Vancouver School Board

Kitsilano’s landmark little yellow schoolhouse begins new life after move to Squamish Nation

A 112-year-old schoolhouse, formerly located at Kits Beach, has been repurposed and transported across Burrard Inlet to the North Shore to serve the Squamish Nation. Acting as the new Ta Tsiptspí7lhḵn (Language Nest), the schoolhouse will provide a space for teaching Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) language, culture, and traditions to the community’s youngest members. Children from the Nation have already begun utilizing the relocated schoolhouse at its new location near Capilano Road and Welch Street.

The initiative to save the schoolhouse came from Glyn Lewis of Renewal Home Development, who intervened at the last moment to prevent its demolition during the construction of the new Henry Hudson school in Kitsilano. With the Squamish Nation expressing interest, Lewis facilitated the relocation of the building via barge, at a cost of approximately $160,000. The Vancouver School Board donated $80,000 earmarked for demolition to the Nation for the project. Despite initial challenges and resistance, the schoolhouse’s relocation received widespread community support, showcasing the potential for repurposing buildings instead of demolishing them. This project highlights the possibility of salvaging and repurposing buildings, contributing to sustainable development practices in the region.

Photo by David Pisnoy on Unsplash