Today we took the drive up the Sea to Sky Highway for the VIP Grand Opening and ribbon cutting of the new and improved Britannia Village. We were last up in late spring, for a sneak peek look at what was to come today.
The official celebration invited locals and those driving by to an open house of sorts. The businesses that were up and running opened their doors and invited new faces in to sample and shop. There was a sporting good store and a gift shop showcasing local products from baby clothes to 3D printed pots.
The ice cream shop was seeing lots of foot traffic, much like the first and do-all grocery store. When we last visited they were still installing their liquor department, and today it was fully stocked alongside their pantry, produce counter, and deli.
Their in-house pizzeria and coffee shop was especially busy as one of the three spots in village available for a full meal. Although we didn’t have time to wait for a whole pizza being made to order, nor did their baked goods look all that impressive.
Especially when Britannia now has its own location of Beaucoup Bakery. This is their third with its own personality. On this grand opening day they were offering buy one get one free of their curlers.
I came back later and they were sold out, so settled on one of their their plain croissants instead. Not my first choice, but it helped to stave off hunger. And with it I was gifted a bag of their crispy croissant biscotti. I thought this a great way to up-cycle their day old pastry.
When time, we were gathered at the village square for opening ceremonies and the unveiling of some commissioned artwork to christen the occasion.
Here, we were welcomed to the land by those from the Squamish Nation. They spoke of the history of the land through story, song, and dance.
We got to witness a small portion of the traditional ceremony done when unveiling art. This acts as the cutting of ties and energy between the artist and the piece. The artist is wrapped in a blanket, to represent the love and warmth of a family, giving thanks and gratitude towards them. After, the artist is able to cut the umbilical cord between them and their work, to be able to move on to the next project, without leaving their heart behind.
Our artist was Squamish native, Jim Charlie, whose ancestors were Khatsilano and Jericho, which Vancouver beaches are named after. Jim spoke to the inspiration behind his two pieces. The first, a giant mask carved from cedar with its details in copper. This was especially meaningful as the mines that brought people to Britannia were copper mines. Copper also represents wealth to those of the First Nations.
The second art piece was depicted through three panels. It told the story of how the indigenous people got salmon, and its origins from the thunder bird and killer whale. This was a very poignant piece considering what Britannia has undergone in order to bring their salmon back.
We then heard from production heads, the story of the revitalization of Britannia Beach. A tale almost 20 years in the making. The land was heavily polluted due to run off from the mine, long after it shuttered down. The mine’s shafts and tunnels caused the reservoirs to be polluted, and animals and wildlife soon disappeared from the water.
Therefore, before building what we saw today, their first call to order was to stop the pollution by installing a filtration system in 2006. Fast forward to 2025, the waters of Howe Sound have became pollution free and the salmon have returned along with plankton, shrimp, seals, and even the occasional whale has been spotted.
Today is the culmination of this work that includes new housing, while maintaining affordable housing, and restoring BC’s heritage through the rebirth of this area. The village is now home to 73 town homes and unique Britannia businesses. And they did this while salvaging much of the original wood. During all this construction they have saved 9 historic building and homes, including the school, which is now the new Autostrada Britannia Oyster Bar and Grill.
The opening ceremony ended with a VIP reception at Autostrada. Here, guests were given reign of the interior that spilled out on to the sun soaked patio, over looking mountains and water.
Sparkling wine and Aperol spritz were great with this view.
The location in Vancouver specializes in pasta, the one here is seafood focused, as seen with the handsome oyster bar. Here, they were shucking oysters to be passed, along with other small bites.
These were canapés and finger foods that aren’t on their regular menu, and honestly didn’t paint an accurate picture of what their kitchen is capable of.
Sauté Mushroom pecorino cheese on
baguette.
Charred green beans with prosciutto and parmesan.
Steak sandwich on baguette with charred shallots and shisto peppers.
We would round out our day trip to Britannia with a visit to Britannia Mine Museum. I have long driven past this historic tourist attraction and have never stepped foot on the grounds until today. For the longest time, this was the only reason to stop in Britannia; now the Village will bring in more tourists and visitors to the mine.
