Projects > Sarah Wray Heritage Hall History
Restoration Overview
Renovation and restoration of the historic Irvines Landing School in Garden Bay
Restoration Project Overview

From 2008 to 2015 Pender Harbour Living Heritage Society conducted the revitalization of the old Irvines Landing School building in Garden Bay. Under the direction of Leonard Lee (a student there in the 1950s), many volunteers worked their magic to save the old building.
The centre is now a gathering place, a venue for events, heritage courses, and rotating displays of artifacts and archived material from the Pender Harbour area.
More reading
In May 2008, Brian Lee, publisher of The Harbour Spiel, wrote a wonderful piece about the school, including its history, stories from locals, and archive photos. View the feature from the Harbour Spiel (pdf).
The centre is now a gathering place, a venue for events, heritage courses, and rotating displays of artifacts and archived material from the Pender Harbour area.
More reading
In May 2008, Brian Lee, publisher of The Harbour Spiel, wrote a wonderful piece about the school, including its history, stories from locals, and archive photos. View the feature from the Harbour Spiel (pdf).
Ways to help
To help with maintenance and upkeep of Sarah Wray Heritage Centre or to show your support, you can become a member of the Pender Harbour Living Heritage Society, donate, or volunteer your time and talents. If you have pictures, stories, or memorabilia from the school or Pender Harbour area, please get in touch!
To help with maintenance and upkeep of Sarah Wray Heritage Centre or to show your support, you can become a member of the Pender Harbour Living Heritage Society, donate, or volunteer your time and talents. If you have pictures, stories, or memorabilia from the school or Pender Harbour area, please get in touch!
Restoration Photo Gallery 2008-2014
Sarah Wray Heritage Building Project Lead Leonard Lee is interviewed by Canadian Framelines, Feb. 4, 2013
workshop Moving and renovation 2015
An auxiliary building was added in 2015 for archival storage and boat building activities and classes.
YOUR SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED! Tax receipts are available for donations over $20. Please get in touch to donate, or come to one of our upcoming events! |
Thank you to the Pender Harbour Rotary Club
for their continued and generous support on all of the Pender Harbour Living Heritage Centre projects! |
Past News
Open House: Feb. 28, 2015, 1-4pm
Everyone was invited to come celebrate the grand re-opening of the old Irvines Landing schoolhouse, now called Sarah Wray Heritage Centre. Visitors toured the renovated historic building, viewed heritage displays and enjoyed refreshments.
View the photo gallery
View the photo gallery
May 2014: The School is looking nice!
Things are coming along, inside and outside, now that warmer weather here. Inside, the floor has been refinished, the window shades are installed, door and window trims are done, the office has windows. Outside, the volunteers have been installing hardiboard and battens, metal roof on the workshop annex and exterior painting.
December 2013: We're getting closer!
A concrete skim coat now seals the crawl space; the main room and washrooms have their final paint coats. Still to be done are floor refinishing, millwork, back porch roofing, exterior finishing and landscaping. Much of this work should be completed by March 31, 2014. People have very kindly donated many kitchen items and the space is very functional. We are looking for coat racks for 40-50 people. If you have any to donate, please let us know.
May 2013: On schedule for completion!
Sarah Wray Heritage Centre is getting closer to completion thanks to all the hardworking volunteers and to our financial supporters. The building is now a solid structure with a new foundation and structural elements, new windows and washrooms, and is handicap accessible. Insulation is in, drywall is up and painted, kitchen is installed, windows are trimmed. We found hanging schoolhouse lights, just like in the old days. Even the scotch broom has been removed from the yard! Scroll down to see a project slideshow.
Things are coming along, inside and outside, now that warmer weather here. Inside, the floor has been refinished, the window shades are installed, door and window trims are done, the office has windows. Outside, the volunteers have been installing hardiboard and battens, metal roof on the workshop annex and exterior painting.
December 2013: We're getting closer!
A concrete skim coat now seals the crawl space; the main room and washrooms have their final paint coats. Still to be done are floor refinishing, millwork, back porch roofing, exterior finishing and landscaping. Much of this work should be completed by March 31, 2014. People have very kindly donated many kitchen items and the space is very functional. We are looking for coat racks for 40-50 people. If you have any to donate, please let us know.
May 2013: On schedule for completion!
Sarah Wray Heritage Centre is getting closer to completion thanks to all the hardworking volunteers and to our financial supporters. The building is now a solid structure with a new foundation and structural elements, new windows and washrooms, and is handicap accessible. Insulation is in, drywall is up and painted, kitchen is installed, windows are trimmed. We found hanging schoolhouse lights, just like in the old days. Even the scotch broom has been removed from the yard! Scroll down to see a project slideshow.
Jan. 8, 2013: Federal Funding Announced!
MP John Weston visited the Sarah Wray Heritage Centre on January 8, 2013 to announce federal funding of $49,551 to support the completion of the restoration project. Read more in the local news coverage, and scroll down to see photos from the event.
January 14, 2013: President's Message
- Elaine Park, Pender Harbour Living Heritage Society
MP John Weston visited the Sarah Wray Heritage Centre on January 8, 2013 to announce federal funding of $49,551 to support the completion of the restoration project. Read more in the local news coverage, and scroll down to see photos from the event.
January 14, 2013: President's Message
- Elaine Park, Pender Harbour Living Heritage Society
Funding in Place
JANUARY 8, 2013: Federal Funding Announcement Event With MP John Weston
More Funding News Coverage
January 11, 2013: Restoring a piece of history
- The Coast Reporter
January 9, 2013: Funding announcement on the Sunshine Coast!
- MP John Weston
January 9, 2013: Federal funding lands in Irvines Landing
- 91.7 CoastFM (CKAY)
THANK YOU!
We acknowledge the financial and service support of the following companies and organizations:
We also acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia.