Heritage Buildings in Qualicum Beach July 2011

Qualicum Beach Train Station The Qualicum Beach Train Station is an excellent example of a community preservation project and the adaptive re- use of a historic building. Recognizing the building’s historic value and concerned about its deterioration, volunteers worked for almost a decade to raise funds for rehabilitation. Used as a stop for passenger service on Island, the rest of the station has been renovated for lease to community groups.

Qualicum Beach Community Hall Developed in the mid-20th century, the Community Hall has historical and continuing value as a community gathering place. Over the years, the Hall has hosted numerous social and sporting events. The Hall’s value as a public venue, especially before in-home entertainment became more popular, is substantial. The Hall continues to serve the community today.

Former Canadian Pacific Railway (VIA Rail) Station Former Canadian Pacific Railway (VIA Rail) Station at Qualicum Beach reflects the Canadian Pacific Railway’s (CPR) commitment to sustaining the substantial role of its subsidiary, the and Railway (E&N) in the settlement and development of . The construction of the station and arrival of the railway in 1914 created the town of Qualicum Beach and enabled it to function as a service and distribution centre for the logging industry, and as a tourist destination.

Powerhouse Museum The Powerhouse Museum building is an excellent example of the adaptive re-use of a historic building. In the early 1980s, the purchased the building and leased it to the local historical society who, in turn, restored it for use as a museum. Officially opened in 1988, the restored building is part of the museum complex which features other restored buildings and outdoor exhibits. Crown Mansion Built in 1914, the Crown Mansion is a very good example of Georgian Revival style, a style popular with the province’s elite during the first quarter of the twentieth century. The building’s large scale, symmetrical composition and simple detailing projected a sense of history, formality and graciousness that reflected the social status of original owner Brigadier General Noel Money. When the building was converted into a hotel in the 2000s, a porte-cochere was added to the front entrance and a condominium complex was attached at the north elevation.

Thrall Residence The Thrall Residence is an excellent example of the adaptive reuse of a historic building. Acquired by the Town of Qualicum Beach in 1990, the building is currently leased to the Chamber of Commerce. Although some changes have been made to the building’s entrance to accommodate its transition from residential to commercial use, the Thrall Residence is substantially intact and stands as a model for sympathetic and thoughtful rehabilitation.

Burnham Road Residence Built in the 1920s, the Burnham Road Residence is an excellent example of a Craftsman style building, a style very popular on the West Coast in the first part of the 20th century. The building’s horizontal massing, picturesque roofline and front veranda with decorative columns are all typical elements of this style.

The Old School House The Old School House is an exceptional example of the adaptive re-use of a historic building. Officially re-opened in 1988 as an arts centre after considerable community- based fundraising and restoration work, the Old School House has become an integral part of the social and cultural life of Qualicum Beach. The centre has been so successful that the image of the Old School House now symbolizes arts and culture in the community. The Village Theatre Built in 1948, the Village Theatre is a very good and rare local example of the Streamline Moderne style. Sleeker and plainer than Art Deco, Moderne style became popular in the late 1930s and reflected the influence of the technological wonders of the day such as airplanes, locomotives and moving images. The Village Theatre’s streamlined appearance is achieved through its smooth stucco surfaces, curved wall and minimal ornamentation.

The White House Built around 1913, the White House is a very good and unusual example of an Edwardian bungalow. The White House is significant for its association with Qualicum Beach’s early history. In 1915, the Qualicum Beach Hotel was temporarily converted into a convalescent hospital for wounded officers. The White House became a nurses’ residence. After the War, the building reverted to private use. When the hotel was demolished in the 1970s, the White House became the only remaining tangible evidence of Qualicum Beach’s World War 1 history.

St. Mark’s Anglican Church St. Mark’s Anglican Church is significant as one of the oldest, continuously-functioning parishes in Qualicum Beach and, as such, is linked to its earliest social and spiritual development. Built on land donated by General Noel Money, an early community leader, the church provided a communal meeting place for the young community. St. Mark’s Anglican Church continues to serve the community as a social centre and place of worship.

The College Inn The Qualicum College Inn building is also significant for its representation of educational history in . Founded in 1935 to provide a traditional British style education, Qualicum Beach School (renamed Qualicum College in 1949) was the most westerly private school in . Though never as large as some of the other independent schools in the province, Qualicum College was widely known and respected nonetheless, attracting students from Vancouver Island, Western Canada, the North Western United States and the Orient.