Update on the evolving situation with the Harry Roberts homestead property

Oh my.

On July 12/ 2021, Tony Duffy, a property manager for BC Hydro phoned to tell Marg Pearson that the Harry Roberts property was being acquired by the Sechelt Indian Band. Further, the lease that she has maintained for 31 years will be terminated in October.

In a separate line of communication, Jasmine Paul, property and land title manager for the Sechelt Nation told Margaret that once the land was legally acquired by the band....all public access would be denied. It appears from several sources that the future of the historic cabin is in jeopardy. No other information has come out of Jasmine Paul's office.

As of this message, Tony Duffy has not responded to my request for a written notice of termination of the lease.

( See newer post regarding July 30 license termination letter from BC Hydro)

Other sources have been told us that the land deal has not been finalized...but is pending.

Margaret has asked Chief Warren Paul for a meeting to discuss the future of the property. No answer yet.

Anyone see the trend here? Silence from deal makers. It's a business transaction. A land acquisition. Fair comment, questions and criticism have a place here.

So....

The cabin is in rough shape, despite our attempts to keep it intact.

The latest and greatest plan of Marg's, was to turn the property into a Marine Park. The cabin would be mostly taken down, but saving the fireplace and any feasible parts of the walls.

Then, a large pavilion style roof would be built over the structure to provide protection for the bones of the house...and to provide shelter for campers.

A shared community resource.

When Marg and Barry Pearson discovered the old cabin around 1990, it was fully grown over with bush, ivy and prickles.

The iconic cabin that you see today exists because of all the lovingly applied labour done over the last 31 years by many volunteers.

Yolanda Roberts is Harry's daughter.She's in her 80's and still going strong. She has clear memories of moving into the log cabin in late 1930's. This was the family home for her and the family for many years.

Marg in the kitchen area of the Harry Roberts cabin. Walls were rebuilt in the last 5 years.

Questions? Ask these people.

Tony Duffy. BC Hydro property manager, ex boxer.

778 886 7566

Below are samples of pavilion styles that we envision to be constructed over the old homestead cabin.

Perhaps something that blends the Sunray window treatment with coast Salish touches.

If you ever wanted to be an active part of your community, or politically active...now is a great time. Help us steer this thing in the right direction.

An iconic, historic destination for all to enjoy.

Mike Pearson