The next chapter in the life of Navvy Jack House is beginning!  

 

It is often said that the history of our community resides in this house.  Navvy Jack House was the earliest colonial dwelling west of the Capilano River. From the 1870s to the 1890s, it was home to the family of John “ Navvy Jack” Thomas and his indigenous wife, Sla-wiya. Over time, it was home to other families, including the Lawsons and most recently, the Williams, and was the longest continuously-occupied residence in the lower mainland.   John Lawson and his family called it “Hollyburn” and it was the centre of the nascent “West Vancouver”, with Lawson running the Post Office, and holding the first council meeting on site. 

 

Many years ago, the District purchased this historic property as part of its "Ambleside Park" plan.  In 2020–21, Council voted to support its renovation and repurposing as a waterfront destination. They made a contribution toward this from Community Amenity funds with the stipulations that the balance be raised within the community and that it be self-sustaining over time. In 2023, they came to an Agreement with Carrera Management to take on the capital works in return for a long-term lease with a hospitality operation supporting the House's on-going upkeep costs.

 

Those of you who walk the Spirit Trail and Seawall will have seen that this Project is now well underway. Later additions to Navvy Jack House have been stripped back such that the original balloon-framed building is now visible.  It has been set on a new foundation, safe from our rising sea levels, and an Annex to the west is in the process of being constructed.  Those interested in coffee and a muffin will be able to enter the small communal area from the front veranda. Those having a meal will enter “Navvy Jack Bistro” from the west and be seated in the Annex.

 

The opening of the facility is still at least a year away. Apart from the building activities,  preparations are being coordinated on a number of fronts between the Navvy Jack House Citizens Group, the District and Carrera Management.  A series of information boards and artifacts will speak to the history of the house and its families, the history of the surrounding lands, and the early steps in the formation of the Municipality. The east wall of the house is earmarked for an art installation and proposals will be sought for this. The area immediately around the house, and the interface with John Lawson Park, may include indigenous and colonial plantings.

 

There is much to do in a short period of time to get ready for the opening of this historic waterfront destination!