We hear a lot about the importance of storytelling these days – to sell a product, introduce a new idea, or attract new customers – and heritage preservation is in so many ways about storytelling, a building has value because of the stories it plays a key part in. However, as I was reminded recently at a spirited lunch discussion, part 
of the challenge is also examining perceptions of how Vancouver has become what it is today, acknowledging the historical facts that may get in the way of what we want to believe, and our willingness to listen, then change or adapt our thinking.