The above image was created by Vancouver-based artist Kevin Lanthier (www.kevinlanthier.com) as part of his Vancouver Specials series, which depicts various parts of the lower mainland. Separate photographs were taken of each of these Davies Orchard cottages, which were then digitally extracted and recombined with other photos to create this hyper-real composite image. The artist created the image in support of, and to bring attention to, Bowen Heritage’s aims to restore the cottages. The single apple tree in the image refers to the hope of the orchard being restored for the enjoyment of the people of Bowen Island and visitors alike.
Built in the 1920s, the Davies’ Orchard cottages have overlooked Snug Cove for almost a century. Thousands of people have used them to access all that Bowen has to offer. Cottages were a common feature of the landscape around the lower mainland before the 1950s, but the popularity of private cars and the development of highways meant that people travelled further afield for their vacations. Our cottages were neglected as interest in them waned. They were purchased as part of Crippen Park in the eighties, and in 1989, when GVRD decided they did not want to be landlords, the cottages were threatened with demolition. Bowen Heritage grew out of islanders’ desire to see the cottages saved. The area now constitutes the only surviving precinct of that vintage of summer cottages in the region.
The cottages earned a reprieve, but Metro has not had the capacity to maintain or restore the cottages, and some have been slowly turning to compost. Bowen Heritage and Metro Vancouver have managed to restore five of the cottages, but without control of management and no formal heritage designation, it has been a struggle to capture funding or secure permission to use them. They remain vulnerable to demolition as their condition deteriorates. With no heritage protection, there is no legal reason to prevent Metro from deciding that they should be demolished for safety or economic reasons.
On the other hand, if we could get the cottages designated, and agree on a sustainable, community-based vision for the cottages, the Davies Orchard could blossom into the gem it really is. With beautiful views and space for games and gardens, the Orchard could become a significant feature in the Cove, for both visitors and islanders alike.
To this end, Bowen Heritage is hosting a “Heritage Basics” workshop at their AGM delivered by Dr. Karen Dearlove of Heritage BC, designed for communities who would like to adopt values-based management to conserve heritage and what’s more, leverage those cultural assets for economic growth. Participants will gain an understanding of what is values-centered heritage conservation, including benefits, challenges, opportunities and possible next steps for our community. Karen assures us that NO heritage background is necessary. If you are interested in helping the cottages, or interested in the benefits of heritage for economic development, please do come along: Sunday, April 19, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., at Evergreen Hall, 464 Melmore Road. The workshop is free for members and $10 for non-members. If you’re planning to attend, please email [email protected].
