West Vancouver Historical Society

06/18/2026

West Vancouver Historical Society Executive Meeting: June 17, 2026
Guest Speaker: James C. Haliburton

James C. Haliburton of West Vancouver believes that 1986 was, by far, the most prolific year in the history of Western Canada. It saw Expo 86 unlock the door to welcome the rest of the world to British Columbia. In that same year, we celebrated Vancouver City's 100* Birthday.
Prince Charles and Princess Diana officially opened the event. Vancouver City introduced Sky Train as a transportation system option and the Lions Gate Bridge was graced with lights for the first time. Rick Hansen's historic Man in Motion Tour was also in full swing James suggests that we should never forget the valuable contribution 1986 celebrations brought to the Canadian people. Also, increased tourism was truly beneficial to the province's long-term economic development. Twenty-two million visits were recorded at Expo 86.

06/18/2026

New heritage poster alert at John Lawson Park at the foot 17th Street! Learn more about Eagle Harbour settled by early fishermen in the West Vancouver community.

📸 John O'Flynn

06/17/2026

Circa 1951:
A photograph of the West Vancouver Memorial Library (Rupert Harrison photograph collection).

West Vancouver Memorial Library

06/17/2026

1948:
West Vancouver police officers Charles Hailstone and Frank Colpitts driving a Chevrolet along the 1900 block of Marine Drive. A small crowd of people stand in front of a sign reading "Site of West Vancouver War Memorial Public Library."

West Vancouver Memorial Library
West Vancouver Police

06/16/2026

1940’s:
The participants in a swim meet gathered round the awards table on a dock in Horseshoe Bay. Mary Benson, who gave swimming lessons in Horseshoe Bay, organized the annual event.

06/16/2026

1960’s:
A photograph of children's swimming lessons in the outdoor pool in Ambleside Park. The pool was opened on July 9, 1954 by Reeve Hugo Ray and was in use until 1977 when it was filled in (Leslie Sheraton fonds).

06/16/2026

🙌

The Fortune Cup Inn at the foot of 25th Street in the Dundarave area of West Vancouver in the 1970s

06/15/2026

Celebrating heritage & FIFA World Cup! Top marks goes to Avenue West Van for going the extra distance. 🇨🇦😎⚽️