The Street with Five Names

Today, an array of architectural styles line Heather Street, typical of the wonderfully kinky, oceanside lifestyle in James Bay.

By Doreen Marion Gee

Who is our midnight stalker, stealing the Heather Street sign under a moonlit sky? This is enough to shake up the serenity of our little village by the sea. That funky little street in James Bay has a fascinating past shrouded in mystery and intrigue that continues to this day. From dirt roads, rustic farms and one of the oldest homes in James Bay to the evolution of the street name, the history of Heather Street is a puzzling ride back to a different time. But that's nothing new for our quirky and eccentric community.

438 Heather Street is one of the oldest houses in James Bay. Around 1850 it was a pioneer home on Hudson's Bay Company farmland. In 2006 / 2007 it had a complete make-over and much of the early structure was lost. All that remains are the original studs in the walls. An archivist brought in to recover some of the wallpaper found twenty two layers that had accrued over hundreds of years of different occupants and tastes.

Heather Street itself is a strange and beautiful little pathway lined with manicured homes. It is a picture-postcard flashback to the time of the horse-drawn carriage. In the late 1800's, the wooden sidewalks that were constructed along the very narrow street could easily accommodate a horse and buggy. But when the automobile made its debut, those sidewalks were dismantled to make way for the new 'horseless' carriage. Today only one car can make it through at a time.

Even naming the street has been a historical challenge. Five different names have graced that picturesque little alley in our community. Originally it was called Beckley Farm Road. Then in the late nineteenth century, it was coined Prince's Street. With continuous errors in spelling, it became Princess Street. Named after Sir James Douglas' son-in-law, its title changed again to Helmcken Street. For reasons unknown, we now call it Heather Street. What is even more mysterious is why some local culprit keeps stealing the "Heather" sign two to three times a year, despite metal railings put up by City staff to clamp it down. Perhaps the angry ghost of Dr. Helmcken still resents the name change snub from City Hall.

Robert Walker, owner of Victoria Harborwalk Bed and Breakfast, is keenly interested in the history of Heather Street. A resident of the mysterious alleyway, he enjoys telling his American patrons about its unusual roots. Excitedly, he confides that "understanding the richness of James Bay's history makes you appreciate living here that much more!"

Heather Street typifies this splendid community where past meets present in a wonderfully kinky oceanside lifestyle.