Demolish the Navvy Jack House, West Van staff tells council

District of West Vancouver staff is recommending that the district proceed with the demolition of historic Navvy Jack House.

The staff is also recommending that  district consult with the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, and Musqueam Nations, and report back on options to commemorate the history of the Navvy Jack House.

In June this year, the council voted in a closed-door meeting to demolish the historic building.

The council relented after the move prompted criticism and stayed the demolition until a citizens group could submit a report on saving the Navvy Jack House.

Despite the report suggesting preservation, staff feels it will be an expensive proposition.

“Staff are concerned that retention of the house will be an expensive proposition at a time when a number of other identified council priorities require funding,” according to a council report that will be presented to council.

According to the staff, the citizens group report also leaves staff uncertain as to whether the house can feasibly be reduced to its 1907 form and successfully moved, and what, if any revenue or benefit the district will be able to drive from it.

The demolition of the home relieves the district of the high cost of restoring or renovating the home, staff says.

District staff estimates the restoration will cost anywhere from $2.2 million to $2.3 million.

Demolition, staff says, will also relive the district of ongoing operational and maintenance costs to raise and relocate the home.

If the council does determine the home needs to be saved and relocated, staff will need to seek detailed quotes that are reflective of current market rates and will have to determine a potential funding source.

The house may also prove to be unsalvageable once pieces have been removed, the report notes.

“There is no guarantee that the 1907 form could be easily retained, raised, and moved,” staff says.