For 16 years, the Hollyburn Heritage Society has been advocating for the restoration of the historic Hollyburn Lodge and their efforts are finally paying off.
The District of West Vancouver, Cypress Mountain and BC Parks announced this week that reconstruction of the aging landmark will begin next spring, with a targeted 2015/16 ski season opening.
"There's a feeling of joyfulness that we're getting the job done," says Don Grant, chairman of the heritage society. "The lodge is dearly loved by so many people. It's such a unique place - it's a place that retains the character of a time that is no longer here."
The one-storey, gableroofed, wood-frame skilodge opened on Hollyburn Ridge in 1927 and to this day remains a popular rest stop for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. According to the heritage society's website, several commercial ski lodges were built on the North Shore mountains before 1960, but all those lodges, with the exception of Hollyburn, were eventually destroyed by fire or dismantled.
Society members have been working with Cypress Mountain for several years to determine the funding model for the restoration.
Under this partnership, Cypress will retain the asset on their park use permit and Cypress's ownership group, CNL Lifestyle Properties, will contribute the bulk of the capital needed to rebuild. "Our goal is to move the lodge from a one-season to a two-season facility open to the public," said Cypress Mountain general manager Bobby Swain.
Cypress's commitment, along with Olympic legacy funds held by BC Parks and financial contributions from the District of West Vancouver, put the present restoration budget at $800,000.
Additional fundraising by both the district and Cypress is underway. Donations can be made through the West Vancouver Foundation at westvanfoundation.com.
