Museum – a fine example of Queen Anne Revival architecture. The park was officially opened in 1985 followed by the Roedde House opening in 1986.