Shortly after witnessing King George V’s coronation, Alfred Wallace, owner of the Wallace Shipyards, returned to North Vancouver to find that a massive fire had engulfed his business on the morning of July 11, 1911.

A small force of five firefighters was able to put out the blaze, keeping the 220-foot marine ways safe. However, the burn caused over $200,000 worth of damage to the yard.

In response to the fire, and the city’s taxes, Wallace threatened to move the yard from Lonsdale.

Ultimately, the city cut a tax deal, and the yard was back in order in six weeks.

Visit the MONOVA website for more information about the history of the North Shore and to plan your visit to MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver, now open at 115 West Esplanade in The Shipyards.

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