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Our History
British Properties Limited takes pride in its historic participation in the growth of West Vancouver and is pleased to have contributed substantially to a wide range of public facilities and amenities which enhance the city and reflect the Company's continuing commitment to building a liveable urban environment.
The Land
The Municipality of West Vancouver had become the owner of large tracts of land which had reverted to the municipality for non-payment of taxes. Community leaders envisioned the land converted into an exclusive residential community, but they required a permanent link to Vancouver across the Narrows and considerable financial resources.
The sharing of the vision with the Guinness family provided for both. In 1931, British Properties Limited purchased and received development rights to 4,700 acres on the West Vancouver mountainside. In return, the Company agreed to construct a crossing of the Narrows. In addition, they also committed to building a long-awaited golf course and clubhouse.
Lions Gate Bridge
The opening of the Lions Gate Bridge in 1938 provided the impetus for the development of West Vancouver as a residential area. Ownership of the bridge was transferred to the provincial government in the 1950s, but it was never far from the heart of British Properties. The Company again stepped forward with funds for a spectacular, permanent lighting display on the bridge to mark Vancouver's Expo86.
The debate over plans for bridging the First Narrows centered on the concern of many Vancouverites over possible blockage of the shipping channel. What height would be required to permit the tallest schooners to enter the all-important harbour? Was it to be over 208 feet to accommodate the Empress of Britain or, possibly, in excess of 228 feet to allow the Majestic to enter? On September 29, 1936, the government of Canada, by Order of the Governor-General-in-Council, gave final approval of the design submitted by Messrs. Monsarrat & Pratley of Montreal and Vancouver associate Major W.G. Swan. Monsarrat & Pratley had designed the first long-span suspension bridge ever designed, fabricated and erected in the Dominion of Canada - spanning the St. Lawrence River five miles below Quebec. On January 22, 1936 the contract to construct the superstructure was awarded to the Dominion Bridge Company and Hamilton Bridge Company. The span was to be 1,550 feet long, contain 10,000 tons of steel and be constructed at a cost of $6 million.
The centre 200 feet of the bridge was to have a clearance of 200 feet regardless of tide, temperature or load. July 7, 1936 saw the turning of the first sod and on November 11, 1938 a Caulfield resident, R.F. Hearns, had the honour of being the first to cross the completed bridge. The official opening was done in grand style with Their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth travelling from the British Properties guest house to and across the bridge, stopping at the south end to cut a ceremonial ribbon. At long last the First Narrows had been crossed and the future assured for West Vancouver. Today, twin stone Lions, representing the majestic twin peaks of the same name in the mountains behind them, stand guard at the south entrance to the bridge. A duplicate set was commissioned and stood at A.J. Taylor’s driveway for years and are now located at the North Vancouver Museum. They are also representative of the lion-hearted pioneers who established West Vancouver and are the centrepiece of British Properties’ corporate logo.
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