F.09 The Corporation of Delta COUNCIL REPORT Regular Meeting

To: Mayor and Council File No.: Heritage C.7

From: Community Planning & Development Department

Date: January 18, 2017

Nominations for New Stop of Interest Signs

The following report has been reviewed and endorsed by the Chief Administrative Officer.

• RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the following sites in Delta be nominated for submission to the provincial Stop of Interest signage program: Airport, Cammidge Residence, the , Historic Ladner Village, Kennedy Trail, "Recognition Area" (or sewqweqsen) and .

• PURPOSE:

•I: The purpose of this report is to present for Council's consideration seven historic sites in Delta for nomination to the provincial Stop of Interest signage program.

• BACKGROUND:

The following is an excerpt from the Stop of Interest signage program website:

The Stop of Interest signage program was introduced in 1958 as a Centennial project. Most of the signs erected at that time related to themes of settlement, industry or transportation within British Columbia. Since the start of the program, 164 signs have been installed throughout all regions of the province, often as initiatives associated with the celebration of national or provincial anniversaries. Stop of Interest signs are intended to provide a familiar, durable and highly-visible roadside format for the interpretation of people, places and events that shaped British Columbia. One of the fundamental objectives of historic commemoration is to give everyone an opportunity to reflect on the people, places and events which have helped to mould the heritage shared by British Columbians.

Be Stop of Interest Signage Program History, http://engage.gov.bc.ca/stopsofinterestlhistory/#

Currently, the only Stop of Interest sign in Delta is located near Gunderson Slough and contains a brief description of the salmon canning industry (Attachment A). Page 2 of 3 Nominations for New Stop of Interest Signs Heritage C.7 January 18, 2017

• DISCUSSION:

In the fall of 2016, the province, through the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, requested nominations for people, places or events of provincial significance for commemoration under the Stop of Interest signage program. This request was forwarded to the Heritage Advisory Commission who reviewed potential sites at their November 2 and December 14, 2016 meetings (Attachment B). Based on input from the Commission and staff, the following seven sites are recommended for nomination:

1. There are several points of interest at the Boundary Bay Airport including the Boundary Bay Airport Cenotaph, Air Cadet Commemorative Pathway, Hangar #3 and Vancouver Wireless Community (Pages 1 - 5 of Attachment C).

2. Cammidge Residence Located at entrance to the Boundary Bay Regional Park, the Cammidge Residence represents the development of Boundary Bay as an agricultural area (Pages 6 - 7 of Attachment C).

3. The Fraser River There are several potential locations for a sign (e.g ., along River Road or near the waterfront trail at the end of Huston Road when complete) to highlight how the Fraser River has shaped the communities of Delta (Page 8 of Attachment C).

4. Historic Ladner Village There are several points of interest within the historic Ladner Village and retained heritage buildings that represent the settlement of Ladner at the head of Chilukthan Slough (Ladner's Landing) (Page 9 of Attachment C).

5. Kennedy Trail A sign along River Road in the area of the original Kennedy Trail could document one of the earliest settlers in (Page 10 of Attachment C). Delta also has an interpretive sign on the Kennedy Trail in front of Gibson's Elementary School on 90 Avenue (Page 11 of Attachment C) .

6. "Recognition Area" (sawqweqsan) Located under Alex Fraser Bridge, the "Recognition Area" (sawqweqsan ) is culturally important to several First Nations. It also marks an important time in the European settlement of Annieville in North Delta, which was supported by a successful fishing and fish processing industry (Page 12 of Attachment C).

7. Westham Island There are several points of interest on Westham Island including the Westham Island Bridge and the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary (Page 13 of Attachment C). Page 3 of 3 Nominations for New Stop of Interest Signs Heritage C.7 January 18, 2017

The nomination period closes on January 31, 2017, after which, ministry staff will evaluate the submissions received. If Council endorses the recommendation of this report at their January 30, 2017 Regular Meeting, staff will submit the applications online on January 31,2107.

The Heritage Advisory Commission also recommended that Burns , which is on the Municipal Heritage Register (Pages 14 - 15 on Attachment C), be nominated; however, staff do not suggest including this site as there is no public access, on-site parking or road access to the majority of .

Implications: Financial Implications - There are no financial implications to nominate a site. Signs are provided by the province.

• CONCLUSION:

It is recommended that The Corporation of Delta participate in the provincial Stop of Interest signage program by submitting the following historic sites for nomination: Boundary Bay Airport, Cammidge Residence, the Fraser River, Historic Ladner Village, Kennedy Trail, "Recognition Area" (or sewqweqsen) and Westham Island.

F D~: Jeff Day, ng. Director of Community Planning and Development

Department submission prepared by: Tanya Mitchner, Planner TM/nd/bp

• ATTACHMENTS:

A. Stop of Interest Sign (Salmon! Located near Gunderson Slough) B. Draft Heritage Advisory Commission Meeting Excerpts' of Minutes (November and December 2016) C. Delta Heritage Inventory and Municipal Heritage Register Excerpts and Photos

(,'I, Ilfl Itl)" i"pll ntl! f I I ,t H.nt g 1<1\ rUI/(;Oliltlll·ICIl.1 r' In,'1 I lOJlsollnl ft'l\\(OliIHIINoI'oIn"'lort',;riO(X Attachment A Page 1 of 1

Existing Stop of Interest Sign

r ! 1, Attachment B Page 1 of 3

47 Avenue/Garry Street - Unveiling of Ladner War Memorial in Memorial Park on May 24,1921 4140 Arthur Drive - a photo has already been chosen (Matt Rogers) 4950 55B Street - Fall Fair at Delta Manor

For the following locations, the Chair will ask Archives for more photos: Chester and Cliveden (), 750 Belgrave Street, 4564 54A Street, 5336 Westminister Avenue, 8121 92 Street.

The Chair to determine if dates .and names can be included on the wraps. .J"

Walking Tour Verbal update by Chair regarding Ladner Heritage Walking Tour. Update (B.06) Samantha Singbeil advised that the focus of the walking tour will be in Ladher because of walkability of the area. Ms. Singbeil and Chair King (Self-Guided Tour Subcommittee) agree the tours have to be relevant and interesting and it is important to utilize what is already available. They have decided to not utilize the "On This Spot" app at the current time, but rather determine what can be done in -house by the Information Services experts, as this will give the Commission more control to give .. input. The subcommittee will continue discussions on this project.

-- Verbal Reports MOVED By Peter. Brozqitsky, Received SECONDED By Marilyn Clayton, THAT Items B.01 - 8.06 be received for information. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

C. NEW BUSINESS Stop of Interest Correspondence from Todd G. Stone, Minister of Transportation Signs (C.01) and . Infrastructure, dated September 26, 2016 regarding Nominations for New Stop of Interest Signs.

The Deputy Director of Planning advised that existing stops of interest are very wide-ranging, and once chosen they are added to the Provincial website. The deadline for nominations ends January 31,2017.

The Corporation of Delta November 2, 2016 Heritage Advisory Commission Page 4 Attachment B Page 2 of 3

The following suggestions for nomination were made: Historic Ladner Village Nature Reserve at Burns Bog Westham Island Bird Sanctuary Mighty Fraser River ,"Recognition Area" or sawqweqsan, located at the foot of the Alex Fraser (may need to be nominated by Heritage Advisory Commission and First Nations) Commissioners were requested to bring further suggestions to the December meetin'g .

ACTION This item to be added to the,D"ecember meeting agenda.

Protection of Cllr. Kanakos advised that the Vancouver Sun recently ran an Heritage Homes - article regarding a S.C. Supreme 'Court decision upholding City of Van. Vancouver bylaws aimed at protecting heritage homes in (C.02) Shaughnessy from the increasing threat of demolition in a heated real estate m,arket.

The City of Vancouver praised the decision by the court to uphold ,the First Shaughnessy Heritage Conservation Area Official Development Plan , which legally protects pre-1940 heritage properties in the area from demolition and provides more clarity around conservation. The city said First Shaughnessy is a historic Vancouver neighbourhood that was developed in the early 1900s ~s a premier residential area.

2017 Her. Awards Several options were discussed for possible nominations. It was of Merit & Friends noted that recommendations regarding the heritage awards must of Her. Awards be done at ,the December meeting as it takes some time to Subcommittee coordinate the , award presentation and to have the plaques (C.03) prepared.

-- Motion Endorsed MOVED By Gordon Ellis, SECONDED By Samantha Singbeil, THAT Cllr. Kanakos, Peter Broznitsky and Matt Rogers be appointed to the 2017 Heritage Awards of Merit and Friends of Heritage Awards Subcommittee.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY ACTION Cllr. Kanakos to contact Joan Bennett and Daniel Nykon to confirm their continued participation on this subcommittee, and to also contact all members regarding further nominations.

The Corporation of Delta November 2, 2016 Heritage Advisory Commission Page 5 December 14,2016 Attachment B Page 3 of 3

which will lead to private outdoor yards and all townhouse units will have back doors which will allow residents access to a 25 ft x 18 ft communal sitting area. Commissioners were generally in favour of the application, however, would like some consideration given to not using glass panels on the townhouse balconies patios or on the covered Draney Residence patio space. The Commission also asked that the original house colours be investigated prior to restoration and that the new paint colour respect the original colour scheme. and once investigated, to be respectful of the original colour schemes. Delegation Departs The delegation departed the meeting at 7:39 p.m

B.BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES Delta Museum & Verbal update by Joan Bennett, Delta Museum and Archives Archives Society Society. Update (B.01) Ms. Bennett provided an update on the Delta Museum and Archives Society (DMAS) activities, noting the following: • The building has been emptied of collections and is now undergoing renovations. • Plans are to open a museum in late 2017 with a theme of Fraser River Estuary and Delta.

Ms. Bennett further advised that a new manager has been hired by The Corporation of Delta, and will be starting in January. Museum Work Plan Verbal ·update by staff regarding Delta Museum and Archives (B.02) Work Plan. An update will be provided early in the new year, once the new Cultural and Museum Services Manager has started work in Delta. Stop of Interest Acting Chair Kanakos to lead discussion regarding nominations for Signs (B.03) Stop of Interest Signs - refer to draft November 2, 2016 Minutes, Item C.01. As noted at the November 2nd meeting, the deadline for nominations ends January 31,2017. Ms. Elbe noted that Delta will also be submitting some nominations. No other suggestions were brought forward. ACTION Staff to forward HAC list discussed at November 2nd meeting to Delta staff who are working on the applications. 2017 Heritage Verbal update by the 2017 Heritage Awards of Merit and Friends Awards Subcomm. of Heritage Awards Subcommittee. Update (B.04) After considering several candidates for the Heritage Award of Merit, the subcommittee recommended awarding 2017 Heritage Awards of Merit to the following nominees.

1st consideration -Boundary Bay Airport Memorial Cenotaph 2nd consideration - Mr. Gary Manuel for his work on the Huff Hydro Corridor Reserve · in North Delta. Some concerns were j,

https:lldelta.civicweb.net/document/13 7638 1117/2017 Boundary Bay Aiq.>ort Cenotaph Rededication and Air Cad01 Attachment C Commemorative Pathway Project Page 1 of 15

Office of the Mayor

For immediate release - September 13, 2016

Delta, B.C. - On September 18, 2016, The Corporation of Delta will unveil the new Boundary Bay Airport Cenotaph and officially open the Air Cadet Commemorative Pathway, celebrating the 75th anniversaries of the Boundary Bay

Airpoli and the Air Cadet League of Canada (Air Cadets). The project also pays homage to the 29 airmen who lost their lives while serving at Royal Canadian Air Force Station Boundary Bay during World War II . The public is invited to reflect on the untold stories and photos posted along the pathway, detailing th e sacrifices of our veterans. In the centre of the pathway sits the newly constructed, eight-foot tall granite cenotaph that recognizes those who served at

Boundary Bay between 1941 and 1945.

"Canada's veterans were instrumental in protecting our freedom," says Mayor Lois E. Jackson. "The cenotaph and pathway allows us to walk back through history to properly honour their memory."

The Boundary Bay Airport Cenotaph and Air Cadet Commemorative Pathway Project was initiated by th e Air Cadets'

British Columbia Provincial Committee (BCPG) after having approached th e Corporation of Delta with a proposal to develop a garden at Boundary Bay Airport to commemorate the anniversary of the organization's establishment. The project quickly developed into a larger memorial that both chronicles Delta's rich aviation history and properly commemorates th e coinciding 75th anniversaries of the Ail' Cadets and th e Boundary Bay Airport. Delta staff decided on the entrance to the terminal as an ideal location to give the monument and pathway the prominence and recognition they deserve.

"This project was only possible through all of the generous support we've received," says Air Cadets

Director Ron Rique. "We are able to forever honour the past, celebrate the present and be optimistic of our future through the youth we are developing today."

J

The Corporation of Delta, in partnership with the Air Cadets, funded the project with assistance from a Cenotaph

Restoration Program grant from Veterans Affairs Canada. Alpha Aviation donated the land and Humphrey

Construction generously managed the project at cost. Boundary Bay Airport Hangar 4400 72 Street

The Boundary Bay Airport Hangar is a very large Second World War-era, heavy timber frame, bow-arched structure located at the BoundalY Bay Airport. It is situated in a rural area of Delta, and is still functioning as a hangar. The interior is a large clear-span space, open throughout, with full-height sliding doors that allow each end to be completely opened. As the surrounding farmland is flat, this enormous structure is prominent throughout the area.

The Boundary Bay Airport Hanger is valued as a rare surviving Canadian example of hangar design from the Second World War era and as a symbol of Canada's wartime experience. This structure was one of two constructed in 1941 on a 194 hectare property purchased by the Federal Government for a Royal Canadian Air Force training school. It represents the war effort undertaken during 2004 Second World War in Delta and throughout Canada, and the important role of military training, as large numbers of troops had to be mobilized and prepared for combat as quickly as possible. This training facility was located in Delta due to favourable local weather conditions, flat topography and a low population density.

The Boundary Bay Airport Hangar is valued as an excellent example of an open-span truss structure. The hangar's most notable feature is the bow-arch truss roof, that spans the entire length and width of this huge structure. The roof and superstructure were constructed of heavy timbers, specified because of the shortage of steel during wartime. Integral to the wide-span design are the full-height doors on both end walls, which are top-hung and slide horizontally.

The distinctive bow-arched roof, as well as the structure's overall enormous size, has made this Second World War-era hangar a highly visible landmark. Such hangars are increasingly rare, as they are vulnerable to fire and many are redundant for modern airport use. Character D efining Elements:

• Landmark setting at the Boundary Bay Airport with associated outbuildings, compatible within the rural 46A Ladner Trunk Rd cI) o context of Delta, with open vistas on all sides. Ave 00 • Continued use as an airport facility. • Industrial form, scale, and massing expressed through its functional layout, rectangular plan, opening walls Boundaty at each end and one storey lean-to wings on the long Bay 36 ve Airport sides. ..., • One-storey clear-span open interior volume. if)

• Massive timber bow-arch roof truss construction. BoundalY N • Heavy timber frame construction with open span Bay l' timber trusses and concrete foundation. • Regular fenestration such as: large, industrial multi­ paned clerestory windows on the long sides; smaller windows on the lean-to wings; and banks of industrial multi-paned windows in the end wall sliding doors. • Six enormous top-hung, horizontally sliding doors on both ends of the building.

Added to Municipal Register: March 9, 1999 Submitted to National Register: 2005 Designated: No Last Reviewed: Donald Luxton and Associates, 2005 Vancouver Wireless Community Boundary Bay Airport

DLlTing the Second World War, the Federal Government built the Boundary Bay Airport to serve as a training school for the Royal Canadian Air Force. The airport's official opening was on April 10, 1941. Although the RCAF was responsible for developing the Boundary Bay Airport and the hangars, the Vancouver Wireless community itself was not developed until the advent of the Van­ couver Wireless Station in 1948-49. Shortly after the airport was decommissioned, Ottawa initiated plans in 1948 to redevelop the airport as the Vancouver Wireless Station, to be operated by the February 2008-Protestant Chapel Royal Canadian Corps of Signals. The existing buildings, built originally by the Federal government v,rere to be utilized and sev­ eral new buildings were additionally constructed. Among the new buildings constructed was the site known as the Operations Build­ ing, which served as the nerve center for the Vancouver Wireless Station. Built in response to the Cold war climate, the Operations Building monitored outgoing communications from the Soviet mainland, the Soviet Arctic and Soviet ships and submarines at sea. Building began on this structure in 1949, under the supervi­ sion of A.E. Shockley and Clifford Lake and was completed by the Spring of 1950.

At the peak of operation, the Vancouver Wireless Station em­ ployed 200 highly trained military personnel as well as civilians including operational and support staff. In order to sustain con­ tinuous operations of the Wireless Station, an adjacent residential Januaty 2009-Remnants of Concrete Foundations community was developed. The Community itself was laid out on a rectangular 40 acre parcel of land. Amenities included a grocery Vancouver Wireless Protestant Chapel was relo­ store, a gymnasium, woodworking and automotive shops, a sports cated for use as the North Delta Regular Baptist field with a baseball diamond, an engineering station with heating Church. The Roman Catholic Chapel was relo­ plant and a fire hall. In March of 1949 the Roman Catholic cated to Westham Island for use by the Delta & Chapel of St. Augustine opened and in October of that year, Mrs. Ladner Rod & Gun Club. Sawatsky started the first local kindergarten. By 1950 the popula­ tion of the Station had grown so rapidly that 35 additional perma' nent married quarters had to be built.

The Vancouver Wireless Station continued operations until 1971, which had by then become known as the Canadian Forces Station. In 1971 the Station relocated to Masset on the Queen. Charlotte Islands. One hundred and twelve buildings (112) were sold to four First nations groups and barged up coast to new locations. The Character Defining Elements:

• post-Second World War military efforts; local industrial development; HWY99 '1------1 • extant concrete foundations; F===~~I~ ~=~~~~~~~~~ • consist of 40 acres, rectangular-shaped site and is ~ Property LADNER TRUNK RD --'--===rI A 1 within the Agricultural Land Reserve A1 't • original paved streets, which are laid out in a grid A1 CD295 tn system with culved cul-de-sacs, are all intact and in A1 o

Added to Municipal Register: February 2, 2009 Submitted to National Register: Designated: No Last Reviewed: Donald Luxton and Associates, 2009 Cammidge Residence Boundary Bay Regional Park, 550 Boundary Bay Road

The Cammidge Residence has been relocated to its cur­ rent location in Boundary Bay Regional Park. Foursquare in style, this two-storey restored farmhouse features a large hip roof, wraparound verandah and scroll-cut decorative frieze . An appropriate rural setting has been recreated as a context for the house.

The Cammidge Residence represents the development of the fertile lands of Boundary Bay as an agricultural area. Foursquare in style, with a prominent wraparound veran­ dah, it is typical of Edwardian-era farmhouses. Following the construction of a dyke in 1892, the area along the western shore of Boundary Bay developed into a thriving farm community and resort destination. By the time the Cammidge Residence was built in 1914, Boundary Bay was a well-established community. With minimal rainfall 2006 and an easily accessible waterfront, Boundary Bay was used by summer campers as early as the 1890's. By the 1920's, The house is also significant for the community involve­ the area was a popular summer resort, which became in­ ment to preserve and restore this landmark building. creasingly more accessible as transportation routes im­ Originally located across the street, it was donated by Cen­ proved. By 1930, a recreational subdivision, including a tury Holdings and relocated to Boundary Bay Regional golf course, was being laid out at Beach Grove, but this Park in 1998 for caretaker and community use. Contribu­ venture failed due to the Depression; in August of 1931 tions to the restoration were made by the / the lots were auctioned off. Since then, the resort area has Boundary Bay Lions Club, Beach Grove residents, Bound­ developed into a suburban area adjacent to TsaW\\Tassen, alY Bay Residents Association and the Corporation of but still retains much of its casual, seaside ambience. Delta.

Additionally, the Cammidge Residence is valued for its association with Edwin Cammidge, who purchased the land at 301 Boundary Bay Road from Hemy Pering Crease in 1885. Cammidge was a widower at the time the house was built in 1914 and travelled back east to find a bride. The Cammidges owned the property until the 1920's when they moved to Vanderhoof, British Columbia. The property was owned by members of the Gunn family from 1927 until 1961 and during the Second World War, it was rented by men stationed at the Boundary Bay Airport Training School. Character Defining Elements:

• recreated rural setting

• residential form, scale and massing as expressed by two N Boundmy Bay -storey Foursquare plan with hipped roof, closed eaves l' Boundary Bay and semi-octagonal bay window Regional Park

• wood-frame construction with lapped wooden siding

• Foursquare style details such as symmetrical design, square columns and wraparound verandah

• exterior architectural details such as openwork balus­ trades, scroll-cut frieze and two internal red brick chimneys

• original double-hung 1-over-1 wooden sash windows with horns

• interior features such as wooden floors and trim, pic­ ture rails and original fireplace

Added to Municipal Register: January 15, 2007 •.' Submitted to National Register: 2007 Designated: No Last Reviewed: Donald Luxton and Associates, 2006/2007 Attachment C Fraser River Page 8 of 15 Historical Background HI ST ORICAL B AC K G ROUND

The heritage reso urces of D elta are a va luable legacy of its pioneering o rigins, and remain a vital part of the community's pride, idemity, local eco nom y, and tourist pot enti a l. Early rural and industrial developmem has left a sign ifi cant legacy of histori c buildings and sites that reveals th e prominent roles that fa rming, fis hing and salmon ca nning played in the li ves of early res idents. T h ese resources are diverse in age, style and co ndition, but they co ntribute to a sense of con tinuing community traditions.

For many thousa nds of years D elta was home to a bo ri gin al peoples who es tablished summer fi shing camps on the banks of the Fraser River. Much of the a rea was in hospitable marshland subject to tidal fl ooding, but N atives setrled the upland areas in Tsawwassen and N orth Delta, and the municipality's archaeological sites are' among the oldest known in the province. The mo uth o f the Fraser was one of the first areas in British C olumbia to be explo red by Europeans looking for the N orth West Passage.

T he flat fertile land of the river del ta proved irresis tible to early settlers, and agriculture developed as one of Delta's first industri es. Ri ch alluvial so il a nd a temperate climate led to th e establishment of productive local . fa rms. Altho ugh most se ttlers started with subs ist ence farming, agriculture grew in importance as m e land be- ' ca me eas ier to cultivate (through a se ries ofdyking initiatives) a nd through improved transportation. Many ea rl y farm ho uses and agricultural structu res rem ain ill re latively original configuration, and h ave been co minuoLlsly used for generations.

T he orher im portant ea rly industry was fis hing. The abundan t salmon runs on the Frase r River led to the early development of salmo n salteri es and canneries. In 1870 the first commercial cannery on the B.C. coast was es tablished at Annievill e. In a rela ti vely shon time ma ny o the r canne ri es were built and by 1890 o ne-third of British Columbia's canning production came fr om D elta. T he industry was largely responsibl e for Delta's ethnic di ve rsi ty, wi th th e canne ri es providing a source of employmen t for mainly C h in ese and N ative worke;·s, but also draw ing Japanese, Norwegians, G reeks, C roatians and other se ttle rs. Fishing continued to be of grea t impor­ ta nce un t il just before the Fi rst World War, when a number offactors conspired to end Delta's pre-eminence in th e field, and th e canneries began to shut down.

T he river was ori gin ally th e primary m.eans of transporta tion un til th e road sys tem. became functi onal. Much of the municipali ty was still marshland and s ubject to freque nt fl ooding. As ea rly as 1890 the bas ic ro ad pattern had bee n established , but was nor completely reliabl e until the dyking sys tem provided full Hood protection. By the la te 1890s most ro ads had been planked, and after 1900 man )' o f them were upgraded to gravel.

As the popula ti on co ntinued to g row the Fraser Ri ve r, o nce the prime link to other ce ntres , was now seen as a barrier. Access to the rest of the lower ma inlan d became a serious economic iss ue, as D elta still had no connec­ tion to the regio nal road network T his isolation kept g rowth in the munic ipality rela tively stagnant, but also p reserved an essentially rura l way of life for man )' d ecades .

Although local res idents lobbied for a bridge t o c ro ss the Fraser Ri ver near Ladner, road access to Vancouver was not provided until the opening of the Massey Tunnel in 19 59. T his supplied the impetus fo r rapid suburban growth.

Today Delta is a vibrant cODlmunity within the lower m ainland , a nd is connec ted by road, rail and water to the rest of the region. Delta continues to display a balance between urban and rural activities, and d es pite many changes, there remain tangible links to the past th a t help explain its pio nee r origins and remind us of th e vision of its se ttlers.

8 il I I I \ It I It .\ I II I· It I I ,\ (, I Attachment C Page 9 of 15 CHAPTER 1 LADNER

In 1858 William and Thomas Ladner saw the delta lands of the Fraser River on their way upriver to the Cariboo gold fields; they later returned to homestead the fertile lands here. Their pre-emption of land at the head of . Chilukthan Slough marked the first permanent settlement in the area. William Ladner sold an eight acre portion of his land to Donald Chisholm in 1882, which was laid out as the site of a settlement that became lmown as Ladner's Landing. This developed as the main population centre of the municipality, and eventually grew into the Ladner town centre that we lrnow today.

The Fraser River was the main transportation route at the time, and settle­ ment generally preceded the construction of roads. By 1870 the land along the river and the Chilukthan and , Crescent Island Sloughs was completely taken up, and by 1873 a government wharf was constructed at Ladner as a stop for the river-steamers that travelled up and down the Fraser River. Ladner developed as the administrative and commercial centre of Delta, and continued to expand over time. As the area prospered some grand homes were built, including a number to the south of the village along Slough Road, now Imown as Arthur Drive. This became the most prestigious residential area in town, and a concentration of stately houses that line much of the street has survived.

When Thomas Ladner died in 1922, his land holdings to the east of Chilukthan Slough passed to his heirs. In 1926, the Delta Land Company, in which Thomas's son, Leon, was a silent partner, subdivided the land into smaller plots, and began to promote it as ideal for people wanting to get started in poultry raising. About one hundred families, many from the Prairies, Ontario and Vancouver, were persuaded to settle in Delta Manor, but poultry and egg production did not turn out to be the hoped-for boon, and the lean years of the Depression bankrupted many of thes~ would-be fanners. Some sUlvived the lean times and became permanent settlers. Ultimately the farms were subdivided for residential development, and little trace remains of Delta Manor other than some isolated buildings scattered throughout Ladner.

Despite its later growth and development, Ladner retains many significant early buildings, some of which are over a century old but still in active use today.

Stanley Street, now 47A Avenue (Deltn MIlSetl71l 0- Archives 1984-168-13) 17

- KENNEDY TRAIL Attachment C Page 10 of 15

ames and Caroline Kennedy were among the earliest settlers in North Delta. James, b,orn in 1817 in JIreland, came to Whitby, Ontario in the early 1850s, where he married Caroline Stone in 1854. Five years later they left for the west coast, settling in New Westminster. In the 1860s the Kennedys pre-empted a total of 455 acres in what is now known as Kennedy Heights in North Delta. In 1861, under contract to the Colonial government, James Kennedy cut a ten foot wide trail from Brownsville to Mud Bay, which mostly followed the higher contour of the escarpment in North Delta. This trail proved to be a vital communica­ tions link, especially from the United States, and was used to transport goods and people from ships landing in Mud Bay. Other trails were established in the 1870s, and Trunk Road was covered with 'corduroy' logs in 1880-1881, becoming the first surfaced road in the community, Kennedy Trail remained in active use until the turn of the century, when the road network in the area became more established. This historic transportation route is commemorated with an interpretive sign located at 11451 90th Avenue.

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(Deltll Museum e} Archives 2000-048-001)

N 0 It T H O E L T A 99 ,...,..,.~~~-..,. _____ ---~_ ...... II ,.,. ll,e Ku.ncdy Trail W2i the 61'1(' ,crtlef buill tr;lil on the m~nbnd ofSmuh __c..o-o'_... '- ...... - ...... -<--- .. ~ Columbi",. James Kennedy bUIll it (Tom his Lot \S bnd pf't'--<.'mpuon in prdenl cby Annlevflle to M'u.d D",y. Ke:nnedy rcccivrd "e:ontr.1C't to build the: "r~d" 0"­ ...... -~-----..... -., ...... -~"" .. J;tnutry 31lt. 1861. The Roy.tl.f.nb"lrkrD who Inspected ir deJC1'lbed It.1) '.a Good -----,....~--.""-- ---'""..... - .. -_.. _",,_ ...... ,..,"*- traJ\ , bur noe " vr.lgon ro:td" The u .... lt provided :le«$) fOf Nc:wW~St'mlnner 'uCl ...... ', -_. __ _...... ""_ ...... )ccdc:u (0 PJ.)tUtc bod on Mud Ray, .lnd W~ Wl'd 1'0 tr.lrupon good) 10 NC'I'o ___ ..... ri..-_ ...... ·.... WeHnlln~(e:r from the United S~r(.\ . It I'f'O\-c.-d vn ..d dl,lrlng tnt !.C\CfC wiota of __ __---"-"--"-'-.--~.~_. ___ ,_. lUI ...... - -_.' .... ,...... ~---~ lAG:! when the Fu .~ Rlv'Ct fro'l.c ovt:r fro(n Lulu hland to Hope. .n.~ The: ic:( prC'l'cmc:d ''Ut'P1y bo~u (rom re:achlng NC'W WescmuUoter. _~ OtiI"'·.,."",kc,tw' _10'".. ,IUI' ...... _ ,_,,_.~"' ..... __ .. __ ___ .... _.__ ,., K'ultln~ in food 1h,)rC.'IgC.l j(c:nl1cdy ~ ln.11 W:I\ used onJU\u;t,1)' ::- ,..;,..."-'.::;,. ....'q ... 19th 10 Imnt; in "'nine. F.n bee~) " from Oregon. The: QttTcw('rc I~ ...~ :::::--::::;:~;~::.=:~<.) ""'-"""""'"'_ off.. lo.lded at Mud SlY and dm-cn. o\cr fhl: tl'1ll to tbe Ftuc:r ..... ; ~ ~ .....,.,.:_1-·...... ,.--_ .. Rivcl and aOOJ.1 thc ICC to N("IA WenmlMter ,...~- j, J.>l~OP£lt'1 ' .....__ ...... __ It ...... VAJ. D: ~'"'''' ..,....-..._.~~ .... __...... _"" __ I"f .... _---- ,---- The Telegraph Comes to N('w We5tmlrut~r in 1865 .,u.u pol"• ~...... ,_ ...... "'._ ••_.,_ .... to I _ 'I" 1 1__ AMI eam._lCt""."" "'- . "Ito II"V -~ c,1esot ~ .... In tHG5 tbt- Kcnn~J }' Tn.lI Wi',\ udh.t~ to bnng lhc 6m Lhll~"."--"'~." ....-,.- rr. .. .,...... ----.-. ..,..(1.M)O:_'._'...... ,.... _(t.t .., ..-,.-.-...... ".,_...... , .... - _ Ickgrl.ph lint' to N('\\ W~{mln'c«. from the Un~ted SutC"1. / ..... """::::.. ~~V'::.I: ...... --,"'-\, ..... ---~...... ,..... - ..... ""'".~ ~---,.,,-~,_~_t_·_ . 0....____- _____.. ·.. "' .... _ .. _ .,.,..,-..,.,.... Thr trail wu c'ttcndcd 10 Sruwnwllk OppOlUC' Nt\\., .I n- ...... "'!. - -- \~/eitmln~tcr. where ~ coIblc ...... ;1) iNll.lJed. under the rlVd' b~· I. ""

pcdc.. tri.tni.· Kcnncdr'c Tr.1I1 bc:Clmc leu IJ1'Iporl:tnt t.\ • w.o ... -'.-. ~ ::.,:~.;=~-:..~:::,;:,,- thae ..lnd other rOJ.d~ \\ere esublhhcd. :anu only '" fc~' ':-::~-'::.... "- ....""': -II ...... ·_II#M-.' _...... _· ---. .. l-Iot1 rcmn.ll\l$ orit rcm:tin tod:ay. /::"'i; r~~·:..:..- ;:.::-:~~-::=:

no. .""'•• , u.. '.61 1t._"''f~.11 I~:-~ ~~ I:::':S;";'~?-:, ~..:afC~2:I -· ~I-. !lf.""-- . .' ,..-...., •• _"..... - .. ~.,,"-.'~'~::.:~ •. ".~;';;;:- ..::.-,~.~,-- • ~ ... ~ . ..' ~ 1 ... ,IliU_·~ .. """"" .. - ·I"'.. ~"·.. -~-*"""~... w...... -" • "It 'f'. ... ~ - ,,-- ~ _""'; '! ~ ,.... ~ ...... tI/loLHW'Ot<"r •••• .-.I ...... -.--.~'" --...... ----:-,... ____._ _ _ >... __ '4-'.. , 11 ... ,...,., ...... _,_ ... _ ·,_ Recognition Area

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Attach ment C CHAPTER WESTHAM ISLAND Page 13 of 15

"TO SAVE THE DYKE "WESTHAM ISLAND - A 1loted island situated at the mouth ofthe FROM DESTRUCTION" sOllth ann ofthe Fraser Rivel; separated from the mainland 011 the east by Canoe Pass, and{rom Lulu Island, 011 the north, by the south "The dyke surround­ arm ofthe Frase/; cOIltains about 3, 000 acres. The chiefindustry is fl1'1nmg.. " ing Westham Islaud broke at fi Williams B. C. Direct01Y, 1892 3 o'clock this moming on

Ewan's much, inflicting great The first settlers came to the island by boat in the 18 70s, and began damage. Two hund/'ed feet of farming the rich alluvial soils of the southern end. In 1892 Westham the dyke was washed out, and Island received a post office, which was open until 1920. Prior to the in less than halfan hour Westham Island Bridge over Canoe Pass being built in 1909, a small after the break occured, two ferry connected the island to the rest of the District. The Strait of acres ofthe ranch had been Georgia side of the Island was not dyked until 1912. swept away, leaving navi­ The island remained an agricultural enclave, alld improved gable waters where a grain transporation integrated it more with the rest of Delta. The post crop had stood a few minutes office was closed in 1920. In 1929 George Reifel was granted permis­ before. The euti1:e settlement sion to dyke the northern parts ofWestharn Island, which are the tlmud out this 11l0ming to lands now dedicated as the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird l'epair the damages, and bave Sanctuary. hopes ofmellding the break before the next high tide. Ewan's wbole ranch is flooded. " "Tbe Dominion Government w/Jalfou Westham Island, opposite Steveston collapsed Saturday, the rwb ofwaters towards the gulfscouring out the filliug from a1'Ound the piles. On the whmfwere a boilel; engiue & Den'iele, and 600 tons ofrock, which was to be used to ancbor the mattress , being laid down to improve Westbam Islaud Football Team in 1904. Stauding, Back RoUJ from Left: the channel. " Hugb Savage, Clam McDonald, Hildtl Clatlsen, Mtlggie Dalzell, Mary Victoria Daily Colonist, Dalzell, Alice Kirkland, Maud Kirklalld, Mamie Trim, Lyll Kirkland, Tuesday, June 5, 1894 Maggie Gilmore, GeOlge Homewood, John Frase}~ [(neelillg, Centre Row .Fom Left: Ed LondOlz, Hugh McDollald, AIfTrim, Cbarles H. Tri1ll, Willitl1n R. Stlvage, Billy Dtlvidsou, Ja1lles Gilmore. Front Row.Foln Left: Jim V'jlll, Jobll Savage, Matt Palmel; Billy Moss, Bob GeOlgeson, GeOlge Londoll. (Delta Museu1II 6- Arcbives)

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Delta & Metro Vancouver Portion of the B~rns Bog 7150 80 Street

This portion of the Burns Bog is a 5,000 year old raised bog ecosystem located just south of the Fraser River in North Delta. The peat bog has been used by the local communities for hundreds of years and remains the largest tract of undeveloped urban landmass in North America.

This portion of the Burns Bog is significant for its use by local First Nations communities through time. For hun­ dreds of years, the bog was utilized as a traditional hunting and gathering locale for local First Nations communities such as the Tsavvwassen and Sto:lo, who used the site mainly for the collection of rare plant species for medici­ nal, food or household uses. First nations groups also con­ ducted controlled burning of the site every 90 years to re­ generate growth of desired plant life such as salal berries be efficiently extracted with the aid of sphagnum moss. and Vaccinium or Bog Berries and cultivated the bog for Due to the limited peat bog reserves in North America, cranberries and blueberries. Basic Magnesium Inc., based in Nevada, set up peat extrac­ Furthermore, Burns Bog is significant as the largest area of tion operations in 1941 at Burns Bog. Initially, the land undeveloped urban landmass in North America, after was cleared, drainage canals built and a peat processing failed attempts at development and settlement during the plant installed. During wartime, over 1,600 employees boom years from the 1890s to the 1910s. By the 1880s, worked at the peat plant. In April 1942, Delta Peat Pro­ after much of Delta was settled, Burns Bog remained rela­ duction acquired 164 hectares from Dominic Burns' estate tively untouched and was considered uninhabitable. In and supplied peat directly to Nevada. Almost immedi­ the 1880s, the land was acquired by the Marquis of Lome, ately, the company was reorganized as the B.C. Peat Com­ the son-in-law of Queen Victoria and Canada's fourth pany on the west side of Burns Bog and as Industrial Peat Governor General (served 1878-1883). The bog land, on the east side. The contract with Basic Magnesium Inc. which became known as the 'Lorne Estate', was purchased ended abruptly in 1944 with a saturation of magnesium in for $1 per .4 hectares under an agreement to reclaim the the market. Over 80% of the peat supplied to the com­ land, which never occurred. In 1905, the bog was pur­ pany was used for incendiary bombs; the other 20% was chased for $26,000 by Dominic Burns, a well-known Van­ utilized for airplane parts. couver businessman who was the brother of Cattle King In recognition of its significant ecological values, the bog is Pat Burns. Dominic Burns purchased the land for ranch­ currently managed as an Ecological Conselvancy Area by ing endeavors and tried raising cattle and sheep but found the partners of the Burns Bog Management Agreement. the land far too marshy for agriculture. On March 24, 2004, four agencies - the Corporation of Burns Bog is also valued for supporting commercial en­ Delta, Metro Vancouver, the Province of British Columbia deavors and for its pivotal role in military efforts during and the Federal Government - jointly purchased 2,042 the Second World War. The development of incendiary hectares of Burns Bog, ensuring that it will be protected bombs during the Second World War led to a demand for and managed effectively as a natural ecosystem. The prior­ magnesium and aluminum, the former of which could not ity of this management framework is ecological protection, be efficiently extracted without the aid of sphagnum mos not public use. Character D efining Elemen ts:

• location to the sOLlth of the Fraser River in the North Delta community • raised bog ecosystem including many rare and unique plants and animals

r-----' IBURNS I I BOG I I I I I-- I I N L __I t

Added to Municipal Register: March 31, 2008 Submitted to National Register: 2008 Designated: Last Reviewed: Donald Luxton and Associates, 2008