Canada Post sale alarms Vancouver heritage expert

An expert on Vancouver heritage sites says he'll be keeping a close eye on the fate of the Canada Post building in downtown Vancouver, which has just been sold to a developer.

The building, opened in 1958, has been purchased for an undisclosed amount by the B.C. Investment Management Corporation.

"It's a building that we consider to have significant heritage value, which is not officially recognized,” said society president Donald Luxton. “So, at this point in time, the owner could proceed with scheme that would redevelop the site."

Luxton said “alarm bells should be going off” because the building has not been evaluated as a heritage site.

As things stand, the new owner could demolish the building, Luxton said.

City Councillor Geoff Meggs says the developer would have to apply to have the site re-developed and that application would include input from various parties.

In a statement, the BC Investment Management Corporation gave few details of its plans, , but said the building provides a unique opportunity for a large-scale mixed-use development.

Next year, Canada Post will start moving into a new facility being built at Vancouver International Airport.