Description of Historic Place

The Masthead is a four-storey wood framed building, with symmetrical wood-framed windows and a gable roof. This building is located at 1705 Cowichan Bay Road in Cowichan Bay, British Columbia. The formal recognition for this historic place is specific to the building footprint.

Heritage Value

The Masthead has historic and social value for its association with Giovanni Baptiste Ordano and the early development of Cowichan Bay. There is also aesthetic and historic value in the preserved character and materials of this historic building.

The Masthead is directly associated with Giovanni Baptiste Ordano, a European immigrant who is credited with invigorating the development of Cowichan Bay. Ordano built the Masthead as the original Columbia Hotel, a roadhouse for visitors travelling over the Malahat. The site's association with Ordano, who greatly affected the development of Cowichan Bay, has historic and social value to the community of Cowichan Bay.

Built in approximately 1868, the Masthead has historic and aesthetic value as one of the oldest existing buildings in Cowichan Bay. This building provides a clear representation of the early character and design of Cowichan Bay. The historic integrity of the original materials, such as the glass window panes, and of the building character is of great heritage value.

Source: Cowichan Valley Regional District, Planning and Development Department

Character-Defining Elements

Key elements that define the heritage character of the Masthead include:
- The original character and design from the Columbia Hotel
- The position on its original location
- The long-term use as a public amenity (as a restaurant)
- The Masthead's compatible character and design with the surrounding village of Cowichan Bay
- The picturesque deck, framing and character of the water-facing side of the Masthead
- All Original materials including the glass windows and wood framing
- The clear visibility of the Masthead from both Cowichan Bay Road and the bay itself