The Congregation Emanu-El was built in 1863 as a one and one-half storey brick Romanesque Style synagogue in Victoria, and is the oldest surviving synagogue in Canada, and a cherished heritage resource in the community of Victoria, British Columbia. Turning 152 years old in 2015, the historic house of worship has survived through the conservation efforts of its congregation. The synagogue was designated as a National Historic Site in 1979, and in 2010 the Congregation embarked on a program to conserve and enhance the commemorative integrity of this cultural heritage site. The intent of the rehabilitation was to provide essential structural and other upgrades that ensured the appropriate conservation of the synagogue in time for its sesquicentennial celebrations in 2013.

The significant structural and envelope issues required extensive interventions and the project team developed design solutions in accordance with Parks Canada’s Standards and Guidelines.

Donald Luxton (B.A., B.Arch., FRAIC)
Megan Faulkner (MA (Planning))
R.J. McCulloch (B.Sc Business, MA Planning, CAHP, MCIP, RPP)