Vancouver’s original Jewish community centre, Davie Street Village and Benny’s Market are among 125 historically significant sites that the Vancouver Heritage Foundation recognized through its Places That Matter project, which was created in 2011 to mark the city’s 125th anniversary.

Now, the organization is advancing that project through its Community History Resource, a website with a searchable map that serves as a home for profiles, stories and photos of all 125 sites. But the concept is to add even more information over time, according to foundation spokesperson Kathryn Morrow.

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“If people have stories or pictures or memories from a specific site, they can send them to the Vancouver Heritage Foundation and we can add their information to the website,” she explained. “The idea is that it will build and grow as people send us more things about each site, but it’s kind of a community-led project.”

While a soft launch was held late last year, its official launch takes place Feb. 21 during the Places That Matter community celebration at Kitsilano Neighbourhood House. It’s one of three events the foundation is staging to mark Heritage Week, which runs from Feb. 19 to 25.

The other two events are a walking tour of Gastown led by historian John Atkin on Feb. 24 and Sunday Morning at Punjabi Market, a walking tour revealing what makes that neighbourhood special, on Feb. 25.

The theme of this year’s Heritage Week, which is celebrated across the country, is “Heritage Stands the Test of Time.” The aim is to honour the endurance of heritage sites and buildings, their cultural significance and contribution to a sustainable future, according to the heritage foundation.

Morrow said its upcoming events put the spotlight on culturally significant places.

The Places that Matter event, for instance, calls attention to sites that were previously unrecognized that have cultural or community significance.

“The Sunday Morning at the Punjabi Market is basically an extension of that,” she said. “In that we’ve taken a community that has a lot of cultural significance in Vancouver and we’re highlighting that.”

Atkin’s tour of Gastown, meanwhile, will focus on the evolving landscape of the neighbourhood.

“So it’s not just about the history and the old buildings, he’ll be talking about some of the revitalization projects and buildings that are doing something a little bit different, a little bit interesting, in the future of Gastown,” Morrow said.

She maintains it’s important to recognize Heritage Week because it’s a good time to reflect on what makes Vancouver special and unique, and to check out things we may not notice every day.

“In Vancouver, it’s really easy to think that we’re a young city and that we don’t have a lot of interesting culture or history. So Heritage Week is a good excuse to get outside and see some places and learn something about your community,” she said. “The events that we’re holding are free or low cost so they’re really accessible, family-friendly and a good way to talk to your kids or get younger people interested in where they’re from and to learn about places that are near them.”

Heritage Week events in Vancouver:

Event: Places That Matter — Community celebration and proclamation reading

Date: Feb. 21

Details: Celebrate the local, cultural and lesser known history of our city with a free evening of storytelling, community and refreshments. The master of ceremonies is comedian Morgan Brayton.

There will be information about the new Community History Resource, a website that celebrates local history, and how you can share stories and add to the project. There will also be displays related to some of the 125 Places That Matter sites.

Where: Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, 2305 West Seventh Ave. from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Several speakers will share stories between 7 and 8 p.m.

Cost: Free

Event: Gastown Revisited Walking Tour

Date: Feb. 24

Details: Historian John Atkin explores some of the more recent interventions in evolving Gastown, a heritage district since 1971.

Where: Gastown, 10 a.m. until noon

Cost:$15

Event: Sunday Morning at Punjabi Market

Date: Feb. 25

Details:Enjoy a morning of cultural stories and local history, authentic chai and treats from All India Sweets and Restaurant and hear about the people, businesses and stories that make this area special.

Where: All India Sweets and Restaurant, 6560 Main St. from 9:30 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Cost :$25

For tickets or more information, go to vancouverheritagefoundation.org.

More information about Heritage Week can be found here and here.

noconnor@vancourier.com