Ministry Of Lands, Parks and Housing Parks & Outdoor Recreation Division South Coast Region
RUCKLE PROVINCIAL PARK
MASTER PLAN
J.R. MORRIS
MAY 1986
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank the following for contributing to this master plan for Ruckle Provincial Park. - Heritage Conservation Branch and in particular Mr. Ken Pedlow and Mr. Harry Diemer for assisting with the Heritage/Cultural component. - Gwen Ruckle and members of the Ruckle family for their invaluable information of the area and their devoted interests in Ruckle Park’s development. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page PART I: Summary and Background A. Plan Summary...... 1 B. Regional and Provincial Context ...... 3 C. Resources ...... 5 1. Natural Resources ...... 5 a) Natural Region and Regional Landscape...... 5 b) Climate...... 5 c) Physiography...... 7 d) Water...... 10 e) Vegetation...... 10 f) Wildlife ...... 11 2. Cultural Resources ...... 12 a) Historical Background ...... 12 b) Heritage Resources ...... 13 2b(l) Henry Ruckle Farmstead...... 13 2b(2) Daniel Henry Ruckle Homesite ...... 14 2b(3) Alfred Ruckle Homesite...... 16 2b(4) William Norman Ruckle Homesite...... 16 2b(5) Peavine House...... 17 2b(6) Heritage Sites ...... 17 c) Archaeological...... 17 3. Visual Resources...... 18 a) Historical...... 18 b) Panorama...... 18 4. Analysis...... 20 a) Resource Opportunities/Constraints ...... 20 Climate...... 20 Physiography...... 20 Water...... 20 Vegetation...... 20 Wildlife ...... 20 Cultural...... 21 Visual...... 21 D. Land Tenures, Occupancy Rights and Jurisdictions ...... 22 E. Existing Facilities...... 23 a) Non Historic ...... 23 b) Historic...... 25 F. Market Analysis ...... 27 1. Existing Use ...... 27 2. Supply and Demand ...... 27 3. Market Implications ...... 28 G. Planning Issues...... 29
PART II: The Plan A. Park Purpose ...... 30 B. Specific Objectives ...... 30 C. Zoning a) Natural Environment Zone...... 31 b) Development Zone ...... 31 i Park Development Sub-zone...... 31 ii Resource Use Sub-zone ...... 31 iii Service Sub-zone...... 31 iv Heritage Farm Sub-zone ...... 32 v Heritage Protection Sub-zone ...... 32 D. Management Policies ...... 34 1. Land ...... 34 2. Water...... 34 3· Vegetation...... 34 4. Cultural Resources ...... 34 5· Visual Resources...... 35 6. Recreation...... 35 7· Education/Interpretation...... 35 8 Concessions/Permits ...... 35 E. Development Plan...... 36 1. Natural Environment Zone...... 36 2. Park Development Sub-Zone ...... 36 2a. Park Development Sub-Zone ...... 36 2b, Resource Use Sub-Zone...... 36 2c, Service Sub-Zone ...... 38 2d, Heritage Farm Sub-Zone...... 38 2e. Heritage Protection Sub-Zone...... 40 3. Heritage Interpretation...... 40 4. Heritage Research...... 41 F. Marketing and Information Program...... 42 Visitor Services Plan...... 42 G. Plan Implementation...... 43 Phase I...... 43 Phase II...... 44 Phase III ...... 44 H. Ruckle Farm Buildings - Action Plan...... 45 Appendix I ...... 49 Appendix II...... 50 Appendix III...... 51 Appendix IV ...... 56 1. Beaver Point General Store...... 56 2. Beaver Point Wharf...... 60 3. The 'Peavine' House ...... 64 4. Archaeological Sites ...... 66 Bibliography...... 69
LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES
FIGURE Page
1 Location Map ...... 2 2 Provincial Parks in the Gulf Islands...... 4 3 Ruckle Provincial Park...... 6 4 Agricultural Land Commission (ALR) Boundary...... 9 5 Historic Features ...... 15 6 Existing Development - Non-Historic ...... 24 7 Existing Development - Historic ...... 26 8 Historic Features - Ruckle Provincial Park...... 27 9 Zoning...... 33 10 Proposed Development - Park Development Sub-zone ...... 37 11 Proposed Development - Heritage Farm Sub-zone and Service Sub-zone...... 39
TABLES
1 Park Attendance (1978 - 84)...... 27
A. PLAN SUMMARY Ruckle Provincial Park, located at the southeast corner of Saltspring Island and containing 485 hectares was purchased in 1973 from the Ruckle family. Established as Class ‘A’, Category 6 in 1974, this park preserves a significant heritage resource, conserves a unique Gulf Islands landscape, and provides numerous recreational opportunities for the inspiration, use and enjoyment of the public. Easily accessible to over two million people and reached by ferry from either Vancouver Island (Swartz Bay, Crofton) or the Mainland (Tsawwassen), (Figure 1), Ruckle Park offers to both Gulf Islanders and visitors a scenic marine-oriented destination and a historic farm representative of a lifestyle common to the Gulf Islands during this century. IT IS THE PURPOSE OF RUCKLE PARK TO: - PRESERVE AND INTERPRET THE RUCKLE FARM AND HERITAGE BUILDINGS SO THE PUBLIC GAINS AN APPRECIATION OF THE AGRICULTURAL AND FARMING ENDAVORS OF PIONEER SETTLERS IN THE GULF ISLANDS. - PROTECT AND PRESERVE THOSE HERITAGE SITES NOT DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE RUCKLE FARM BUT WHICH FORM PART OF THE HERITAGE COMPONENT OF THE PARK. - CONSERVE A SCENIC LANDSCAPE AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SOUTHERN GULF ISLANDS. - PROVIDE A VARIETY OF RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDING WALK- IN AND BIKE-IN CAMPING, VEHICULAR AND GROUP CAMPING, PICNICKING, BEACH EXPLORING, HIKING, VIEWING, SCUBA DIVING AND HISTORIC/NATURAL INTERPRETATION.
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2 B. REGIONAL AND PROVINCIAL CONTEXT Ruckle Park contributes significantly in promoting tourism, historical interpretation and recreation activities on Saltspring Island and the Gulf Islands generally. In its present level of development, 60,000 people annually visit the park to enjoy the historic landscape and recreate in an unstructured setting that offers breathtaking views of Swanson Channel. Ruckle Park is an important element within a Provincial Park system plan for the Gulf Islands. Two other provincial parks are located on Saltspring Island: Mount Maxwell, which offers day use and viewing opportunities and Mouat Park which has 15 campsites. These and eighteen other Provincial Parks in the southern Gulf Islands (Figure 2), provide park opportunities associated with the marine and upland environments of the Gulf Islands. These opportunities are influenced by the objectives of the Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division, Islands Trust and other groups (i.e.) Chamber of Commerce, local historic societies etc. Within the Gulf Islands Sub-Region, Ruckle Park currently provides day use picnicking and hiking as well as upland walk-in and bike-in camping. Unlike other provincial parks in the Gulf Islands, the heritage component found in Ruckle Park is very significant. The unique natural/cultural features and significant recreation potential dictate that Ruckle Park will be a major focus for the Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division endeavors in the Gulf Islands.
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4 C. RESOURCES 1. Natural Resources a) Natural Region and Regional Landscape Ruckle Park (Figure 3) provides partial representation of the Gulf Islands Special Landscape found within the Coastal Lowlands Natural Region. Generally, the relief is undulating, though, the larger islands have significant summits (ranging between 200 and 600 m) and the smaller islands tend to be predominantly flat. Major valleys have either been cleared of trees and cultivated or are used as livestock range. b) Climate The climate (of the Gulf Islands) is classed as cool Mediterranean, having more frost-free days than any other part of Canada. Low rainfall (75 cm per year) and mild temperatures, accompanied by a high level of annual sunshine (approximately 2,300 hours per year), make this an ideal vacation area. The January mean daily temperature is about 3.5 Deg. C (mean daily maximum 7 Deg. C and daily minimum 0 Deg. C) while the July mean daily temperature is about 17 Deg. C (mean daily maximum 22 Deg. C and daily minimum 11 Deg. C). Total annual precipitation ranges from 700 to 750 mm occurring mainly October through the end of March. Because these islands are located in the rain shadow of Vancouver Island mountains, heavy rains are rare even in winter. Snowfall varies from year to year, but mild winter temperatures result in only 3 to 4% of the total precipitation falling as snow at sea level (about 20 cm a year).
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6 c) Physiography The topography is mainly undulating. Much of the shoreline is rugged, characterized by wave- cut cliffs, steep promontories and off-shore rocks and islets. Present landscape patterns are the result of Pleistocene glaciation which occurred 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. During that time, massive ice sheets advanced from the north, covering Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. The relief of the Gulf Islands was severely planed and scoured by the advancing glacier. Valley floors were gouged into fjords and glacial troughs in which lakes have formed. Upland soils are generally of glacial till origin that have been eroded, somewhat changed and usually moved a short distance by gravity or colluvial action. Underlying bedrock is usually fractured, allowing penetration of roots and water. The soil development is shallow. In the Gulf Islands, bedrock (Saanich granodiorite and sedimentary rocks) is prospected for groundwater supplies. Saanich granodiorite, which occurs in parts of Saltspring Island, has a well developed fracture system which provides satisfactory flows. The sedimentary materials are characterized by low porosity and permeability. In these, movement of water is confined to secondary structures such as bedding planes, faults and joints. Records indicate that producing wells encounter one or more fracture zones.
Typical rocky shoreline – Ruckle Park
7 The soils of the farmed area within Ruckle Park are of two main types: Figure 4. 1. Cowichan – Puntledge – Tolmie Association - medium to fine textured marine deposits occupying lowland positions on smooth, undulating slopes. Without drainage, they are usually devoted to grain and grass crops but with drainage may be used for vegetables and small fruits. Summer irrigation is needed for maximum production. 2. Parksville – Bowser Association - varied sandy and gravelly deposits overlying clay subsoil. They occupy moderately sloping positions and have a high water table throughout most of the year. Drainage improves the productivity of these soils but they are slow to warm up in the spring. These soils are used mainly for hay and pasture.
Cultivated farm fields
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9 d) Water The Gulf Islands experience a shortage of drinking water, especially during hot, dry summers. Generally, its source comes from surface water – lakes and streams and as ground water from springs and wells. Saltspring Island’s largest lake, St. Mary’s Lake, has a watershed of 809 ha; the second largest is Maxwell, with a watershed of 405 ha. Weston Lake, which is only 5 km from Ruckle Park, is also a source. The supply of water in Ruckle Park is limited and should be considered when discussing future development. At present, there is adequate domestic well water. e) Vegetation Vegetation in Ruckle Park is typical of the kind found in a Coastal Douglas fir (Krajina) biogeoclimatic zone. The area is classified as the Gulf Islands Biotic Region. Because the area is relatively dry, Garry Oak (Quercus garryana) and arbutus (Arbutus menziesii) are common to the park. Most of Ruckle Park’s vegetation is second growth, ranging from Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) dominate coniferous species to deciduous trees such as Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii), Broadleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) and Alder (Alnus rubra). There are small remnants of farm orchards, largely unmanaged, consisting of apples and pears. Also, there are a few walnut trees although these are not very productive. Of special interest are the extensive grasslands in the park. These grasslands and associated rocky headlands are a focus for numerous recreational activities. Walk-in camping is situated on these grassy slopes facing the south and east coastline. Common shrubs associated with this understory include Salal (Gaultheria shallon), Oregon Grape (Berberis nervosa) and Salmon, Black and Raspberries (Rubus, spp.).
10 f) Wildlife The Gulf Islands have a variety of marine birds including gulls, cormorants, grebes, guillemots, wintering ducks and eagles. From the rocky headlands at Beaver Point, park visitors might see sea lions, seals, killer whales, mink, and river otter. Upland fauna common to this portion of Saltspring are the coastal white-tailed deer, raccoon, assorted rodents such as the vole, shrew and field mouse, crows, robins, grouse, quail, thrush and a variety of insects. The underwater environment at Beaver Point is full of marine life. Intertidal and undersea life include plumose and dahlia anemones, sponges, nudibranchs, octopuses, ling cod, sea stars and giant barnacles. Tidal pools contain many types of crabs, mussels, oysters, sculpin, limpets and the ochre or purple starfish. Rocky walls encrusted in castle-like staghorn byozoans and caves are ideal for underwater exploring and the area is honoured locally as an underwater reserve.
Clumps of Purple Starfish (at low tide)
11 2. Cultural Resources a) Historical Background The Ruckle family pioneered Saltspring Island in the early 1870’s. Henry Ruckle immigrated from Ireland and in 1877, five years after moving to Beaver Point, he married Ella Anna Christensen, a widow with a young son named Alfred. They had three more children – Daniel Henry, Ella and Agnes. Agnes and Ella moved away from the Beaver Point area. Alfred and Daniel Henry Ruckle settled at the farm at Beaver Point. Of Daniel’s four children, Helen Agnes Ruckle moved away from Beaver Point, William Norman Ruckle worked there until his death, Ella Anna Ruckle still lives there, and Henry Gordon Ruckle married Lotus Fraser, and while operating the family farm, had two children – Gwen and Henry. Of these, Henry Ruckle moved away, while Gwen Ruckle remains and operates the farm along with her parents and her aunt, Ella Anna. See Appendix: Figure 1. The people associated with Beaver Point also include the Patterson family who are closely related to the Ruckle’s. Daniel Henry Ruckle’s wife, Mary Patterson, had a brother, William, who after marrying Emma Isherwood in 1915 moved to Beaver Point, took over the operation of the general store and ran it for over 35 years. Other people associated with this area, include Captain Arthur C. Good, who established the general store at Beaver Point wharf prior to its operation by the Pattersons; John Peavine Kahon, who owned property and a log cabin which was later acquired by the Ruckle family; and Henry Meinerstorf and the McLennon family, both of whom owned property which was later consolidated under the ownership of the Ruckle family. The history of the land, on the other hand, involves a complex process of ownership changes within the context of the consolidation of numerous formerly individual and separate parcels. This process is shown graphically on the property acquisition map (Appendix 2). The parcel of land comprising this park was purchased from the Ruckle family in 1973. Ruckle Provincial Park, bearing the family name as a tribute, was established June 18, 1974. In purchasing the Ruckle property and establishing Ruckle Provincial Park, life tenancy over the farm portion was granted to Mr. Henry G. Ruckle, Mrs. Lotus L. Ruckle, Miss Mary G. Ruckle, Miss Ella A. Ruckle, Miss Helen A. Ruckle and Mr. Gordon H. Ruckle.
12 b) Heritage Resources This examination of the heritage features at Ruckle Park begins with the extant historic structures of the Ruckle family which are found at four specific locations within the Ruckle farm area (Figure 5). 2 b (1) Henry Ruckle Farmstead The largest concentration of farm buildings is located south of Beaver Point Road, in the southeastern corner of the farm. It consists of fourteen farm structures of various ages, which are clustered around the oldest of the four dwellings, this being the one built in the early 1870’s by Henry Ruckle, the original settler of the area (Appendix 3). The house itself is a two storey frame structure with a one storey square addition on the north side. The associated farm buildings include a large barn, two pighouses, a brooder house, a sheep shed, a garage, a garage/machine shop, a forge, and some other assorted outbuildings. Many of these buildings are currently used in the operation of Ruckle farm, while the farm house itself, which was recently structurally stabilized by the Heritage Conservation Branch, is currently unoccupied and closed to the public.
Henry Ruckle Farmhouse c. 1870’s (Unoccupied – some restoration & stabilization)
13 Henry Ruckle Farmstead – Outbuildings
2 b (2) Daniel Henry Ruckle Homesite
The next largest concentration of buildings is found on the eastern edge of the farm just north of Beaver Point Road (Appendix 3); it includes the Daniel Henry Ruckle house, a two-storey frame dwelling built by Henry Ruckle’s son, Daniel Henry, over a lengthy period of time beginning around 1907. The eleven farm buildings and structures associated with this house include a barn, a chicken house, a granary, and a garage, all of which date from various periods in the farm’s history. All of these buildings, including the dwelling, are in use by members of the Ruckle family at the present time.
Daniel Henry Ruckle House c. 1907 (Life tenancy for Ella A. Ruckle)
14 2 b (3) Alfred Ruckle Homesite A third concentration of the buildings is located in the southwest corner of the farm just south of Beaver Point Rd. (Appendix 3). It includes the Alfred Ruckle house, a 2½ storey, wood frame, Queen Anne style, dwelling built by Henry Ruckle’s other son, Alfred, over a period of time starting in 1906. The outbuildings located behind it include a woodshed, a greenhouse and two sheep sheds. All of these structures are still in use by members of the Ruckle family.
Alfred Ruckle House c. 1906 (Life tenancy for Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Ruckle and daughter Gwen Ruckle)
2 b (4) William Norman Ruckle Homesite
The final location with extant features of the Ruckle family is found on the western edge of the farm, just north of Beaver Point Rd. where the Norman Ruckle house is situated. This dwelling, built by Daniel Henry Ruckle’s son, William Norman, in the 1930’s, is of wood frame construction like the others. Unlike the other dwellings, however, it has been substantially modernized in the interior and is presently being used as the administrative headquarters for Ruckle Park.
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William Norman Ruckle House c. 1930’s Updated and used as Park Headquarters
2 b (5) Peavine House Apart from the above Ruckle family resources, there is one other extant dwelling located in Ruckle Park. It is the “Peavine” house, a log cabin located on treed property in the southwestern corner of the park. It was built in the late 1880’s by John Peavine Kahon on property which he owned at that time and which was later acquired by the Ruckles. This dwelling is presently rented and has been occupied for a considerable length of time by the present tenant. 2 b (6) Heritage Sites Also within Ruckle Park are the remnants of the general store and the wharf which were located adjacent to one another at the northern tip of Beaver Point. Historical material available indicates that the wharf, originally built by Henry Ruckle and later maintained and operated by the government, was in use between approximately 1890 and 1960. The general store, meanwhile, was operated by the Patterson family from approximately 1914 to 1951. The only visible remains are some cribbing from the approach to the wharf. c) Archaeological The remaining heritage resources of Ruckle Park are the numerous archaeological sites which have been identified. These include: eleven shell middens, located at various points along the park’s coastline; two boulder cairns, located near Beaver Point; and an inland camping area, located in the vicinity of Ruckle farm (Figure 5). For a detailed description of each site refer to Appendix 4.
17 3. Visual Resources The visual or scenic resources of Ruckle Provincial Park play a significant role in satisfying the needs of park users visiting the park. Ruckle Park has two main visual qualities:
a. Historical – containing the farmlands and Ruckle family buildings.
b. Panoramic – Beaver Point offers unlimited views of scenic Gulf Islands marine environment and uplands.
18 A visual historic corridor allows access through the park to both camping and day use areas. In association with this historic pastoral environment, the high visual resources along the rocky shore and intricate little bays abundant with marine life represent a goal of this Division in preserving/conserving the coastal/upland unique to the Southern Gulf Islands in its natural state.
The highest quality visual environments are centred around the numerous heritage farm buildings, pastures, grass slopes leading to rocky headlands and the scenic shoreline. Lower visual values are found inland between Yeo Point and the Resource Use Subzone. As well as from the scenic road corridor, Ruckle Park is seen by a large number of viewers from ferries and private boats. The establishment of Ruckle Park ensures that the coastline will remain relatively unchanged and any proposed development will reflect this attitude.
19 4. Analysis a) Resource Opportunities/Constraints CLIMATIC RESOURCES OPPORTUNITIES CONSTRAINTS - moderate temperatures promote opportunities - dry summer season increases fire hazard for year round use. - Mediterranean-type climate suited to - determine level of use for the production agricultural/animal grazing activities of grains/number of livestock these lands will support before commercial farming is promoted PHYSIOGRAPHIC RESOURCES OPPORTUNITIES CONSTRAINTS - scenic marine landscape offers high visual - lack of beach and rocky, steep cliffs quality and a variety of recreational unsuitable to swimming and can be opportunities dangerous - good level and cleared farmland - vegetation on a good portion of Ruckle - gently sloping grasslands lead to rocky Park is zone ALR to deter any non- shoreline agricultural use of the land - unorganized camping can be harmful to vegetation WATER RESOURCES OPPORTUNITIES CONSTRAINTS - Wells and rainfall used to supply drinking - dry summers and increased park use can water lead to fresh water shortages - cold water and strong tide off Beaver Point - limits swimming and beach activities; attract abundance of marine live diving area suited for intermediate and advanced divers VEGETATION RESOURCES OPPORTUNITIES CONSTRAINTS - vegetation variety typical of dry Gulf - xeric sites are readily susceptible Islands subzone with species such as arbutus to fire and trampling and Garry oak; scenic coniferous forest and meadows offer numerous recreation opportunities WILDLIFE RESOURCES OPPORTUNITIES CONSTRAINTS - opportunity to observe marine/mammal - no major conflicts between user and wildlife habitat; preservation of underwater - excellent underwater diving opportunities environment not a problem
20 CULTURAL RESOURCES OPPORTUNITIES CONSTRAINTS - numerous archaeological sites found - disturbance by park visitors or within park future development - pioneer settlement of Beaver Point by - continued liaison with Heritage Ruckle family in late 19th century Conservation Branch to ensure represents typical Gulf Island history preservation of this heritage and development
VISUAL RESOURCES OPPORTUNITIES CONSTRAINTS - viewing of marine and upland environments, - views and heritage buildings to be pastoral farmland and historic buildings protected in any park development
21 D. LAND TENURES, OCCUPANCY RIGHTS AND JURISDICTIONS 1. Leases and Use Permits There are no leases private inholdings, trespasses or mineral claims found in Ruckle Provincial Park but there are two Park Use Permits at Beaver Point; a marine navigation light (P.U.P. 733) and a B.C. Tel repeater site (P.U.P. 1048). 2. Other Tenures a) Rights-of-way B.C. Tel Pl. 1534 R/W under 309258-G B.C. Tel Pl. 1920 R/W under 379887-G B.C. Hydro Pl. DD 337993-G B.C. Hydro Pl. DD 386507-G b) Informal Tenures Life tenancy over the farm portion was granted to Mr. Henry Ruckle, Mrs. Lotus L. Ruckle, Miss Mary G. Ruckle, Miss Ella A. Ruckle, Miss Helen A. Ruckle and Gordon H. Ruckle. (Letter of Authority 73-02-06). There is a gentleman’s agreement that no developments will take place without the Ruckle family’s approval to ensure that current farming activities are not hindered. “Peavine” log cabin is presently occupied by longtime resident C. Beck. 3. Statutory Jurisdictions a) Ruckle Provincial Park is a Class ‘A’ park, Category 6. b) Heritage Conservation Act - liaison in planning, development and funding of heritage farm sub-zone; archaeological sites DeRu19, DeRu20, DeRu22, DeRu24, DeRu50, DeRu52-55, DeRu70-72, DeRu146, DeRu149, DeRu150 (Figure 4). c) Wildlife Act - no hunting or discharge of firearms is allowed by park regulations. - the trapping of animals will not be permitted within the park. d) Agricultural Land Commission Act - applies to portion of park (B.C. Reg. 7/81 and B.C. Reg. 8/81) (Figure 5). 4. Major Additions There are no land additions required.
22 a) Non Historic
Presently, Ruckle Park has a developed day use area, overnight parking, walk-in campsites and 2 km of hiking trails. A paved road leads through rural farmlands to the developed park area which centres adjacent to the scenic coastline of Beaver Point. Associated with these developments are standard information/sanitary facilities and water system (Figure 6).
Walk-in camping area Park headquarters and service area are located at the William Norman Ruckle house. This house, constructed in the 1930’s but never occupied by the Ruckle family, has been modernized and houses Park personnel on a seasonal basis. The other two houses are still under the existing life tenancy agreement with the Ruckle family (Refer to map).
Existing Day Use Area
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24 b) Historic
Although the park is large, most of the heritage features are located in one of two areas, either at the large clearing in the southeast corner of the park, which delineates Ruckle farm, or along the park’s lengthy coastline. Features found at the former include the existing historic resources associated with the Ruckle family’s agricultural operation, these being the four dwellings and numerous farming buildings which were built at various times by different members of the family. Features found at the latter include most of the archaeological sites as well as two non- extant historic sites, the former Beaver Point wharf and the nearby Post Office/General store situated at the end of Beaver Point Road. Another heritage feature not located in this area but which should be also mentioned is the Peavine House. (Refer to Appendix IV)
Henry Ruckle house – Heritage Farm sub-zone
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26 F. MARKET ANALYSIS 1. Existing Use Existing use at Ruckle Provincial Park is shown in Table 2 below. This park’s use has remained relatively stable over the years with the highest visitation being during July and August.
TABLE 1: RUCKLE PROVINCIAL PARK STATISTICS YEAR PARTY NIGHTS PARTY DAYS 1984 3,810 12,444 1983 3,630 12,959 1982 3,984 13,273 1981 3,601 15,266 1980 4,309 9,875 1979 3,614 7,594 1978 1,951 7,754
2. Supply and Demand Other Gulf Island Provincial Parks offering camping opportunities include Mouat, also on Saltspring Island, Montague Harbour on Galiano Island, and Prior Centennial on North Pender Island. Use levels are presently between 1,400 and 5,300 party nights per park with occupancy rates between 94 and 140 percent during July and August. Use is increasing slowly but the small size of the facilities probably discourages the majority of potential users. These high occupancy rates indicate a significant level of demand. Lower Mainland residents dominate (70 percent at Montague), with Capital residents making up the majority of the remainder (24 percent). More than 63 percent of Montague Harbour campers and more than 75 percent of Mouat campers stay only one night. Automobile traffic for both local residents and visitors is increasing. Ferry counts in the Gulf Islands appear to be increasing and often there are line-ups especially during weekend and holiday periods. Although Ruckle is situated at Beaver Point, the scenic bays offer little protection from strong summer breezes and strong tides. However, boaters do anchor and with additional facility development (i.e. mooring buoys, Heritage Farm, etc. ), it is expected that more boaters cruising the southern Gulf Islands will visit Ruckle Park. Other marine parks within 15 nautical miles include Princess Margaret (Portland Island), Montague Harbour, Beaumont (Bedwell Harbour), Isle-de-Lis (Rum Island) and Sidney Spit. On Saltspring Island, which is served by ferries from Vancouver Island and the mainland, there are a number of tourist accommodation facilities available. The private sector offers 162 motel/hotel units and 41 campsites. These facilities are full only during the short summer season of July and August and some close for the winter season.
27 However, the major focus of overnight accommodation, is located on the north end of the island nearer the main shopping/commercial center of Ganges. There is increasing pressure to provide opportunities for campers in the Gulf Islands and Ruckle Park, with its location, natural setting and variety of recreation activities, is an ideal candidate to meet those demands. Many groups find Ruckle Park suitable for a variety of activities and it’s estimated that 15% of visitor use comes from groups.* A sport popular to the Gulf Islands is cycling. Promoted by clubs, Islanders, and books such as “Exploring by Bicycle – Southwest British Columbia and her San Juan Islands”, bicycle touring is growing. Ruckle Park makes an ideal destination for such groups who desire informal campsite facilities. Other groups such as Scouts, Brownies, Historical Societies, Divers and so on all enjoy Ruckle Park for its diversity. The increasing popularity of this park and the Gulf Islands in general by organized groups has resulted. The lack of group facilities is apparent and will be discussed in Part II of this report. The untapped historic potential of Ruckle Park with its many heritage farm buildings will attract more and more visitors as interpretive displays/programs are developed. Schools, community groups and historical societies would welcome additional facilities that could be utilized during “off season” months. This demand is based upon the fact that only two other Provincial Parks – Montague Harbour on Galiano Island and Winter Cove on Saturna Island possess group camping opportunities and heritage values. 3. Market Implications There is continued pressure by British Columbians and visitors to enjoy and recreate in the scenic Gulf Islands. Statistics collected in the various provincial campgrounds support this statement of increased visitation by boat, vehicle or bicycle. Present capacities of privately- owned campsites and motels will not meet this future demand.
*This estimate provided by District and park staff.
28 G. PLANNING ISSUES 1. Addition of a vehicular-oriented campground to the existing development at Ruckle Park. Ruckle Park already serves as an important destination for visitors to Saltspring Island. It provides a valuable day use opportunity and the group area and walk-in camping opportunity have proven to be highly successful. At issue, is whether those opportunities can and should be expanded as demand clearly indicates would be acceptable and whether additional forms of recreation opportunities should be provided. The park lacks a formal campground and more particularly lacks any location where vehicle users may camp in proximity to the ocean. 2. Planning direction and future development of the Historic/farm and Heritage component of Ruckle Park A significant central portion of Ruckle Park is an operating “commercial” sheep farm under management by the Ruckle family as part of the purchase agreement. However, a management direction needs to be developed to replace the present operation or when the Ruckle family no longer wish to exercise all or part of their right to occupy and farm any portion of the park. Secondly, the heritage farm values of Ruckle Park are significant. Their protection in association with the Heritage Conservation Branch and other objectives for Ruckle Park is an important issue. 3. Preservation of the natural and historic features associated with Ruckle Park. Of particular importance are the grasslands which slope gently down to the rocky shoreline. In addition all Heritage Buildings and sites should receive special consideration.
29 PART II: THE PLAN A. PARK PURPOSE It is the intent of the Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division that Ruckle Provincial Park shall be managed: “to preserve a significant historical farm so that the theme of pioneer agricultural settlement in the Gulf Islands is presented to the recreating public. The park will also be managed to provide a variety of compatible recreational opportunities as part of one of the key destination parks in the southern Gulf Islands.”
B. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES In order to achieve this broader purpose, the management of Ruckle Provincial Park will: 1) preserve and interpret the historical farm component of Ruckle Park so as to represent the agricultural and farming endeavors of the Ruckle family and other pioneer settlers in the Gulf Islands. 2) ensure the conservation, preservation, and representation of Ruckle Park – an area associated with the Gulf Islands landscape of the Coastal Lowlands Natural Region. 3) provide future direction as to the types of use and constraints permitted by the lessee within the existing agricultural area on the north side of Beaver Point Road the area being called Resource Use Sub-Zone. 4) provide park visitors with a variety of park opportunities to experience the attractive park land base (particularly the natural shoreline), the heritage values of the area and to serve as a staging area within the Gulf Islands. This will include provisions for a variety of compatible camping areas and associated developments, automobile-based day use activities, interpretive opportunities, and water-based opportunities including protected anchorages where feasible. 5) preserve the heritage resources (ie) Peavine cabin, archaeological sites, sites of the former Beaver Point store and wharf etc. found within the Park.
30 C. ZONING The zoning for Ruckle Provincial Park (Figure 9) will include the following: a) Natural Environment Zone This zone provides for intermediate levels of outdoor recreational opportunities/use in a natural setting. Development and use within this zone are consistent with the maintenance of natural conditions. Included within this zone are the western and northern portions of Ruckle Park which will be retained for non-intensive recreation and left in a natural state. b) Development Zone This zone provides for a variety of facility-oriented recreational opportunities. Development and use within this zone may necessitate intensive management in order to achieve a high quality of recreation and interpretation experiences. To adequately ensure proper park planning, this zone is further sub-divided into five distinct units (Figure 9). i) Park Development Sub-zone This includes all areas to be intensively developed for roads, parking, playfield, picnicking, walk-in camping, automobile camping and group camping. The attraction of this sub-zone will focus on the shoreline and the variety of recreational opportunities associated with this area. ii) Resource Use Sub-zone This sub-zone contains all Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) lands north of the main road. It includes both the William Norman Ruckle and Daniel Henry Ruckle houses plus a number of outbuildings. The intent is be to keep this land for recreation-historic-commercial farming administered by a Park Use Permit. Within this sub-zone considerations relating to the preservation and protection of heritage resources will be of primary importance but the ongoing agricultural and residential use of the lands, buildings and equipment is to be encouraged where such use will not endanger the public, threaten the preservation of the historic resources, or negatively impact or impede present and future developments within the interpretation area in the Heritage Farm Sub-zone. In addition, all contemporary development in this sub-zone will be appropriately screened from the Heritage Farm sub-zone by vegetation, existing topographical features or will be architecturally designed in a manner compatible with structures in the Heritage Farm sub-zone.
31 iii) Service Sub-zone This area, near the Alfred Ruckle house, is primarily intended for use in park operations (i.e. service yard, equipment storage, non-public area). All contemporary development within the sub-zone will also be appropriately screened from the Heritage Farm sub-zone area by vegetation, existing topographical features or will be architecturally designed in a manner compatible with structures in the Heritage Farm sub-zone. iv) Heritage Farm Sub-zone This zone includes the oldest Ruckle home (Henry Ruckle – built in 1870’s which has been partially restored), numerous farm outbuildings; the Alfred Ruckle house (presently occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Ruckle and their daughter Gwen); cultivated fields south of the Beaver Point Road; and a small wedge north of the road adjacent to the orchard which will be used for automobile parking while park visitors tour the historic farm area. Minimal disturbance to the orchard or other historic plants or vegetation landscapes will be encouraged. Wherever possible, all modern facilities and equipment located within the Heritage Farm Sub- zone will be hidden from view or placed with sensitivity to their heritage resources. Restoration of these historic resources shall take precedence over reconstruction wherever possible although structural preservation and visitor safety shall take precedence over restoration and reconstruction. Adaptive reuse of heritage structures will be allowed if the use does not impact on the heritage integrity of the structure. The buildings within the Heritage Farm Sub-zone, but not within the interpretation area, will continue to be used for residential purposes for the foreseeable future. This sub-zone will also contain the heritage interpretation area of Ruckle Park which will be centred on the Henry Ruckle house and the farm buildings clustered around it. Within this interpretation area, accepted principles and practices of interpretation shall be applied. The presentation of information relating to the interpretation of the site shall be the primary consideration within this area. Restoration and development of the heritage resources within this area shall be a secondary consideration. v) Heritage Protection Sub-zone The Heritage Protection Sub-zone comprises site zoning specific of the following heritage resources: the Peavine house located in the southwest corner of the park; the sites of the former Beaver Point wharf and store, located on the north side of Beaver Point itself; and the archaeological sites located principally along the coast (See Figure 9). Within this sub-zone the preservation and protection of heritage resources will take precedence over all other considerations. Given the nature of these resources, only minimal preservation efforts will be necessary.
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33 D. MANAGEMENT POLICIES 1. Land Management Objective: To manage the land base so that the special farming heritage resources of Ruckle Park are conserved. - land use within the park will conform to the approved zoning system. - life tenancy, as part of the original purchase agreement is granted to the Ruckle family members. Until such a time as the Ruckle family decides no longer to live here, the park will remain relatively unchanged in the Heritage Farm and Resource Use sub-zones. - Ruckle Park comes under the guidelines of Islands Trust and this plan reflects the Trust’s Land Settlement Plan. 2. Water Management Objective: To conserve the quality of available fresh water supplies in Ruckle Provincial Park. - the development of an improved water system will ensure adequate water supply for park users, farming activities, and fire protection. 3. Vegetation Management Objective: To conserve and protect the natural woodlands and grasslands within Ruckle Park as evolving ecosystems. - prepare a Vegetation Management Plan with special emphasis on the grassland communities and exotic/historic plant species. (ie) orchards, shrubs planted by the Ruckles. - develop a Fire Management Plan as the park receives little rainfall during the summer months and is subject to seasonal fire closure. - zoning and development plans of farm lands reflect ALR policies. 4. Cultural Resource Managment Objective: To inventory, assess and protect the significant heritage resources in Ruckle Park. - known archaeological sites, heritage sites, and artifacts will remain undisturbed.
34 - the Ruckle farm buildings and the entire Heritage Farm sub-zone are to be given special consideration. (see pages 43-47) - management and maintenance guidelines of all heritage buildings based on architectural research will be undertaken and that preservation and development will reflect P.O.R.D.’s and H.C.B.’s policies. 5. Visual Resource Management Objective: To protect scenic views and the natural/historic setting unique to Ruckle Park - any proposed development will be harmonious with all scenic values associated to the park. 6. Recreation Management Objective: To provide a variety of recreational activities compatible with the park’s heritage values and landscape. - acceptable types of activities include hiking, picnicking, walk-in and bike-in camping, vehicular camping, group camping, interpretation of cultural and natural features, scuba diving, shoreline exploration, mooring, and informal day use activities. (see pages 36-41) 7. Education/Interpretation Objective: To promote the educational/historical values associated with Ruckle Park. - the marine seascape and heritage farmlands provide an excellent environment to conduct school/special group programs. - an active interpretive program examining the historic/cultural features will be developed and centred in the Heritage farm sub-zone. - non-extractive research will be permitted. 8. Concessions or Permits Objective: To effectively manage the Resource Use sub-zone by means of a farm leassee operation. - a permit (P.U.P.) for the Resource Use sub-zone (agricultural as well as historic/educational activities) will be considered once the Ruckles no longer wish to live in the park.
35 E. DEVELOPMENT PLAN The present level of development at Ruckle Park is inadequate to meet future demands from parks visitor or preserve the important heritage values/resources. This plan proposes that future direction and development of Ruckle Park will focus on: 1. Natural Environment Zone The development of this zone will be limited to a hiking trail and interpretative information leading to Yeo Point. Special attention to the preservation of the park’s natural landscape, wildlife and heritage resources such as the Peavine House and archaeological sites will be its prime function. 2. Development Zone 2 a Park Development Sub-zone i) Addition of an automobile-oriented campground (approximately 25-30 sites – Phase 2) complementary with the existing walk-in/bike-in sites. The campground with standard park information and sanitary facilities and playground would provide auto access camping along the shoreline (Figure 10). In addition to providing outstanding camping opportunities in the Park, this campground would help to relieve the shortage of public vehicular camping facilities found in the Gulf Islands. ii) A group camping area with parking, picnic shelter and sanitary facilities would also be constructed. There is a great demand for group-type camping facilities especially in the Gulf Islands and such a facility will be popular with local and visitor groups. iii) A day use parking area for up to 20 vehicles will be located between the auto-camping and walk-in camping areas. The day use area will center around “Beaver Point” but trails will lead also to the group site and campground. Active movement between the various park users will be encouraged. iv) A shoreline trail will connect the group camping area to the Heritage Farm Sub-zone and Service Sub-zone. v) A shoreline trail is also proposed from the campground area to Yeo Point. This would be a popular hiking trail but overnight camping would not be encouraged due to fire hazards and shortage of potable water. vi) An additional 25-30 campsites – Phase 3 to be located northwest of proposed auto camping area. 2 b Resource Use Sub-zone This zone comprises most of the ALR land within the park. At the present time and in the foreseeable future, the Ruckle family will continue to operate the farm in the same manner that they have in the past. However, it is desirable to make some preliminary decisions regarding the future direction the farm area should take. The proposed development/management for this zone is based upon the following assumptions:
36
37 1. It is desirable to operate the farm at the least financial and labour cost to the Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division. 2. It is desirable to maintain a high level of food and fibre production. 3. It is desirable to maximize the diversity of public recreational opportunities available in Ruckle Park (ie) Farm Vacation Program. 4. It is desirable to maintain the cultural aesthetics of the park. 5. It is desirable to minimize the total environment and resource use impact of the farm. 6. It is desirable to conserve the extant heritage features within this zone. 7. It is desirable that development in the Resource Use sub-zone not impact visually on the Heritage Farm sub-zone. This plan recommends that the farm area continue to be operated in a farm-oriented manner sensitive to the historic and preservation/conservation objectives of the Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division. Terms of reference and guidelines laid down by P.O.R.D. and Heritage Conseravtion Branch would be carried out by the lessee through a Park Use permit. The present park headquarters, the Daniel Henry Ruckle house and surrounding farm buildings will also be included within this zone. 2 c Service Sub-zone Park headquarters is currently located in and around the William Norman Ruckle house. This house has been “updated” with the basement serving as a workshop and the upper floors providing accommodation for park staff. It is proposed that this building would be part of the Resource Use Sub-zone. A recommended alternate site is to the southwest of the Alfred Ruckle house. A standard park service yard and shed would be located in this sub-zone. Adequate screening and landscaping would ensure no visual disturbance to the Alfred Ruckle homesite and the Heritage Farm sub- zone. The service area would also be conveniently located near existing utilities and the proposed Visitor Services/Administration centre. The Alfred Ruckle house is the preferred choice for this function as it is a major architectural resource and is ideally situated to attract visitors. Action on the Service Sub-zone plan will, in part, be determined by the Gordon Ruckles and their daughter Gwen who have life tenancy. 2 d Heritage Farm Sub-zone This zone would allow public access to some of the historic Ruckle family buildings and a portion of the farm. Parking will be situated and appropriately screened so as not to visually disturb the Heritage Farm sub-zone. All heritage structures will be preserved. An interpretive program and interpretive displays would offer the public a history of the Ruckle family and farm and pioneer life in the Gulf Islands.
38
39 Parking, sanitary, information and picnic facilities will be provided in this zone but will be situated and appropriately screened so as not to visually disturb the Heritage Farm sub-zone. All heritage structures will be preserved. 2 e Heritage Protection Sub-zone All archaeological sites and designated heritage sites will be protected and any proposed development should reflect this. The Peavine cabin which is currently rented will also be preserved as it possesses significant historic and interpretive values. 3. Heritage Interpretation The initial interpretation and presentation of heritage resources within Ruckle Park will be limited to the Interpretation Area centered around the Henry Ruckle homesite (Figure 11) of the Heritage Farm Sub-zone. As funding becomes available, signs and displays along with interpretation programs and brochures and other written materials will be developed within this zone. The above interpretation materials will provide visitors with an orientation to the heritage resources within the entire Heritage Zone including information on the following: - the history and theme of Ruckle Park and representative time period. - the history of the Ruckle family (typical of pioneer farming in the Gulf Islands) - the location, historical function and present use of the major structures and dwellings found within the Heritage zone. - the existence of the non-extant historic resources (Beaver Point wharf and store) - the existence but not location of the park’s archaeological resources Visitors will be limited to visual rather than physical access to the interiors of structures within the Heritage Farm Sub-zone although provision will be made for future interior access if an adequate and supervised interpretation display can be prepared. Adequate parking for the Interpretation Area will be provided adjacent to the Heritage Farm Sub-zone. Interpretation and presentation developments within the Heritage Farm Sub-zone will endeavour to minimize any impact on the continued operation of the Ruckle family’s farming operation. Agricultural use of certain buildings within the Interpretation Area will continue during this phase of development. A detailed preservation and protection program for all heritage resources will be prepared by P.O.R.D. and H.C.B. based upon the report in Appendix III that outlined the following: - The future use of all buildings within the sub-zone.
40 - The conservation methods and standards to be employed on heritage structures which will remain within the park. - The priorities which have been determined for the above work on the basis of the age, historical function, interpretive location, and present condition of the structures. - Cost estimated for the minimum preservation and protection work which needs to be undertaken on the structures. Prior to the preparation of this program, detailed structural analysis by Heritage Conservation will be prepared for the Ruckle farm dwellings and the Peavine cabin not included in the Yardley report. 4. Heritage Research The restoration, development and interpretation of heritage resources at Ruckle Park should only be undertaken where sufficient documentary and structural historical research, architectural research and archaeological research has already been obtained. The standards for such research should be primarily the responsibility of the Heritage Conservation Branch.
41 F. MARKETING AND INFORMATION PROGRAM Currently the marketing and information program for Ruckle Park is limited. A visitor can obtain information from three sources. 1. Vancouver Island Provincial Parks brochure 2. other park visitors, local residents, etc. 3. information centers (ie) tourist information booth at Ganges and Swartz Bay. This level of marketing is low-keyed and not in keeping with the park’s many natural and cultural attractions. As Ruckle Park is more highly developed, park promotion and marketing will take on a more aggressive character. A brochure on Ruckle Park (including other Gulf Island Provincial Parks) is recommended. By providing group and vehicular camping facilities and access to the Heritage farm park, visitation should increase significantly. A historic/interpretive program and organized group camping (implement group reservation system) will help to increase use especially during off season. Initial interpretation and presentation of heritage resources within Ruckle Park will be limited to the Interpretation Area (Figure 11) of the Heritage Farm sub-zone following preparation of a Visitor Services Plan. VISITOR SERVICES PLAN This plan, based upon park objectives previously described, will focus upon: A. the presentation of a variety of opportunities found at Ruckle Park and other Gulf Island Provincial Parks. B. the significance of heritage resources found in Ruckle Park and their potential to attract new park visitors. Interpretation materials will provide visitors with an orientation to the heritage resources within the entire Heritage sub-zone and include the following information: - history of the park - history of the Ruckle family - location, historical function and present use of the major structures and dwellings found within this and the Resource Use sub-zone - non-extant historic resources (Beaver Point Wharf and store) - existence but not location of the park’s archaeological resources. The existing documentary history of Ruckle Park contains sufficient information for the preparation of text and photographs for interpretive signs and a brochure.
42 G. PLAN IMPLEMENTATION In order to achieve the goals and objectives set forward in this plan for Ruckle Provincial Park, there are a number of criteria which should be noted. a) Ruckle family life tenancy - as previously mentioned certain members of the Ruckle family were granted life tenancy. Any proposed development within the Heritage Farm and Resource Use sub-zones must take this into account. Furthermore, only partial implementation may occur until the Ruckles no longer wish to live in the park (ie) Park Headquarters Visitor Services being relocated to Alfred Ruckle house. b) Heritage Buildings stabilization - all major farms outbuildings and houses will be stabilized and/or restored. A list of recommendations is shown for each building but priorities for restoration will be based upon available funds, Yardley’s report, and continued liaison with Heritage Conservation Branch. Any buildings that are currently in a state of collapse or where only foundations remain will not be reconstructed. To achieve the goals and objectives set forward in this plan for Ruckle Provincial Park, the following list, in order of priority, is recommended. Phase I 1.1 Heritage Farm sub-zone 1.1.1. complete external restoration of Henry Ruckle homestead (ie) paint, porch, etc. - no interior work will be done at this time. 1.1.2. provide parking, information shelter and interpretive signing. 1.1.3. tidy area around homestead – management signing to inform visitors (fencing might be required). 1.2. Park Development sub-zone 1.2.1. construct group campsite (will include parking, information/sanitary facilities, tent sites and picnic shelter. 1.2.2. all utilities (ie) hydro, water and septic systems. Toilet building will also serve walk-in campers and other park visitors. 1.3. Park entrance Portal 1.4. Complete Vegetation Management Plan and Fire Management Plan (undertaken by District staff). 1.5. Produce Visitor Services Plan
43 Phase II 2.1. Heritage Farm sub-zone 2.1.1. continue stabilization of farm outbuildings and Henry Ruckle homestead. 2.1.2. improve interpretive signing/programs based upon Visitor Services Plan 2.1.3. shoreline trail constructed connecting Heritage Farm with group camping (walk-in camping areas). 2.2. Park Development sub-zone 2.2.1. construct approximately 25-30 unit vehicular campground in existing day use area. Development will recognize existing heritage sites at Beaver Point. - campground will include toilet building, playground, limited day parking and Type I information shelter. 2.2.2. all utilities (ie) hydro, water and septic fields. 2.2.3. construct day use parking area (approximately 20 cars) between auto-camping and walk-in camping areas. Phase III 3.1. Heritage Farm sub-zone 3.1.1. continue stabilization of farm outbuildings, interpretive program and signing. 3.1.2. Alfred Ruckle house converted to Park headquarters and Visitor Centre. 3.1.3. construct trail to Heritage farm. 3.2. Natural Environment Zone 3.2.1. construct a shoreline trail from campground area to Yeo Point; overnight camping would not be encouraged. 3.3. Service sub-zone 3.3.1. Construct service yard and sani-station. 3.4. Resource Use sub-zone 3.4.1. the buildings with this sub-zone will be offered on a leassee (P.U.P.) basis for farm- oriented activities. This farm lease operation will comply with both P.O.R.D. and H.C.B. objectives for Ruckle Park. 3.5 Park Development sub-zone 3.5.1. Construct an additional 25-30 campsites in a shoreline loop northwest of existing day use area.
44
RUCKLE FARM BUILDINGS - ACTION PLAN
STRUCTURE AGE SUB ZONE FUNCTION CONDITION RECOMMENDATION & FUTURE USE Henry Ruckle Home 1870’s Heritage Farm Original Family Stabilized - Good Finish Restoration: Dwelling Suitable to public viewing and historic interpretation 1. Dairy 1879-80 Heritage Farm Dairy/Meat Cooler Only foundations Do not reconstruct remains 2. Woodshed 1879-80 Heritage Farm Woodshed to Good Stabilize Sheepshed 3. Sheepshed 1960 Heritage Farm Modern Sheepshed Good No work needed 4. Rootcellar 1879-80 Heritage Farm Rootcellar till ’50 - State of collapse Do not reconstruct unused 5. Chickenhouse 1930 Heritage Farm Chicken/Sheepshed Poor Stabilize 6. Pighouse 1930-40 Heritage Farm Pigshed Fair Do not reconstruct 7. Summerhouse N/A Heritage Farm Only stone Do not reconstruct foundations remain 8. Garage 1940’s Heritage Farm Store tractor/ Good Stabilize equipment 9. Forge 1878-80 Heritage Farm Forge/Workshop & Fair Stabilize Storage 10. Garage/ 1944-45 Heritage Farm Currently used as Good Stabilize Machine Shop Workshop/Storage 11. Milkhouse 1911-12 Heritage Farm Milk Separator House/ Fair Stabilize Storage for cream & butter 12. Barn 1900’s Heritage Farm Storage of hay, Fair Stabilize stabling of cow & sheep pens
STRUCTURE AGE SUB ZONE FUNCTION CONDITION RECOMMENDATION & FUTURE USE 13. Pighouse 1930’s Heritage Farm Pigshed Fair Stabilize 14. Brooder House 1935-40 Heritage Farm Chicken Brooder Fair Stabilize DANIEL HENRY 1907 Resource Use Home of Ella A. Good Stabilize (suitable as RUCKLE HOME Ruckle dwelling for lessee; maintain interpretive value 15. Shed (A) 1907 Resource Use Wood Storage Good Stabilize 16. Shed (B) 1930’s Resource Use Food Storage Fair Stabilize 17. Garage 1935 Resource Use Garage Fair Stabilize 18 Granary 1900 Resource Use Granary Fair Stabilize (Foundations require work) 19. Barn 1905(?) Resource Use Storage Only section of stone Do not reconstruct (Foundation) retaining wall left 20. Barn 1935-36 Resource Use Hay Barn/ Good Stabilize Machine Storage 21. Bullshed (unknown) Resource Use Shelter for bull Poor Do not reconstruct 22. Chickenhouse 1925-30 Resource Use Chickenhouse Fair Stabilize 23. Small Shed (1) 1930 Resource Use Poultry Shed/ Fair Do not reconstruct Animal Shed 24. Small Shed (2) 1920’s Resource Use Shelter for small Fair Stabilize animals 25. Small Shed (3) 1940’s Resource Use Animal Shelter Poor Do no preserve ALFRED RUCKLE 1906 Heritage Farm Life tenancy for Mr. Good Stabilize (suitable for HOME and Mrs. G. Ruckle Admin./Visitor Services and Gwen Ruckle Centre
STRUCTURE AGE SUB ZONE FUNCTION CONDITION RECOMMENDATION & FUTURE USE 26. Woodshed 1907 Heritage Farm Woodshed/Storage Fair Stabilize 27. Greenhouse 1974 Heritage Farm Greenhouse good No work needed 28. Shed (A) 1910 Heritage Farm Storage Fair Stabilize 29. Shed (B) 1910 Heritage Farm Sheepshed Fair Stabilize 30. Peavine Cabin 1830’s Heritage Protection Cabin (Currently Good Stabilize occupied) WILLIAM NORMAN 1930’s Heritage Farm Park Headquarters Good Stabilize/suitable for RUCKLE HOME PUP residence
APPENDIX
48
49
50 Appendix 3
RUCKLE PROVINCIAL PARK
LIST OF FARM BUILDINGS AND ESTIMATED DATE OF CONSTRUCTION
HENRY RUCKLE FARM
1. DAIRY (1879-80) 2. WOODSHED (1879-80) 3. SHEEPSHED (modern 1960) 4. ROOTCELLAR (1879-80) 5. CHICKEN HOUSE (c. 1930) 6. PIG HOUSE (1930-40) 7. SUMMER HOUSE 8. GARAGE 9. FORGE (1878-90) 10. GARAGE/MACHINE SHOP (1944-45) 11. MILKHOUSE (1911-12) 12. BARN (c. 1900) 13. PIGHOUSE (c. 1930 & 1938) 14. BROODER HOUSE (c. 1935)
DANIEL HENRY RUCKLE FARM
15. SHED (1907) 16. SHED (c. 1930) 17. GARAGE (1935) 18. GRANARY (c. 1900) 19. FOUNDATION 20. BARN (1934-35) 21. BULLSHED 22. CHICKEN HOUSE 23. SMALL SHED 1 24. SMALL SHED 2 25. SMALL SHED 3
51 ALFRED RUCKLE FARM
26. WOODSHED (1907) 27. GREENHOUSE (1974) 28. SHEEPSHED (1910) 29. SHEEPSHED (1910)
52
53
54
55 Appendix IV Source: Redlow, K. Ruckle Provincial Park – A Documentary History, Min. of Provincial Secretary and Government Services, Province of B.C.) Victoria, 1984.
1. BEAVER POINT GENERAL STORE
The small general store located adjacent to Beaver Point wharf would appear to have been established around 1914 by Captain Arthur Cecil Good, a man well known in coastal shipping circles for his maritime activities, primarily as a tugboat captain. The belief in Capt. Good’s involvement in the early history of the store is based in part on the recollections of Mr. and Mrs. William D. Patterson, who claim that they took over the operation of the store in July of 1915 from Capt. Good, who had built it within the previous year. Unfortunately, the documentary evidence obtained so far only partially corroborates this contention. Though it would seem that Capt. Good had some experience with the operation of a general store on Salt Spring Island, the evidence relating to his activities at Beaver Point is still inconclusive.
The earliest documentary evidence relating to Capt. Good is found in a 1913 Directory, which lists “A.C. Good, general store” as one of the seven commercial enterprises located at Salt Spring Island, a farming settlement described as being located on the north end of the island, three miles from Ganges.1 Unfortunately, the other directories have no listing for either A.C. Good or Beaver Point in connection with general stores.
Additional information on Capt. Good is found in a document, apparently dating from some time in the 1910’s, which has a letterhead from the A.C. Good General Store, Beacon Point, Salt Spring Island.2 It is believed that this should be Beaver Point, as no Beacon Point has been identified on the island.
The dearth of information available for the relatively short period of Capt. Good’s involvement with the Beaver Point store contrasts markedly, however, with the much better documented operation of the store by the Pattersons, beginning around 1915. Documentary evidence for this period includes a history of Post Offices in British Columbia, which refers to William D. Patterson as being the Postmaster at Beaver Point from Aug. 1, 1918 to Sept. 30, 1951. These postal duties were taken over from Daniel Henry Ruckle, who had performed them since March 1, 1909.3 In addition, numerous Directories in the period 1918 to 1950-1 list William D. Patterson as being both Postmaster and operator of the general store at Beaver Point.4 According to the personal recollections of the Pattersons, the postal service was operated from a corner of the store where a number of pigeon-hole mail slots were located. They also claim that there were often three or four bags of mail delivered at one time as the residents of Beaver Point bought a considerable amount of merchandise from various store catalogues, which was then shipped to them by mail.
Recollections concerning the Beaver Point Store also include floor plans of the building drawn from the memory of Mr. and Mrs. Patterson. (See Figure 1). They show that the front part of the main floor contained the store with the counters located as indicated, and the pigeon-hole mail slots, referred to above, situated on one side. The rear part of the main floor and the second
56 floor of the building, meanwhile, comprised the Pattersons’ residence. Located directly behind the store itself was a living room, while just behind the living room was the kitchen. This kitchen was actually a lean-to structure attached to the rear of the main two-storey part of the building. The stairway up to the second floor, meanwhile, was located on one end of the living room. This second floor contained the three bedrooms for the house, one of which later had a partition added. The floor plan also shows the rear section of the verandah, which was in actuality located on the front, rear and right hand sides of the building.
Additional recollections of the Pattersons, during the time that they operated and lived in Beaver Point store, describe the nature of various physical improvements and changes which were made to both the store and the area around it. The earliest of these would seem to be the painting of the store, which was done after they had taken over the existing unpainted building from Capt. Good. About two years later the verandah, mentioned previously, was built around three sides of the building. Other changes include the construction of a woodshed behind the store and the erection of an oil tank and house across the road by the wharf. In addition, it seems Beaver Point Road was also at one time moved to be farther away from the store. More information on various improvements and on other aspects of the Patterson’s life and work at Beaver Point could also be obtained if a thorough oral history examination of the Pattersons was to be undertaken at some future date.
Additional information on the Beaver Point General Store and its environs can also be obtained by examining the many photographs of the area which have been obtained so far. These photographs, acquired mostly from the Patterson and Ruckle families, show a variety of views of the buildings and structures over a considerable time period.
Photo No. 1
57 The first of these photos (photo #1) is an undated general view of the store taken from the water on the north side. It shows the general store/residence itself, part of Beaver Point wharf just in front of it, and the very beautiful natural setting surrounding them. Such structural features of the store as the verandah and the lean-to at the back, containing the kitchen, can be clearly seen.
Photo No. 2
58 The last two photos (photos # 8 and 10) obtained so far still have a somewhat uncertain connection with this particular structure. These photos, taken at the same time, supposedly show young Bob Patterson at the back verandah or porch of the store. Unfortunately, the location of the porch, the appearance of the rear wall of the building, and the topography at the far corner of the house would seem to differ from that which is partially visible in the right hand side of photo #8.
Further information on the operation of the Beaver Point General Store can also be obtained from non-photographic sources which relate to the operation of Beaver Point wharf, the main reason for the existence of the store. For example, the logbook of Francis J. Barrow’s boat the “M.V. Toketie” refers to stopping at Beaver Point for stores (supplies) five times between Feb. 23 and Oct. 5, 1929, as part of day and weekend cruising trips in the Gulf Islands area.5
Unfortunately, little extant evidence remains today of this successful little enterprise which played such an important role in the history of the Beaver Point area. Following the transfer of the ferry service from Beaver Point to Fulford Harbour in the early 1950’s, and the subsequent transfer of both the Pattersons’ commercial operation and residence to Fulford Harbour, Beaver Point store was abandoned and eventually destroyed. It wasn’t long after that Beaver Point wharf also disappeared as a major landmark in this area.
59 2. BEAVER POINT WHARF
Following an 1884-5 Directory which referred to mail steamers calling at only Burgoyne Bay and Vesuvius Bay on Salt Spring Island,1 the earliest references, obtained so far, to a wharf at Beaver Point, are in 1889. One Directory for that year refers to a steamer calling at the island communities of Vesuvius Bay, Burgoyne Bay and Beaver Point.2 Another describes Beaver Point as a country Post Office with a steamboat laniding two miles away.3 Directories for the years 1890 to 1894 also refer to either a steamboat landing or steamboat service at Beaver Point. The 1891 Directory, in addition, specifies it as being serviced by the Canadian Pacific Navigation Co. An 1893 Directory states that the steamboat fare between Beaver Point and Victoria is $1.75.4 Additional evidence is found in a report on agriculture in which Beaver Point is described as having once a week steamer service with both Nanaimo and Victoria.5
Although the above references seem to relate to the wharf at Beaver Point itself, changes in the description of the area, starting around 1895, suggest that they may, however, have been referring to a wharf at Fulford Harbour. An 1895 Directory, for instance, refers to a steamboat landing at Fulford Harbour but none at Beaver point itself and numerous Directories up to and including a 1902 edition have a similar description.6 In addition, an 1895 historical description of Salt Spring Island indicates, by way of maps, descriptions and schedules, that the steamer ‘Joan’ is providing service to Fulford Harbour, but it makes no mention of steamer service to Beaver Point.7
On the other hand, a report on agriculture for 1900 indicates that Beaver Point is connected by steamer four times per week with Victoria and twice with Nanaimo.8 Also, an article on the history of transportation on the Saanich Peninsula describes a schedule of the steamer ‘Iroquois’ for May 20, 1901, which shows that it stops four times per week at Fulford harbour and twice a week at Beaver point, connecting with Sidney and Nanaimo.9 In addition a history of Salt Spring Island indicates that in the early 1900’s connections between Victoria and various Salt Spring Island points, perhaps Beaver Point, were available four times a week by taking the mail steam ‘S.S. Iroquois’ to Sidney and then the train to Victoria. Connections between the island and Nanaimo were available twice a week on the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway Company’s ‘S.S. City of Nanaimo’.10
In 1903-4 another indication of activity at Beaver Point wharf is a reference in the Public Works Report and in the Public Accounts to the purchase, by the Provincial Government, of a wharf right of way from Henry Ruckle for $400.00.11 This transfer would indicate that up until this time the construction and maintenance of the wharf had been undertaken by Henry Ruckle himself.
At the same time as the Province was taking over ownership of the wharf site, references in Directories to an increase in the mail service at Beaver Point from weekly to twice weekly in 1903 and to four times weekly in 1904, perhaps indicate an increase in the steamboat service to the area.12 Further information on this service is contained in a diary of a camping expedition to Beaver Point in the summer of 1905 which refers to the arrival of a person at Beaver Pt. on the morning of July 10 on the ‘Iroquois’.13
60 The first indication of expenditures on Beaver Point wharf, by the government, is a reference to $243.83 worth of unspecified repairs found in the Public Works Report for 1907-8.14 Three years later a substantial expenditure of $1,322.90 on the wharf seems to indicate that a major reconstruction of the facility was undertaken at this time.15 The following year another $106.09 was spent.16 Further expenditures on Beaver Point wharf included outlays of $269.11 in 1915-16 and $45.00 in 1916-17.17 In 1918-19 the Public Accounts indicated that another $394.70 was spent on Beaver Point wharf for the following items = Pay lists, labour and team work - $297.50; miscellaneous, W. Cotwford - $70.00; and Mouat Bros. and Cos. - $27.20. The Public Works Report for the same year indicated that the Provincial government was then only making those repairs to wharves which were absolutely necessary for the public’s safety. This policy was the result of the imminent transfer of the administration of many wharves to the Federal Government.18
During the same period in which the province was involved in the maintenance of the wharf, the following descriptions of the Beaver Point area were found in various Directories. In 1909 it was described as being a steamboat landing at the S.E. corner of Salt Spring Island, seven miles east of the South Salt Spring P.O., with the Beaver Point P.O. located 2 ½ miles inland, and mail service twice a week.19 Directories in a period 1910-15, meanwhile, described Beaver Point as having a P.O., a telegraph office and a steamer landing.20
Information on the steamship service to Beaver Point during this same period comes from a number of sources. Schedules of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s B.C. Coast Steamship Service for Oct. 16, 1911; April 10, 1912; June 1, 1913 and Jan. 1, 1914 indicate stops at Beaver Point, by an unspecified ship, on Wednesday and Saturday of each week, as part of daily round trips between Victoria and various points in the Gulf Islands.21 Meanwhile, invoices of the Ruckle family for March 5, 1913, December 9, 1913 and March 20, 1914 indicate that the materials involved were in each case to be shipped through Beaver Point via the ‘S.S. Joan’. An invoice for March 19, 1915, however, shows that the goods involved were to be shipped via the ‘S.S. Queen City’.22
Additional information on this subject includes secondary source material contained in a history of Salt Spring Island. It refers to the sinking of the ‘S.S. Iroquois’ in 1911 and the sale of the ‘S.S. Joan’, for operation of the mainland, in 1912. This latter point, however, differs from the previously mentioned invoices. These two boats, which supposedly served Salt Spring Island (Beaver Point?) by connecting with Sidney were also supposed to have been replaced at this time by the Canadian Pacific Railways ‘S.S. Otter’, which connected with Victoria directly.23 Another source, meanwhile, states that in 1917 the ‘S.S. Queen City’ was replaced by the ‘Island Princess’ on the Gulf Islands route.24 Further research would be desirable on the nature of the steamship service to Beaver Point during this period.
61 1919 was a significant year in the history of Beaver Point wharf because it saw the administration of a number of wharves in B.C., including this one, transferred from the Provincial Government to the Dominion Government by means of Order in Council No. 393, on Mar. 21, 1919, and a revised Order in Council on July 15, 1919.25 The actual conveyance of the 70' x 103.6' right of way of the Beaver Point wharf site itself was facilitated by Certificate of Title No. 39435I, dated July 30, 1920. An accompanying plan of the wharf (See Figure 1) indicated not only its size, shape and location at this time, but also suggested the presence of a structure, possibly the Pattersons’ Beaver Pt. store, just S.W. of the approach to the wharf from Beaver Point Road.26
An indication of the steamboat service to Beaver Point, following the involvement of the Dominion Government, is found in a number of schedules of the C.P.R.’s B.C. Coast Steamship Service. Two winter schedules, dated Nov. 25, 1921 and Oct. 15, 1922 shows that the ‘S.S. Otter’ was stopping at Beaver Point two days a week as part of a four day round trip between Victoria and Vancouver, which stopped overnight at Ganges each way. Meanwhile, a summer schedule, dated July 31, 1922, showed that the ‘Island Princess’ stopped at Beaver Point three times a week, on Wednesday and Saturday as part of daily round trips from Victoria to various Gulf Island spots, and on Thursdays as part of an inter-city run between Victoria and Vancouver. Another summer schedule, dated June 15, 1923, indicated the same as above only there was then one additional weekly stop on Tuesday as part of the Victoria-Vancouver inter-city service.27
While references to C.P.R. steamer service to Beaver Point are also found in numerous Directories for the period 1918 to 1935,28 schedules for the Gulf Islands service of the C.P.R.’s B.C. Coast Steamship Service on June 17, 1930, July 7, 1930, and Sept. 3, 1935 make no mention of stops at Beaver Point.29 It would appear, however, that the former C.P.R. boat the ‘Island Princess’ was purchased and reconditioned in 1930 and operated by the Gulf Island Ferry Company as the ‘Cy Peck’.30 A photo showing the ‘Cy Peck’ at Beaver Point wharf would seem to indicate the continuation of service to this area during the 1930’s.31 During this same period Beaver Point wharf and its associated facilities were also used by smaller boats. For example, the log book of Francis J. Barrow’s the ‘M.V. Toketie’ indicates numerous visits to this wharf between Feb. 23, 1929 and April 12, 1940, with many of the early visits in 1929 also referring to the purchase of stores (supplies) at Beaver Point.32 The cessation of ferry service to Beaver Point around 1951-2 resulted in the closing of the general store, which was re-established at Fulford Harbour. The wharf, however, remained in existence.
On November 12, 1959 Privy Council Order No. 1959-1454 transferred from the Government of Canada to the Government of B.C. the administration and control of the wharf at Beaver Point.33 The wharf site was then registered under C.T. No. 293674-I, on Feb. 22, 1960.34 A month later, however, it was decided, by officials of the Dept. of Lands and Forests, to have this title cancelled.35
On July 19, 1960 correspondence from the Crown Assets Disposal Corporation indicated that, though the right of way at Beaver Point wharf had been transferred to the Province, the structures there were still under Federal jurisdiction and the C.A.D.C. planned to offer them for sale to the general public. The description of the site was as follows:
62 “… a wharf structure which is said to consist of an approach 16' x 66' and an irregular shaped wharfhead having a 61' 8'' long landing face. It is indicated that the wharf consists of creosoted pile bents with untreated timber superstructure. In addition there is a small shed measuring approximately 15' x 20' of galvanized iron with timber framing…”
Correspondence on December 8, 1960 indicated that the attempt by the C.A.D.C. to dispose of Beaver Point wharf, to the general public or interested government agencies, was unsuccessful and as a result the Federal Dept. of Public Works was to be authorized to dispose of it as they saw fit.37
Footnotes
1 Williams’ British Columbia Directory 1884-5 p. 110
2 Williams’ British Columbia Directory 1889 p. 187
3 Henderson’s British Columbia Directory 1889 p. 275
4 Henderson’s British Columbia Directory 1890 p. 53
Williams’ British Columbia Directory: 1891 p. 81; 1892 pp. 103-4
5 British Columbia Sessional Papers 1894-5, Fourth report of the Dept. of Agriculture, 1894, pp. 1017-1020 “Salt Spring Island”.
6 Williams’ British Columbia Directory: 1895 pp. 163-4; 1897-8 p. 522;
Hendersons’ British Columbia Directory: 1898 p. 128; 1899-1900 p. 163; 1900-01 p. 199; 1901 p. 97; 1902 p. 98.
63 3. THE ‘PEAVINE’ HOUSE
The log cabin known as the ‘Peavine’ house was probably constructed during the time that John Peavine Kahon was in possession of the property on which it is located. This property, the S.W. ¼ of Sec. 58, was preempted by Kahon on June 25, 18831 and sold by him to Benjamin Dobson on Oct. 6, 1892.2 The Ruckle family acquired it on May 22, 18933 but there is no indication so far that they lived in the dwelling.
The house was later occupied by the Symons family when Mr. Symons was the teacher at Beaver Point School.4 Directories for 1909, 1910 and 1912 confirm that a Mr. Kyle Symons (Simons) was a teacher at Beaver Point during this period.5 While living in the house the Symons are believed to have had a son in 1910, who later went on to become the headmaster of St. Michael’s University School in Victoria.6 The ‘Peavine’ house is presently occupied by Dave Beck.
Additional information on this dwelling can be obtained from an examination of some photographs which are currently available. The earliest of these (photo #1) probably shows the house as it was around 1910. A photo from the same location today (photo #2) indicates that a lean-to has since been added to the western end and a verandah has been erected on the south side. The house itself has been reroofed and a chimney has been added near the southwest corner.
Two other fairly recent photos, meanwhile, show the house from the opposite direction (photos #3 and 4). Unfortunately, no early photos have been obtained so far which show this side of the dwelling. It is hoped that further research will uncover additional photographs and augment the still incomplete history of this particular structure.
64
65 4. ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
Shell Midden Deposits
Site No. DeRu 19
This shell midden site is located along the shoreline at the southeastern end of the third major bay north of Beaver Point Road; property which is part of the NW ¼ of the NW ¼ of Section 57. The site is comprised of two shell midden deposits situated about 50 metres apart. The eastern section is approximately 60 x 15 metres in size an up to 70-80 cm. in depth, while the western section is approximately 80 x 15 metres in size, but only up to 20 cm. deep. Of the two sections, the former seems to be both the most significant archaeologically and the most disturbed by human activity and weathering. Artifacts found at this site include an edge blade and a worked bone fragment, which are now in the possession of the Ruckle family.
Site No. DeRu 20
This particular site is located at Cusheon Cove on property, the eastern part of which extends into the northwest corner of Ruckle Park. The site is comprised of an extensive shell midden deposit approximately 350 x 30 metres in size, which extends the full length of the Cusheon Cover shoreline. The deposit, which is an average of 60-70 cm. in depth, has unfortunately been considerably disturbed by human activity. Artifacts believed to have come from this site include an adze blade and a chipped point.
Site No. DeRu 50
This shell midden deposit, located within Sections 56 and 57, covers an extensive portion of the shoreline south of Beaver Point. The deposit is approximately 400 metres in length and varies between 40 cm. and 1 metre in depth, with the deeper portions of the site appearing to be currently threatened by seaward erosion. Artifacts found at this site include a worked bone fragment, a basalt flake, and a chipped slate fragment. These are presently in the possession of the B.C. Provincial Museum.
Site No. DeRu 52
This archaeological site, located within the SW ¼ of the SW ¼ of Section 57, it situated at the head of the small cover located due south of the Henry Ruckle house. It is comprised of a shell midden deposit approximately 24 x 16 metres in size and up to 30 cm. in depth. This site is protected from human disturbance by its seclusion and substantial vegetation cover, and is also in little danger from natural erosion.
66 Site No. DeRu 55
This particular site is located at the end of Beaver Point Road, in the vicinity of the Ruckle Park picnic site. It is comprised of a shell midden deposit approximately 120 x 30 metres in size, which averages 20 - 40 cm. in depth. No artifacts are so far known to have been found in connection with the site, although there has been a report of a midden burial in the area. Due to its location this site is in some danger from pot hunting and other human disturbances.
Site No. DeRu 70
This site comprises a shell midden deposit, approximately 60 x 10 metres in size, which is relatively shallow, reaching a maximum depth of only 30 cm. It is located on property within the NW ¼ of Section 57, and is situated on the other side of the bay, north of the Ruckle Park picnic site. The site appears to be of relatively little significance and in no particular danger of being disturbed.
Site No. DeRu 71
This site is located on the northwest side of the mouth of a small bay situated ½ mile southeast of Yeo Point. It comprises a shell midden deposit which is approximately 70 x 10 metres in size and up to 60-70 cms. deep. Due to the fact that the area was once the site of a log dump, the deposit has been severely disturbed, especially in the southern portions.
Site No. DeRu 72
This shell midden site is also located in the northern part of Ruckle Park, this time on the north side of Yeo Point. The deposit is approximately 90 x 15 metres in size, averages 20 cms. in depth, and achieves a maximum depth of 50 cms. Due to its rather remote location, it seems to be in little danger of being disturbed by human activity.
Site No. DeRu 146
This site, located along the bay south of Yeo Point, is described as being of the shall midden scatter type. It is a relatively shallow deposit, being no more than 10 cm. deep, and covers an area of approximately 30 x 10 metres. It also appears to be in no immediate danger of disturbance.
Site No. DeRu 149
This site, located on the northwest side of the head of the second major bay northwest of Beaver Point, is another shell midden scatter deposit. Covering an area of approximately 30 x 5 metres, it is also extremely shallow, being only 5 cm. deep. Like the previous site it is also in little immediate danger of being disturbed.
67 Site No. DeRu 150
The last of the shell middens in Ruckle Park is a 1 x 1 metre pocket type deposit, located at the head of a small bay situated on the point between the 2nd and 3rd large bays northwest of Beaver Point. This site, which may have been larger in the past has, unfortunately, already been severely damaged by both wave action and human activity, though it is in no immediate danger of being further disturbed.
Boulder Cairns
Site No. DeRu 53
This particular archaeological site is located southeast of the Ruckle Park picnic site at a point about 40-50 metres from the coastline. It is classified as being a boulder cairn, and consists of a pile of stones approximately 2 x 2 metres in size, which rise to a point about 80 cm. high. The origin of this feature is most likely connected with a farmer clearing up some pastures, but given its location it could also be of aboriginal origin.
Site No. DeRu 54
This archaeological site, which is also classified as a boulder cairn, is situated in the southern part of Ruckle Park, on property within Section 56. It is located about 3 metres from the coastline at a point 80 metres southwest of the southern end of the DeRu shell midden site. The site consists of 25-30 boulders which protrude from the surface over a rectangular area measuring 2.45 x 1.30 metres. Of the two boulder cairns in the park this is the most likely to be of aboriginal origin, as its characteristics are similar to those of cairns which designate the presence of a burial site. Fortunately, this feature appears to be relatively safe from both natural and human disturbance.
Inland Camping Area
Site No. DeRu 24
The last of the sites connected with Ruckle Park is classified as being a widespread inland camping area, and at a size of approximately 80 acres, it is the most extensive archaeological site identified so far within the park. Unfortunately, the site is situated in the middle of an area which had been actively cultivated by the Ruckle family for many years, and as a result has been considerably disturbed. Nevertheless, numerous artifacts have been obtained from this site, including chipped basalt, and obsidian and thick ground slate points, most of which are in the possession of Gwen Ruckle.
68 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Capital Regional District, Planning Department. Gulf Island Options. Victoria, B.C. Publication – December, 1971.
Capital Regional District, Planning Department. Gulf Islands Study, Victoria, B.C.
Eis, S., and Cragidellie, D. Gulf Islands of British Columbia: A Landscape Analysis, Department of Environment, Canadian Forestry Service, Victoria, B.C. Report BC-X- 216, 1980.
Fairhurst, G. A. A Conceptual Development Plan for Ruckle Park, Parks Branch, Department of Recreation and Conservation, Victoria, B.C. Planning Report #5, 1975.
Krajina, V.J. Bioclimatic Zones in British Columbia, University of British Columbia Botanical Series No. 1, Vancouver, B.C., 1959.
Lyons, C. P. Trees, Shrubs and Flowers Known in British Columbia. Toronto, 1952.
Munn, W. D. Ruckle Provincial Park. Farm Resource Development and Management Alternatives, Draft, Parks Branch, Ministry of Recreation and Conservation, Victoria, B.C., 1978.
Obee, Bruce. The Gulf Islands. Explorer – The Complete Guide. Sidney, B.C., 1981.
Pedlow, K. Ruckle Provincial Park: A Documentary History. Heritage Conservation Branch, Province of British Columbia, Victoria, B.C., 1984.
Pedlow, Ken. Ruckle Park Master Plan Heritage Component. Draft. Heritage Conservation Branch. Ministry of Provincial Secretary and Government Services, Victoria, B.C., 1985.
Perrin, Tim and Willson, Janet. Exploring by Bicycle Southwest British Columbia and the San Juan Islands. Vancouver, B.C., 1977.
Pratt-Johnson, Betty. 141 Dives, Vancouver, B.C., 1977.
Yardley, Jonathan. Structural Analysis of Farm Outbuildings. Report to Ministry of Provincial Secretary and Government Services, Victoria, B.C., 1984.
69