Our History

Cavallotti Lodge was established in 1900 by Italian coal miners in Extension, B.C. and has evolved to include a diverse membership and a celebrated shared community space in Nanaimo where everyone is welcome.

  • Our Past

    Cavallotti Lodge was established in 1900 as a society for mutual aid for the Italian coal miners working in Extension B.C. Mutual aid was a means for the Italian immigrant community to ensure that workers and families were taken care of in the event of injury, illness, and in many cases death. It evolved into a foundational organization headquartered in Nanaimo, B.C. with it’s monumental space.

  • Our Present

    Over the years Cavallotti Lodge has evolved in its membership, activities, community involvement, and enjoyment of the Italian culture. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a Bocce tournament, enjoy a Cavallotti meal, or see the men of the lodge playing the card game Tresette. It is also an inclusive space that welcomes all people and cultures to rent its facility.

  • Our Future

    Early in 2026, the current building of the Cavallotti Lodge will be demolished in preparation for a new, updated space. We look forward to having a safe, good-looking, innovative facility to keep the Cavallotti Lodge as a foundational part of the Nanaimo community.

Coming Soon!

In honour of our 125th Anniversary in 2025, we are working on the publication of a book that captures 125 years of Cavallotti History.

From our origins, to the evolution of the membership, and all that has been enjoyed through Cavallotti Lodge, this book will be a celebration of this landmark Nanaimo space and all that has happened over 125 years.

The book will be available online through this website and in print in Fall 2025.

We thank the Nanaimo Historical Society for sponsoring the publishing of the book through the Arthur Leynard Grant.

This book wouldn’t be possible without the contributions of the members, the public archives, and experts on Italian history and immigration.

Our Upcoming 125th Anniversary Celebration

The organization and registration for our Anniversary Banquet on October 18th, 2025 is well underway. This information is currently for members only and their partners, with information for general public attendance forthcoming.

The cost is $70.00 per person, and this includes an amazing banquet catered by Spice of Life Catering, a souvenir wine glass, and a live band to follow.

Early Bird Registration:

If you register, including payment by June 30th, you will go into two draws to win your money back. To register you must first contact Janet Mason by email or phone to confirm your attendance. Janet can be contacted at mangano@shaw.ca or 250-758-5463. You will then need to pick up and pay for your ticket(s) at the Lodge on any Wednesday or Sunday between 1:00 pm and 3:00pm. Either Janet, Ian, or Frank will give you your tickets and take payments.

If you wish, you can pay for your ticket by e-transfer to cavallottilodge@shaw.ca, or provide payment by cash or cheque.

We have decided to not allow young children to attend this event as we feel it will be more suitable for adults; however, this event is open to young adults who are of high school age.

The format for the evening will be as follows:

  • - 5:30pm - Doors Open- Cocktails - Mix and Mingle

  • - 6:00pm - Welcome and Entertainment

  • - 6:30pm - Speeches

  • - 7:00pm - Dinner

  • - 8:10pm - A Presentation about the New Building

  • - 8:30pm - Music and Dancing

The Dress Code for the Evening will be semi-formal.

If you have any questions about the event, please don’t hesitate to contact Janet or Ian Cumpstone, Cavallotti Lodge President at iandkcumpstone@hotmail.com or by phone at 250-729-7539.

Let’s make sure it’s a Full House to celebrate our 125th Anniversary on October 18th!