"British Columbia" found 80 records

Scope and Content: File consists of papers pertaining to a proposed British Columbia Film Centre (also known as Studio City) that was to be built in Burnaby. Included in the file are newspaper articles and promotional material.

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1987

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Evelyn Salisbury subseries

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records

Description Level: File

Record No.: MSS061-058

Access Restriction: In Archives only

Accession Number: BHS1991-24

Scope and Content: File consists of papers pertaining to a proposed British Columbia Film Centre (also known as Studio City) that was to be built in Burnaby. Included in the file are newspaper articles and promotional material.

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of file

Census - Population and Dwelling Counts - British Columbia - Population

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription32052

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1986

Collection/Fonds: Planning Department fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: Textual record

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1986

Collection/Fonds: Planning Department fonds

Series: Studies, reports, and conferences series

Physical Description: Textual record

Description Level: File

Record No.: 35066

Accession Number: 2006-16

Media Type: Textual Record

Comprehensive Development Plans - Bylaw No. 8730, Rezoning Reference # 11/87 (British Columbia Film Centre)

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription13874

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1987

Collection/Fonds: City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: Architectural drawings

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1987

Collection/Fonds: City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

Series: Bylaws series

Physical Description: Architectural drawings

Description Level: File

Record No.: 16862

Accession Number: 2001-01

Media Type: Architectural Drawing

Heritage Society of British Columbia papers

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58259

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1976-1987

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of papers pertaining to the Heritage Society of British Columbia Conference held in Kamloops as well as of Kamloops in general. Included in the file are maps, brochures, meeting minutes and reports.

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1976-1987

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Evelyn Salisbury subseries

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records

Description Level: File

Record No.: MSS061-083

Access Restriction: In Archives only

Accession Number: BHS1991-24

Scope and Content: File consists of papers pertaining to the Heritage Society of British Columbia Conference held in Kamloops as well as of Kamloops in general. Included in the file are maps, brochures, meeting minutes and reports.

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of file

Heritage Society of British Columbia papers

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58260

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1987-1990

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of papers pertaining to the Heritage Society of British Columbia Conference held in Prince Rupert as well as of Prince Rupert in general. Included in the file are maps, brochures, meeting minutes and reports.

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1987-1990

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Evelyn Salisbury subseries

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records

Description Level: File

Record No.: MSS061-084

Access Restriction: In Archives only

Accession Number: BHS1991-24

Scope and Content: File consists of papers pertaining to the Heritage Society of British Columbia Conference held in Prince Rupert as well as of Prince Rupert in general. Included in the file are maps, brochures, meeting minutes and reports.

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of file

Heritage Society of British Columbia papers

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58285

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1988-1989

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of papers pertaining to the Heritage Society of British Columbia Conference held in Kelowna as well as of Kelowna in general. Included in the file are maps, brochures, workshop booklets, 3 colour postcards, and meeting minutes and reports.

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1988-1989

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Evelyn Salisbury subseries

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records

Description Level: File

Record No.: MSS061-085

Access Restriction: In Archives only

Accession Number: BHS1991-24

Scope and Content: File consists of papers pertaining to the Heritage Society of British Columbia Conference held in Kelowna as well as of Kelowna in general. Included in the file are maps, brochures, workshop booklets, 3 colour postcards, and meeting minutes and reports.

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of file

School files - British Columbia Institute of Technology

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription66584

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1988-2005

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records (newsprint)

Scope and Content: File consists of newspaper clippings pertaining to the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1988-2005

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: School files subseries

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records (newsprint)

Description Level: File

Record No.: 43068

Accession Number: BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: File consists of newspaper clippings pertaining to the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of file

Statistics Relating to Regional and Municipal Governments in British Columbia - 1986

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription32058

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1986

Collection/Fonds: Planning Department fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: Textual record

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1986

Collection/Fonds: Planning Department fonds

Series: Studies, reports, and conferences series

Physical Description: Textual record

Description Level: File

Record No.: 35072

Accession Number: 2006-16

Media Type: Textual Record

Tourism in British Columbia

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58189

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1954-1990

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of papers pertaining to tourism in British Columbia including newspaper clippings, brochures, correspondence and newsletters (mostly pertaining to heritage organizations). Also included in the file are Burnaby Hospital Society correspondence as well as an unused 1989 wall calendar .

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1954-1990

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Evelyn Salisbury subseries

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records

Description Level: File

Record No.: MSS061-029

Access Restriction: In Archives only

Accession Number: BHS1991-24

Scope and Content: File consists of papers pertaining to tourism in British Columbia including newspaper clippings, brochures, correspondence and newsletters (mostly pertaining to heritage organizations). Also included in the file are Burnaby Hospital Society correspondence as well as an unused 1989 wall calendar .

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of file

B.C. parole policy and procedures

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16668

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1980-1982]

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 2 cm of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of copies of excerpts from "B.C. Parole Policy and Procedures"; with memo to adult probation officer-parole coordinators re: copies of parole forms to data control, Feb. 1, 1982; and blank form on statement of parole applicant along some handwritten notes.

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Series: Oakalla correctional facility records series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 2 cm of textual records

Material Details: File enclosed in black duotang folder

Scope and Content: File consists of copies of excerpts from "B.C. Parole Policy and Procedures"; with memo to adult probation officer-parole coordinators re: copies of parole forms to data control, Feb. 1, 1982; and blank form on statement of parole applicant along some handwritten notes.

Creator: Province of British Columbia

Publisher: B.C. Board of Parole

Subjects: Public Services - Correctional; Public Services - Policing

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm; Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre

Accession Code: BV991.45.172

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [1980-1982]

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of file

Allan Rock at BCIT campaign event

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription95884

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [2000]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 3 photographs (tiff) : col.

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of Federal Health Minister Allan Rock speaking with nursing students during a campaign event at BCIT. Photographs show close-ups of Rock and one of the nursing students asking a question, as well as a photograph of Rock speaking as attendees look on in the background.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [2000]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Physical Description: 3 photographs (tiff) : col.

Description Level: File

Record No.: 535-1684

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2018-12

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of Federal Health Minister Allan Rock speaking with nursing students during a campaign event at BCIT. Photographs show close-ups of Rock and one of the nursing students asking a question, as well as a photograph of Rock speaking as attendees look on in the background.

Subjects: Elections; Officials - Elected Officials

Names: British Columbia Institute of Technology

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Bartel, Mario

Notes: Title based on caption; Collected by editorial for use in a November 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader; Caption from metadata for 535-1684-1: "Federal Health Minister Allan Rock speaks with nursing students during a campaign stop at BCIT."; Caption from metadata for 535-1684-2: "Federal Health Minister Allan Rock addresses nursing students at BCIT, during an election campaign stop."; Caption from metadata for 535-1684-3: "Michelle Marisi, a nurse at Vancouver General, studying critical care, raises her concerns with federal Health Minister, Allan Rock."

Geographic Access: Willingdon Avenue

Street Address: 3700 Willingdon Avenue

Planning Study Area: Douglas-Gilpin Area

Images

Allan Rock at BCIT campaign event, [2000] thumbnail

BCIT "Fawlty Towers" event

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription95722

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [2001]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 2 photographs (tiff) : col.

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of students participating in BCIT's annual "Fawlty Towers" competition. Photographs depict students taping index cards together to form towers inside of a gymnasium.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [2001]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Physical Description: 2 photographs (tiff) : col.

Description Level: File

Record No.: 535-1580

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2018-12

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of students participating in BCIT's annual "Fawlty Towers" competition. Photographs depict students taping index cards together to form towers inside of a gymnasium.

Subjects: Buildings - Schools - Universities and Colleges; Persons - Students

Names: British Columbia Institute of Technology

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Bartel, Mario

Notes: Title based on caption; Collected by editorial for use in a January 2001 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader; Caption from metadata for 535-1580-1: "Davy Chang, a management systems student at BCIT, works on his team's entry in the school's annual "Fawlty Towers" competition. Teams of students were given 90 minutes to see who could design and build the tallest structure, using only cardboard index cards and masking tape."; Caption from metadata for 535-1580-2: "Forestry students Jocelyn Waldbrook and Kara Epp assemble the walls of what will become their team's tower at BCIT's annual Fawlty Towers competition. Teams of students were given 90 minutes to design and build the tallest tower, using only cardboard index cards and masking tape."

Geographic Access: Willingdon Avenue

Street Address: 3700 Willingdon Avenue

Planning Study Area: Douglas-Gilpin Area

Images

BCIT Open House

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96526

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [2000]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 2 photographs (tiff) : b&w and col.

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of BCIT's annual Open House. Photographs depict robotics/automation students Colin Harraway and Colin Wilson demonstrating a machine that makes battery cells, and Will Dirksen demonstrating confined space rescue with classmate Philip Nishikihama as part of BCIT's occupatio…

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [2000]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Physical Description: 2 photographs (tiff) : b&w and col.

Description Level: File

Record No.: 535-2150

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2018-12

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of BCIT's annual Open House. Photographs depict robotics/automation students Colin Harraway and Colin Wilson demonstrating a machine that makes battery cells, and Will Dirksen demonstrating confined space rescue with classmate Philip Nishikihama as part of BCIT's occupational health and safety program.

Subjects: Buildings - Schools - Universities and Colleges; Persons - Students

Names: British Columbia Institute of Technology

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Bartel, Mario

Notes: Title based on caption; Collected by editorial for use in an April 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader; Caption from metadata for 535-2150-1: "Colin Harraway and Colin Wilson, students in the robotics/automation program at BCIT demonstrate the machine they built to make battery cells, at the school's annual Open House."; Caption from metadata for 535-2150-2: "Will Dirksen demonstrates confined space rescue with his "victim," Philip Nishikihama, in BCIT's occupational health and saftety program, at the school's annual open house."

Geographic Access: Willingdon Avenue

Street Address: 3700 Willingdon Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Douglas-Gilpin Area

Images

Interurban 1223 Volunteers Feb. 26, 2005

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98462

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: February 26, 2005

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 14 photographs (jpgs) on 1 optical disc

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of volunteers working on the restoration of interurban tram 1223.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: February 26, 2005

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Administration series

Physical Description: 14 photographs (jpgs) on 1 optical disc

Description Level: File

Record No.: 633-016

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2020-06

Scope and Content: File contains photographs of volunteers working on the restoration of interurban tram 1223.

Subjects: Transportation - Electric Railroads

Names: British Columbia Electric Railway Company

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Transcribed title; Title transcribed from optical disc label

Street Address: 6501 Deer Lake Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Morley-Buckingham Area

Images

Interurban 1223 Volunteers Feb. 26, 2005, February 26, 2005 thumbnail

City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription29

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1892-2021

Collection/Fonds: City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

Description Level: Fonds

Physical Description: 130m of textual records and other material

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of records generated in the course of municipal business by City Council and the Office of the City Clerk.

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1892-2021

Collection/Fonds: City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

Physical Description: 130m of textual records and other material

Description Level: Fonds

Access Restriction: Subject to FOIPPA

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of records generated in the course of municipal business by City Council and the Office of the City Clerk.

History: The City of Burnaby covers an area of approximately 98 square kilometers between the cities of Vancouver to the west, and Coquitlam and New Westminster to the east, Burrard Inlet to the north, and the Fraser River to the south. The municipality derived its name from Robert Burnaby, a prominent businessman and advisor to Sir James Douglas, the first Governor of the Crown Colony of British Columbia. Burnaby’s early development was closely tied to the development of the City of New Westminster. New Westminster became British Columbia’s capital in 1859, the year after the British Government proclaimed the establishment of British Columbia. Shortly thereafter, the Royal Engineers began exploring Burnaby to establish military defenses and secure natural resources. This involved the construction of a road linking New Westminster to Burrard Inlet for military purposes, which is present-day North Road. At this time, individuals and families began settling in Burnaby and were largely involved in agricultural and logging activities. Burnaby developed slowly until 1887, when the Canadian Pacific Railway was extended into Vancouver from the Port Moody terminal, causing a dramatic increase in traffic between New Westminster and Vancouver. To meet the new transportation demands, a tramline was built in 1891 connecting the two urban centers along what is now Kingsway. The creation and location of the tramline induced property owners to begin subdividing and selling their lands as early as October 1891. The property taxes the roughly 200 residents paid at this time went directly to the provincial government in Victoria. No local services were provided in turn, which prompted the formation of a committee to petition the provincial government for a municipal charter. As a result, the Corporation of the District of Burnaby was incorporated by letters patent on September 22, 1892. Burnaby’s first Council was elected by acclamation on October 15, 1892 and consisted of Reeve Charles R. Shaw and councillors William Brenchley, Arthur De Windt Hazard, L. Claude Hill, William McDermott, and John Woolard.* The first formal Council election was conducted three months later. Nicolai Shou became the first elected reeve of Burnaby by ballot. Council met at various locations, including the tramline’s power house, private homes, and offices until the first municipal hall was built at Kingsway and Edmonds in 1899. Council is ultimately responsible for the government of the City of Burnaby. The Mayor (formally called “Reeve” prior to 1968) and Council are elected by the residents of Burnaby to represent them in decisions with respect to the provision of public services and facilities. Additionally, the Mayor represents the citizens of Burnaby at various public functions and events. Burnaby was without Council representation during most of the Great Depression and part of the Second World War. Council was disbanded on December 31, 1932 as a result of financial difficulties. The Provincial Government appointed a Commissioner to take over the duties of Reeve and Council beginning in 1933. This system of government was retained until January 1943, when Burnaby residents could once again elect their local government officials. The following individuals have served as Mayor (or Reeve) of Burnaby: Charles R. Shaw 1892 Nicolai C. Schou 1893-1903 Charles F. Sprott 1904-1905 Peter Byrne 1906-1910 John W. Weart 1911-1912 Duncan C. McGregor 1913 Hugh M. Fraser 1914-1918 Thomas Sanderson 1919-1920 Alexander K. McLean 1921-1926; 1928-1929 Charles C. Bell 1927 William L. Burdick 1929 William A. Pritchard 1930-1932 William Tate Wilson 1943-1944 George A. Morrison 1945-1949 William R. Beamish 1950-1953 Charles W. MacSorley 1954-1957 Alan H. Emmott 1958-1968 Robert W. Prittie 1969-1973 Thomas W. Constable 1973-1979 David M. Mercier 1979-1981 William A. Lewarne 1981-1987 William J. Copeland 1987-1996 Douglas P. Drummond 1996-2002 Derek R. Corrigan 2002-2018 Mike Hurley 2018-present The following individuals have served as provincially appointed Commissioners for the Corporation of the District of Burnaby: John Bennett 1933 John Mahony 1933-1934 Hugh M. Fraser 1934-1940* R.S. Gilchrist 1941-1942* B.C. Bracewell 1942* *Richard Bolton was Acting Commissioner for most of 1940-1942. He refused to be a full-fledged Commissioner. Closely associated with the functions of Council is the City Clerk. The Office of the City Clerk is responsible for the statutory duties of the municipal clerk including the preparation and preservation of all minutes books and records of Council business, custody of City bylaws, administrative support to Council and its Committees, preparation of Council and Committee agendas and the conduct of local government elections. The Clerk’s Office is the communications link between Council and other City Departments and the general public, and provides assistance and advice to citizens with respect to Council and Council Committee processes, reporting procedures and decisions. At the time of Burnaby’s incorporation in 1892, the municipal Clerk had the responsibility to attend all meetings of Council, keep all records of Council, prepare and alter voters’ lists, conduct Council elections, collect revenue, as well as having the responsibility to prepare balance sheets and audits. An advertisement in a local newspaper for the appointment of the Clerk dated February 1, 1905 states the “united offices of clerk, collector and assessor” receive a salary of $65.00 per month. Originally the treasurer, assessor and records manager for the corporation, the Clerk eventually became the municipal Council liaison. The primary functions of the City Clerk over time have been the keeping of minutes for the meetings of City Council and related bodies; keeping the records of the City of Burnaby as required by the Local Government Act (formally Municipal Act); keeping all records related to City Council decision making; carrying out correspondence on behalf of Council; assembling voters’ lists and carrying out elections; providing communication, information, and public relations services, including responsibility for civic ceremonies/events, and the municipal archives. The following individuals have served as City Clerk: Alexander Philip 1892–1894 Alfred Smither 1894–1899 F.J.H. Shirley 1899–1901 Arthur De Windt Haszard 1901–1902 Walter J. Walker 1902–1905 Benjamin George Walker 1905–1908 Charles Thomas Saunders 1908–1911 W.M. Griffiths 1911–1912 Arthur G. Moore 1912–1933 Charles Boyer Brown 1933–1959 John H. Shaw 1959–1973* James Hudson 1974–1984 Charles A. Turpin 1984–1995 Debbie R. Comis 1995–2011 Anne Skipsey (Acting) 2011-2012 Maryann Manuel (Acting) 2012-2014 Dennis Back 2014-2018 Kate O'Connell 2018-2020 Blanka Zeinabova 2020-2022 *Deputy City Clerk T. Ward took over many of the Clerk’s duties from 1972 to 1973 due to Shaw’s ill health during these years.

Formats: Microforms exist for some records. See series descriptions.

Media Type: Textual Record

Creator: City of Burnaby

Notes: Title based on creators of fonds

Dr. Sadhu Binning fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19279

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1984]

Collection/Fonds: Dr. Sadhu Binning fonds

Description Level: Fonds

Physical Description: 2 photographs : col.

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of two photographs of actors from Vancouver Sath performing in the play "Maluka" at Sexsmith Elementary School.

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Dr. Sadhu Binning fonds

Description Level: Fonds

Physical Description: 2 photographs : col.

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of two photographs of actors from Vancouver Sath performing in the play "Maluka" at Sexsmith Elementary School.

History: Dr. Sadhu Binning was born on May 10, 1947 to mother Gurmej Kaur and father Jeet Singh Binning. Due to lack of proper records management in India at the time of his birth, it is believed that he was actually born sometime in December of 1947. He grew up alongside two brothers and one sister in a village located in Kapurthala, Punjab. Dr. Binning attended secondary school in the nearby city of Phagwara, Punjab although he did not complete his education here. Throughout his childhood, he enjoyed reading both Punjabi and Hindi novels and learned how to read Urdu as well. Dr. Binning’s uncle, Dhana Singh immigrated to Canada in 1933 and returned to India in 1953. When Dhana Singh returned to Canada in 1957, he sponsored Dr. Binning’s father, Jeet Singh Binning to immigrate. Dhana Singh co-owned a few saw mills in British Columbia and also worked in the truck driving industry. Dr. Binning remembers that some people who had lived in Canada would visit their village and that they appeared to be strong and healthy and looked happy. He also noticed that they would eat meat, so whenever they would visit there would be meat available. In 1967, when he was nineteen and a half years old, Dr. Binning immigrated Canada to join his father. He recalls his father and uncle and a friend arriving at the airport to pick him up. During his first few days, Dr. Binning made the decision to remove his turban and beard upon receiving advice from his uncle. Dr. Binning first obtained work on a farm in Abbotsford, working alongside his mother. While working, Dr. Binning also attended English classes in Vancouver. Dr. Binning’s Uncle Dhana Singh worked in a Vancouver saw mill and tried to help find work for his nephew but was unsuccessful. Dr. Binning soon found work at a saw mill in Avola and worked there until the end of the summer until a friend helped find him work in a saw mill in North Vancouver. During his free time, he enjoyed camping with friends. In 1970, Dr. Binning left the saw mill after obtaining a job at the post office. The post office offered lower wages than working at the mill but Dr. Binning believed that he would become more educated working here. While working as a postman, Dr. Binning recalls facing a lot of discrimination and racism and was often referred to as a ‘Paki’ multiple times a day. In 1973, Dr. Binning married Jagish Sihota. Sadhu and Jagdish originated from nearby villages in India and met each other in Canada. Dr. Binning’s wife, Jagdish worked at the Royal Bank of Canada for thirty years until her retirement. While working, she also looked after the household and their son and daughter. Jagdish also handwrote a magazine, “Watno Dur’ (English translation: ‘away from homeland’) which was distributed in the community. In 1976, Dr. Binning became the editor of the magazine and the name was later changed to “Watan’ as they had accepted their new homeland of Canada. While working at the post office, Dr. Binning also attended night school starting in eighth grade. After receiving his high school diploma, he was accepted to Simon Fraser University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Anthropology and Sociology and in 1986 he obtained a Masters degree from Simon Fraser University. While attending university, Dr. Binning was very active within the community and wanted to work to improve society. He first thought that he would return to India to contribute and improve rights in his homeland but upon seeing the prevalence of the movements in Canada, he realized that work needed to be done here too. In 1983, Dr. Binning became a founding member and contributor to a theatrical collective known as “Vancouver Sath”. The theatrical group produced plays that represented societal issues and were invited to perform at multiple conferences throughout British Columbia and Canada. The group focused and acknowledged the many issues in Punjab and in Canada. One of the plays that the group produced focused on the exploitation of Punjabi women who worked on farms in Canada. Dr. Binning continued to be involved as an integral member of Vancouver Sath until 1995. Over the years, Dr. Binning has strongly lobbied for Punjabi language education and between 1988 and 2008 he worked as Punjabi instructor at the University of British Columbia. He first worked as a teaching assistant at UBC under Dr. Harjot Oberoi and due to low wages, he simultaneously worked at the Post Office. In 2019, Dr. Binning received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from UBC in recognition of his work. Since 1973, Dr. Binning has lived in Burnaby and has resided in the same home that he and his wife purchased in 1987. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, watercolour painting, travelling abroad and going on road trips.

Creator: Binning, Dr. Sadhu

Accession Code: BV023.7

Date: [1984]

Media Type: Photograph

Related Material: See also artifacts descriptions for related materials re: Vancouver Sath and Watan magazine: BV023.7.1 to BV023.7.16

Notes: Title based on contents of fonds

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1981 Census of Canada - British Columbia - Occupied Private Dwellings, Private Households, Census Families in Private Households - Selected Characteristics

1981 Census of Canada - Population - Geographic Distributions - British Columbia

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1981 Census of Canada - Population, private households, census families in private households - Income - British Columbia

British Columbia Film Centre papers

Census - Population and Dwelling Counts - British Columbia - Population

Comprehensive Development Plans - Bylaw No. 8730, Rezoning Reference # 11/87 (British Columbia Film Centre)

Heritage Society of British Columbia papers

Heritage Society of British Columbia papers

Heritage Society of British Columbia papers

School files - British Columbia Institute of Technology

Statistics Relating to Regional and Municipal Governments in British Columbia - 1986

Tourism in British Columbia

B.C. parole policy and procedures

Allan Rock at BCIT campaign event

Images

BCIT "Fawlty Towers" event

Images

BCIT Open House

Images

Interurban 1223 Volunteers Feb. 26, 2005

Images

City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

Dr. Sadhu Binning fonds