A STORY OF RENEWAL

BEFORE THE MINE

BRITANNIA VILLAGE WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE LAND ON WHICH WE GATHER AND WORK IS THE UNCEDED TERRITORY OF THE SKWXWÚ7MESH (SQUAMISH) NATION`.

Long ago, three brothers and their sons plotted to steal a magical copper hoop from a villainous wizard living high atop the hills of a nearby village. Once in their possession, they transformed the hoop into a baby who grew into a much-loved man. A fast runner and skilled hunter, The Copper Man was revered by villagers for his generosity, supernatural strength and community spirit most of all.

—As told by Jim Charlie, Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation carver and artist. The Howe Sound region has long been home to the Squamish Nation, and in 2017, the developers of Britannia Village commissioned an archaeological overview and assessment as part of the First Nations consultation process for the Britannia redevelopment project.

Authored by Squamish Nation archaeologists, this assessment provided meaningful insights into the pre-contact history of the Britannia area and indicated that Britannia was not a major site for Squamish Nation settlement in Howe Sound. While degradation from seven decades of mining activities means that any potential archaeological sites have likely long since been buried under site filling that has occurred in the last century, the history of this area will be honoured in the village.

A NEW TOWN IS BORN

The population of the Britannia area grew rapidly after the discovery of a copper seam in the local hills in the early 1900s. Over the course of seven decades, miners extracted copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, gold, and silver from the land, making Britannia the largest copper producing mine in the British Empire for a time. More than 60,000 people called this thriving, tucked-away town site their home, including workers, spouses and children.

Historically, transportation to and from Britannia was a challenge. Until the creation of the railway line in 1956 and the highway in 1958, the only way in and out was by steamship, bringing this community even closer

While the work underground was tough, life above ground an enviable list of recreational and sporting amenities to bring the community together. The site boasted its own school and hospital, as well as a ball field, ski slope, tennis courts, roller rink, bandstand and even a heated outdoor pool. The town’s social calendar included dances and concerts while the Copper Queen Festival and Miners Day competition were the town’s annual highlights.

The life in Britannia Village balances the self-contained community once shared by the miners with the easy access offered to all by Highway 99 and the short travel north to Squamish and south to Greater Vancouver.

WILDLIFE RETURNING

For many years, the waters near Britannia which should have been teeming with salmon and other species were filled with copper and other metal runoff from the mine. An innovative system to create an underground reservoir and clean the runoff has seen spawning salmon spotted in Britannia Creek after a 100-year absence. Their return is an important symbol of the region’s resurgence which prompted Squamish Nation carver, Jim Charlie, to illustrate the storied role salmon play in the Squamish culture in his three-panel artwork depicting the story of the salmon returning.

The slopes behind Britannia Beach are filled with native species like black bears, cougars, and coyotes, while the skies are patrolled by bald eagles, hawks, and owls. With the return of salmon, harbour seals have begun to add the nearby water to their hunting ground.

A STORY OF RENEWAL

LIKE COPPER, BRITANNIA IS BEING RESHAPED.

Long ago, three brothers stole a magical copper hoop from a hilltop wizard and transformed it into a child. He grew into The Copper Man—strong, swift, and generous—a beloved symbol of community spirit.

— as told by Jim Charlie, Squamish Nation carver and artist.

A TOWN IS BORN

FROM HIDDEN HILLSIDE TO INDUSTRIAL HEART

Britannia came to life in the early 1900s with the discovery of copper in the hills. Over 70 years, it became one of the British Empire’s largest copper producers—home to more than 60,000 miners and families. Before the railway and highway arrived in the ’50s, steamships were the only way in or out.

WORK HARD, PLAY HARDER

A MOUNTAIN TOWN THAT MADE THE MOST OF EVERY MOMENT.

When the mining stopped, the fun began. Britannia was packed with things to do— skiing, skating, swimming, and sports—plus dances, concerts, and community events year-round. Copper Queen and Miners Day were the biggest celebrations in a town that knew how to enjoy itself.