December 2024 Update
The Environmental Development Permit and the Foreshore Development Permit 24-025 for 1768 & 1770 Argyle Avenue (Navvy Jack House) were approved by the Director of Planning, Development and Environment Services on December 19, 2024. The approval is consistent with the relevant development permit guidelines and Council’s previous approvals for the site.
October 2024 Update
A building permit to allow the safe lifting and temporary shoring of the existing heritage building to allow structural investigation of the existing framing and existing foundation conditions has been issued. To facilitate this work, selective demolition of non-original parts of the building and bracing of existing portions of walls, floors and roofs is included in the scope of work.
September 2024 update
Carrera Management Corporation has submitted an application for a Watercourse Development Permit and a Foreshore Development Permit to enable the proposed renovation, restoration and expansion of the Navvy Jack House.
For more information, see the 1768 & 1770 Argyle Avenue development application page.
October 2023
In October 2023, the District entered into a lease agreement with Carrera Management Corporation to ensure the future of Navvy Jack House. The lease agreement outlines a three-year window for the completion of the building’s renovation and restoration.
Navvy Jack House, located at 1768 Argyle Avenue, is historically significant and has heritage value to the District of West Vancouver and the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Nation).
The District believes that the restoration and retention of the Navvy Jack House will have broad community benefits.
Upon the successful completion of the restoration, Carrera Management Corporation will have the opportunity to operate a coffee shop, wine bar, or a combination of both at the restored Navvy Jack House, which will be open to the public.
At this time, there is no construction timeline confirmed. Updates will be posted on the project webpage as they are available.
Stay informed
Learn more about this project at westvancouverITE.ca/navvy

The photograph depicts the wedding reception of John Lawson's daughter Elizabeth to William Pitman at John Lawson's Hollyburn house (originally Navvy Jack's house). 0567.WVA.RAH.