Adopted 22 April 1944 on 92/SE, as suggested by the BC Historical Society (December 1943 letter, file T.1.44).

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office

Named after Frederic William Howay (1867-1943), a leading British Columbia historian. Howay was born near London, Ontario, 25 November 1867; his family moved to Clinton in the fall of 1870, then to New Westminster in September 1874. He studied law at Dalhousie University with his friend Robie L. Reid, and was graduated in 1890. (The class of 1890 also included two future premiers of British Columbia: Richard McBride and W.J. Bowser.) Howay was admitted to the British Columbia Bar 9 May 1891; appointed Judge of the County Court of New Westminster 14 October 1907; retired 30 November 1937. Howay had been interested in BC history from an early age, but more serious study began in his 30's. In 1914, in collaboration with the late E.O.S. Scholefield, he published a 2-volume work that is still regarded as one of the standard references. Recipient of many honours. Elected President of the Royal Society of Canada May 1941. Died at New Westminster 4 October 1943.

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office

"Howay and Scholefield's "British Columbia From the Earliest Times to the Present" is a major work in its area. At his death, Judge Howay left his books to the University of British Columbia. Here they were joined a few years later by those of his fellow student in Dalhousie Law School, lifelong friend and fellow enthusiast for BC history, Robie Reid. They now constitute the Howay-Reid collection at UBC."

Source: Akrigg, Helen B. and Akrigg, G.P.V; British Columbia Place Names; Sono Nis Press, Victoria 1986 /or University of British Columbia Press 1997

This and the nearby mountain now called Mount Robie Reed were known as "Snow Peaks" by local alpinists, at least as early as 1922. First ascent of this summit by Tom Fyles and party 1923 (?).

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office

At the Court House at New Westminster, Parks Canada has installed a National Historic Site tablet which reads: "Frederic William Howay, historian of British Columbia and Judge of the County Court of Westminster 1907-37, and member of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, 1923-41, chairman 1941-43, and President of the Royal Society of Canada 1941."

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office