Hollyburn Lodge Restoration Project Timeline

HOLLYBURN LODGE RESTORATION PROJECT OVERVIEW & TIMELINE
Project Overview 2015 - Iola Knight

Since 1998 Hollyburn Heritage Society has been producing an annual newsletter to inform you of the history & heritage of “Cypress Mountain” that actually involves three massifs, Hollyburn, Black & Strachan Mts. “C/M”” is the title given to the area by the ski operator for both the downhill & cross country/Nordic facilities.

HHS volunteers have accumulated over 11,000 vintage photographs, news articles; 2008, published the book, “Hollyburn, The Mountain and the City” by Francis Mansbridge; developed an extensive website and a Facebook page and an outreach programs using videos produced from our collections.

Incorporated April 2000 and has Registered Charitable Donation status with Canada Revenue Agency, we welcome donations for which you receive an official receipt for an income tax deduction for donation >$25. Small donation is recognized as a membership and funds used to produce an annual newsletter, distributed free on mountain, and other Operations expenses.

2004, HHS members realizing that Hollyburn Lodge would someday be restored or rebuilt, started to accumulate funds for the project of Hollyburn Lodge, originally named 1926, “Hollyburn Ski Camp”, then 1946/84, “Hollyburn Ski Lodge”. These funds were set-aside in our bank account as “HHS Funds Allotted to Rebuild Hollyburn Lodge. Such donations have been gratefully acknowledged. Group donations similarly treated.

1926, the lodge was constructed at its present location, elevation 3000’, on east side First Lake with materials hauled to site with a horse-hauled stoneboat from the dismantling of Nasmyth Lumber Mill buildings at 2500’elevation. Here, a group of Scandinavians operated a lodge since winter 1923/24, but they found best winter snows at higher elevation, hence the move, Since it was facilitated using their own money and labour, the new lodge was considered privately owned. These owners constructed it for public use – a place to warm up, dry wet mittens, and consume 'restaurant' food as well purchase food. They added overnight accommodation in the loft, using cedar boughs as mattress material.

The foremost impetus for this society was, 1997, Gordon Knight & Bob Tapp concerned about the deteriorating condition of Hollyburn Ski Lodge and its use as a public building, decided to get something done for its continued public availability. People did not want it changed – its ambience was its attraction.

2004, HHS members realizing that their beloved lodge will some day have that “something done” to preserve it for future generations started to accumulate funds for this project. 1926, originally named “Hollyburn Ski Camp”, then 1946/84, Hollyburn Ski Lodge, these funds were set aside in our bank account as “HHS Funds Allotted to Rebuild Hollyburn Lodge”. Such donations were gratefully acknowledged, as were those from groups.

2015, over the decades changes in property organization has resulted in the renewed Hollyburn Lodge will come to fruition financed in a manner referred to as “PPP” by former BC premier Gordon Campbell.

It goes without much fanfare 2015 was a momentous year for HHS. Its signature mandate – renewal of Hollyburn Lodge saw reality. It’s a story that probably won’t need repeating until many decades in the future.

Early 2014, Bobby Swain, Manager “Cypress Mountain” let it be known that Hollyburn Lodge will be renewed next year. At the time HHS members didn’t take too much notice, since these words had been heard before. However, as the year wore on more details came to light – namely, “August 2014 Cost Estimate - $1,100,000.” There were expressions of delight tempered with “How will it be paid for.”

A couple years previous, West Vancouver Municipal Council voted to support financially renewal of lodge with $200,000. This amount was again reaffirmed 2014.

An inclusive committee was organized that included representatives from “Cypress Mountain” – Bobby Swain, Manager; Joffrey Koeman, Marketing Manager; Kevin Healy, P.Eng. Project Manager; Jenn Dickie, Nordic Manager - Corporation District West Vancouver – Brent Leigh, Deputy Administrative Officer; Mary Ann Booth, Councillor; Christie Rosta, Manager Special Events; Caroline Hyatt, Asst. Special Events – Maureen Collins, CPA, Accountant – Hollyburn Ridge Association (cabin Owners), Jackie Swanson & Ann Talbot – Hollyburn Heritage Society, Donald Grant & Iola Knight. It was an exciting day December 3^rd, 2014 that this committee met for first time. We decided to name this project,

At our next meeting, Cypress Mountain had their Graphics artist develop a logo that has become symbolic for the new lodge. With documentary & photographic input by HHS Don Grant colourful information package was assembled by C/M’s Marketing to publicize the project. As mentioned previously, financing for H/L Renewal was a “PPP” – “Private” by owner, “Cypress Mountain” CNL Lifestyle Properties, Orlando FA $500,000 – “Municipal government” Corporation District West Vancouver $200,000 – “provincial government” BC Parks Olympic Legacy Fund Award to HHS in 2009 for H/L renewal $100,000, for total $800,000. The lodge is a public usage structure, hence there would be a Public Fund Raising Campaign $300,000. West Vancouver Community Foundation was invited to handle an early amount of our funds, $62,529 as they attracted better income for it than the bank. Subsequently, HRA was delegated to use their “Post Office” Box as address to receive donations; arrangement made by HRA to receive financial donations “online” and HHS with registered Charitable Donations status at CRA handled charitable donation receipts by Iola Knight, Secretary-Treasurer and deposited funds in HHS bank account. Kevin Healy as project manager looked after “In-Kind” donations of building materials - soon he accumulated $100,000. So everybody could follow our fund raising progress, there is a “Fundometer’ on HRA, HHS & CM websites.

Completion date for the new lodge was originally October 31^st. However, as summer wore on and little site work completed, several unavoidable glitches occurred that set back construction. We were looking for an opening day on December 25, 2015

This date we all had hoped for will not occur. Mother Nature had the answer – an early onslaught for winter. The following story tells it all. Copied with kind permission from Layne Christensen, Editor, North Shore News & Writer – December 13, 2015)

"Hollyburn Lodge construction delayed. Restored ski lodge set to open in July 2016"

Construction work at Hollyburn Lodge has been put on hold for the winter and will resume next spring.

Builders were preparing to put a new roof on Hollyburn Lodge last month, but Mother Nature had other plans.

An early dump of snow was good news for skiers, but bad news for construction. Instead of installing roofing, workers ended up shoveling 10 inches of the white stuff off the floor of the lodge.

Due to the turn in weather, a plywood roof and weather-proofing materials have been put in place to protect the structure over the winter and construction is on hold until spring. The restored ski lodge in Cypress Mountain’s Nordic area is now slated to open its doors next summer.

“We were really hoping for a December 25 opening and racing to that date,” says Jackie Swanson, president of the Hollyburn Ridge Association. “We’re all disappointed that it couldn’t open Christmas day, but it was a real hefty hope.”

The 90-year-old one-story lodge has been undergoing much-needed structural upgrades since September. Once complete, heritage elements salvaged from the building, including some floorboards, windows and historical memorabilia, will be put back into place.

“All of those exciting things, they’ll all be incorporated by the time it opens on July 1,” Swanson says, noting that, thanks to a new sewer hookup, next year will mark the first time the lodge has been open to summer hikers.

Of the $1.1 million required to rebuild Hollyburn Lodge, $500,000 is coming from Cypress Mountain’s ownership group, CNL Lifestyle Properties, while the District of West Vancouver is pitching in $200,000 and B.C. Parks is contributing $100,000 from its Olympic Legacy Fund.

The Hollyburn Ridge Association and the Hollyburn Heritage Society have been busy collecting corporate and public donations to make up the rest. As of Dec. 10, funds stood at $1,053,965.45 and Swanson hopes to close the gap by Feb. 29, 2016. A tribute board with the names of donors will be permanently installed outside the lodge at First Lake.

“It’s such an important thing and it’s touched so many people’s hearts since the 1920’s,” Swanson says of the lodge. “it’s been giving for 90 years, and the way we’re constructing it, it’ll be giving for another 100 years.”

Builders were preparing to put a new roof on Hollyburn Lodge last month, but Mother Nature had other plans.

An early dump of snow was good news for skiers, but bad news for construction. Instead of installing roofing, workers ended up shoveling 10 inches of the white stuff off the floor of the lodge.

Hollyburn Lodge Project Timeline (1998 - 2015) Don Grant

30. To see photos of the construction site taken in 2015, click here. For photos taken in 2016, click here.

29. On Saturday, June 6, the Hollyburn Lodge 2015 Renewal Project makes an appearance during West Vancouver Community Day. 28. On Monday, June 2nd, the dismantling of the old Hollyburn Lodge is completed.

27. During the Farewell to the Lodge BBQ on a snowy Friday, April 24th, the fundraising campaign top $1,000, 000.

26. The first list of donors is posted on the HHS, HRA and Cypress Mountain websites.

25. Early February 2015 - The Hollyburn Lodge 2015 Renewal Project campaign begins.

24. The Hollyburn Lodge 2015 Renewal Project, organized by Brent Leigh, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for DWV and chaired by Jackie Swanson, President of the Hollyburn Ridge Association begins to meet. Its first priority is to plan a fundraising campaign to raise the remaining $300,000 from corporate and citizen donors.

23. November 25, 2014: Media Press Release from the District of West Vancouver: The District of West Vancouver, Cypress Mountain and BC Parks are pleased to announce that the reconstruction of the beloved landmark will begin in spring 2015, with a targeted 2015-16 ski season opening. (The total cost will be $1,100,000.00. The following contributions have already been made to the Hollyburn Lodge 2015 Renewal Project: Cypress Mountain $500,000, District of West Vancouver $200,000, 2010 Olympic Legacy funds $100,000)

22. On December 10, 2012, WV Council unanimously direct that up to $150,000 be included in the 2014 budget specifically for the restoration of Hollyburn Lodge.

21. September 14: On a beautiful September morning, West Vancouver Council members visit Hollyburn Ridge. WV Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Brent Leigh, Councillors Mary-Ann Booth, Nora Gambioli, Bill Soprovich, & Trish Panz are all smiles when they arrive at the cross-country parking lot. HHS' 'core group' - Gordon & Iola Knight, Bob & Greta Tapp & Don Grant - are there to greet them. Before the Lodge visit, Pete Compston (Cypress Mountain) puts in many long hours painting the exterior of the Lodge and trimming the vegetation around it. The interior of the lodge is warm & welcoming. After a 40-minute meeting inside the Lodge, tour participants walk to the Nasmyth Bridge to have a look at the new HHS photo display.

20. June 25: At a WV COUNCIL MEETING Councillor Nora Gambioli presents the following report:

RECOMMENDED THAT:
1. Council direct staff to proceed with the legal and administrative work to conclude the transfer of Hollyburn Lodge to the District and enable the District to become the commercial permittee for the land on which the Lodge sits.
2. Council direct staff to develop a fundraising strategy and report back regarding the resource and schedule implications to the District. (During a meeting on Monday, June 18, WV Mayor & Council unanimously passes this resolution.)

19. October, 2011: Since April, 2011, HHS has been meeting with District of West Vancouver Deputy-Chief Administrative Officer Brent Leigh to discuss the restoration of Hollyburn Lodge. At this point, we are optimistic that significant progress will be made during the coming months. Details to follow at the appropriate time.

18. November, 2010: HHS has heard that a fundraising campaign related to the restoration of Hollyburn Ski Lodge will begin sometime in 2011. (Even without a formal campaign underway, HHS has received about $16,000 in donations that are to be directed towards the restoration of the lodge. We also know that the West Vancouver Historical Society has set aside $10,000 for this project.) 

17. November 11, 2008: At the Pioneer Skiers Reunion at First Lake, Hollyburn Ridge on September 17th, West Vancouver Mayor Pam Goldsmith-Jones announced that an agreement had reached between DWV and Cypress resulting in the transfer of ownership of the lodge building from Cypress Mountain to DWV.

16. May 31, 2008: Cathy Matheson (District of West Vancouver), Linda Swain (Cypress Mountain), and Larry Syroishko (BC Parks) are writing a Lodge Usage Agreement that will be presented to CNL during their annual visit in August, 2008. (CNL owns all the ski facilities in Cypress Provincial Park including Hollyburn Lodge.)  

15. December 3, 2007: Lois Enns, Records Analyst/Information & Privacy Officer and Shaunna Moore, DWV Archivist, present the video "Hollyburn Lodge: Past, Present & Future" to Mayor Pam Goldsmith-Jones and Council for the District of West Vancouver Council. (The video may be viewed on the Home page of the District of West Vancouver web site: http://www.westvancouver.net/  )

14. November 26, 2007: The District of West Vancouver Council pass the following motion: 1. The District of West Vancouver Community Heritage Register be established, pursuant to Section 954 of the Local Government Act; and 2. The inclusion of Hollyburn Lodge in the District of West Vancouver Community Heritage Register be approved.

13. October 22, 2007: HHS Secretary-Treasurer Iola Knight has been working on application forms for funding from the federal and provincial governments.

12. August 28, 2007: Since the lodge restoration feasibility study was completed by Donald Luxton & Associates in September, 2006, considerable effort has been made by District of West Vancouver staff, Cypress Mountain staff, and the Hollyburn Heritage Society to move the project forward. Within the next couple of months, HHS hopes to report in more detail the progess made so far.

11. In January, 2007, after a year of deliberations involving a committee of Cypress Provincial Park stakeholders, BC Parks sets aside $100,000 (from an Olympic legacy fund of $400,000) for the restoration of Hollyburn Ski Lodge with the condition that all the additional funds needed for the completion of the project come from sources other than BC Parks, that an agreement regarding the future use of the lodge be worked out, and that the restoration project be completed in time for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver/Whistler.

10. In August, 2006, “Donald Luxton & Associates” begin their initial assessment of the lodge. In late September, they report that restoration of Hollyburn Ski Lodge is feasible and does not require the dismantling and reassembly of the building. Costs for the restoration of the lodge building are estimated to be $900,000 (in 2006 dollars). (Additional infrastructure including the installation of a reliable water supply, fire prevention sprinklers, and new, expanded washroom facilities in an adjacent building would add another $400,00 to $600,000 to the overall cost.)

9. The first task of the steering committee is to produce a ‘Request for Proposal’ document which sets out in detail the information that is required in the completed lodge restoration feasibility study. After ‘restoration’ proposals are received by three firms experienced in the assessment and restoration of heritage buildings, representatives from these firms are interviewed. “Donald Luxton & Associates” are selected to do the feasibility study.

8. A steering committee, chaired by Josie Chubak, Deputy Director, Parks & Community Services for the District of West Vancouver, is formed to create and implement a lodge restoration action plan.

7. Early in 2006, the District of West Vancouver announces that $20,000 has been approved for a lodge restoration feasibility study. (Funding for the feasibility study has come from a Cultural Capital grant awarded by the Federal Government.)

6. Aware of the growing interest in and support for the restoration of Hollyburn Ski Lodge, HHS recommends that a proper feasibility study be the first step. This study would determine, in part, the nature and extent of restoration.

5. About the same time the West Vancouver Arts and Culture Advisory Committee identifies the restoration of Hollyburn Ski Lodge as a significant and vital community heritage project. The West Vancouver Heritage Advisory Committee passes a motion supporting the project in principle. Strong support also comes from the West Vancouver Historical Society, North Shore Heritage Preservation Society, Friends of Cypress Provincial Park, and the Hollyburn Ridge Association.

4. After the 2010 Winter Olympics are awarded to Vancouver/Whistler and the decision is made to hold the freestyle skiing and snowboarding events on Black Mountain, the Mayor and Council for the District of West Vancouver direct that a 2010 Olympic/Paralympic Committee be formed to identify possible Olympic legacy projects. The restoration of Hollyburn Ski Lodge is one of ten Olympic legacy projects recommended by the committee.

3. HHS concentrates its efforts on collecting, organizing and sharing the history of Vancouver’s North Shore mountains with a particular focus on Hollyburn. As a result, public awareness of the historical importance of Hollyburn Ski Lodge grows along with support for its restoration.

2. During the next several years the Hollyburn Heritage Society works hard to achieve this goal. On several occasions HHS meets with Cypress Bowl Recreations Ltd. staff to discuss the restoration project. Resolving jurisdictional issues involving CBRL, BC Parks, and the District of West Vancouver and the raising of funds needed for replicating/restoring the lodge prove to be major obstacles.

1. Hollyburn Heritage Society is formed in 1998. Its mandate includes saving Hollyburn Ski Lodge through replication (including the use of salvaged materials) or restoration.