"Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series" found 25 records

Interview with Alekxos Sarter by Kathy Bossort October 16, 2015 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory578

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1958-1992

Length: 0:12:40

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Alekxos Sarter’s first years of employment with Parks, her sources of knowledge about Burnaby Mountain, and the department’s activities in Burnaby Mountain Park. She talks about the loop trail planned for Burnaby Mountain Park in 1958, the Trans Canada Trail p…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Alekxos Sarter’s first years of employment with Parks, her sources of knowledge about Burnaby Mountain, and the department’s activities in Burnaby Mountain Park. She talks about the loop trail planned for Burnaby Mountain Park in 1958, the Trans Canada Trail project, events and issues at the Pavilion, and keeping track of trails on SFU lands.

Date Range: 1958-1992

Length: 0:12:40

Names: Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department; Burnaby Mountain Park; Kamui Mintara; Trans Canada Trail

Subjects: Geographic Features - Parks; Geographic Features - Trails; Planning; Recreational Activities

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 16, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Alekxos Sarter conducted by Kathy Bossort. Alekxos Sarter 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 history of setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain from Alekxos Sarter’s perspective and experience as employee in the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. The interview provides an excellent explanation of the history and function of kinds of park dedications used by the City of Burnaby; an overview of issues around including the Trans Mountain tank farm in the conservation area; and the background to the land use and ownership disagreement between the City of Burnaby and Simon Fraser University, its resolution, and the subsequent development of SFU’s UniverCity. Alekxos Sarter talks about Richard Bolton, Burnaby’s Acting-Commissioner who was responsible for dedicating the first park on Burnaby Mountain in 1942, and the creation of a park named after him in UniverCity.

Biographical Notes: Alekxos Sarter was born in Vancouver in 1961, to Daine and Kasandra Sarter. She grew up in North Vancouver and since 1994 has lived on a sailboat in False Creek. After attending UBC where she studied landscape architecture, she was hired by the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services in 1986. Working first in parks design, Alekxos quickly moved into parks planning, her preferred career. As Research Officer she covers research, planning, public consultation, parks and facility inventory, parkland acquisition, among other duties.

Total Tracks: 9

Total Length: 2:20:47

Interviewee Name: Sarter, Alekxos T.

Interview Location: City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services meeting room

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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track two of interview with Alekxos Sarter

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-005/MSS196-005_Track_2.mp3

Interview with Alekxos Sarter by Kathy Bossort October 16, 2015 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory579

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1910-1960

Length: 0:21:54

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Alekxos Sarter’s historical overview of early public recreation, and intentions to set aside parkland, on Burnaby Mountain; Acting-Commissioner Richard Bolton’s signing of By Law 1772 that created Barnet Mountain Park in 1942; and her explanation about the fun…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Alekxos Sarter’s historical overview of early public recreation, and intentions to set aside parkland, on Burnaby Mountain; Acting-Commissioner Richard Bolton’s signing of By Law 1772 that created Barnet Mountain Park in 1942; and her explanation about the function and kinds of park dedications used in Burnaby.

Date Range: 1910-1960

Length: 0:21:54

Names: Bolton, Richard; Barnet Mountain Park; Burnaby Mountain Park

Subjects: Geographic Features - Parks; Planning; Recreational Activities

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 16, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Alekxos Sarter conducted by Kathy Bossort. Alekxos Sarter 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 history of setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain from Alekxos Sarter’s perspective and experience as employee in the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. The interview provides an excellent explanation of the history and function of kinds of park dedications used by the City of Burnaby; an overview of issues around including the Trans Mountain tank farm in the conservation area; and the background to the land use and ownership disagreement between the City of Burnaby and Simon Fraser University, its resolution, and the subsequent development of SFU’s UniverCity. Alekxos Sarter talks about Richard Bolton, Burnaby’s Acting-Commissioner who was responsible for dedicating the first park on Burnaby Mountain in 1942, and the creation of a park named after him in UniverCity.

Biographical Notes: Alekxos Sarter was born in Vancouver in 1961, to Daine and Kasandra Sarter. She grew up in North Vancouver and since 1994 has lived on a sailboat in False Creek. After attending UBC where she studied landscape architecture, she was hired by the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services in 1986. Working first in parks design, Alekxos quickly moved into parks planning, her preferred career. As Research Officer she covers research, planning, public consultation, parks and facility inventory, parkland acquisition, among other duties.

Total Tracks: 9

Total Length: 2:20:47

Interviewee Name: Sarter, Alekxos T.

Interview Location: City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services meeting room

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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track three of interview with Alekxos Sarter

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-005/MSS196-005_Track_3.mp3

Interview with Alekxos Sarter by Kathy Bossort October 16, 2015 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory580

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1942-2015

Length: 0:13:21

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Alekxos Sarter’s overview of the history of the Trans Mountain tank farm site on Burnaby Mountain, the delineation of the first conservation area on the mountain in 1974, and the reasons for inclusion of the tank farm in the conservation area. She also talks a…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Alekxos Sarter’s overview of the history of the Trans Mountain tank farm site on Burnaby Mountain, the delineation of the first conservation area on the mountain in 1974, and the reasons for inclusion of the tank farm in the conservation area. She also talks about Suncor’s site and its inclusion in the conservation area.

Date Range: 1942-2015

Length: 0:13:21

Names: Trans Mountain Oil Pipeline Company; Suncor Energy Inc.; Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Subjects: Geographic Features - Parks; Planning; Industries - Petroleum Industry

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 16, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Alekxos Sarter conducted by Kathy Bossort. Alekxos Sarter 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 history of setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain from Alekxos Sarter’s perspective and experience as employee in the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. The interview provides an excellent explanation of the history and function of kinds of park dedications used by the City of Burnaby; an overview of issues around including the Trans Mountain tank farm in the conservation area; and the background to the land use and ownership disagreement between the City of Burnaby and Simon Fraser University, its resolution, and the subsequent development of SFU’s UniverCity. Alekxos Sarter talks about Richard Bolton, Burnaby’s Acting-Commissioner who was responsible for dedicating the first park on Burnaby Mountain in 1942, and the creation of a park named after him in UniverCity.

Biographical Notes: Alekxos Sarter was born in Vancouver in 1961, to Daine and Kasandra Sarter. She grew up in North Vancouver and since 1994 has lived on a sailboat in False Creek. After attending UBC where she studied landscape architecture, she was hired by the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services in 1986. Working first in parks design, Alekxos quickly moved into parks planning, her preferred career. As Research Officer she covers research, planning, public consultation, parks and facility inventory, parkland acquisition, among other duties.

Total Tracks: 9

Total Length: 2:20:47

Interviewee Name: Sarter, Alekxos T.

Interview Location: City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services meeting room

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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Alekxos Sarter

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-005/MSS196-005_Track_4.mp3

Interview with Alekxos Sarter by Kathy Bossort October 16, 2015 - Track 5

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory581

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1974-2015

Length: 0:16:29

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Alekxos Sarter’s explanation about how lands transferred from SFU to the City of Burnaby are subject to a conservation covenant with the province, what uses are allowed, and how covenant conservation principals are applied to all of Burnaby Mountain Conservati…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Alekxos Sarter’s explanation about how lands transferred from SFU to the City of Burnaby are subject to a conservation covenant with the province, what uses are allowed, and how covenant conservation principals are applied to all of Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area with the exception of the Pavilion (Centennial Park) area. Also discussed is the value of the traditional landmark character of Burnaby Mountain and the different meanings given to that phrase.

Date Range: 1974-2015

Length: 0:16:29

Names: Burnaby Mountain Park; Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Simon Fraser University

Subjects: Geographic Features - Parks; Geographic Features - Forests; Planning

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 16, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Alekxos Sarter conducted by Kathy Bossort. Alekxos Sarter 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 history of setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain from Alekxos Sarter’s perspective and experience as employee in the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. The interview provides an excellent explanation of the history and function of kinds of park dedications used by the City of Burnaby; an overview of issues around including the Trans Mountain tank farm in the conservation area; and the background to the land use and ownership disagreement between the City of Burnaby and Simon Fraser University, its resolution, and the subsequent development of SFU’s UniverCity. Alekxos Sarter talks about Richard Bolton, Burnaby’s Acting-Commissioner who was responsible for dedicating the first park on Burnaby Mountain in 1942, and the creation of a park named after him in UniverCity.

Biographical Notes: Alekxos Sarter was born in Vancouver in 1961, to Daine and Kasandra Sarter. She grew up in North Vancouver and since 1994 has lived on a sailboat in False Creek. After attending UBC where she studied landscape architecture, she was hired by the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services in 1986. Working first in parks design, Alekxos quickly moved into parks planning, her preferred career. As Research Officer she covers research, planning, public consultation, parks and facility inventory, parkland acquisition, among other duties.

Total Tracks: 9

Total Length: 2:20:47

Interviewee Name: Sarter, Alekxos T.

Interview Location: City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services meeting room

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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track five of interview with Alekxos Sarter

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-005/MSS196-005_Track_5.mp3

Interview with Alekxos Sarter by Kathy Bossort October 16, 2015 - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory582

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1950-2015

Length: 0:22:57

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Alekxos Sarter’s views on the pressures on the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area from the SFU community and utility corridors; managing the edges of the conservation area on Barnet Highway; the history of the Burnaby Mountain Parkway; and a further explanatio…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Alekxos Sarter’s views on the pressures on the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area from the SFU community and utility corridors; managing the edges of the conservation area on Barnet Highway; the history of the Burnaby Mountain Parkway; and a further explanation about kinds of park dedications, the origin of the covenant , and the protection status each provides. Also explained are the terms of the 1995 Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Burnaby and SFU.

Date Range: 1950-2015

Length: 0:22:57

Names: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Simon Fraser University; Burnaby Mountain Parkway

Subjects: Geographic Features - Parks; Planning

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Burnaby Mountain Parkway

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 16, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Alekxos Sarter conducted by Kathy Bossort. Alekxos Sarter 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 history of setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain from Alekxos Sarter’s perspective and experience as employee in the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. The interview provides an excellent explanation of the history and function of kinds of park dedications used by the City of Burnaby; an overview of issues around including the Trans Mountain tank farm in the conservation area; and the background to the land use and ownership disagreement between the City of Burnaby and Simon Fraser University, its resolution, and the subsequent development of SFU’s UniverCity. Alekxos Sarter talks about Richard Bolton, Burnaby’s Acting-Commissioner who was responsible for dedicating the first park on Burnaby Mountain in 1942, and the creation of a park named after him in UniverCity.

Biographical Notes: Alekxos Sarter was born in Vancouver in 1961, to Daine and Kasandra Sarter. She grew up in North Vancouver and since 1994 has lived on a sailboat in False Creek. After attending UBC where she studied landscape architecture, she was hired by the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services in 1986. Working first in parks design, Alekxos quickly moved into parks planning, her preferred career. As Research Officer she covers research, planning, public consultation, parks and facility inventory, parkland acquisition, among other duties.

Total Tracks: 9

Total Length: 2:20:47

Interviewee Name: Sarter, Alekxos T.

Interview Location: City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services meeting room

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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track six of interview with Alekxos Sarter

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-005/MSS196-005_Track_6.mp3

Interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse by Kathy Bossort November 24, 2015 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory628

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1913-2015

Length: 0:19:24

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse talking about the history of setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain beginning in 1942 with By-Law 1772; the kinds of park dedications used by the City and shift in nature of dedications to accommodate long range park planning…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse talking about the history of setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain beginning in 1942 with By-Law 1772; the kinds of park dedications used by the City and shift in nature of dedications to accommodate long range park planning; and looking at the big picture policy and programs for land assembly for major open spaces and linkages.

Date Range: 1913-2015

Length: 0:19:24

Names: Burnaby Planning and Building Department; Barnet Mountain Park

Subjects: Geographic Features - Parks; Planning

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: November 24, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse conducted by Kathy Bossort. Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse were two of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about the history of setting aside parkland by dedication on Burnaby Mountain, the 1974/76 delineation of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain, and the dispute between Burnaby and Simon Fraser University over land ownership and control on Burnaby Mountain, as discussed by two retired participants in these events from the City of Burnaby’s Planning and Building Department, Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse. They also talk about their interaction with the public in developing policies, particularly for the 1974 report “The Public Meetings - Phase One”, and the importance of a strong policy base for long range planning and the patience needed to assemble land for large parks. They talk as well about their careers, their close working relationship in the department, and the cooperation between City and SFU staff in the development of UniverCity.

Biographical Notes: Basil Luksun was born and educated in South Africa, immigrating to Canada and Burnaby in 1972 to escape the harmful effects of apartheid. He holds a BSc degree from the University of Cape Town and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Town Planning from the University of Witwatersrand. He joined the City of Burnaby’s Planning and Building Department in 1973, working his way up through the organization to Director of the department before retiring after 39 years in 2012. When he started work in the 1970s, the City of Burnaby was focusing on green space planning projects and he takes great pride in these projects as well as the city’s focus on long-term planning. Basil lived in the Capital Hill area from 1972 to 1990. He currently resides in Vancouver and has two sons, Warren and Derek. Jack Belhouse was born in 1946 in Vancouver and attended UBC, York University and SFU (1965-1972), majoring in urban geography. He began working in Burnaby’s planning department as a summer student in 1968, and was offered a full-time position when he graduated from university. He became Director of the Planning and Building Department before retiring after 38 years with the city in 2006. He and Basil Luksun worked closely together in long range planning in the department. Jack lives in Coquitlam with his wife Linda and has two children, Brad and Lori.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 1:58:23

Interviewee Name: Luksun, Basil; Belhouse, Jack

Interview Location: Basil Luksun's home in Vancouver

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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track two of interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-012/MSS196-012_Track_2.mp3

Interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse by Kathy Bossort November 24, 2015 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory629

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1970-1990

Length: 0:15:10

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse talking about the background to the creation of their 1974 report “The Public Meetings - Phase One” which made recommendations for long range planning policies for the City of Burnaby, including the creation of the conservation a…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse talking about the background to the creation of their 1974 report “The Public Meetings - Phase One” which made recommendations for long range planning policies for the City of Burnaby, including the creation of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain. They talk about meeting with the public as a strategy for refreshing policy, the shift in public attitudes for saving green spaces, and the City’s strong policy base for making decisions.

Date Range: 1970-1990

Length: 0:15:10

Names: Burnaby Planning and Building Department; Lawson, Doreen A.; Atchison, Jennifer; Gunn, Brian M.

Subjects: Public Services - Municipal Services; Geographic Features - Parks; Planning

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: November 24, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse conducted by Kathy Bossort. Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse were two of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about the history of setting aside parkland by dedication on Burnaby Mountain, the 1974/76 delineation of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain, and the dispute between Burnaby and Simon Fraser University over land ownership and control on Burnaby Mountain, as discussed by two retired participants in these events from the City of Burnaby’s Planning and Building Department, Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse. They also talk about their interaction with the public in developing policies, particularly for the 1974 report “The Public Meetings - Phase One”, and the importance of a strong policy base for long range planning and the patience needed to assemble land for large parks. They talk as well about their careers, their close working relationship in the department, and the cooperation between City and SFU staff in the development of UniverCity.

Biographical Notes: Basil Luksun was born and educated in South Africa, immigrating to Canada and Burnaby in 1972 to escape the harmful effects of apartheid. He holds a BSc degree from the University of Cape Town and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Town Planning from the University of Witwatersrand. He joined the City of Burnaby’s Planning and Building Department in 1973, working his way up through the organization to Director of the department before retiring after 39 years in 2012. When he started work in the 1970s, the City of Burnaby was focusing on green space planning projects and he takes great pride in these projects as well as the city’s focus on long-term planning. Basil lived in the Capital Hill area from 1972 to 1990. He currently resides in Vancouver and has two sons, Warren and Derek. Jack Belhouse was born in 1946 in Vancouver and attended UBC, York University and SFU (1965-1972), majoring in urban geography. He began working in Burnaby’s planning department as a summer student in 1968, and was offered a full-time position when he graduated from university. He became Director of the Planning and Building Department before retiring after 38 years with the city in 2006. He and Basil Luksun worked closely together in long range planning in the department. Jack lives in Coquitlam with his wife Linda and has two children, Brad and Lori.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 1:58:23

Interviewee Name: Luksun, Basil; Belhouse, Jack

Interview Location: Basil Luksun's home in Vancouver

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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track three of interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-012/MSS196-012_Track_3.mp3

Interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse by Kathy Bossort November 24, 2015 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory630

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1974-2015

Length: 0:18:26

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse talking about the establishment of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain 1974-1976; the definition of conservation vs preservation; issues around delineating the conservation area boundary; and steps to zoning the area. They …

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse talking about the establishment of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain 1974-1976; the definition of conservation vs preservation; issues around delineating the conservation area boundary; and steps to zoning the area. They tell about how they used an air photomosaic with mylar overlays to show delineation. They also explore the meaning of “traditional landmark character” of the mountain and its value for guiding park management and development adjacent to the park

Date Range: 1974-2015

Length: 0:18:26

Names: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Subjects: Geographic Features - Parks; Planning

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: November 24, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse conducted by Kathy Bossort. Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse were two of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about the history of setting aside parkland by dedication on Burnaby Mountain, the 1974/76 delineation of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain, and the dispute between Burnaby and Simon Fraser University over land ownership and control on Burnaby Mountain, as discussed by two retired participants in these events from the City of Burnaby’s Planning and Building Department, Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse. They also talk about their interaction with the public in developing policies, particularly for the 1974 report “The Public Meetings - Phase One”, and the importance of a strong policy base for long range planning and the patience needed to assemble land for large parks. They talk as well about their careers, their close working relationship in the department, and the cooperation between City and SFU staff in the development of UniverCity.

Biographical Notes: Basil Luksun was born and educated in South Africa, immigrating to Canada and Burnaby in 1972 to escape the harmful effects of apartheid. He holds a BSc degree from the University of Cape Town and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Town Planning from the University of Witwatersrand. He joined the City of Burnaby’s Planning and Building Department in 1973, working his way up through the organization to Director of the department before retiring after 39 years in 2012. When he started work in the 1970s, the City of Burnaby was focusing on green space planning projects and he takes great pride in these projects as well as the city’s focus on long-term planning. Basil lived in the Capital Hill area from 1972 to 1990. He currently resides in Vancouver and has two sons, Warren and Derek. Jack Belhouse was born in 1946 in Vancouver and attended UBC, York University and SFU (1965-1972), majoring in urban geography. He began working in Burnaby’s planning department as a summer student in 1968, and was offered a full-time position when he graduated from university. He became Director of the Planning and Building Department before retiring after 38 years with the city in 2006. He and Basil Luksun worked closely together in long range planning in the department. Jack lives in Coquitlam with his wife Linda and has two children, Brad and Lori.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 1:58:23

Interviewee Name: Luksun, Basil; Belhouse, Jack

Interview Location: Basil Luksun's home in Vancouver

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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-012/MSS196-012_Track_4.mp3

Interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse by Kathy Bossort November 24, 2015 - Track 5

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory631

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1974-2015

Length: 0:07:33

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse talking about the Trans Mountain tank farm on Burnaby Mountain and reasons for including it in the conservation area.

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse talking about the Trans Mountain tank farm on Burnaby Mountain and reasons for including it in the conservation area.

Date Range: 1974-2015

Length: 0:07:33

Names: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Trans Mountain Oil Pipeline Company

Subjects: Geographic Features - Parks; Planning

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: November 24, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse conducted by Kathy Bossort. Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse were two of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about the history of setting aside parkland by dedication on Burnaby Mountain, the 1974/76 delineation of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain, and the dispute between Burnaby and Simon Fraser University over land ownership and control on Burnaby Mountain, as discussed by two retired participants in these events from the City of Burnaby’s Planning and Building Department, Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse. They also talk about their interaction with the public in developing policies, particularly for the 1974 report “The Public Meetings - Phase One”, and the importance of a strong policy base for long range planning and the patience needed to assemble land for large parks. They talk as well about their careers, their close working relationship in the department, and the cooperation between City and SFU staff in the development of UniverCity.

Biographical Notes: Basil Luksun was born and educated in South Africa, immigrating to Canada and Burnaby in 1972 to escape the harmful effects of apartheid. He holds a BSc degree from the University of Cape Town and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Town Planning from the University of Witwatersrand. He joined the City of Burnaby’s Planning and Building Department in 1973, working his way up through the organization to Director of the department before retiring after 39 years in 2012. When he started work in the 1970s, the City of Burnaby was focusing on green space planning projects and he takes great pride in these projects as well as the city’s focus on long-term planning. Basil lived in the Capital Hill area from 1972 to 1990. He currently resides in Vancouver and has two sons, Warren and Derek. Jack Belhouse was born in 1946 in Vancouver and attended UBC, York University and SFU (1965-1972), majoring in urban geography. He began working in Burnaby’s planning department as a summer student in 1968, and was offered a full-time position when he graduated from university. He became Director of the Planning and Building Department before retiring after 38 years with the city in 2006. He and Basil Luksun worked closely together in long range planning in the department. Jack lives in Coquitlam with his wife Linda and has two children, Brad and Lori.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 1:58:23

Interviewee Name: Luksun, Basil; Belhouse, Jack

Interview Location: Basil Luksun's home in Vancouver

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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track five of interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-012/MSS196-012_Track_5.mp3

Interview with Henry deJong by Kathy Bossort November 6, 2015 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory609

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1954-2015

Length: 0:09:56

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Henry deJong’s 25 year career with the City of Burnaby’s Park, Recreation and Cultural Services, and a discussion of off trail park use on Burnaby Mountain, including tobogganing and geocaching.

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Henry deJong’s 25 year career with the City of Burnaby’s Park, Recreation and Cultural Services, and a discussion of off trail park use on Burnaby Mountain, including tobogganing and geocaching.

Date Range: 1954-2015

Length: 0:09:56

Names: Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department; Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Subjects: Education; Geographic Features - Parks; Recreational Activities; Regulations

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: November 6, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Henry deJong conducted by Kathy Bossort. Henry deJong was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Henry deJong’s work designing, developing and maintaining trails in the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area as Park Design Technician for the City of Burnaby’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. He provides a history of trail development after the transfer of SFU land to Burnaby and the creation of the 1999 Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area Plan. He also talks about monitoring and managing the forest environment, rehabilitating damaged areas, working with park users and stakeholders, and his favourite trails.

Biographical Notes: Henry G. deJong was born 1954 in Newmarket, Ontario, to Harmen and Griet deJong. He came west to enjoy outdoor recreation in BC and lived in Smithers for several years before marrying and moving to the Vancouver area, where he obtained a diploma in landscape design & horticulture from BCIT. Henry began working for the City of Burnaby in the Engineering Department in 1985, moving to Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services in 1990, and currently has the position of Park Design Technician. His focus on trail design and construction on Burnaby Mountain began in 2000 after the development of the 1999 Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area Plan. Henry lived in Burnaby for about 8 years in the Capital Hill and Edmonds area between 1983 and 1995 before moving to Cloverdale in Surrey. He belongs to the BC Mountaineering Club, the Willoughby Community Church and is a Boys Club volunteer.

Total Tracks: 7

Total Length: 1:22:41

Interviewee Name: deJong, Henry G.

Interview Location: City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services meeting room

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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Henry deJong

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-009/MSS196-009_Track_1.mp3

Interview with John Kirbyson by Kathy Bossort September 28, 2015 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory556

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1954-1978

Length: 0:09:35

Summary: This portion of the interview is about John Kirbyson’s early life, his family’s move to Burnaby in 1969, his connection to the outdoors, and his experience as a student at SFU earning his bachelors degree in Physical Geography. He also talks about hiking on Burnaby Mountain and working for the City…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about John Kirbyson’s early life, his family’s move to Burnaby in 1969, his connection to the outdoors, and his experience as a student at SFU earning his bachelors degree in Physical Geography. He also talks about hiking on Burnaby Mountain and working for the City of Burnaby while going to school.

Date Range: 1954-1978

Length: 0:09:35

Names: Crampton, Colin; Simon Fraser University; City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services

Subjects: Education; Occupations; Recreational Activities

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Historic Neighbourhood: Lozells (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Government Road Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: September 28, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with John Kirbyson conducted by Kathy Bossort. John Kirbyson was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about John Kirbyson’s education and career as parks planner for the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, and the development of the 1999 Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area Management Plan. The interview explores how parks management balances environmental and recreational values and safety, and the importance of good guidelines and public input in the parks planning process. John Kirbyson also talks about recreational activities and various developments on Burnaby Mountain in the 1990s, such as the Kamui Mintara sculptures.

Biographical Notes: John Kirbyson was born in Vancouver in 1954, to Arnold and Winnifred Kirbyson. After several years spent in Winnipeg and Calgary, the Kirbyson family moved to Hunter Street in Burnaby in 1969 where John remembers living near the City’s nursery. John earned his BSc degree at SFU in Physical Geography (1973-1978) and then worked for the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services between 1978 and 2005, where he moved from labourer to management positions. Supported by the City, he returned to SFU to earn his Masters degree in the School of Resource and Environment Management in 1991, his thesis being on restoration of Deer Lake. He was Manager of Parks Planning, Design and Development in the 1990s at the time that land on Burnaby Mountain was transferred from SFU to the City of Burnaby, and had the opportunity to direct the development of the first management plan for the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. From 2005 to 2010 John was Manager of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Dept. in Penticton, after which he has worked as an environmental consultant for Lees & Associates Landscape Architects and Planners. He is married to wife Linda and has three children: Linnaea, Jeremy and Colin.

Total Tracks: 7

Total Length: 1:33:43

Interviewee Name: Kirbyson, John W.

Interview Location: John Kirbyson's son's home in Langley

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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with John Kirbyson

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-002/MSS196-002_Track_1.mp3

Interview with John Kirbyson by Kathy Bossort September 28, 2015 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory557

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1978-2005

Length: 0:14:04

Summary: This portion of the interview is about John Kirbyson’s career with City of Burnaby Parks and Recreation Dept. 1978-2005. He talks about returning to SFU for his Masters degree in the new Natural Resource Management program; trail management on Burnaby Mountain; and relationship between SFU and Park…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about John Kirbyson’s career with City of Burnaby Parks and Recreation Dept. 1978-2005. He talks about returning to SFU for his Masters degree in the new Natural Resource Management program; trail management on Burnaby Mountain; and relationship between SFU and Parks staff managing trails on the mountain.

Date Range: 1978-2005

Length: 0:14:04

Names: Simon Fraser University; City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services

Subjects: Education; Public Services - Municipal Services; Recreational Activities

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: September 28, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with John Kirbyson conducted by Kathy Bossort. John Kirbyson was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about John Kirbyson’s education and career as parks planner for the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, and the development of the 1999 Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area Management Plan. The interview explores how parks management balances environmental and recreational values and safety, and the importance of good guidelines and public input in the parks planning process. John Kirbyson also talks about recreational activities and various developments on Burnaby Mountain in the 1990s, such as the Kamui Mintara sculptures.

Biographical Notes: John Kirbyson was born in Vancouver in 1954, to Arnold and Winnifred Kirbyson. After several years spent in Winnipeg and Calgary, the Kirbyson family moved to Hunter Street in Burnaby in 1969 where John remembers living near the City’s nursery. John earned his BSc degree at SFU in Physical Geography (1973-1978) and then worked for the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services between 1978 and 2005, where he moved from labourer to management positions. Supported by the City, he returned to SFU to earn his Masters degree in the School of Resource and Environment Management in 1991, his thesis being on restoration of Deer Lake. He was Manager of Parks Planning, Design and Development in the 1990s at the time that land on Burnaby Mountain was transferred from SFU to the City of Burnaby, and had the opportunity to direct the development of the first management plan for the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. From 2005 to 2010 John was Manager of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Dept. in Penticton, after which he has worked as an environmental consultant for Lees & Associates Landscape Architects and Planners. He is married to wife Linda and has three children: Linnaea, Jeremy and Colin.

Total Tracks: 7

Total Length: 1:33:43

Interviewee Name: Kirbyson, John W.

Interview Location: John Kirbyson's son's home in Langley

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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track two of interview with John Kirbyson

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-002/MSS196-002_Track_2.mp3

Interview with John Kirbyson by Kathy Bossort September 28, 2015 - Track 7

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory562

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1974-2015

Length: 0:18:37

Summary: This portion of the interview is about John Kirbyson’s beliefs about the value of public input, broad vision statements, and principles in guiding parks planning and management. He talks about the meaning of conservation and the idea of the traditional landmark character of Burnaby Mountain, and ch…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about John Kirbyson’s beliefs about the value of public input, broad vision statements, and principles in guiding parks planning and management. He talks about the meaning of conservation and the idea of the traditional landmark character of Burnaby Mountain, and changing public perception about the mountain.

Date Range: 1974-2015

Length: 0:18:37

Names: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department

Subjects: Geographic Features - Parks; Planning

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: September 28, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with John Kirbyson conducted by Kathy Bossort. John Kirbyson was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about John Kirbyson’s education and career as parks planner for the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, and the development of the 1999 Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area Management Plan. The interview explores how parks management balances environmental and recreational values and safety, and the importance of good guidelines and public input in the parks planning process. John Kirbyson also talks about recreational activities and various developments on Burnaby Mountain in the 1990s, such as the Kamui Mintara sculptures.

Biographical Notes: John Kirbyson was born in Vancouver in 1954, to Arnold and Winnifred Kirbyson. After several years spent in Winnipeg and Calgary, the Kirbyson family moved to Hunter Street in Burnaby in 1969 where John remembers living near the City’s nursery. John earned his BSc degree at SFU in Physical Geography (1973-1978) and then worked for the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services between 1978 and 2005, where he moved from labourer to management positions. Supported by the City, he returned to SFU to earn his Masters degree in the School of Resource and Environment Management in 1991, his thesis being on restoration of Deer Lake. He was Manager of Parks Planning, Design and Development in the 1990s at the time that land on Burnaby Mountain was transferred from SFU to the City of Burnaby, and had the opportunity to direct the development of the first management plan for the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. From 2005 to 2010 John was Manager of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Dept. in Penticton, after which he has worked as an environmental consultant for Lees & Associates Landscape Architects and Planners. He is married to wife Linda and has three children: Linnaea, Jeremy and Colin.

Total Tracks: 7

Total Length: 1:33:43

Interviewee Name: Kirbyson, John W.

Interview Location: John Kirbyson's son's home in Langley

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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track seven of interview with John Kirbyson

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-002/MSS196-002_Track_7.mp3

Interview with Karen Morcke and Diane Hansen by Kathy Bossort October 9, 2015 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory563

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1965-1995

Length: 0:05:25

Summary: This portion of the interview introduces Karen Morcke and Diane Hansen. Karen Morcke talks about coming to SFU from Germany as a student in 1968 and then working as an instructor at SFU until she retired in 1995. She describes the trails on Burnaby Mountain when she first started walking them. Dian…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview introduces Karen Morcke and Diane Hansen. Karen Morcke talks about coming to SFU from Germany as a student in 1968 and then working as an instructor at SFU until she retired in 1995. She describes the trails on Burnaby Mountain when she first started walking them. Diane Hansen describes moving to Westridge in 1971.

Date Range: 1965-1995

Length: 0:05:25

Names: Simon Fraser University

Subjects: Recreational Activities; Geographic Features - Trails; Education

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Historic Neighbourhood: Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Westridge Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 9, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Karen Morcke and Diane Hansen conducted by Kathy Bossort. Karen Morcke and Diane Hansen were two of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about the history and activities of the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society of which Karen Morcke and Diane Hansen were founding members, and the environmental and recreational value of the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. Karen Morcke also talks about walking the trails on Burnaby Mountain from 1968 to present and her involvement in other environmental groups.

Biographical Notes: Diane Hansen was born in Winnipeg in 1941, trained as a nurse in Toronto, and moved with her husband Ingolf Hansen to the Westridge Area in Burnaby in 1971, where Diane lived until 2010. Diane has one daughter Kristin. Karen Morcke was born in Germany in 1940, immigrating to Canada in 1968 to attend SFU. After completing her Masters degree in 1970 Karen was hired by SFU as a language instructor from which she retired in 1995. She has one son Erik and has lived almost continuously in North Burnaby since 1968. Both Diane Hansen and Karen Morcke have been active volunteers in local environmental groups and were founding members of the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society, which formed about 1989 to lobby for a conservation area that integrated SFU land below the campus ring road with City of Burnaby parkland on Burnaby Mountain. Diane has also been active in wild bird rescue groups. Karen walked the trails on Burnaby Mountain to and from work, and began lobbying for protection of green space on Burnaby Mountain in the 1970s.

Total Tracks: 6

Total Length: 1:10:35

Interviewee Name: Morcke, Karen; Hansen, H. Diane

Interview Location: Karen Morcke'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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Karen Morcke and Diane Hansen

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-003/MSS196-003_Track_1.mp3

Interview with Lee Rankin by Kathy Bossort December 2, 2015 - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory647

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1973-2015

Length: 0:17:26

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Lee Rankin telling stories about various people, including Doug Drummond, the Barnet Rifle Range and Dr. Mauser, John Stubbs, and Jack Blaney. He also talks about the change in providing higher education from the full university experience to development of pa…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Lee Rankin telling stories about various people, including Doug Drummond, the Barnet Rifle Range and Dr. Mauser, John Stubbs, and Jack Blaney. He also talks about the change in providing higher education from the full university experience to development of part time and online courses and satellite campuses. He tells about presenting an idea to Jack Blaney for a satellite campus at Metrotown.

Date Range: 1973-2015

Length: 0:17:26

Names: Drummond, Douglas P. "Doug"; Barnet Rifle Club; Stubbs, John; Blaney, Jack

Subjects: Education; Buildings - Schools - Universities and Colleges; Transportation; Recreational Activities

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: December 2, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Lee Rankin conducted by Kathy Bossort. Lee Rankin was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Lee Rankin’s involvement in finding a resolution to the dispute between the City of Burnaby and Simon Fraser University over land ownership and control on Burnaby Mountain. He talks about the origin of the dispute, the positions taken by the two sides, the key people who brought about a resolution, and the main features of the agreement between the City, SFU and the province of BC. He talks about how the agreement met SFU’s goals, fostered trust between the City and university, and removed uncertainty from protecting parkland on Burnaby Mountain.

Biographical Notes: Lee Rankin was born in 1953 in Vancouver. He attended SFU 1973-78, completing his BA degree in 1985. He earned his law degree at UBC in 1988, was called to the Bar in 1989, and practiced in immigration and refugee law. Lee has lived in Burnaby since 1976 and was a member of Burnaby Council for 22 years, from 1983-1999 and 2002-2008. His particular interests as a Councillor were in community planning, housing and environment. Among other duties and accomplishments as Councillor, Lee served as chair of the Simon Fraser Liaison Committee and was involved in the negotiations with the province and SFU that resulted in the university returning more than 800 acres of land to the City, which was dedicated as part of the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. He has also served on the GVRD, volunteers as a coach for team sports in Burnaby, and has served on numerous community and business associations and committees. Lee is married to Ragini Venkat Rankin and has one son Henry.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 1:50:35

Interviewee Name: Rankin, Lee A.

Interview Location: Lee Rankin'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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track six of interview with Lee Rankin

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-014/MSS196-014_Track_6.mp3

Interview with Leonard Evenden and Allen Seager by Kathy Bossort November 18, 2015 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory624

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1965-2015

Length: 0:13:31

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Dr. Evenden and Dr. Seager’s description of the relationship of SFU’s faculty and administration to Burnaby Mountain’s environment, including stewardship of the land, academic research related to the mountain, and the development of UniverCity. Dr. Evenden ta…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Dr. Evenden and Dr. Seager’s description of the relationship of SFU’s faculty and administration to Burnaby Mountain’s environment, including stewardship of the land, academic research related to the mountain, and the development of UniverCity. Dr. Evenden talks about Dr. Colin Crampton’s writings about the natural history of Burnaby Mountain, and Dr. Seager references the controversy over the target ranges on the mountain and Dr. Stephen Collis’ work, as examples of faculty involvement in local environmental issues.

Date Range: 1965-2015

Length: 0:13:31

Names: Simon Fraser University; UniverCity; Crampton, Colin; Collis, Stephen; Mauser, Gary A.; Barnet Rifle Club; Trans Mountain Oil Pipeline Company

Subjects: Geographic Features - Forests; Planning; Education; Protests and Demonstrations

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: November 18, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Dr. Leonard Evenden and Dr. Allen Seager conducted by Kathy Bossort. Leonard Evenden and Allen Seager were two of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about aspects of Simon Fraser University’s history that is related to its site on Burnaby Mountain, as told by two retired SFU professors, Dr. Evenden of the Geography Department and Dr. Seager of the Department of History. The interview ranges over campus access and housing issues created by the isolated mountain site; the relationship of the university to the local community and the dispute over land ownership and control with the City of Burnaby; SFU’s environmental stewardship; the development of UniverCity; and the future of parkland in the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain.

Biographical Notes: Dr. Leonard J. Evenden was born 1937 in Beijing, China, to parents and Salvation Army missionaries Leonard Evenden and Elsie Pearl March. Dr. Evenden attended McMaster University (B.A. 1960), University of Georgia (M.A. 1962) and University of Edinburgh (Ph.D. 1970). He was appointed to Simon Fraser University’s Department of Geography in 1966, shortly after SFU opened in the fall of 1965, and retired in 2002. Dr. Evenden’s research has focused on Canadian urban geography. He edited a collection of essays about Burnaby titled “Suburb of Happy Homes: Burnaby centennial themes” (1995), and directed “Voices of Burnaby”, an SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee oral history project (1992). Dr. Evenden is married with three children. Dr. Allen Seager was born 1953 in Montreal, Quebec, to parents C.F.B. Seager and Evelyn DeGex Chesam. Dr. Seager is a retired Simon Fraser University professor, being a member of SFU’s Department of History from 1981 to 2014, and has current links with SFU as an instructor for Continuing Studies. His research interests include history of Canada and Western Canada, and labour and working class history, particularly in the coal mining and railway industries. Dr. Seager moved to Burnaby and the Montecito area in 1981 where he continues to live and enjoy the hiking trails on Burnaby Mountain and the amenities at SFU. Dr. Seager is a member of the Burnaby North NDP, and has volunteered with Scouts Canada and the Burnaby Centennial Committee.

Total Tracks: 6

Total Length: 1:11:28

Interviewee Name: Evenden, Leonard J.; Seager, Allen

Interview Location: Clubhouse at Burnaby Mountain Golf Course Restaurant

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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Dr. Leonard Evenden and Dr. Allen Seager

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-011/MSS196-011_Track_4.mp3

Interview with Maureen Olofson by Kathy Bossort October 14, 2015 - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory574

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1950-2015

Length: 0:16:59

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Maureen Olofson’s current activities on Burnaby Mountain and how she feels about use of the mountain today and in the past.

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Maureen Olofson’s current activities on Burnaby Mountain and how she feels about use of the mountain today and in the past.

Date Range: 1950-2015

Length: 0:16:59

Names: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Simon Fraser University

Subjects: Recreational Activities; Industries; Geographic Features - Forests

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 14, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Maureen Olofson conducted by Kathy Bossort. Maureen Olofson was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Maureen Olofson’s memories of growing up on her parent’s Burnaby Mountain mink ranch between 1942 and 1950 and about the operation of the farm. She also talks about her parents’ history, her teaching career, and her thoughts about the beauty and value of Burnaby Mountain’s natural area.

Biographical Notes: Maureen Olofson was born 1938 in Glote, Harjedalen, Sweden, to Axel (1906-1998) and Kerstin Margareta (1906-1980). Axel and Kerstin Olofson, who had separately immigrated to Canada in 1928 and 1913 respectively, married in Canada and then returned to Sweden where Maureen was born. They moved to Burnaby in 1942 with their daughters Maureen and Anita Lea, and bought land and a mink ranch on Burnaby Mountain with their partners Gus Skofteby and Karin Ericksson (Kerstin’s sister). The GAK Fur Farm, located in the old Hastings Grove subdivision on 4th Avenue near Curtis Street, was one of the largest mink ranches in BC, an award winning operation with over 1200 mink animals. In 1950 the partners sold the land and the Olofson family moved to rented homes on Sperling Avenue. In 1952 Axel sold the last of his minks and opened a sporting goods store on Hastings Street. In 1954 the family moved to North Vancouver where Axel Olofson reestablished his sports business. Maureen attended Sperling Avenue School from Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 and Burnaby North High School to Gr. 11, completing school in North Vancouver, before going to UBC where she trained as a teacher. She returned to Burnaby in 1977 to teach, retiring in 1997. She is a volunteer with the Swedish Canadian Rest Home Association and the Dania Homes Society. Maureen continues to enjoy activities on Burnaby Mountain and works toward preserving the natural beauty of the mountain.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 1:19:04

Interviewee Name: Olofson, B. Maureen

Interview Location: Maureen Olofson'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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track six of interview with Maureen Olofson

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-004/MSS196-004_Track_6.mp3

Interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan by Kathy Bossort January 28, 2016 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory680

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1977-1990

Length: 0:05:40

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Mayor Corrigan talking about living in the Stoney Creek neighbourhood and family walks along the creek. He also talks about Simon Fraser University: working in the Criminology Dept. as a teaching assistant, the university’s architecture, the student population…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Mayor Corrigan talking about living in the Stoney Creek neighbourhood and family walks along the creek. He also talks about Simon Fraser University: working in the Criminology Dept. as a teaching assistant, the university’s architecture, the student population it served and its radical reputation.

Date Range: 1977-1990

Length: 0:05:40

Names: Stoney Creek Area; Simon Fraser University

Subjects: Recreational Activities

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Stoney Creek

Planning Study Area: Lyndhurst Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: January 28, 2016

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan conducted by Kathy Bossort. Derek Corrigan was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Mayor Corrigan talking about the history and value of protecting the environment and green space in Burnaby, and the different positions held by the City and SFU about land use and control on Burnaby Mountain between 1964 and 1995. He talks about the increasing awareness that a solution needed to be found that gave certainty to the protection of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain. Mayor Corrigan also talks about what conservation means to him, the role that the Centennial Pavilion area plays on Burnaby Mountain, and the future for the urban forest on Burnaby Mountain. Other topics include his childhood, education, formative events in his life, and his career in politics.

Biographical Notes: Derek Corrigan was born and grew up in Vancouver. He attended a number of elementary schools in East Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Elementary School (Gr. 4-7) and Sir Charles Tupper High School. He attended UBC, majoring in philosophy and political science, and after travel in Europe, successfully applied to enter law school without completing his bachelors degree. He graduated in 1977, articled with Jim Lorimer in Burnaby and was called to the bar in 1978. In 1977 Derek Corrigan and his wife Kathy moved to Burnaby, first to the Stoney Creek neighborhood and then to a home on the South Slope where they raised their family of four children. Derek Corrigan first ran for Burnaby Council in 1979 with the Burnaby Citizens Association, and after three more tries was elected to council in 1987. He has served Burnaby for 28 years, first as a councillor and then as mayor since 2002. During his career he has served on many committees at the local, regional and national levels.

Total Tracks: 9

Total Length: 1:31:24

Interviewee Name: Corrigan, Derek

Interview Location: Mayor’s office at Burnaby City Hall

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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track two of interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-018/MSS196-018_Track_2.mp3

Interview with Rick Sporns by Kathy Bossort October 30, 2015 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory606

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1900-2015

Length: 0:17:11

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Rick Sporn’s discussion of the value of natural areas to Burnaby, the city’s history of protecting green spaces, and the complementary role the Pavilion area plays in the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. He talks about how the rose garden and “Playground of…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Rick Sporn’s discussion of the value of natural areas to Burnaby, the city’s history of protecting green spaces, and the complementary role the Pavilion area plays in the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. He talks about how the rose garden and “Playground of the Gods” sculptures (Kamui Mintara) help Pavilion area visitors more fully appreciate the mountain setting. He also talks about the history of the construction of the Kamui Mintara sculptures.

Date Range: 1900-2015

Length: 0:17:11

Names: Burnaby Mountain Centennial Rose Garden; Burnaby Mountain Centennial Park; Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Kamui Mintara; Central Park

Subjects: Geographic Features - Parks; Planning; Recreational Activities

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 30, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Rick Sporns conducted by Kathy Bossort. Rick Sporns was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Rick Sporn’s description of the history and design of Burnaby Mountain Centennial Rose Garden and the significance of the Centennial Pavilion area in the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. Rick Sporns also talks about his career with the City of Burnaby’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, management of Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, and the value of natural areas to Burnaby.

Biographical Notes: Richard Sporns was born in 1957 in Daly Municipality, Manitoba, to Ulrich and Charlotte Sporns. The family moved to the Burquitlam Area of Burnaby in about 1965. Rick Sporns obtained his BSc degree in biology at SFU and a degree in landscape architecture at UBC. In 1985 he began his career in the City of Burnaby’s Park, Recreation and Cultural Services department where he currently is Assistant Manager - Parks Design. Rick was responsible for designing Burnaby Mountain Centennial Rose Garden, a legacy project proposed by Mark Stockdale to commemorate Burnaby’s 1992 Centennial. The rose garden opened to the public July 18, 1992.

Total Tracks: 6

Total Length: 1:01:40

Interviewee Name: Sporns, Richard "Rick"

Interview Location: City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services meeting room

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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Rick Sporns

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-008/MSS196-008_Track_4.mp3

Interview with Ron Baker by Kathy Bossort November 27, 2015 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory638

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1963-1970

Length: 0:11:00

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Dr. Ron Baker talking about Dr. Shrum’s attraction to the mountain top as site for university and his grand ideas for the university, including scholarships for an athletic program. He also talks about how original SFU faculty was more West Point Grey centered…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Dr. Ron Baker talking about Dr. Shrum’s attraction to the mountain top as site for university and his grand ideas for the university, including scholarships for an athletic program. He also talks about how original SFU faculty was more West Point Grey centered and preferred to commute from the North shore, and how this changed for new faculty who settled in Burnaby and Coquitlam.

Date Range: 1963-1970

Length: 0:11:00

Names: Simon Fraser University; Shrum, Gordon M.; University of British Columbia

Subjects: Academic Disciplines; Planning; Transportation

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: November 27, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Dr. Ronald James Baker conducted by Kathy Bossort. Ron Baker 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 founding of Simon Fraser University from the perspective of SFU’s first faculty member and Director of Academic Planning, Ron Baker. Ron Baker talks about John B. Macdonald’s report on higher education in BC (1962) and how it lead to the provincial government’s decision to establish a new university and to put it in the Burnaby area. He tells stories about how the site on Burnaby Mountain was chosen; about the building of the campus; and about the challenges of planning the academic structure of the university. He also talks about the attraction of creating with little interference an institution trying out new ideas and tells stories about his working relationship with Gordon Shrum. He considers the problems created by building universities in out of the way places and the ideas such as UniverCity for dealing with SFU’s isolation.

Biographical Notes: Ron Baker was born in London, England, in 1924, and served in the Royal Air Force during WW2. He emigrated to Canada in 1947 and studied at UBC where he obtained a BA degree (1951) and MA degree (1953) in English Language and Literature. He served on the faculty of the UBC English Department beginning as a lecturer in 1951 and advanced to positions of Assistant Professor (1958-63) and Associate Professor (1963-65). He was a contributor to John B. Macdonald’s 1962 report “Higher Education in British Columbia and a Plan for the Future”, and continued to make significant contributions to the establishment of the community college system in Canada throughout his career. In 1963 the newly established Simon Fraser University hired Ron as its first Director of Academic Planning, serving also as first head of SFU’s English Department. In 1969 Ron left SFU to become the first President of the University of Prince Edward Island, a position he held until 1978. In 1978 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions to higher education. Ron has contributed to many organizations, including serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, on Canada Council, and as President of Association of Atlantic Universities and the Association of Canadian University Teachers of English. In 1990 Ron Baker was asked by the government of BC to prepare a preliminary report on the establishment of the future UNBC in Prince George. Now retired Ron Baker lives in the Edmonds area of Burnaby.

Total Tracks: 7

Total Length: 1:33:46

Interviewee Name: Baker, Ronald J. "Ron"

Interview Location: Ron Baker'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

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Dr. Ron Baker

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-013/MSS196-013_Track_4.mp3

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