The history of Britannia Beach is closely connected with the discovery and development of one of British Columbia’s most important copper deposits. Over several decades, a remote area on Howe Sound grew into a major mining operation with communities built around the people who worked there.
The Discovery of Copper
According to a well-known local story, copper was discovered at Britannia in 1888 by Dr. A.A. Forbes, a physician and amateur prospector, together with a fisherman named Granger.
The story tells of a deer that was shot during their search. As the animal moved across the ground, its hooves exposed colourful mineralized rock beneath the moss. Tests reportedly revealed significant copper content and helped draw attention to the area’s mineral potential.
The Beginning of Britannia Mine
Several attempts were made to develop the deposit before the Britannia Mining and Smelting Company Ltd. took control in 1904.
Two principal settlements developed around the operation. Britannia Beach supported the surface and milling operations at sea level, while Jane Camp was established higher on the mountain for workers involved in underground mining.
Both operated as company towns, with housing, infrastructure and many community services controlled by the mining company.
Disaster at Jane Camp
Britannia became a major copper producer between 1912 and 1922, but this period was also marked by tragedy.
On March 21, 1915, an avalanche of snow, mud and rock struck Jane Camp. Nearly 60 people were killed and another 22 were injured.
Following the disaster, a new community was developed at a safer location approximately 2,200 feet above sea level. It became known as the Townsite and later Mount Sheer.
Fire and Flood at Britannia
Further disasters followed in 1921. During a temporary shutdown, Mill No. 2 was destroyed by fire.
Only months later, a major flood swept through part of the Britannia Beach community along Britannia Creek. Thirty-seven people lost their lives and many buildings were destroyed.
The mining company was forced to rebuild both its processing facilities and significant parts of the community.
Construction of Mill No. 3
Between 1922 and 1923, the enormous Mill No. 3, now known as the Concentrator, was constructed on the mountainside above Britannia Beach.
The new Mill became central to the success of the operation. By 1929, Britannia had developed into one of the leading copper-producing operations in the British Commonwealth.
Community Life at Britannia
Britannia was not simply a place to work. Thousands of people built their lives around the mine.
Residents had access to recreational and community facilities including libraries, swimming pools, tennis courts, clubrooms and a gymnasium. Baseball, theatre, dances, movies, picnics and community celebrations became important parts of everyday life.
The surrounding mountains and Howe Sound also provided opportunities for hiking, swimming and fishing.
Changing Times
World War II brought higher copper prices but also reduced the local workforce as many workers joined the armed forces or moved into wartime industries.
Transportation connections later transformed Britannia’s isolation. The railway between Squamish and North Vancouver was completed in 1956, followed by the highway in 1958.
As travel became easier, Mount Sheer gradually lost its population and operations were consolidated at Britannia Beach.
The Final Years of Britannia Mine
The Britannia Mining and Smelting Company entered bankruptcy in 1959, after which the operation passed to the Howe Sound Company.
In 1963, the property was acquired by Anaconda Mining Company. Mining continued for another decade, but declining ore reserves and increasing operating costs made continued production increasingly difficult.
On November 1, 1974, the final shift of miners went underground and Mill No. 3 ceased operation.
The Legacy of Britannia
Britannia Mine operated for approximately 70 years and played an important role in the development of British Columbia’s copper-mining industry. Over its history, tens of thousands of people lived in the communities associated with the operation.
Although the mine has been silent for decades, the surviving Concentrator and the stories of Britannia Beach and Mount Sheer preserve the legacy of the workers, families and industrial community that developed around the mine.