Sumas Substation

The Sumas Substation had another life before it was converted into a unique, yet luxurious mansion. The station was originally constructed in 1906 when the British Columbia Electric Railroad (BCER) launched operations to connect Fraser Valley through the interurban streetcar system. The line was used for both commercial and passenger traffic. In addition to the electric railway systems, BC Electric installed bus and trolley systems across the Greater Vancouver area. During the “Rails to Rubber” conversion program of the 1940s, this BCER line was one of the last to be scrapped. 

After operations ended, the history of the house gets a bit murky. At one point squatters took over, followed by a collective of artists. After being abandoned and rundown for years, the substation was converted into a residence during the early 2000s, complete with eight rooms, a theatre, and two separate rental properties. 

Multiple renovations have revitalized the substation to its current state. The last renovation stylized the house in an industrial-chic modern look. In 2018, the Sumas Substation went on the market for $3.75 million Canadian dollars ($2.84 million USD).