Project background
Heritage Alteration Permit #HA 24-012449
The City of Richmond is undertaking repairs required to maintain the Shipyard building, including:
- roof replacement and installation of roof anchors to facilitate future repairs;
- repairs to or replacement of damaged siding;
- repairs to or replacement of damaged or missing windows and doors;
- replacement of damaged or missing gutters;
- reconstruction of chimneys; and
- repairs and improvements to the substructure to allow a winch system to haul boats on the ways.
The Shipyard Building is a protected heritage building and integral feature of the site. Repair work will follow national standards for heritage conservation – where possible existing materials will be repaired and removed materials will be replaced to match existing. Objects and materials located inside the building will be safely secured during construction. The MV Burnaby will be relocated for a period and displayed elsewhere on site.
What to expect during construction
During construction, the public should expect closures to the boardwalk pathway in front of the Shipyard Building to facilitate the transfer of construction materials to and from the building. Additionally, the gravel parking lot to the north of the site will be closed for public use for the duration of the construction.
History of the Shipyard Building
Built in 1889, the Shipyard Building was constructed by the Anglo-British Columbia (ABC) Packing Company as a fish cannery, one of many located along “Cannery Channel”. Later, in 1917-18, the Shipyard Building was converted into a maritime repair facility for ABC’s fleet of fishing boats. The company eventually shut down operations in 1980, and the building sat empty until it was acquired by the City of Richmond. The building was opened to the public as part of the heritage park in 1995.
3D Virtual Tour
For a virtual look inside the Britannia Shipyard building (pre-2025 reconstruction) view a 3D tour here.
Contact
For more information, please contact Abbas Clayton at aclayton@richmond.ca.