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Online Heritage Inventory

Britannia Shipyard - Richmond Boat Builders

General Information
Thumbnail photograph of Britannia Shipyard - Richmond Boat Builders
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Type of Resource: Building
Common Name: Britannia Shipyard - Richmond Boat Builders
Address: 12451 Trites Road
Neighbourhood (Planning Area Name): Steveston
Construction Date: 1932
Current Owner: Municipal Government
Designated: Yes

Statement of Significance
Description of Site
The Richmond Boat Builders structure is a long, rectangular, gable roofed building constructed in two sections. The rear section is one-storey, while the front section is 11/2 storeys in height. The boatworks faces the river on the Britannia Shipyard site.

 Statement of Values
The primary heritage value of the Richmond Boat Builders structure is its historical connection to the history of boatbuilding in Richmond, and its significance as part of the history of the Japanese population. Operated by Saeji Kishi until internment in 1941, the building was directly connected to the development and success of the fishing industry, which relied upon skilled boatbuilding and repair to operate.
Richmond Boat Builders may be the last Japanese-Canadian boatworks from the period prior to World War II. The building, on its own and as part of the Britannia Shipyard, is an excellent example of an early industrial, functional structure.

 Character Defining Elements
Key elements that define the heritage character of the site include:
· The utilitarian design of the building to accommodate a number of large fishing vessels for construction or repair and other everyday activities of a boatworks
· Details which speak to the buildings use, such as the link between the boatworks and the river by marine ways and openings to accommodate large timbers
· The intact furnishings and equipment associated with the boatworks.

 History
The Richmond Boat Builders structure is a long, rectangular, gable roofed building constructed in two sections. The rear section is one-storey, while the front section is 11/2 storeys in height. The boatworks faces the river on the Britannia Shipyard site.

 Architectural Significance
Architectural Style
Working Industrial

 Building Type
Boat Construction

 Name of Architect or Builder
The builder is documented as Saeji Kishi

 Design Features
The Richmond Boat Builders building is a long, narrow one-storey building with a front gable roof. The south portion is a 1938 addition, and small shed additions are attached to the north portion. It has sliding doors on a trestle at the south gable end. Part of the north wall has a hinged flap to enable large pieces of boat timber to be run through the band saw. The cladding is horizontal bevelled wood siding. The roof cover is corrugated metal sheeting covering a shingle roof with skylights. The windows are multi-paned single sash wooden windows and are located along the length of the northern section of the building. The original steambox, boiler and workbenches are still intact.

 Construction Method
Wood frame construction.

 Landscape Significance
Landscape Element
Cultural landscape/Natural Environment

 Design Attributes
The site was originally part of the Fraser River marsh estuary, and has gone through extensive cultural modifications over the life of the Britannia Cannery and Shipyard. The site is an example of an evolved cultural landscape shaped through use by activity or occupancy, in this case, the fishing and boatbuilding industries. The relationship of the shipyard structures to the river and the marsh is an important aspect of the landscape. The buildings and the boardwalk were originally constructed on piles above the marsh. The boardwalk served as the ‘main street’ for the Steveston riverfront. Much of the site today sits on land reclaimed through dredging operations in the 1950’s and ‘60’s, and there is evidence that a slough once cut through the site.

 Integrity
Alterations
There have been several alterations to the building. A new sheet metal roof has been installed and the original external wooden buttresses have been rebuilt. Internally, changes have been made to make the building meet code for the purposes of public assembly. The building maintains its original appearance.

 Original Location
Yes

 Condition
The building appears to be in good condition following stabilization and repair as part of the construction of the Britannia Heritage Shipyard Park.

 Lost
No

 Documentation
Evaluated By
Denise Cook BLA, PBD (Public History)

 Date
Friday, November 3, 2000

 Documentation
Inventory Sheets by Foundation Group Designs, January 1990
“Heritage Inventory Phase II” by Foundation Group Designs May 1989
“Britannia Heritage Shipyard Park Concept Plan” Christopher Phillips and Associates 1992
Marilyn Clayton, personal communication, November 2000
Britannia Heritage Shipyard documents (various dates)

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