The significance of Navvy Jack House
Navvy Jack House was the earliest settler dwelling west of the Capilano River and is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the province. From the 1870s to the 1890s, it was home to the family of John “Navvy Jack” Thomas and his wife, Sla-wiya, who was the granddaughter of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Chief Ki-ep-i-lano (Sa7plek). The house represents a significant history of West Vancouver: the meeting place of the original Indigenous inhabitants and the early colonial settlers.
The house and its grounds, located at 1768 Argyle Avenue, face English Bay and are adjacent to John Lawson Park. Built as early as 1872, the house is a rare example of surviving frontier Victorian architecture. It was built using old-growth fir and cedar, with distinctive drop siding and a full-width front verandah with lathe-turned columns and scroll-cut brackets.
Although altered many times, the building has retained significant amounts of its original construction materials.
On Monday, June 22, District of West Vancouver Council voted unanimously to give Navvy Jack House municipally designated heritage status, meaning it cannot legally be altered or destroyed.
Who was Navvy Jack?
John “Navvy Jack” Thomas arrived in British Columbia around 1859, during the Cariboo gold rush. He worked in many other areas before arriving in Burrard Inlet in 1866. He purchased the house that would become known as Navvy Jack House shortly after it was built (likely by James Blake) as early as 1872.
Later inhabitants
The Thomas family lived at Navvy Jack House until Navvy Jack’s death in 1897. The house remained vacant until 1905, when John Lawson, another founder of West Vancouver, purchased it. He operated the community’s first post office and general store out of the house. He also served as West Vancouver’s second reeve (elected leader).
Around 1921, the house was moved slightly southwest of its original site to allow for the opening of Argyle Avenue. Lawson lived there until 1928.
Subsequent owners and occupants have also played important roles in the growth of the West Vancouver community, including the Macfarlane, Hookham, and Williams families. The District now owns the house, and the Williams family has a life tenancy.
What's next
In 2021, Council directed that a feasibility analysis be done on what was required to save it. A high-level estimate of $2.6 million to restore the house was developed, and staff were directed to look at scenarios for restoration and operation of the house as a commercial enterprise with minimal financial risk to the District.
Then, in December 2022, Council directed staff to issue a Request for Expressions of Interest to see if there was any interest from commercial operators. The District would contribute $1 million in restoration funds, and the operator would pay the balance of the capital costs in return for a long-term lease.
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