On Sunday, July 20th, four of the great, great grandchildren of the 17 Mile House’s original matriarch, Edith Mary “Ma” Wilson, were the first minors to be guests of the historic roadhouse. The young patrons aged 4 to 9 years enjoyed Sunday brunch with their grandfather Bill Wilson, grandson of Ma Wilson, and their parents, Bethany, Justin and Jeremy Wilson.
“Watching my grandkids eat, play and laugh in my family’s pub was a joy. I look forward to bringing them here on regular basis. My wife, Noni, who passed away earlier this year would have loved to have seen us all here today. For us it was a historic and sentimental day, ” stated Bill Wilson
The 17 Mile House, original known as the British Ensign Hotel, was established in 1894 and has always been a licensed establishment for adults.
On June 21, 2014 a Liquor and Control and Licensing Branch issued a Policy Directive that permitted liquor-primary establishments to apply to permit minors, accompanied by a parent or guardian in their establishments. The 17 Mile House applied to permit minors and were granted this permanent change to their license.
For almost 75 years the Wilson family has owned the 17 Mile House. Ma Wilson owned and operated the pub from 1940 until her death in 1970. She left her the 17 Mile House to her two grandsons Bill and Chuck Wilson. Bill’s wife, Noni Wilson, managed the pub for the next 35 years until she retired in 2005. Justin and Jeremy Wilson along with managing partner Ken Whitaker now operate the 17 Mile House and were thrilled to welcome the fifth generation of Wilsons to the pub.
“We decided to change the license to allow minors in the 17 Mile House to expand our clientele and give some of our patrons the opportunity to come and enjoy all that we have to offer with their families,” stated Jeremy Wilson.
The 17 Mile House Pub is open seven days a week. Catering to locals, visitors, and now families, the pub offers great food, daily specials, an expansive patio, and live entertainment. For more information visit www.17milehouse.ca