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WEST VANCOUVER MEMORIES M A R C H , 20I1 FROM"COTTAGES TO COMMUNITY" Thefollowing is an extractfrom the Society's upcoming bookjCottages to Community: The Story of West Vancouver's Neighbourhoods by Francis Mansbridge. The approach over Lions Gate Bridge to West Vancouver reveals its tiered grandeur ascending from the ocean front to Ambleside and Dundarave high rises to the line of houses abruptly ending at the 1,200 foot level, beyond which the forest assumes control. West from Dundarave to Horseshoe Bay few houses are visible through the sweep of dense forest. The verdant contour of HoUyburn Ridge inscribes a majestic backdrop. It's the western extremity of the mainland, the last stop before the Pacific, the west beyond the west beyond the west. Lush V's signify a multitude of creeks cascading from the high mountain slopes to the waterfront. Many have been buried beneath development, but others survive to create pleasant physical interludes and parks in the urban landscape. In the early years, newcomers naturally gravitated to living by these sources of abundant fresh water, creating communities strung together likes beads on a necklace. While settlement is now continuous, at least along the waterfront, the beads still retain a sense of identity which exists alongside their interactions within the larger community. By 1881 a group of sixteen men, known as the West Shore Northern Lands Company, had pre-empted all the coastal land in what is now West Vancouver in hopes of profiting from escalating land values. A pre-emptor was required to record his claim and pay for his land upon occupying it. At the end of two years' occupation, if he had put up improvements to the value of ten shillings per acre, he was granted a Certificate of Improvement. If he continue to occupy and improve the land, he received a crown grant. In 1891 the District of North Vancouver was incorporated, stretching across the entire North Shore from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove. West Capilano, as West Vancouver was then known, had an estimated population of 150-200. But its citizens soon travelled a different path from their more industrial neighbours across the Capilano. Being outside the harbour, extensive port facilities were out of the question, and the steep, rocky terrain made it difficult to attract industry Residential living assumed priority Top photo: Ambleside Wharf 1912 at the foot of 14th St. with the Ferry Building and Sham^rock Tea Room in background. Bottom photo: group of people, at the end of Dundarave pier in^ 1919. Creating a Community M e m b e r s h i p Renewal R e m i n d e r A "friendly" reminder that memberships to the Society were due on January 1 St. If you have not yet sent us your renewal we look forward to receiving your dues and thank you for your continued support. PAGE 7