The Teahouse at Ferguson Point
Becomes 'Sequoia Grill'

Stanley Park landmark gets a new name and a facelift for a new generation of diners

May 25, 2004 - Vancouver's ever popular seaside restaurant in Stanley Park re-invented itself on May 5 when the old Teahouse, at Ferguson Point in Stanley Park, became the brand new Sequoia Grill, a contemporary West Coast bistro.

The day of transition from The Teahouse to Sequoia Grill was marked by a morning military flag ceremony and bugling of the Reveille - both acknowledging historic use of the building as an Officers' Mess by the Canadian military during the Second World War. The colourful evening ceremonies included a military marching band, an honour guard, a cannon salute and the dramatic arrival of skydivers dropping onto Ferguson Point immediately in front of the restaurant, to the delight of a crowd of 250.

Named for one of the early Park Commissioners, A.G. Ferguson (1894 Chair), Ferguson Point has long held an important place in Vancouver and Stanley Park's history. In the early part of the 20th century, it was a popular destination and lookout and in 1913 it was chosen as the site for the grave and memorial for the well-known Indian poet, Pauline E. Johnson. The monument, today shrouded by overgrown trees, is located a short distance from the restaurant.

In 1938, the military set up an artillery battery at Ferguson Point because the western facing promontory provided an open, unobstructed view of English Bay and beyond. It was one of a chain of artillery batteries that ran from Point Grey to the north shore of Burrard Inlet. Remnants of the artillery bunker are still located below a long length of concrete on the water side of the parking lot across from the restaurant. The restaurant is the only remaining building from wartime and has gone through a number of renovations over the years.

Photos of the event courtesy of Gordon Price.

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