You may have been to this popular restaurant in Burnaby (or even just driven by it) without realizing that it has quite the history. And an eerie one at that.
The building on Kingsway is renowned for serving casual Japanese food and relaxing setting. However, few people know that it once served as a funeral chapel.
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A look back at Burnaby’s historical home
Oyama Sushi is an eatery tucked away in suburbia in what looks like a historical home — and that’s exactly what it is.
Built In 1911-1912 by Andrew and Margaret Johnson, it was affectionately named Glenedward, and served as a private residence for their family.
During its time of construction, Glenedward was a costly project, and the residence was considered one of the most magnificent homes in the city.
The home stands as a treasured example of an upper middle-class family home from the pre-First World War era.
Showcasing luxury and class, much of their constructions materials were imported from Europe. This includes stunning stained glass by the Royal City Glass Company.
Change to a Funeral Home
After the owner’s passing in the 1940s, the property transformed into the Royal Oak Chapel, a funeral home.
It was at this point that the new owners decided to relocate the building to the corner spot. During this move, the building lost it’s original name, Glenedward, and instead adopted the numbered address 5152 Kingsway.
The building stayed that way until the late 1980s when it was sold once again. Oddly enough, this time it became a restaurant and has stayed that way since.
Recognizing the significance of the building, the City of Burnaby awarded the property with a heritage designation in 1981.
For those interested in visiting, the restaurant welcomes the public, offering an opportunity for visitors to relish in its rich history.
Although there has been no documented reporting of paranormal activities in the building, visitors may still feel an eerie chill linked to the building’s history of being a funeral home.
