The Gibsons community in the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia has united to restore a significant piece of history. The Persephone, a red-and-black boat that appeared in the popular TV show “The Beachcombers” filmed in Gibsons, has been refurbished and is now located at the intersection of Gibsons Way and School Road. Originally named the John Henry, the boat was owned by John Smith’s father.
Smith expressed pride in seeing the boat restored to excellent condition, noting that it was originally white but was painted black by his father during a trip to Vancouver. Smith, who also worked on the show and performed water stunts for the actors, highlighted the significance of the boat’s restoration to its original appearance during the filming of “Beachcombers.”
“The Beachcombers,” which premiered on CBC in 1972 and ran for almost two decades, is a renowned Canadian TV series translated into 20 languages and broadcast worldwide. Gibsons Mayor Silas White emphasized the boat’s importance as an iconic symbol for Canadian tourism.
Actor Jackson Davies, known for his role as RCMP Const. John Constable on the show, shared how fans, especially Indigenous viewers, still connect with the series for its representation on television. Restoring the Persephone allows people to visit and experience a piece of the show’s history firsthand.
The Persephone faced damage from exposure to the West Coast elements post-filming. Gibsons Coun. David Croal, who moved to the area in 1979 to work on the series, expressed satisfaction in seeing the boat restored. B.C. Ferries contributed $25,000 towards the restoration project, with additional funds raised to support the initiative.
Led by Andrew Wood of Spani Developments Ltd., the restoration project involved extensive work to replace the deteriorating steel hull, deck, and internal components of the boat. The restoration process, including refurbishing the top cabin and applying durable paint to prevent rust, required significant effort and time.
The community’s dedication to restoring the Persephone, including using a model built for Smith’s father to guide the restoration, reflects a shared commitment to preserving a cultural landmark. Plans are underway to construct a roof over the Persephone, with the official unveiling scheduled for May 30, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Molly’s Reach, a restaurant featured in the show.