With the first European settlers establishing Burnaby as home in the 1850s, the city is brimming with history. Andrew M. Johnson, one of Vancouver and Burnaby’s most notable pioneers, arrived in Vancouver from Norway in 1886, and co-founded a transportation company, which later became Mainland Transfer Company. As his business flourished, Johnson also witnessed Burnaby’s astounding growth, and purchased the Royal Oak Hotel in 1910. Perhaps wanting to be close to work, enjoying the welcoming Burnaby community, or both, he built his opulent family home on the opposite corner to the hotel at Kingsway and Royal Oak.
The prominent home was built in British Arts and Crafts style for $35,000, which, today, amounts to roughly $900,000. The stone for the foundation, walls, and chimney was sourced from granite glacial boulders that once stood on the property. Red clay tile was imported all the way from Holland to fashion the unique roof. Inside, oak and walnut millwork and stained glass windows elevated the already stately atmosphere. Johnson was determined to build a beautiful home like no other in that day and age, and it came to be known as Glenedward, after his oldest son, Edward.
Johnson died in 1934, and his wife, Margaret, eventually sold their home in 1943. Recognizing the significance of the building, the City of Burnaby awarded the property, along with three grand sequoia trees, with a heritage designation in 1981. The home was carefully moved to the west side of the property to make way for future development.
Today, the popular Oyama Japanese Dining House occupies the home, offering a Metrotown dining experience surrounded by history. It’s another reason to love the neighbourhood, when you live at Maywood on the Park.