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1960s -- Sechelt wharf at Block A of Lot 5312, GP1 NWD

Herbert Whitaker built the first wharf on Trail Bay in front of his Beach House, but it was soon destroyed by storms. He then built a more permanent wharf on Trail Bay at the south end of Porpoise Bay Road, later called Wharf Road. This was purchased by the Union Steamship Company from his estate in April 1926 and from the latter by the federal government under authority of Order-In-Council dated August 24, 1933. Immediately the old wharf and approach were removed and a complete new structure was built. In March 1949 tenders were called for a $50,000 reconstruction job. Crown Assets Disposal Corp. sold the wharf approach and shed to Art James owner of Sechelt Marina & Resort Ltd. on December 28, 1960.

Photographer unknown

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1960s -- Sechelt wharf when it was known as `James Wharf.' Bait sign in front of shed on wharf.

Photographer unknown

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1960s-- Remnant of one of two boat-launching ramps built on Trail Bay beach in 1961.

Both ceased to function within a few years, largely because of maintenance problems resulting from strong wave action. The ramp pictured was built by Art James in front of Lot 17 on the Boulevard between Wharf Avenue and the Indian Reserve. The sign on James Wharf read "Boat rentals and bait."

In July 1961 a Vancouver newspaper carried an article headlined "Piggy back gives lift to outboards" It stated that "Boats are picked up from a concrete ramp on the gulf side and launched from a second ramp in Porpoise Bay. Outboards up to 23 feet and nine-foot beam can be handled. Charges, set by the Public Utilities Commission, are 60 cents per lineal foot of the boat's length." Another story said that "The three-quarter mile journey across the isthmus is by means of a special vehicle that is a cross between a flatbed truck and a stilt-leg lumber carrier."

Photograph courtesy The Peninsula Times newspaper and the Alsgard family

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1971 -- Sechelt wharf when known as "James Wharf" in a dilapidated state.

Art James smoked herring in the shed. See also Peninsula Times Newspaper photograph September 29, 1971. Wharf demolished December 8, 1971; see Peninsula Times photograph December 8, 1971.

Photograph courtesy The Peninsula Times newspaper and the Alsgard family

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1973-- Remains of Sechelt wharf; piles on left, concrete footing at water line, pipe which formerly carried oil to tank farm, approach to wharf at end of Wharf Road.

Photographer unknown