2 records – page 1 of 1.

Cascades Drive-In Theatre

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark689
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1946
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Geographic Access
Grandview Highway
Associated Dates
1946
Heritage Value
The Cascades Drive-In Theatre was Canada's first drive-in and was started by George and William Steel and Joe and Art Johnson in 1946. Built along Grandview Highway (Canada Way) near Smith Street, the theatre opened on August 30, 1946. In 1977, the theatre was purchased by Don Soutar, Al Chappell and Norm Green and continued to operate until 1980. The property was then redeveloped as Cascades Village - a large condominium complex.
Historic Neighbourhood
Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Cascade-Schou Area
Street Address
4050 Grandview Highway
Images
Less detail

Digney Speedway

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark693
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1948
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Geographic Access
MacPherson Avenue
Irmin Street
Associated Dates
1948
Heritage Value
Andy Digney built the speedway in South Burnaby in 1948. He was approached by the B.C. Midget Auto Racing Association, who were looking for a good location to race the smaller, racing cars, popular at the time. Digney owned property in the vicinity of present-day Metrotown that was centrally located and easily accessible via the interurban railway. Motorcycles were also raced in the early days of the track. In 1949, when the popularity of midget racing declined, Digney started racing roadsters. However, he struggled to find local drivers, and it was expensive to bring in drivers from elsewhere. In 1951 Digney found a winner: jalopy racing. Local men would buy 1930s cars and strip them down, remove the glass, and weld the doors shut. By early 1952 over forty cars were showing up for jalopy races. By the early 1950s the Speedway was well established, with coverage in the sports pages and on radio. The track closed down in 1958 when Andy retired.
Historic Neighbourhood
Alta Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Clinton-Glenwood Area
Images
Less detail