Gibsons is taking a significant step toward preserving one of its most iconic heritage buildings.
An agreement to legally secure the restoration and long-term preservation of Stonehurst in exchange for allowing an 18-unit residential development on the upland portion of the site is in the works.
At a special council meeting on June 17, town council voted to proceed with drafting a heritage revitalization agreement (HRA) for the early 20th-century residence at 529 Gibsons Way (Five Corners).
The proposal, submitted by Frits de Vries Architecture, includes revitalizing Stonehurst as a heritage inn and tearoom, while constructing a modern residential addition with underground parking.
The HRA would supersede existing zoning regulations, enabling the development without requiring rezoning or Official Community Plan (OCP) amendments.
“This is a significant opportunity to secure long-term heritage protection, deliver compatible new housing, and align with council’s strategic plan goal to preserve the Stonehurst site,” said Gibsons planner Kirsten Rawkins.
Built between 1912 and 1914, Stonehurst is recognized for its architectural value as a craftsman-style home and its historical association with Dr. Frederick Inglis, Gibsons’ first physician. It is also associated with the founding of the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), which evolved into the New Democratic Party (NDP).
The building will be added to the BC Register of Historic Places upon completion of the HRA.
The conservation plan, prepared by heritage consultants Donald Luxton and Associates, outlines a rehabilitation strategy. This includes lifting the building to construct an underground parkade, restoring original exterior features, and upgrading the structure for seismic, code, and accessibility compliance.
The inn will feature six guest suites and a tearoom, with the new residential building connected by a skybridge for fire egress, Rawkins explained.
Council’s discussion highlighted strong support for the heritage goals, but also raised questions about parking, accessibility and design.
The proposal includes 19 underground parking stalls — below the bylaw requirement of 34 — but staff and the architect noted the site’s proximity to transit and the potential for managed parking solutions.
The Gibsons Landing Heritage Society also supports the overall design; they recommend restoration of original architectural features and a more historically accurate colour palette.
Staff will now draft the HRA bylaw and proceed with public notification procedures.
An open house will be held to inform the public ahead of the required public hearing.
In addition to the core agreement, several provisions were endorsed. These include securing public access to the inn and tearoom, incorporating interpretive signage, and ensuring the long-term use of Stonehurst as a heritage inn.
The mayor and council emphasized that the proposal finds a middle ground between preserving Gibsons’ historic character and enabling compatible new development.
The next steps include finalizing the HRA agreement, holding a public hearing, and referring the bylaw to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for approval before adoption.
Jordan Copp is Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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