The City of Delta has recognized Metro Vancouver and local architect was Brian Hart with a 2021 Heritage Award of Merit.
The award is in recognition of the regional district’s restoration on the historic Embree House, located near the Delta Heritage Air Park and owned and operated by the regional parks department.
Constructed in 1918, the house is in the Delta Heritage Registry and recently underwent significant restoration to fully reinstate the dwelling back to its original form.
The city notes that the restoration strategy for the home at 4103-104 St. involved the removal of previous additions and dormer features that were not consistent with the character of the heritage home.
The heritage home is significant for its association with the pioneering Embree family.
George Burton Embree (1874-1951) constructed the home for his farm workers.
A previous Delta report notes the Embree House also symbolizes the continued development and prosperity of East Delta farms during the Post World War I period.
“The home is a tangible link with Delta's farming pioneers, who settled in the agricultural floodplains of the Fraser River, and serves as a testament to the success and persistence of the agricultural community in Delta,” the report adds.
The Embree House is also valued for its connection with the Delta Heritage Air Park, which was established by George Embree's son, Darmel Diston, who was a pilot and lived in the house from 1948 to 1977.
