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Time Traveller: North Vancouver pioneer Charles H. Cates Sr., with his horses

The Cates name is very well known throughout the North Shore, with a family tree that includes an MLA and a couple of mayors
charles-cates-and-horses

The Cates family name is well known throughout the North Shore, and for good reason. Depicted here is Charles H. Cates Sr., who arrived in Moodyville in 1885.

He found success in the tugboat business, eventually incorporated as C.H. Cates and Sons in 1921 with his sons, John, Charles, and James. One son, Charles Jr., was mayor of North Vancouver from 1953 to 1957.

Another son, John, was an MLA representing North Vancouver from 1945 to 1952. John’s wife, Carrie Cates, became the first female mayor of the City of North Vancouver in 1964, defeating three male candidates.

Visit the MONOVA website for more information about the history of the North Shore and to plan your visit to MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver, now open at 115 West Esplanade in The Shipyards.

Currently, MONOVA: Archives of North Vancouver, at 3203 Institute Road in Lynn Valley, is open for drop-ins on Monday and by appointment Tuesday-Friday, 12:30-4 p.m. Contact: [email protected]

Navigate culture on the North Shore by using the North Shore Culture Compass.