In 1987, the Society was formed to honour and advocate for heritage preservation in Gibsons.

Heritage Playhouse, Gibsons today

In 1987, the Society founders embarked on an ambitious plan to rescue the old Women’s Institute Hall (built in 1929) and convert it to a professional theatre venue. After a decade of hard work and a relentless search for funds, the community theatre opened in 2000. The Society operates the Heritage Playhouse today, just one pillar of the work the Gibsons Landing Heritage Society does in the community.

Gibsons Heritage School

Advocacy

The Gibsons Heritage School and the Heritage Playhouse are the only provincially designated heritage buildings in Gibsons. However, Gibsons, and the immediate area have dozens of spaces, trees, and buildings worthy of heritage protection that are even older. The stories they tell add to our community fabric and cultural significance. The GLHS aims to engage and enable more of these places to be preserved in the future.

Marina House, 2025

Awareness

Gibsons Landing is well-known across Canada as the home of “The Beachcombers” and its scenic harbourfront. Tourists are welcomed by an invitation to explore “Historic Gibsons Landing.” The Society believes that preserving and maintaining the stories, the culture, the heritage, and the character of this romantic seaside village is critical for both residents and visitors.

Stonehurst, 2025

Add Value

Heritage designated and well-maintained heritage homes provide community charm and character. They do not come on the market very often and when they do, they often attract multiple buyers and sell over asking price. If municipally or provincially designated, there are also several grants or tax benefits also available to help home owners with maintenance and preservation.

Molly’s Reach, 2025

Providing Resources

The GLHS has just updated the 2006 Heritage Inventory for Gibsons and area including new research and a preface section provided by the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation. This document if adopted by the Town of Gibsons will provide helpful information for future community planning.

Molly’s Reach original building circa 1898

Planning Assistance

In 2023, the GLHS embarked on a plan to create heritage and seaside village character guidelines for planners, architects, and developers to consider when addressing new infill and project development in Gibsons Landing. This effort has included working with the owners of Stonehurst on the preservation and rehabilitation of one of Gibsons iconic old homes.

Learn More

Heritage house in Heritage Hills

Celebrate

The Heritage Playhouse just celebrated its 25th year anniversary as a community theatre. Molly’s Reach restaurant has been revived with new operators in the cornerstone building of Gibsons Landing. The adjacent Wyngart store building is now a hip and happening general store. The iconic Stonehurst house is destined for a Heritage Revitalization Agreement providing official heritage protection.

Become a member today and find out how you can help celebrate and support our seaside village heritage character.

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