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
Mayor's Office fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription88
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1828 (date of original) -2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Mayor's Office fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 m of textual records and photographic material
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of those records created by the office of the Mayor during the administrations of 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), John Douglas Drummond (1996-2002) and Derek…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1828 (date of original) -2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Mayor's Office fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 m of textual records and photographic material
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Access Restriction
- Subject to FOIPPA
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproductions subject to FOIPPA
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of those records created by the office of the Mayor during the administrations of 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), John Douglas Drummond (1996-2002) and Derek Corrigan (2002-2018).
- History
- On September 22, 1892, the Corporation of the District of Burnaby was established by letters patent. An integral component of this incorporation was the creation of the office of the Reeve (later called Mayor). The Reeve was to serve as the Head and Chief Executive Officer of Burnaby and was to lead the City Council in the governing of the Corporation. Burnaby’s first Reeve and Council were elected by acclamation on October 15, 1892, with formal elections held by ballot three months later. From 1893 until 1977 the Reeve and Council were elected for one-year terms, but the practice of annual elections was abandoned in favour of two-year terms in 1977. The current practice of holding elections every three years was begun in 1987. Elections of Reeve and Council were suspended altogether in 1933. However, as a financial crisis in the Corporation resulted in the Province intervening and assuming control of the local government. For ten years, Commissioners were appointed by the Provincial Government to manage the affairs of the Municipality, but by January 1943, the situation had been remedied and local elections were once again held. From 1892 until 1968, the Chief Executive Officer in Burnaby was known as “Reeve,” but this nomenclature changed with revisions to the Local Government Act in the latter part of the twentieth century. In 1968, the Province altered the Act and abolished the practice of assigning different titles to the members of Council based on Municipal Classification and introduced "Mayor" and "Alderman" as terms applicable in all Municipalities not just those of a certain size or with a certain number of citizens. From that point on, the CEO of Burnaby has been referred to as the Mayor of the City. Despite these changes in election procedures, naming protocols, and the disruption caused by the financial crisis in the 1930s and 1940s, the roles and responsibilities of the Mayor have remained relatively stable throughout the years. As Head and Chief Executive Officer of the City, the Mayor is responsible for ensuring that the principles of law and good government are enforced in Burnaby. This includes the task of overseeing the conduct of officers and employees and directing the management of municipal business and affairs as well as chairing the meetings of Council and appointing Council Committee members. The Mayor is also charged with the duty of representing the City at public functions, in meetings with visiting dignitaries, and in participating in local community and fundraising events. Initially, the Municipal Clerk assisted the Mayor in his work by handling most correspondence and clerical tasks of the office. Today, however, the Mayor’s office retains its own administrative staff who are responsible for facilitating all schedules and arrangements for the Mayor along with coordinating their internal and external contacts and events. The following individuals have served as Reeve or Mayor of Burnaby: Charles R. Shaw 1892 Nicolai C. Shou 1893-1903 Charles F. Sprott 1904-1905 Peter Byrne 1906-1910 J. W. Weart 1911-1912 D. C. McGregor 1913 Hugh M. Fraser 1914-1918 T. Sanderson 1919-1920 Alexander K. McLean 1921-1926; 1928-1929 Charles C. Bell 1927 W. L. Burdick 1929 W. A. Pritchard 1930-1932 William Tate Wilson 1943-1944 George A. Morrison 1945-1949 William R. Beamish 1950-1953 Charles W. MacSorely 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 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 1932-1933 John Mahony 1933-1934 Hugh M. Fraser 1934-1940* R. S. Gilchrist 1941* B. C. Bracewell 1942* *Richard Bolton was Acting Commissioner for most of 1940-1942. He refused to be a full-fledged Commissioner.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Creator
- City of Burnaby
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds.
Tommy Douglas collection
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription100683
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1961-1986
- Collection/Fonds
- Tommy Douglas collection
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 1.5 cm. of textual records and ephemera.
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of materials related to the political career of Tommy Douglas.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1961-1986
- Collection/Fonds
- Tommy Douglas collection
- Physical Description
- 1.5 cm. of textual records and ephemera.
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Record No.
- 66688
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2022-05
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of materials related to the political career of Tommy Douglas.
- History
- Thomas Clement “Tommy” Douglas served as Premier of Saskatchewan from 1944 to 1961, leading the first, and only, Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) government in Canada. Trained as a Baptist preacher, he became a skilled politician, witty orator, and advocate for social justice, believing political action was the best way to improve Canadians’ lives. As Premier, his government pioneered publicly-funded hospital insurance, which laid the foundations for a national medicare program. He became the first leader of the federal New Democratic Party in 1961, a position he held until 1971, and wielded significant influence defending human rights and strengthening Canada’s social welfare programs. Tommy Douglas was born on October 20, 1904, in Falkirk, Scotland, to a religious, working-class family, who encouraged him to debate politics, religion, and current events while being open to other perspectives. The family moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1911. His commitment to civil liberties was reinforced after witnessing ‘Bloody Saturday’ during the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike, where several strikers were killed and leaders arrested. He would go on to become an ordained pastor in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, and, in 1933, helped found the CCF, a political coalition of progressive and labour groups with a platform centered on economic reform. Douglas won a federal seat with the CCF in 1935, serving two terms before entering provincial politics. First elected premier of Saskatchewan in 1944, he would serve five terms. His government’s ambitious platform included new administrative structures for economic planning and an innovative program of social reform. It introduced labour and human rights codes and pioneered a new approach to relations between Indigenous Peoples and government. Douglas was also an important influence on the development of medicare in Canada, building on the Saskatchewan tradition of co-operative values to implement the first publicly funded, universally accessible hospital insurance plan in 1947. This was followed by a plan to cover physician services, which concerned doctors worried about regimentation and interference in the doctor-patient relationship. A disruptive 1962 doctor’s strike delayed its implementation, but a compromise was reached and, despite some lingering hostilities, both programs would set the standard for other provinces. This led to federal cost-sharing to facilitate universal, Canada-wide public health care, which remains deeply tied to Canadian identity and values. In 1961, Douglas returned to federal politics as leader of the newly-created New Democratic Party, an alliance between the old CCF and the Canadian Labour Congress. As the third party in Parliament, it was able to use its position to influence minority governments in pushing for the adoption of national social welfare programs, such as medicare and old age pensions. Often the conscience of Parliament on civil liberties, Douglas was one of the few who spoke against the invocation of the War Measures Act during the October Crisis of 1970. Douglas remains a much-admired political figure and the namesake of one of the branches of the Burnaby Public Library. Even those who disagree with his politics admire his pragmatism, oratory skills, integrity, and commitment to social justice. But most of all, Tommy Douglas is an icon for medicare. For his lifetime of service, he was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1980. Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/parks-canada/news/2019/03/thomas-clement-tommy-douglas-19041986.html.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
South Burnaby Garden Club fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97232
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1983-2012
- Collection/Fonds
- South Burnaby Garden Club fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 11.2 cm of textual records; 180 col. prints; 119 col. neg.
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of photographs and documents created and collected by the South Burnaby Garden Club, detailing Club activities including the Fall Fair.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1983-2012
- Collection/Fonds
- South Burnaby Garden Club fonds
- Physical Description
- 11.2 cm of textual records; 180 col. prints; 119 col. neg.
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Accession Number
- 2008-17
- 2014-14
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of photographs and documents created and collected by the South Burnaby Garden Club, detailing Club activities including the Fall Fair.
- History
- The South Burnaby Garden Club was formed in 1901 when a group of Central Park residents met to form a Farmers’ Institute. They leased 17 acres of Central Park from the Provincial Government and with the support of government grants constructed a two-story building on the property. The building was constructed in time for the first annual Fall Fair in September 1901. In 1903, the Institute amalgamated with the South Vancouver and Burnaby Agricultural Society to become the Central Park Agricultural Association & Farmers Institute. In 1907, the membership doubled to 520 members. Increasing urbanization and the First World War saw the last exhibition in 1919, and then lease on the building expired in 1921. The Society continued to meet and hold small exhibitions in rented halls under the South Burnaby Horticultural Association name. After several name changes, the association became the South Burnaby Garden Club in 1958 and continues to this day.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Photo catalogue 489
- MSS124
- MSS182
South Burnaby Garden Club subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription121
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1915-2009
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records and 1 photograph
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of the administrative records of the South Burnaby Garden Club from their early beginnings as the Central Park Agricultural Association and Farmer's Institute (1901-1926), the South Burnaby Horticultural Association and Farmers Institute (1927-1957) to the early 2000s.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1915-2009
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- South Burnaby Garden Club subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records and 1 photograph
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Accession Number
- BHS1986-36
- BHS2008-17
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of the administrative records of the South Burnaby Garden Club from their early beginnings as the Central Park Agricultural Association and Farmer's Institute (1901-1926), the South Burnaby Horticultural Association and Farmers Institute (1927-1957) to the early 2000s.
- History
- The South Burnaby Garden Club as formed in 1901 after a group of Central Park residents met to form a Farmers’ Institute. They leased 17 acres of Central Park from the Provincial Government and with the support of government grants constructed a two-story building on the property. The building was constructed in time for the first annual Fall Fair in September 1901. In 1903 the Institute amalgamated with the South Vancouver and Burnaby Agricultural Society to become the Central Park Agricultural Association & Farmers Institute. In 1907 the membership doubled to 520 members. Increasing urbanization and the First World War saw the last exhibition in 1919. The lease on the building expired in 1921. The Society continued to meet and hold small exhibitions in rented halls under the South Burnaby Horticultural Association name. After several name changes, the association became the South Burnaby Garden Club in 1958 and continues to this day.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Textual Record
- Creator
- South Burnaby Garden Club
- Notes
- PC223, PC488, MSS028
- Title based on creator and contents of subseries
Bancroft family subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription63795
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1900]-1979
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records and other materials
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of publications, correspondence and other miscellaneous papers relating to the Bancroft family's interests and work history. Topics include gardening, raising poultry, the Liberal government and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Also included in the subseries are photographs of the…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1900]-1979
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Bancroft family subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records and other materials
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Accession Number
- BHS1986-44
- BHS2004-06
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of publications, correspondence and other miscellaneous papers relating to the Bancroft family's interests and work history. Topics include gardening, raising poultry, the Liberal government and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Also included in the subseries are photographs of the Bancroft family and friends and ephemera pertaining to agricultural farming and the air force.
- History
- Rose Croucher was born to Ann Eliza "Annie" (b. August 1861, d. 1962) and R. Coucher in January 1895. In 1907, the Croucher family moved to British Columbia. As a student, Rose studied geometrical drawing using Blair’s Canadian Drawing Series workbooks. On on February 21, 1914, Rose married James Oakes Bancroft in Vancouver, BC. Together they had three children: James A. (b. 1916 or 1917), Rosie (date unknown), and George E. (b. August 1927). The Bancroft family were poultry farmers throughout the early 1900s, transporting their farmed eggs from Burnaby to the Hudson’s Bay Company Vancouver using the British Columbia Electric Railway system. Rose Bancroft also served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Central Park Poultry Co-op Association in the 1920s until her husband's death in 1930 at the age of 42. In the late thirties and early forties, while James A. Bancroft was stationed in Calgary with the Royal Canadian Air Force, his younger siblings lived together with their mother and grandmother at 1963 21st Avenue in Burnaby. Rosie Bancroft studied French and English history in Social Studies in 1937; her brother George studied the seasons in General Science II in 1942. Rose died in 1965 at the age of 76.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Cartographic Material
- Creator
- Bancroft, Rose
- Notes
- MSS030, PC490, PC507, and MSS110
- Title based on creator and contents of subseries
Legal Department fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription78
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1942-2018
- Collection/Fonds
- Legal Department fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 30 m of textual records
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of those records created by the City Solicitor and property negotiators in the process of fulfilling their roles as legal counsel and land agents for the City of Burnaby.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1942-2018
- Collection/Fonds
- Legal Department fonds
- Physical Description
- 30 m of textual records
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Access Restriction
- Subject to FOIPPA
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproductions subject to FOIPPA
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of those records created by the City Solicitor and property negotiators in the process of fulfilling their roles as legal counsel and land agents for the City of Burnaby.
- History
- The City of Burnaby Legal Department was formally established on April 20, 1954, when City Council called for the appointment of a full-time City Solicitor to manage the legal affairs of the City and all its boards and departments. This decision followed a report presented by Councilor Hean on March 8 of that year which listed a number of reasons why such an appointment was necessary and recommended that the City employ a full-time Solicitor and a support staff comprised of an assistant solicitor and a stenographer. Councilor Hean’s report was initially referred to a Committee of Council for further study, but was endorsed by the Committee of the Whole on March 29, 1954, and on August 23, Mr. William L. Stirling was appointed as the first Solicitor for the City of Burnaby. Prior to the development of the City’s Legal Department, it was the practice of City Council to appoint a law firm to act as legal counsel for the Municipality, but the last lawyer on retainer for the City was dismissed on May 17, 1954, because of the imminent creation of a Municipal Legal Department. Initially, the City Solicitor was expected to report to the City Clerk who was Chief Executive Officer for the Municipal government. However, the reporting relationships within the City were altered in 1957 with the adoption of Bylaw No. 3859. Bylaw No. 3859 (the Municipal Manager Bylaw) heralded the appointment of a Municipal Manager who became the administrative head of the City and to whom all departments reported, including the Legal Department. Regardless of the administrative hierarchy within which the Department operated, its mandate has remained quite consistent since its inception. The City of Burnaby Legal Department’s primary functions are: providing legal advice to City Council and other City departments; drafting bylaws; negotiating and drafting contracts involving the City; dealing with claims both by and against the City; and managing legal proceedings involving the City. From 1979 onwards, the Legal Department also acted as the main land agent for the City by managing the acquisition and disposal of land, the leasing of City land and the negotiations of rights of way and other land related agreements. Prior to 1979, this function was the responsibility of the Treasury Department, but after an organizational review in late 1978, Council decided that the Land Agent should act under the authority of the Municipal Solicitor. As a result of fulfilling these two broad roles within the City – that of providing legal services and that of acting as land agents – the Department was renamed the Legal and Lands Department and came to include not only a City Solicitor but also property negotiators and a number of legal assistants. In 2017, City land acquisition and sales were transferred from Legal Services to the newly-established Realty and Lands division of the Public Safety and Community Services Department. In 2018, Legal Services was brought under the new Corporate Services Department. The following individuals have held the role of Municipal Solicitor: William L. Stirling 1954-1983 Patricia Flieger 1983-1998 Bruce Rose 1998-Present May Leung 2015-Present
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Creator
- City of Burnaby
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds.
Richard Bolton subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription108
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1912 (date of original)-[1941]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records and graphic material
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consist of material created by Richard Bolton, who worked for Burnaby from 1911-1951, in many capacities.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1912 (date of original)-[1941]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Richard Bolton subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records and graphic material
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Accession Number
- BHS1991-03
- BHS1986-09
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consist of material created by Richard Bolton, who worked for Burnaby from 1911-1951, in many capacities.
- History
- Richard Bolton was born in Sunderland, England in the 1880s. He immigrated to Canada on May 26,1911. Later that year he was employed as an accountant by the Corporation of the District of Burnaby. He lived with his brother George in New Westminster before purchasing his own property on North Arm Road (now Marine Drive), building a bungalow that he moved into in the summer of 1916. During World War I, Richard was promoted to Municipal Treasurer, a position he held until he retired. In 1919, he received three months leave of absence to return to Sunderland to marry Mary Gertrude Hern, daughter of Captain and Mrs. John Hern. Richard and Mary had two daughters, Nancy (b.1920) and Mary (b. 1923), that they raised in their family home located at 859 Marine Drive in South Burnaby. Both daughters were born at home, assisted by the Victorian Order of Nurses and the local doctor. The V.O.N. were established in Burnaby in 1912 and Richard Bolton supported and helped the Order every opportunity he had until his death on November 16, 1962. During the heart of the Depression, the family home became the meeting place for friends and relatives who could not find employment. During this time, Richard had discussions with Ernie Winch and others about seniors housing in Burnaby. The first phase was constructed between 1949 and 1956. In 1938, Richard was appointed Justice of the Peace by the Provincial Government but never accepted any remuneration for his duties. During this time period, Burnaby was under commissionship and when Commissioner Hugh M. Fraser became ill, Richard assumed his duties. He filled the position as Acting Commissioner and treasurer, and converted back to treasurer when the Reeve and Councillors of the Corporation of the District of Burnaby were reinstated in 1943. In 1951, Richard retired as treasurer for the City but he continued to chair the Debt Retirement Board until it became redundant in the late 1950s. On June 24, 1959, Reeve Allan Emmott presented the Gold Key to Burnaby to Richard.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Creator
- Bolton, Richard
- Notes
- PC159, PC249, MSS153
- Title based on creator of subseries
Stride family subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription65848
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1900-1926
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records and photographs
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of photographs and government records pertaining to the Stride family of Burnaby, including a tax demand and the booklet version of by-law no. 509.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1900-1926
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Stride family subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records and photographs
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Accession Number
- BHS2007-04
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of photographs and government records pertaining to the Stride family of Burnaby, including a tax demand and the booklet version of by-law no. 509.
- History
- Eber Stride was born in Somerset England, one of three brothers, along with Albert and Sydney. Older brother Sydney came to Canada with Eber and Eber’s wife Mary in 1888 and settled in New Westminster. Both bricklayers by trade, Sydney soon began operating the brickyard at Queen’s Park. Mary McKinnon was born in Dorset, England on October 1, 1857. Her father, Hugh McKinnon worked as a coast guard. Mary worked as a school teacher in Somerset for nine years before marrying Eber Stride on April 28, 1888 and relocating to Canada. Eber and Mary were living at Royal Avenue in New Westminster when their first child Charles Edgar was born on February 24, 1890. Their second child, Edwin Hubert was born November 26, 1892. In May of 1893 the family of four moved to Burnaby. Their third child, Marguerite "Margaret" Ella, was born in Burnaby on April 2, 1895. The Stride family owned and operated Stride and Son Florist Green houses located at their residence at 1749 Kingsway (later renumbered 7434 Kingsway). Eber joined the municipal council a year after its incorporation and served for nineteen consecutive years; from 1894-1911 and again in 1913. Eber and Mary were life-long members of the St. Alban’s Anglican Church in Burnaby, dating back to the Churchs’ beginings. The Strides are considered Edmonds district pioneers. The Stride children attended Westside School and later Royal City High School. Both sons worked for the family florist business after they left school. Edwin continued working there, applying for a chauffeur licence renewal in September of 1916 at the age of twenty-three. Edwin and Eber operated the business together for over 40 years. Charles Edgar didn’t stay a florist long. Instead, he had a brief career building houses before travelling to San Francisco by bicycle with a friend to attend the World’s Fair. He continued on to Tijuana, Mexico before heading home to join the Reserves and head overseas. Once back in New Westminster, Charles Edgar opened a series of photographic studios along Columbia Street. His first studio was Universal Photographers, operating from 1918 to 1925. He opened Brighton Studios at 657 Columbia Street as well from 1924 to 1925. In 1926 he opened Stride Studios at 657 Columbia Street, which thrived until 1968 when an unfortunate fire in a neighbouring business destroyed most of his prints and negatives. In 1928 he bought Columbia Studio across the street at 624 Columbia Street and owned it anonymously until 1960. For thirty years, no one knew that he owned both businesses and was able to send disgruntled customers “across the street to the competition.” Margaret Stride married and became Margaret Hokanson. Mary Stride died September 24, 1933 at the age of 75. Eber died November 8, 1942 at the age of 84. Edwin died April 16, 1970 at the age of 77. Charles Edgar died February 29, 1972 at the age of 82. Stride Avenue in Burnaby was named after Eber Stride.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Textual Record
- Creator
- Stride, Charles Edgar
- Stride, Eber
- Notes
- MSS004 and PC001
- Title based on contents of subseries
Burnaby Public Library Board subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96372
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1960]-2007
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- 3 rolls of microfilm + 1 photograph
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of board records for the Burnaby Public Library Board, including appointments, correspondence, and a comissioned portrait.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1960]-2007
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Series
- Council Committee series
- Subseries
- Burnaby Public Library Board subseries
- Physical Description
- 3 rolls of microfilm + 1 photograph
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of board records for the Burnaby Public Library Board, including appointments, correspondence, and a comissioned portrait.
- History
- The Burnaby Public Library Board was established in 1955. The Trustees on the Burnaby Public Library Board govern the Burnaby Public Library and provide policies, a mission and vision, and general library management.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Graphic Material
Board of Works subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96370
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1911-1956
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- 10 folders of textual records
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of minute books for the Board of Works Committee.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1911-1956
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Series
- Council Committee series
- Subseries
- Board of Works subseries
- Physical Description
- 10 folders of textual records
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of minute books for the Board of Works Committee.
- History
- The Board of Works was established circa 1895 in order to provide infrastructure to the rapidly growing population of Burnaby. During 1926 and 1927, the committee was referred to as the Board of Works, Transportation and Industries. Prior to 1926, there was a separate committee called Transportation and Industries which was responsible for this portfolio. In 1928, new committees were formed and the duties associated with transportation and industry was given to the Transportation and Telephone Committee and a Health, Hall and Grounds, Fire and Industries Committee, respectively. From 1933 to 1942, no Board of Works was appointed as the Provincial Commissioner governed Burnaby. When the Board was re-appointed in 1943, it became known as the Board of Works and Waterworks. In 1945, waterworks became a separate committee known as Waterworks, Health and Sanitation. In 1954, the Board of Works reverted to its 1943 name Board of Works and Waterworks for one year. By 1955, Waterworks became a separate committee. The Board of Works disbanded circa 1959.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
Burnaby Art Gallery subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription14
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1890 (date of original)-1983
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- Photographs and textual records
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of photographs of and publications related to the Burnaby Art Gallery and Fairacres property.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1890 (date of original)-1983
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Burnaby Art Gallery subseries
- Physical Description
- Photographs and textual records
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Accession Number
- BHS1996-12
- BHS1990-05
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of photographs of and publications related to the Burnaby Art Gallery and Fairacres property.
- History
- The Burnaby Art Gallery association was founded in 1967. The purpose of the association was to present a historical and contemporary art program by local, regional, national, and international artists; facilitate the development of emerging artists; provide diverse art educational programming; acquire culturally significant works on paper. The City of Burnaby assumed management of the gallery, its collection, staff and governance in 1998, with the art gallery then taking on the added responsibility of caring for and managing the City of Burnaby’s permanent art collection. The Gallery, along with the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts and the Burnaby Village Museum in Deer Lake Park, are part of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department of the City of Burnaby. The Burnaby Art Gallery is located inside the historic Ceperley House, built by Henry and Grace Ceperley. The couple purchased a strawbery farm on the north shore of Deer Lake from George Clayton in 1909 and built their home, also known as "Fairacres", on the property in 1911. The house was designed by the English architect, R.P.S. Twizell and with its river rock veranda, beautiful hand-crafted woodwork, stained-glass and tile, remains one of the finest examples of Edwardian architecture in the Lower Mainland. Grace and Hentry Ceperley had one daughter named Ethelwyn who married James Edward Hall. Ethelwyn and James Edward Hall had three children: Edith Ceperley, James Edward "Junior," and Florence Renn. In 1917, Grace Ceperley died and left Fairacres to her husband with the stipulation that when the home was sold the proceeds would be used to build a playground for the children of Vancouver in Stanley Park. In 1939, the local Catholic Diocese funded a group of five Benedictine monks from Mount Angel, Oregon to establish a priory in the province. The monks purchased the Ceperley House for their monastery. They also built a large gymnasium on the property. After serving as a monastery, the house was used as a fraternity for some of the first students attending Simon Fraser University, and then became home to the art gallery in the 1960s. The City of Burnaby acquired the property in 1966 and the house was designated a heritage building in 1992. In 1998 the City began restoring exterior of the house and upgraded the building for improved public use. The renovations were completed in 2000, and transformed the house back to its appearance of 1911. The gymnasium built by the Benedictine monks was converted into into the James Cowan Theatre. There are two main galleries, a lounge gallery with a fireplace and easy chairs and The Shopping Bag, a gallery shop run by volunteers. The goals of the gallery are to: provide access to contemporary Canadian art, present works from the permanent collection; collect contemporary works on paper; and offer challenging and educational exhibition related programming.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Creator
- Burnaby Art Gallery
- Notes
- Title based on contents of subseries
- PC241, PC242, MSS066
Hazel Simnett collection
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription71379
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1910-1996]
- Collection/Fonds
- Hazel Simnett collection
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 13 files of textual records : ill. (some col.) ; 9 paintings : colour print ; 2 photographs : b&w
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of City-generated records, personal records, and political records collected by Hazel Simnett.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1910-1996]
- Collection/Fonds
- Hazel Simnett collection
- Physical Description
- 13 files of textual records : ill. (some col.) ; 9 paintings : colour print ; 2 photographs : b&w
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Accession Number
- 2013-22
- 2012-03
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of City-generated records, personal records, and political records collected by Hazel Simnett.
- History
- Hazel Simnett was born in Burnaby in 1922 to Frederick and Mary Ann Simnett and grew up looking up to her father who was very involved in labour and unions. A politically active citizen, Hazel Simnett has supported the Canadian Commonwealth Federation (CCF) and the New Democratic Party (NDP). She once ran as a New Democratic Party candidate for Burnaby City Council. Hazel attended Kingsway West Public School and Burnaby South High School in Burnaby. During the 1970s, Hazel was President of the Century Park Museum Association, which governs Burnaby Heritage Museum and published the work "Bygones of Burnaby". Hazel worked on the campaign team of Joan Sawicki from 1990 to 1991, which led Sawicki to be elected as Burnaby-Willingdon riding's MLA. Hazel volunteered her time to be a member of the Burnaby Advisory Planning Commission from 1993 to 1996. In 2006, Hazel won the Burnaby Local Hero Award for her volunteer work at the New Vista Society where she served as chair for a number of years. She also served as a member of the Burnaby Historical Society and established the Hazel Simnett Endowment with the Burnaby Public Library to bring a collection of books on Canadian history and social issues.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Graphic Material
- Creator
- Simnett, Hazel
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds
- MSS167
Planning Department fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription102
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1940-2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Planning Department fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 80 m of textual records and other material
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of those records created during the regular conduct of business by the Planning Department and its predecessor agencies according to their mandate of providing professional and technical advice to Council on the current and future uses of City land and resources.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1940-2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Planning Department fonds
- Physical Description
- 80 m of textual records and other material
- Description Level
- Fonds
- File Class
- 71000 10 (add. 2020)
- 71000 20 (add. 2020)
- 71000 30 (add. 2020)
- 71000 40 (add. 2020)
- Access Restriction
- Subject to FOIPPA
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproductions subject to FOIPPA.
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of those records created during the regular conduct of business by the Planning Department and its predecessor agencies according to their mandate of providing professional and technical advice to Council on the current and future uses of City land and resources.
- History
- The City of Burnaby Planning Department was established on October 9, 1956, when the City Council unanimously carried the motion to create a distinct department to deal with planning issues within the City and appointed Mr. William John Blakely as its head. This decision followed a report and recommendation made by the City’s Chief Administrative Officer which indicated that the role of the Planning Engineer and his staff had quickly expanded to become a separate division within the Engineering Department and that they were functioning as an independent unit in all but name. The proposed separation of the Engineering and Planning departments had been in the works since the early part of 1956 when staff changes and restructuring within the Engineering Department’s Planning Division illustrated the undermanned condition of the Planning Engineer’s office. As a result, Council asked the Chief Administrative Officer to undertake a study examining the feasibility of creating a distinct Planning Department. This report was delivered to Council on July 3, 1956, but was laid over until a Committee of the Council had the opportunity to study the functions of the Planning department to determine the necessity of the proposal. The Committee’s findings were in line with the initial report and the Planning Department was established with a staff of nine (the head Planning Engineer, an Administrative Planner, three Research Planning Assistants, a Draughtsman, a Subdivision Control Clerk, a department Clerk and a Clerk Stenographer). This new department was to offer advice and carry out the work intensive in matters such as zoning and rezoning applications, subdivision control, traffic and transportation planning, and general City planning schemes. Prior to the creation of the Planning Department, a number of bodies within the City had been responsible for fulfilling the functions carried out by this new unit. In the earliest years of the City, the members of Council were responsible for matters of planning and were assisted in their job by the City’s Engineer or any number of hired consultants (e.g. surveyors, cartographers). By 1906, however, the provincial laws surrounding the subdivision process had changed, and local governments were charged with the task of approving all private subdivision plans in their respective Municipalities. In Burnaby, the City Council passed a bylaw decreeing that all subdivision plans were to be submitted to Council for review and the City Engineer was responsible for ensuring compliance with the law. After the first Town Planning Bylaw in 1924 which restricted the type and size of construction that could occur in certain City areas, the Engineering and Building departments were to work together to oversee the enforcement of the Bylaw and the development of City plans. The scope and competence required to carry out this work grew as Burnaby’s population expanded, and in 1930 Council passed the Town Planning Commission Bylaw (No. 1028) that saw the creation of a permanent body – the Town Planning Commission – which was to serve as an advisory body to help direct the planning activities in the City while the actual work continued to be carried out by the Engineering Department. This body was comprised of the Reeve, the Chairman of the School Board, the Chairman of the Park Committee (later, the Board of Parks Commissioners), and six appointed citizens who served three-year terms. Council referred all matters of subdivisions, transportation planning, and rezoning to this Commission, which was later supported in its work by several other special or standing committees such as the Subdivision Committee, the Apartment Committee, the Transportation Committee or the Town Planning Board of Appeal. By 1953, it had become apparent that the advisory committees that were dedicated to these planning issues needed a permanent staff to carry out the work intensive, so a restructuring of the Engineering department resulted in a permanent Planning Engineer’s office being created. The Town Planning Commission continued in its advisory capacity even after the determination came in 1956 to create a separate Planning Department. When Bylaw No. 4473 was passed in 1963, the Town Planning Commission was disbanded in favour of a new Advisory Planning Commission that would turn over all routine matters such as subdivision and rezoning applications to the Planning Department but would offer advice and community input into the more complex planning schemes within the City and act as an intermediary in cases where Council and Planning staff were in disagreement. A new Advisory Planning Commission Bylaw (No. 7600) was adopted in 1980 which allowed for even greater community participation in the planning process. The Planning Department was initially responsible to report directly to Council, but in 1957, the administrative structure of Municipal staff changed with the introduction of the Burnaby Municipal Manager Bylaw (No. 3859) and from that point on, the head of the Planning Department held a direct reporting relationship to the Municipal Manager, who in turn was responsible for reporting the activities of the Department to the City Council. Over the years, the internal structure and the scope of responsibilities of the Department have changed during periods of staff reorganizations. Under the larger umbrella of the Planning and Building Department, Planning has come to be comprised of two divisions: the Current Planning Division and the Long Range Planning Division. The functions of the Current Planning Division include rezoning, subdivision, development plan areas, preliminary plan approvals, urban design, heritage planning, and urban trails and bicycle routes. The Long Range Planning Division is responsible for environmental planning concerns, transportation planning, housing, neighbourhood area planning, social planning and planning information services. In 2022, the Planning and Building Department was reorganized to better align functions with delivery of services. The Climate Action and Engery Division moved from Corporate Services to the Planning and Building Department, while Indigenous Relations and Facilities Management moved to Corporate Services and Lands and Facilities, respectively. The position of Director of Planning and Building was changed to General Manager, Planning and Development. The following individuals have served as Planning Engineer and/or Director of the Planning Department and/or General Manager, Planning and Development for the City of Burnaby: William John Blakely 1954-1956 (as Planning Engineer) 1956-1963 (as Head of the Department) Anthony P. Parr 1964-1993 Don G. Stenson 1993-2001 Jack S. Belhouse 2001-2006 Basil Luksun 2006-2012 Lou Pelletier 2012-2019 Edward Kozak 2019-present
- Formats
- Microforms exist for some records. See series descriptions.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Moving Images
- Creator
- City of Burnaby
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds