North Country Slate’s activities in the British Columbia natural roofing slate industry have centered on the upscale custom housing market for decades. Although we have supplied slate shingles for the restoration of historic buildings such as the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Craigdarroch Castle and St. Ann’s Academy in Victoria, and the Gabriola Mansion in Vancouver, our claim to fame is the countless number of North Country Slate shingle roofs that add beauty to the spectacular homes of “Beautiful British Columbia”. From the islands of the coastal Pacific Ocean to the ski resorts of the Rocky Mountains, North Country black, green, gray, purple and mottled slate tiles are successfully protecting properties under some of the heaviest rain and snow conditions in North America. With our close relationships with all of the best and most qualified slate roofing contractors, we can offer start to finish advise on slate selection, design and installation of your slate roof. Support in person from our technical sales representative, John Neil, is only a phone call away and backed up by our Vancouver based sales agent. We are therefore well equipped to assist architects, designers, restoration professionals and custom home builders with inquiries regarding slate roof projects. Look for North Country Slate roofs in Vancouver, Pender Island, West Kelowna, Lake Windermere, Langley, Whistler, North Vancouver, Ocean Park, Oliver, Delta, Salt Spring Island, North Saanich, Fernie, Victoria, White Rock, Kelowna, Bowen Island, West Vancouver, Burnaby and Nelson.
British Columbia Slate Roofing
The Fairmont Empress Hotel – Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Built between 1904 and 1908, The Fairmont Empress (“The Empress”) is Victoria, British Columbia’s most famous and oldest hotel, officially opening on January 20, 1908. Designed by architect, Francis Rattenbury, this chateau style hotel served as a station hotel for the Canadian Pacific Steamship line. By the mid-to-late 1920’s Victoria was a popular tourist destination which attracted royalty and movie stars. Over the years, The Empress began to fade and some felt it needed to be torn down. Thankfully others saw it as a Victoria landmark and $4 million was spent to refurbish it in June 1966. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981 and in 1989, $45 million was spent renovating guest rooms, health club and indoor pool. In 1990, with approximately 900 squares of slate on the roof and a number of spot repair work to various sections over the years, it was decided that a more extensive and complete re-roofing was required. Year after year, section-by-section, Grist Slate and Tile Roofing have been installing the highest quality of roof possible for this historic building. Located in Victoria, BC, this family owned company with 60+ years of combined slate and concrete tile roofing experience has been effectively servicing Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands for over 20 years. Made-up of craftsmen who have been involved in every aspect of slate and concrete tile roofing, from small repairs to new construction to large hotel roof replacements like The Empress, Grist Slate and Tile Roofing take pride in bringing an “old fashioned” solid work ethic and expertise (derived from years of on the job experience) to their local community. The original black slate roof (presumed to be from Pennsylvania) has reached its life expectancy and is now being replaced with North Country Unfading Black 20x10x1/4″ from the Glendyne Quarry in Quebec, Canada. This premium quality roofing slate will provide an elegant and long lasting roof for many years to come. Owner Korby Grist of Grist Slate and Tile Roofing said “the slate is among the best quality in the world!” From coast to coast North Country Slate has built a spotless reputation for reliability, and our extensive list of discerning clients stands as a testament to our attention to
