More like 'Turnbull house'
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1982 - Moving the Roberts House
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91894
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the "Roberts House" in its new location at 5496 Dominion Street.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-075
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the "Roberts House" in its new location at 5496 Dominion Street.
- Subjects
- Buildings - Residential - Houses
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.17"
- Street Address
- 5496 Dominion Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
5495 Dominion Street and 5505 Dominion Street
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91857
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- April 1, 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a tan duplex located at 5495 Dominion Street (left) and clay-coloured house at 5505 Dominion Street (right). The photograph was taken from 5496 Dominion street, looking north.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- April 1, 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-038
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a tan duplex located at 5495 Dominion Street (left) and clay-coloured house at 5505 Dominion Street (right). The photograph was taken from 5496 Dominion street, looking north.
- Subjects
- Buildings - Residential - Houses
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.37"
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "April 1 , 2015 / 5495 Dominion st. 5505 Dominion St."
- 5493 Dominion Street was previously numbered 3107 Dominion Street and it was later subdivided into two lots: 5491 and 5495 Dominion Street.
- Photograph 620-037 depicts the same houses prior to being repainted.
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
Looking east along Dominion street to corner of Douglas Road and Dominion Street
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91876
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Dominion Street, looking east. The houses are largely obscured by tall hedges and bushes. The photograph was taken from the north side of the street, opposite 5496 Dominion Street.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-057
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Dominion Street, looking east. The houses are largely obscured by tall hedges and bushes. The photograph was taken from the north side of the street, opposite 5496 Dominion Street.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.19"
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "2016 / Looking East along Dominion St to corner of Douglas Rd. and Dominion St."
- Photograph 620-056 taken from the same vantage point
- Geographic Access
- Dominion Street
- Street Address
- 5538 Dominion Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
Looking east from 3131 Douglas Road
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91826
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- January 2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 15 cm x 10 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the Roberts' front yard . A large oak tree stands in the centre of the photograph with a row of short shrubs on each side. The house located at 3090 Douglas Road is visible in the distance. The photograph is taken from 3131 Douglas Road, looking east.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- January 2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 15 cm x 10 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-007
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the Roberts' front yard . A large oak tree stands in the centre of the photograph with a row of short shrubs on each side. The house located at 3090 Douglas Road is visible in the distance. The photograph is taken from 3131 Douglas Road, looking east.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- 5118 Douglas Road renumbered to 3131 Douglas Road in 1958 and to 5538 Dominion Street in 1970 or 1971
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "Jan. 2016 / Looking East from Roberts' front yard"
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P8"
- Photograph 620-003 depicts the same house on 3090 Douglas Road.
- Street Address
- 3131 Douglas Road
- 5118 Douglas Road
- 5538 Dominion Street
- 3090 Douglas Road
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
Looking east from north side of 5118 Douglas Road - The Roberts House
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91821
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a two-storey house located at 3090 Douglas Road. The house was constructed in 1922 and is painted white with brown trim. The photograph was taken from the Roberts' property at 5538 Dominion Street.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-002
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a two-storey house located at 3090 Douglas Road. The house was constructed in 1922 and is painted white with brown trim. The photograph was taken from the Roberts' property at 5538 Dominion Street.
- Subjects
- Buildings - Residential - Houses
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- The same house is visible in the background of photograph 620-001
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "Jan. 2016 / 3090 Douglas Rd. (N.E. Corner Douglas Road and Dominion St.)
- Note in blue ink on verson of photograph reads: "P3"
- 5538 Dominion Street was previously numbered previously 5118 Douglas Road and 3131 Douglas Road
- Street Address
- 3090 Douglas Road
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
Looking northwest along Dominion Street from near Douglas Road
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91846
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- April 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Dominion Street, looking northwest from near Douglas Road. The house at 3093 Douglas Road is just visible between the trees. In 2009 Dominion Street was repaved and sidewalks were installed following a local improvement request to the City.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- April 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-027
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Dominion Street, looking northwest from near Douglas Road. The house at 3093 Douglas Road is just visible between the trees. In 2009 Dominion Street was repaved and sidewalks were installed following a local improvement request to the City.
- Subjects
- Buildings - Residential - Houses
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.27"
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "April 2015 / Looking Northwest along Dominion St. from near Douglas Rd."
- Street Address
- 3093 Douglas Road
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
Looking northwest from Douglas Road
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91835
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- October 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a two-storey house located at 3131 Douglas Road. The house is white with brown trim and a brown shingle roof. The large oak tree in the front yard of the property is full of vibrant autum-coloured leaves. The photograph was taken from across Douglas Road, looking northwest.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- October 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-016
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a two-storey house located at 3131 Douglas Road. The house is white with brown trim and a brown shingle roof. The large oak tree in the front yard of the property is full of vibrant autum-coloured leaves. The photograph was taken from across Douglas Road, looking northwest.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "Oct. 2016 / 3131 Douglas Rd. - with Oak Tree - Fall Colours"
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.16"
- 5118 Douglas Road renumbered to 3131 Douglas Road in 1958 and to 5538 Dominion Street in 1970 or 1971
- The oak tree (centre) is the same tree as in photographs 620-007, 620-014, and 620-015
- Street Address
- 3131 Douglas Road
- 5118 Douglas Road
- 5538 Dominion Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
Looking southwest from corner of Douglas Road and Dominion Street
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91878
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- April 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the houses and trees situated on the southwest corner of Douglas Road and Dominion Street. The large oak, hemlock, and fir were planted as part of the original landscaping of the Roberts' property in the 1920s. The photograph was taken from the Douglas Road and Dominion Street inter…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- April 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-059
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the houses and trees situated on the southwest corner of Douglas Road and Dominion Street. The large oak, hemlock, and fir were planted as part of the original landscaping of the Roberts' property in the 1920s. The photograph was taken from the Douglas Road and Dominion Street intersection.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.21"
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "Looking southwest from corner of Douglas Rd. and Dominion St. / Oak Tree Hemlock Tree Fir Tree / planted in late 1920's"
- Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "April 2015"
- The oak tree is the same tree as in photographs 620-007, 620-014, 620-015, and 620-016
- Geographic Access
- Dominion Street
- Douglas Road
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
Looking west along Dominion Street from 5496 Dominion Street
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91873
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- July 2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the houses along Dominion Street, looking west from 5496 Dominion Street. The two houses in the foreground, 5480 and 5488 Dominion Street, were constructed in 1994 on the lot previously numbered 5486 Dominion Street.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- July 2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-054
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the houses along Dominion Street, looking west from 5496 Dominion Street. The two houses in the foreground, 5480 and 5488 Dominion Street, were constructed in 1994 on the lot previously numbered 5486 Dominion Street.
- Subjects
- Buildings - Residential - Houses
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.16"
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "Houses at 5480 and 5488 Dominion St. / built in 1994"
- Photo production stamp on verso of photograph reads: "07/03/2016"
- Street Address
- 5488 Dominion Street
- 5480 Dominion Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
Looking west along Dominion Street from across the street from 5496 Dominion Street
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91874
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- July 2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the houses along the south side of Dominion Street with cars parked along the curb. In 2009 sidewalks were installed and the street was repaved under a neighbourhood local improvement request to the City. The photograph was taken from the north side of the street, opposite 5496 Dom…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- July 2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-055
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the houses along the south side of Dominion Street with cars parked along the curb. In 2009 sidewalks were installed and the street was repaved under a neighbourhood local improvement request to the City. The photograph was taken from the north side of the street, opposite 5496 Dominion Street, looking west.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.17"
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "Dominion St. infilled with houses on 33' lots / Photo July 2016"
- Geographic Access
- Dominion Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
Looking west along the back lane
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91861
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- April 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the back lane between Dominion Street and Norfolk Street, looking west. Visible along the Norfolk Street side of the lane are houses with garages and longer driveways. Along the Dominion Street side the lane is abutted by trees and open carports. The houses along Norfolk Street wer…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- April 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-042
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the back lane between Dominion Street and Norfolk Street, looking west. Visible along the Norfolk Street side of the lane are houses with garages and longer driveways. Along the Dominion Street side the lane is abutted by trees and open carports. The houses along Norfolk Street were constructed in the 1980s and 1990s following the rezoning of the properties.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.5"
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "April 1, 2015"
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
Looking west from back yard of 5496 Dominion Street
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91866
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- April 1, 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the backyard at 5496 Dominion Street, looking west, with the houses on Norfolk Street (left) and Dominion Street (right) visible in the background.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- April 1, 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-047
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the backyard at 5496 Dominion Street, looking west, with the houses on Norfolk Street (left) and Dominion Street (right) visible in the background.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.10"
- Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "April 1, 2015"
- Geographic Access
- Dominion Street
- Norfolk Street
- Street Address
- 5496 Dominion Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
Looking west from Douglas Road
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91834
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- April 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the houses located on the corner of Douglas Road and Dominion Street, with a large oak tree in the front of the yard. The house on the left is 3131 Douglas Road; the house behind is 5536 Dominion Street. The photograph was taken from Douglas Road, looking west.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- April 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-015
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the houses located on the corner of Douglas Road and Dominion Street, with a large oak tree in the front of the yard. The house on the left is 3131 Douglas Road; the house behind is 5536 Dominion Street. The photograph was taken from Douglas Road, looking west.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "April 2015 / 3131 Douglas Rd. / with Oak Tree"
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.15"
- 5118 Douglas Road renumbered to 3131 Douglas Road in 1958 and to 5538 Dominion Street in 1970 or 1971
- The oak tree (centre) is the same tree as in photographs 620-007 and 620-014
- Street Address
- 3131 Douglas Road
- 5118 Douglas Road
- 5538 Dominion Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
Interview with John Templeton, Alan James and Christine Leston by Kathy Bossort October 26, 2015 - Track 8
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory594
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1995-2015
- Length
- 0:15:39
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about the Stoney Creek Environment Committee members’ discussion of the natural and community values of Stoney Creek. They talk about changes in fish population, the presence of other animals in the watershed, and how people benefit from natural areas.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about the Stoney Creek Environment Committee members’ discussion of the natural and community values of Stoney Creek. They talk about changes in fish population, the presence of other animals in the watershed, and how people benefit from natural areas.
- Date Range
- 1995-2015
- Length
- 0:15:39
- Subjects
- Geographic Features - Streams
- Animals - Fish
- Animals - Deer
- Animals - Bears
- Recreational Activities
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Stoney Creek
- Interviewer
- Bossort, Kathy
- Interview Date
- October 26, 2015
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with John Templeton, Alan James & Christine Leston, members of the Stoney Creek Environment Committee, conducted by Kathy Bossort. The three members of SCEC were among 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about the history and work of the stream keeper group Stoney Creek Environment Committee (SCEC) and the Stoney Creek Environmental Working Group, and about SCEC’s founder Jennifer Atkinson. The interview is made richer by the complementary views of the three interviewees, John Templeton (SCEC Chair), Alan James (Member-at-Large - Education), and Christine Leston (Treasurer).
- Biographical Notes
- The Stoney Creek Environment Committee is a streamkeeper group and registered non-profit society dedicated to protecting and restoring viable salmon-bearing streams within the Stoney Creek Watershed. (Stoney Creek originates on Burnaby Mountain and is part of the Brunette watershed which empties into the Fraser River.) The volunteer group, formed in 1995, was guided by the tireless efforts of Jennifer Atchison (1938-2010) after whom the Jennifer Atchison Environmental Centre in North Burnaby is named. The volunteer members of SCEC monitor water quality, generate inventories and reports on the biophysical assets and health of the watershed, provide educational opportunities, enhance stream and stream bank habitat, and speak on behalf of the Stoney Creek watershed. One of its key events is The Great Salmon Send-Off, the release of young salmon into Stoney Creek in May, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2015. The Stoney Creek Environmental Working Group (1999-present), managed by the City of Burnaby, undertakes to coordinate the actions of all stakeholders in the Stoney Creek watershed. It is comprised of representatives from community groups, such as SCEC, governmental and institutional agencies, and industries who are committed to sustaining and improving the quality of the Stoney Creek watershed’s water, wildlife and environment. John Templeton, currently SCEC Chair, joined SCEC in 2004. He was born in Coleraine ,County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in 1957, and after immigrating to Canada, came to live in Burnaby in 1992, first in Forest Grove (1992-2014) and then in Forest Hills. He works as a millwright. Alan James,Member-at-large - Education, joined SCEC in 2003 He was born in 1939 in Berkeley, California, and came to live in Burnaby in about 2000. He is a retired geophycisist and computer consultant. Christine Leston joined SCEC in 1997, serving first as Secretary and then as Treasurer. She was born in 1943 in Cheshire, England, and came to live in Burnaby in 1974, first in Greentree Village, then Simon Fraser Village (1974-2004) and now the Edmonds area. She is a retired technical writer.
- Total Tracks
- 9
- Total Length
- 2:08:27
- Interviewee Name
- Templeton, John R.
- James, Alan C.
- Leston, Christine
- Interview Location
- Jennifer Atchison Environmental Centre, Burnaby
- Interviewer Bio
- Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.
- Collection/Fonds
- Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
Audio Tracks
Track eight of interview with John Templeton, Alan James & Christine Leston
Track eight of interview with John Templeton, Alan James & Christine Leston
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-006/MSS196-006_Track_8.mp3Interview with Ron Smitherman by Eric Damer November 15, 2012 - Track 2
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory404
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1969-2012
- Length
- 0:08:06
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of changes to house construction over the years. Ron discusses working in construction, designing his own house and changes to the process of obtaining building permits (including a situation involving direct wiring in his home).
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of changes to house construction over the years. Ron discusses working in construction, designing his own house and changes to the process of obtaining building permits (including a situation involving direct wiring in his home).
- Date Range
- 1969-2012
- Photo Info
- Ron Smitherman, [199-]. Item no. 549-065.
- Length
- 0:08:06
- Interviewer
- Damer, Eric
- Interview Date
- November 15, 2012
- Scope and Content
- Recording is an interview with Ron Smitherman conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 15, 2012. Major theme discussed: building construction and development in Burnaby.
- Biographical Notes
- Born in 1933 and raised in Vancouver, Ron Smitherman learned the construction trade from his father, upgrading his knowledge and skills as techniques and materials changed and improved. Ron built houses and commercial buildings in Burnaby and elsewhere during the nineteen-forties, fifties and sixties. In 1969 Ron and his family settled in Burnaby where he shifted his business to real estate.
- Total Tracks
- 6
- Total Length
- 0:46:51
- Interviewee Name
- Smitherman, Ron
- Interview Location
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Interviewer Bio
- Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
- Collection/Fonds
- Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
- Transcript Available
- None
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks
Track two of recording of interview with Ron Smitherman
Track two of recording of interview with Ron Smitherman
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-025/MSS171-025_Track_2.mp3Interview with Steve Mancinelli by Kathy Bossort September 13, 2015 - Track 7
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory553
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1988-2015
- Length
- 0:10:02
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Steve Mancinelli’s beliefs about the value of the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, why people agreed to its preservation, and the role of the Society in rallying support for the preservation concept. He talks about how people use the mountain, and some of t…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Steve Mancinelli’s beliefs about the value of the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, why people agreed to its preservation, and the role of the Society in rallying support for the preservation concept. He talks about how people use the mountain, and some of the safety concerns, including the risk of meeting bears on the mountain and the problem of parking.
- Date Range
- 1988-2015
- Length
- 0:10:02
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Interviewer
- Bossort, Kathy
- Interview Date
- September 13, 2015
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with Steve Mancinelli conducted by Kathy Bossort. Steve Mancinelli was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about the activities of the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society between 1988 and 1997 and its advocacy for the protection of green space on Burnaby Mountain prior to the land transfer from SFU to Burnaby in 1995. Steve Mancinelli also talks about his other environmental and political activities, recreation on Burnaby Mountain, and the value of its natural assets.
- Biographical Notes
- Stephen Mancinelli was born in Vancouver in 1953 to Mario and Joan Mancinelli, one of three sons. The Mancinelli family moved to Burnaby in 1955 to the Cascade-Schou District. Steve attended Schou School (Gr. 1- 7) and Moscrop School (Gr. 8-10), playing as a child in the bush on the future Discovery Park site, before the family moved to Port Coquitlam. Steve moved back to Burnaby when he was 18, married his wife Glenda in 1980, and raised his family of two daughters (Julia and Aimee) in the Capital Hill District, before moving to Coquitlam in 2002. Employed as a sheet metal worker for 25 years, Steve has recently worked as a custodian for Coquitlam School District 43 for 19 years. Steve was one of the founding members of the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society, and has also been a member of the Capital Hill Community Association, on the Board of Directors for Burnaby Psychiatric Services, and a Regional Director for the Green Party. Steve took an early interest in organic gardening, planting trees, and finding inventive ways to recycle waste and promote responsible use of the environment. Steve’s experience working on environmental issues was an important asset to the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society, which formed ca. 1988 to become a key advocate for preserving parkland on Burnaby Mountain. The Society was awarded the City of Burnaby 1998 Environment Award in Communications for its work in preserving the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. In 2001 Steve was awarded an Environmental Star in Community Stewardship for being “active in preserving and enhancing Burnaby’s natural environment for over thirty years”.
- Total Tracks
- 9
- Total Length
- 1:31:42
- Interviewee Name
- Mancinelli, Stephen J. "Steve"
- Interview Location
- Steve Mancinelli's home in Burnaby
- Interviewer Bio
- Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.
- Collection/Fonds
- Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
Audio Tracks
Track seven of interview with Steve Mancinelli
Track seven of interview with Steve Mancinelli
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-001/MSS196-001_Track_7.mp3Interview with Tony Fabian by Eric Damer October 10, 2012 - Track 4
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory325
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1972-2012
- Length
- 0:11:59
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Tony Fabian's involvement in the development of the Stream Preservation Bylaw in Burnaby. He discusses fish populations, air quality, and bird populations in Burnaby as well.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Tony Fabian's involvement in the development of the Stream Preservation Bylaw in Burnaby. He discusses fish populations, air quality, and bird populations in Burnaby as well.
- Date Range
- 1972-2012
- Photo Info
- Tony Fabian relaxing at a picnic table, [1970]. Item no. 549-026.
- Length
- 0:11:59
- Interviewer
- Damer, Eric
- Interview Date
- October 10, 2012
- Scope and Content
- Recording is an interview with Tony Fabian conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 10, 2012. Major theme discussed: environmental conservation practices in Burnaby.
- Biographical Notes
- Tony Fabian was born and raised in rural Saskatchewan in 1934. He and his wife moved to Burnaby in 1957, where he worked for the telephone company and raised a family. Tony has been an advocate for preservation of parklands and watercourses, helping to protect Burnaby and Deer Lake Parks and to create the Burnaby Fraser Foreshore and Barnet Marine Parks in the early nineteen-seventies, serving as a member of Burnaby’s Parks and Recreation Commission. Tony Fabian was presented with the 2008 City of Burnaby Environment Award for Community Stewardship.
- Total Tracks
- 5
- Total Length
- 0:47:48
- Interviewee Name
- Fabian, Tony
- Interview Location
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Interviewer Bio
- Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
- Collection/Fonds
- Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
- Transcript Available
- None
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks
Track four of recording of interview with Tony Fabian
Track four of recording of interview with Tony Fabian
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-009/MSS171-009_Track_4.mp3Saving the Salmon: the Brunette River Story
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4486
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 2018
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (3 min., 35 sec.) : digital, 23 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Scope and Content
- This short film was produced by the City of Burnaby Community Heritage Commission to commemorate Burnaby's 125th anniversary. It features the story of the preservation of the Brunette River.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (3 min., 35 sec.) : digital, 23 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Scope and Content
- This short film was produced by the City of Burnaby Community Heritage Commission to commemorate Burnaby's 125th anniversary. It features the story of the preservation of the Brunette River.
- Publisher
- City of Burnaby
- Other Title Information
- title given by film makers
- Accession Code
- BV018.12.4
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- 2018
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Lake Area
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Reproduction of content is restricted
Images
Video
Saving the Salmon: the Brunette River Story, 2018
Saving the Salmon: the Brunette River Story, 2018
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2018_0012_0004_001.mp4Women with horse and harness racing cart
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4144
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [between 2000 and 2015] (date of original)
- Collection/Fonds
- Esther Love Stanley fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (tiff)
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of of a horse hitched up to a two-wheeled harness racing cart inside a barn or exercise ring. There is a woman sitting in the cart and another standing behind the horse.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Esther Love Stanley fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (tiff)
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of of a horse hitched up to a two-wheeled harness racing cart inside a barn or exercise ring. There is a woman sitting in the cart and another standing behind the horse.
- Subjects
- Animals - Horses
- Accession Code
- BV016.43.44
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [between 2000 and 2015] (date of original)
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph.
- Image is from a binder of family history. Binder 1, orange cover "Old Stanley Family Photo / Old Shankie Family Photos / War Photos - Echo Photos".
- Digital image created from orginal photograph by donor
Images
Interview with Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19346
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1600-2022] (interview content), interviewed 7 Oct. 2022
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (111 min., 51 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (111 min., 51 sec.)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. During the interview Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar discusses and provides in…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Series
- Museum Oral Histories series
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (111 min., 51 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (111 min., 51 sec.)
- Material Details
- Interviewers: Anushay Malik, Rajdeep Co Interviewer and technical support: Kate Petrusa Interviewee: Nadeem Parmar Location of Interview: Residence of Nadeem Parmar in Burnaby Interview Date: October 7, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:51:51 min Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. During the interview Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar discusses and provides information on; his ancestral background, his education, his employment background, his experiences of racial discrimmination as a South Asian immigrant, saw mills established by South Asian relations in Paldi (Vancouver Island), in North Vancouver and Burnaby, family relations in the South Asian Canadian community and in regions in Punjab, the caste system, his literary works, locations of family homes in Burnaby, the architectural design of his house, personal stories and anecdotal information as a South Asian Canadian living and working in Canada. 00:00 – 01:45 The framework and purpose of the interview is explained to interviewee Nadeem Parmar by interviewers Rajdeep and Anushay Malik. The interviewers explain how the information from this interview can be drawn on for Burnaby Village Museum’s future exhibits and also how researchers will learn more about the history of the South Asian community in Burnaby through residents’ stories. Interview begins with Nadeem providing his full name "Kulwant Singh Parmar". He clarifies that his name was given to him by his grandfather who was a civil engineer and that his father also worked as a civil engineer. Nadeem expresses that he was born with a “silver spoon in his mouth” as a descendent of his maternal grandfather who was a successful landlord. Nadeem explains that when the Partition of India came into effect, (1947) he was 11 years old. He and his family left the partitioned side, his native village was located in Punjab and his forefathers were located in Rajasthan. 3:20 – 4:57 Nadeem explains further about his forefathers who came from Rajasthan. He shares information about his ancestor on his father’s side, named Vijay Singh who was friends with Emperor Jahangir. When fighting began against Jahangir he left the area to head to the middle of central India, then to the Punjab area with small states. As a clan, as a Parmar, he conveys there were about eleven or twelve villages with the same name. Interviewer, Anushay helps Nadeem to clarify the time period of this information. Nadeem refers to the time period being similar to the epic historical film “Moghal-e-Azam” and Anushay confirms the time period being the 1600s when they left Rajasthan. 4:58 – 10:59 Interviewer Anushay asks Nadeem to about his migration to Canada. Nadeem conveys that his first ancestor on his in-laws side of the family migrated around 1889. Further discussion ensues about reading Punjabi and how interviewer Rajdeep can read Punjabi and that she comes from the village of "Lakhpur" in Punjab. Rajdeep notes that “Lakhpur” is near "Phagwara". Nadeem clarifies that his village is "Panchat" and this family used to live in "Phagwara". and Nadeem and Rajdeep compare their familiarity and memories of the area. Nadeem conveys some of his comments in Punjabi and then changes to English. Nadeem recollects when the Japanese bombarded Shillong, he was around seven years old and attended missionary school. The only languages that were taught were English and Persian. Nadeem conveys that his mother had hopes of Nadeem becoming an army officer and moving up the ranks but Nadeem wasn’t interested. Nadeem attended college, graduated with a Bachelor of Science, BSC with Physics and Chemistry, followed by another Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and finally a degree in his favourite subject in the language of Urdu. He completed these degrees in Punjab in Doaba College, Jalandher. Nadeem recollects how he started teaching but wasn’t getting paid very well. When he was at college, with encouragement from his professor, Veer Pankalia [sic] he began writing poetry and short plays. His professor also introduced him to a famous poet of Punjab, Mila Ram Offa [sic] and he gave him the name of Nadeem. Nadeem explains the meaning of the name “Nadeem” “…the one who know about it, inside out…” even though we generally think of the meaning being “friend” it’s not just about friend. 11:00 -24:48 Nadeem provides background information on how he ended up marrying his future wife who was born in India and immigrated to Canada with her family. Nadeem explains how the marriage was arranged through family relations that were already established in Punjab over a century ago. One of his wife’s ancestors, head of the family called “baniye” (traders) immigrated to Canada in [1899]. This relation returned to Punjab where he had nephews, the youngest of the nephews was Nadeem’s father (Lashman Singh Manhas) in law’s father (Sher Singh Manhas). He expresses that his wife’s ancestor couldn’t bring Nadeem’s father in law’s father since he was only 12 or 13 years old but he brought three of the nephews back to Canada with him. The nephews were named, Pola Singh, Ginaya Singh and Doman Singh (also named Dolmans). He describes how the group left India but it took them two to three years before they arrived in Canada. The group travelled to Burma, Indonesia and Hong Kong before landing in San Francisco. From San Francisco they walked and worked on the rail line before entering Canada and arriving in Grand Forks. The men got work on the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and eventually made their way to the lower mainland. Nadeem conveys that the younger brother of Ginaya Singh, Maya Singh joined the others in Canada taking the same route, arriving in Bridal Falls where they were working at a saw mill and in CP rail construction. He describes Maya Singh as business minded and since he was too young to work in the mill, he began working as a cook and then began growing potatoes on land that he leased from a Dutch land owner. The local mill at Bridal Falls was facing bankruptcy and Maya Singh arranged to lease the mill, eventually buying it. From there the group moved their business to Strawberry Hill in Surrey and when the sale of logs declined, they moved over to Vancouver Island and established a sawmill with Doman Singh in the community of Paldi (originally known as Mayo Lumber) near Duncan. He explains further how the South Asian community helped each other like they did back home. He clarifies that his father in law’s father is the youngest cousin of Ginaya and Doman Singh and when he died, his father in law’s younger brother started Kashmir Lumber. Eventually his father in law (Lashman Singh Manhas) and the rest of the whole family including cousins and nephews were sponsored by their relations and immigrated to Canada. Nadeem explains how in 1959, his brother in law returned home to Punjab to get married, bringing his family with him. He tells of how during this time period, a marriage was arranged by his parents for him to marry his future wife. Nadeem recollects how this came to be. Nadeem and his wife Surjeet married in Punjab in December 1960, Nadeem was 24 years old and his wife was 18 years old. 24:49 – 39:42 Nadeem describes how he obtained his teaching degree from Ramgarhia College in Phagwara (located in the Kapurhtala district of Punjab) and after a disagreement with a teacher at home, he decided to go to England. He explains how he joined his brother who had moved to England and was working as a labourer. Nadeem tells of the difficulties he faced applying for a teaching job in England and how he had to go back to school to help with his English pronunciation. Nadeem explains that after taking this course, he got work teaching Grade two students which he felt was below his qualifications (he mentions that while living in Punjab, he was a Secondary School teacher) and the pay was very low. He discovered that his brother was making more money working as a labourer so Nadeem became discouraged and quit. When Nadeem couldn’t find work as a labourer, his brother advised him to shave off his beard. Nadeem conveys how difficult it was for him to shave off his beard and how once he was clean shaven he got work as a sweeper in a factory. He shares his experience of working in the factory and of how with his former education he got himself promoted to a more technical position. With encouragement from his employer, Nadeem enrolled in technical courses which lead to him obtaining an HNC Engineering Degree. He completed the course work in two years, obtaining skills in microwave communication becoming the senior test engineer at the factory. While working in this position, Nadeem shares how he suffered discrimination when he was passed over for a senior chief engineer position at the factory by a less educated and experienced employee. 39:43 – 53:38 Nadeem recollects how things changed for him in the 1970s. It began with his father in law (Lashman Singh Manhas) passing away in 1970 while he and his family were living on 18th Street in Burnaby. His father in law had been working at the saw mill, Kashmir Lumber Company in North Vancouver that was owned by his father in law’s younger brother (Kashmir Singh Manhas). The mill had burnt down and many of the workers lost everything. Nadeem confides that during this time, his wife was suffering from depression and wanted to be with her mother back in Canada now that her father had passed away. Nadeem emphasizes how his wife’s family (over 300 relatives) in Canada often get together every year on July 1st in Paldi near Duncan. In 1972, Nadeem arrived in Canada on his own to find work but was unsuccessful so he and his wife made plans to move to Uganda where he was offered a job. In 1973, when his visa didn’t come through for Uganda, Nadeem, his wife and two children decided to come to Canada. Nadeem describes that after several unsuccessful experiences to find skilled work in Canada, he eventually found work at Canadian National Telecommunications. During this time, Nadeem and his family lived with his father in law’s family at 5216 Pandora Street in Burnaby and in 1974, Nadeem purchased a house at 131 Fell Avenue in Burnaby. Nadeem provides further details of when the families lived at these different addresses and how in 1983 he had a house built on Woodsworth Street where he is still living now. He conveys some of the history of the lot where his current house resides including details on the lot subdivision, lot ownership and the cost of building his new house. Nadeem tells of how he designed his home with help from his son who was working as an apprentice with architect Arthur Erikson at the time. He describes the architectural interior as an open concept design, in an “L” shape in honour of his father “Lakhmir Singh”. Nadeem shares information on his mother’s name which was Jamna (prior to her marriage) and became Davinder Kaur after she was married. (Note: Jamna was her name before marriage. Traditionally after a woman is married, her husband’s family changes her first name because she is now considered a part of a new family). 53:39 – 58:56 Nadeem provides information on his career working as CNCP technician working with CPIC systems and how he was promoted to a new position. Nadeem inserts a quote from a Punjabi poem which he translates to English as “Somebody asked the blind people. What do you need? He said, do you need two eyes?, he said, what else do I need?”. Nadeem conveys how in 1986 his mother passed away so he went back home to the village of Lakhpur where his father and younger brother were living. His father and younger brother were on their own and in 1986 they decided to demolish the family home. He explains that there’s a college there now and that a library was built at this location in the name of his grandfather. 58:57 – 1:04:38 Nadeem shares how he suffered a heart attack in 1990 during the marriage ceremony of his son in Williams Lake. Nadeem talks about the complicated relations of the South Asian families and the saw mill owners in Paldi and comments on the problems with the caste system that provokes discrimination within the South Asian community. Nadeem refers to disputes that arose amongst mill owners and investors that included Kapoor Singh Siddoo, Mayo Singh, Gurdial Singh Teja and Ginaya Singh which caused problems amongst his family and also lead to Kapoor Singh selling his portion of the mill. Nadeem spells “Ginaya” Singh’s name and explains that this name is the nickname for “Krishna”. Nadeem provides his insight into the joint ownership of the saw mills located in Paldi and how the the joint ownership was dissolved in 1952. Nadeem clarifies that Ginaya Singh also left Paldi and that Ginaya Singh’s wife is his mother in law’s aunt and that he also moved to Burnaby. Nadeem explains the proper name spelling of mill owner “Mayo Singh” and that the correct spelling is actually “Mayan Singh” but he changed it to “Mayo” when it was mis-pronounced. Nadeem also comments on the problems that he encountered in 1970 on the pronunciation of his own name while living in England and at one point his employer referred to him as “Paul”. 1:04:39 – 1:18:50 Nadeem relays that when he emigrated from India and to Canada that he carried his personal possessions in a small suitcase made from cardboard since the weight limit on the airplane was just three pounds. He conveys that many of his relations have all suffered from heart problems including Ginaya Singh and his children. Nadeem shares that Ginaya Singh’s three sons all lived in Burnaby. Nadeem conveys that many South Asians lived in Burnaby and many worked at saw mills in North Vancouver and in the L&K sawmill near Pemberton. Nadeem explains further about the how the disagreements came to be between Mayo Singh and Kapoor Singh. He describes how each had a different business strategy in harvesting lumber and that there were feuds amongst the families. Nadeem provides further details on the root of the family feuds. Nadeem provides definitions for certain Punjabi terms that he’s using including “Mehta”(meaning lowest class of farmers, foreigner as well head as a title given to people of a clan living in the area) and ‘Panchat”, the name of his family village that was built and founded by five brothers and one nephew (Panj- meaning five and the sound “cht” meaning six). Nadeem explains that these terms were given to people from his own clan living in the area because it was small. Nadeem explains further about status that is based on money and the Punjabi terms “Parsu”, “Parsa” and “Pasaram” that are often used to describe a person. When you are poor the term “Parsu” is used and when you become rich the term “Pasaram” is used. Nadeem refers to Mayo Singh as a Pasaram as the second most successful millner in British Columbia, second to Frederick John Hart. Nadeem mentions that Ginaya Singh, elder brother to Mayo Singh helped provide the finances to start the mill and when there was a disagreement, Ginaya Singh left the mill business, moved his family to Burnaby and began working in insurance. Nadeem shares the sad story of Ginaya Singh’s sudden death (in 1953). Nadeem states that many of the people who left the mills at Paldi went to work at the Kapoor Mill in Burnaby and some relocated to the Interior of British Columbia. Nadeem mentions that his father in law (Lashman Singh Manhas) was able to purchase a house on 18th Street in along with other residences that he bought with his hard earned money working in the farms and mills, 16 hours per day, seven days a week. 1:18:51 – 1:32:04 Nadeem explains why he thinks that most South Asian people worked in the mills in the earlier days. Nadeem conveys that since Sikh men wore beards and turbans they encountered discrimination and were unable to get work in the business community. Nadeem shares his own personal experiences of wearing a turban and the discrimination he’s encountered while living in Scotland and Canada. Nadeem mentions that a defense committee was formed to protect the Gurdwaras and people’s homes from being vandalized due to racial discrimination. Nadeem describes some of the troubles that he’s encountered in his own neighbourhood when he had to call the police. Nadeem shares a personal experience just after 9/11 where he was the target of racial discrimination in the parking lot of Burnaby Lake. Nadeem emphasizes that he has experienced many incidents of racial discrimination, especially in the workplace and that this was not unusual for him. 1:32:05 – 1:36:19 Nadeem talks about his interest in writing and his many literary works including 12 novels that he’s written in Punjabi. Nadeem highlights a few books that he’s written including a book titled “Rape” and another one titled “Sponsorship” which conveys the complex nature of people immigrating to Canada. Nadeem mentions a particular book about AIDS, titled “Wide Net” that he’s been trying to get published. Nadeem speaks to the challenges and high costs of trying to get his works published. Nadeem provides a brief synopsis of his book “Wide Net”. Nadeem relays that this is a personal account of a gay couple that he knew where one of the partners died of AIDS and that the couple gave Nadeem permission to tell their tragic story. 1:36:20 – 1:51:51 Nadeem talks about his children and compares their experiences to his own as a South Asian immigrant. Nadeems talks about the accomplishments of his son, his daughter and grandchildren including their education and careers. Nadeem says that his children are well educated and well established in their careers. Nadeem’s children attended Capitol Hill Elementary School and North Burnaby High School in Burnaby. Nadeem shares specifics of his son’s career history. Nadeem expresses that he still considers Canada to be the best country for opportunities and that he prefers to live in Burnaby rather than Surrey and shares some personal anecdotes. Nadeem lists some local places that he’s shopped for South Asian groceries and spices rather than travelling to Surrey. He mentions shopping at Kelly Douglas, stores in Chinatown, small grocers on Capitol Hill, Patel’s on Commercial Drive and Main Street. As an aside Nadeem mentions that he worked as a security guard and the wages that he earned. Nadeem comments that he has been awarded various certificates and certifications from his education and career over the years, including a Bachelor of Science. The interviewers further express their interest in seeing the cardboard case that Nadeem brought with him when immigrating to Canada. In closing Nadeem states that his favourite food from back home was kheer (rice pudding).
- History
- Interviewee biography: Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar was born June 9, 1936, Chuck 138 in Lyalpur (India before 1947) to parents Lakhmir Singh Parmar and Davinder Kaur Jamana Parmar. Nadeem grew up in the village of Panchat in the northern region of Punjab, India. Nadeem married his wife Surjeet in Punjab in 1960. After marrying the couple immigrated to England where Nadeem was already working. While living in England, Nadeem and Surjeet had two children. After Surjeet's father died in Canada in 1972, Nadeem, Surjeet and their two children immgrated to Canada, joining Surjeet's family who were living in Burnaby. After Nadeem immigrated to Burnaby in 1973 he worked various jobs before working with CN/CP Telecommunications. Nadeem holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Teaching from Punjab University and a diploma from the London Board of Education (L.B.E.) and a P.Eng. from Lancaster. He has seven books published in Punjabi, three in Urdu and is published in eight anthologies. He is fluent in Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindi. Interviewers' biographies: Anushay Malik is labor historian with a geographical focus on South Asia. Anushay studied at the University of London and was a research fellow at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 2014, Anushay moved back to her native Pakistan and joined Lahore University of Management Services as an Assistant Professor. In 2023, Anushay is a visiting scholar at Simon Fraser University and lives in Burnaby with her family. Anushay was a co-curator of the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”. Rajdeep was born and raised in the Lower Mainland and is of Punjabi (South Asian) descent. She has an Associate of Arts degree in Asian Studies from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia. She is a student in the Restoration of Natural Systems program at the University of Victoria. Rajdeep works at Simon Fraser University as a Program Assistant and as a researcher with the City of Burnaby. At Burnaby Village Museum, Rajdeep contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Subjects
- Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
- Buildings - Industrial - Saw Mills
- Buildings - Industrial - Factories
- Education
- Employment
- Industries - Logging/lumber
- Migration
- Occupations - Engineers
- Occupations - Millworkers
- Occupations - Teachers
- Occupations - Writers
- Persons - South Asian Canadians
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Racism
- Names
- Parmar, Kalwant Singh "Nadeem"
- Kapoor Sawmills Limited
- Siddoo, Kapoor Singh
- Teja, Gurdial Singh
- Parmar, Surjeet Kaur
- Manhas, Ghania Singh
- Singh, Mayo
- Manhas, Kashmir Singh
- Manhas, Sher Singh
- Manhas, Budhan Kaur
- Manhas, Lashman Singh
- Responsibility
- Malik, Anushay
- Rajdeep
- Geographic Access
- Woodsworth Street
- Accession Code
- BV022.29.1
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1600-2022] (interview content), interviewed 7 Oct. 2022
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Douglas-Gilpin Area
- Capitol Hill Area
- Related Material
- See also BV022.29.5 - Interview with Surjeet Kaur Parmar
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
- Spelling of "Ginaya Singh" found as "Ghania Singh Manhas" in obituary and death certificate
- Interview is conducted in English with various segments of discussion in Punjabi
- Transcript of interview available upon request
Audio Tracks
Interview with Kalwant Singh
Interview with Kalwant Singh
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0001_003.mp3