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Appointment of a Representative to Intermunicipal Industries Committee
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport71223
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 75768
- Meeting Date
- 12-Feb-1917
- Format
- Council - Mayor/Councillor/Staff Report
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 75768
- Meeting Date
- 12-Feb-1917
- Format
- Council - Mayor/Councillor/Staff Report
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Home sphere of child life ... Child life. Part one--Child activities in art and industry; Part two--stories of great industries ...
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary2591
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- HV975.106.4
- Call Number
- 649.102 LEW Copy 1
- Place of Publication
- Valparaiso, Ind.
- Publisher
- Lewis E. Myers and Company
- Publication Date
- c1910
- Physical Description
- 96 p. : illus. ; 25 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Child development
- Child Study movement
- Notes
- "A plan to promote the culture of work and play among children in the home." -- title page
- Part one, Child activities in art and industry -- Part two, Stories of great industries.
- Copy 1 of 2
Inter-Municipal Committee re Publicity and Industries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport74095
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 80658
- Meeting Date
- 13-Mar-1916
- Format
- Council - Committee Report
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 80658
- Meeting Date
- 13-Mar-1916
- Format
- Council - Committee Report
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Transportation and Industries Committee Report
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport71650
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 75994
- Meeting Date
- 18-Jun-1917
- Format
- Council - Committee Report
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 75994
- Meeting Date
- 18-Jun-1917
- Format
- Council - Committee Report
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Horne-Payne Receiving Station
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark594
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Description
- Industrial building.
- Associated Dates
- 1913
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Geographic Access
- 2nd Avenue
- Associated Dates
- 1913
- Description
- Industrial building.
- Heritage Value
- Constructed as an electrical grid substation by the B.C. Electric Railway Company, the Horne-Payne substation was part of the expansion of this utility company to central Burnaby that occurred as a result of the opening of the Burnaby Lake Interurban line in 1911. The Receiving Station is intended to rearrange the company’s system of distributing power over the whole of the Burrard Peninsula. Power will come to the transformers there and be converted and distributed to the various substations in Vancouver, New Westminster and the suburbs...Work has already been started at the foundation for the new plant. (Vancouver Daily Province, April 29, 1913) When constructed the substation was situated within a forest clearing in a largely undeveloped section of northwest Burnaby. The area now surrounding the substation is heavily developed for semi-industrial purposes. This steel-frame and poured concrete structure was designed to be utilitarian, but with decorative detailing. The south-facing front of the structure features massed corners detailed with decorative relief panels at the roofline. Additionally, this well-balanced building displayed symmetrical fenestration with blind, and tall multi-paned steel-sash windows, some crowned with keystones. A tower added to the east side of the building’s front is the most substantial change made to the appearance of the Horne-Payne substation. This industrial structure was designed by prominent British Columbian architect, Robert Lyon (1879-1963). Born in Edinburgh, Lyon apprenticed and worked as an architect in Scotland until 1908 before moving to New York in 1909. In 1911, he began his career in Vancouver as an “architectural engineer,” with the B.C. Electric Company that lasted until 1918. After a short tenure in the lumber industry, Lyon returned to architecture, this time with his own firm in Penticton. Active in municipal politics, he was instrumental in the incorporation of Penticton as a city, and became its first mayor from 1948-1949. Lyon retired from architecture in 1958 and died in 1963. Lyon also designed the Central Park Gate in Burnaby.
- Locality
- Vancouver Heights
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- West Central Valley Area
- Architect
- Robert Lyon
- Area
- 47400.00
- Contributing Resource
- Building
- Ownership
- Private
- Street Address
- 3700 2nd Street
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
Images
Angus & Mabel MacDonald Residence
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark558
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Description
- Residential building.
- Associated Dates
- 1913
- Other Names
- The Pillars
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Other Names
- The Pillars
- Geographic Access
- Dundas Street
- Associated Dates
- 1913
- Description
- Residential building.
- Heritage Value
- With its two monumental, double height columns terminating in elaborate Ionic capitals, this Neoclassical Revival style house is aptly named The Pillars. Other Neoclassical embellishments include a Palladian pediment window, pilasters with Ionic capitals applied to the front corners of the house and lathe-turned porch columns. Though it has been re-clad with a later covering of asbestos shingles over the original siding, it otherwise retains a high degree of exterior integrity with most of its double-hung windows and decorative elements still in place. This home was constructed for Angus John MacDonald (née Cummins, 1878-1955), Vice-President of A. Linton & Company Ltd., and his wife Mabel Jessie MacDonald (1884-1971). Linton & Company was a shipbuilding firm; MacDonald retired in 1942 after thirty years in the industry. A photograph of this grand house was often featured in the promotional material for the Vancouver Heights subdivision by realtors and titled “A typical Vancouver Heights home.”
- Locality
- Vancouver Heights
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Heights Area
- Area
- 566.71
- Contributing Resource
- Building
- Ownership
- Private
- Street Address
- 3815 Dundas Street
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
Images
Central Park Entrance Gate
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark544
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Description
- The Central Park Entrance Gate is the ceremonial entrance to Burnaby’s historic Central Park from Kingsway, and consists of two massive stone pillars, approximately 7.5 metres high and 1.8 metres square, adjacent gate posts and a low flanking stone wall that curves into the park to the east.
- Associated Dates
- 1913
- Formal Recognition
- Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Geographic Access
- Imperial Street
- Associated Dates
- 1913
- Formal Recognition
- Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
- Enactment Type
- Bylaw No. 9807
- Enactment Date
- 23/11/1992
- Description
- The Central Park Entrance Gate is the ceremonial entrance to Burnaby’s historic Central Park from Kingsway, and consists of two massive stone pillars, approximately 7.5 metres high and 1.8 metres square, adjacent gate posts and a low flanking stone wall that curves into the park to the east.
- Heritage Value
- The Central Park Entrance Gate is significant as a ceremonial entry to a major park, for its connection with the early history of the British Columbia Electric Railway (BCER) and as an important design by an accomplished British Columbian architect. When the original interurban line between Vancouver and New Westminster was constructed in 1891, one of the first stations was located where the tramway crossed the Vancouver-Westminster Road (now Kingsway) within the newly-created Central Park. The interurban line ran through the park on a diagonal right-of-way (the current SkyTrain line, opened in 1986, follows this original alignment). In 1912 an agreement was reached between the successor interurban company, the BCER, and the Central Park Provincial Park Board, to deed additional land for an expanded right-of-way through the Park in exchange for improvements that included the construction of an ornamental stone wall and gate with an iron arch, with an illuminated 'Central Park' sign, adjacent to the interurban station on Kingsway. This was an early and rare example of an electric sign used for a public recreation facility. The Gate is also significant as a surviving early design by Robert Lyon (1879-1963), an Edinburgh-born and trained immigrant who was one of the most accomplished of British Columbia's early architects. After he moved to Vancouver, he was employed by the BCER from 1911 until 1918, and worked on a broad range of projects including some of the grandest and most innovative local industrial structures of the time. The arch was built by the Westminster Ironworks Company, one of the leading firms of its kind in Western Canada, operated by John Reid of New Westminster. The Gate was completed in 1914; in 1968 the decorative ironwork was removed due to corrosion and placed in storage.
- Defining Elements
- Key elements that define the heritage character of the Central Park Entrance Gate include its: - two subtly tapered massive stone pillars, which rise in stages from a larger base to a shaft with random coursed multi-coloured granite with roughly formed grey granite quoins, to a top formed of finely finished grey granite blocks with a coved and bracketed cap - adjacent gate posts with monolithic pyramidal granite caps - low flanking stone wall that curves into the park to the east, constructed of random coursed multi-coloured granite with a river rock triangular cap
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Maywood Area
- Architect
- Robert Lyon
- Builder
- John Reid
- Westminster Iron Works Co.
- Function
- Primary Current--Park Fixture
- Primary Historic--Park Fixture
- Community
- Burnaby
- Cadastral Identifier
- P.I.D. No. 017-767-172 Legal Description: Block B of Lot 2 Except Firstly: Part on Plan 8669 and Secondly: Part on Plan LMP4689 District Lot 151, Group 1, New Westminster District, Plan 3443
- Boundaries
- The property (Central Park) is a municipally-owned park that lies at the western edge of Burnaby, between 49th Avenue to the south, Kingsway to the north, Boundary Road to the west and Patterson Avenue to the east.
- Area
- 853,403.82
- Contributing Resource
- Structure
- Landscape Feature
- Ownership
- Public (local)
- Names
- Lyon, Robert
- Reid, John
- Westminster Iron Works Company
- British Columbia Electric Railway Company
- Central Park Provincial Park Board
- Subjects
- Structures - Fences
- Street Address
- 3883 Imperial Street
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
Images
Lochdale Neighbourhood
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark743
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Associated Dates
- 1905-1924
- Heritage Value
- "Picturesquely situated on the south-westerly slope of the highest hill on the Burrard Peninsula is a district that in many ways resembles the early pioneer settlements…its centre is at the intersection of east Hastings Street and Sperling Avenue. Only a few years ago a dense forest covered this area and the settlers were few and some distance apart. After the war working men began to enter the Lochdale woods in quest of cheap home-sites. Today there are more than 400 residents in the district who combine to make a happy contented industrious community living on the edge of a big city yet enjoying the life offered by the country...The Community Hall is the centre of all social activities. Dances, concerts and other forms of entertainment are all there...Curtis Street runs from Sperling Avenue up to the hill, locally known as Hastings Grove. From the top on a clear day there is a view for miles around." ~ From the Sunday Province, March 8, 1925.
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Lochdale Area
Images
Thomas & Margaret Coldicutt Residence
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark647
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Description
- Residential building.
- Associated Dates
- 1911
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Geographic Access
- 6th Street
- Associated Dates
- 1911
- Description
- Residential building.
- Heritage Value
- This house was built by Thomas Davis Coldicutt (1879-1970) and Margaret Jane Coldicutt, pre-eminent local citizens. Thomas Coldicutt was born in Birmingham and arrived in Canada in 1900, finding success in the steamboat industry. In 1902, he married Margaret Jane Styler who had been born in Redditch, Worcester, England, and in 1908 they settled in East Burnaby–some of the first pioneers to the area–and established a fruit farm. Thomas had a successful real estate, insurance and brokerage business, and was elected as a councillor for East Burnaby in 1909. He was also active in civic, political and social circles in Burnaby and became president of the Burnaby Board of Trade. "East Burnaby is booming and the signs of prosperity that may be seen on every hand. Most of these are substantial dwellings, such as effect a permanent improvement to the countryside. Among those whose homes have been completed, or on the point of completion may be mentioned. Councillor Coldicutt, who has built himself a habitation on Second Avenue at a cost of $4,000. (The British Columbian, 1911). In 1913, Coldicutt sold his original farm described as “the show place of Burnaby” to the Burnaby School Board for the development of Second Street School and this house was moved from Second Street and Sixteenth Avenue to this site. It has been extensively altered, but retains its original form, scale and massing.
- Locality
- East Burnaby
- Historic Neighbourhood
- East Burnaby (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Edmonds Area
- Area
- 557.42
- Contributing Resource
- Building
- Ownership
- Private
- Street Address
- 7510 6th Street
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
Images
![Barnet Mill, [1912] (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/204/204-702.jpg?width=280)
Barnet Mill
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35843
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1912] (date of original), copied 1986
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Barnet Mill, at one point the largest lumber mill in the British Empire. It closed in 1929. The Barnet Mill was called the North Pacific Lumber Company from 1889 to 1914.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1912] (date of original), copied 1986
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Pioneer Tales subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 204-702
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1988-03
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Barnet Mill, at one point the largest lumber mill in the British Empire. It closed in 1929. The Barnet Mill was called the North Pacific Lumber Company from 1889 to 1914.
- Names
- Barnet Mill
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Phillips, James William "Jim"
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- Texaco Drive
- Street Address
- 8059 Texaco Drive
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Barnet Mill, [1912] (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/204/204-702.jpg)
The Dry Kilns
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription73600
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1912
- Collection/Fonds
- LaFavor Family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8.5 x 14 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of the dry kilns at the North Pacific Lumber Company in Barnet Village, BC.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1912
- Collection/Fonds
- LaFavor Family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8.5 x 14 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 540-008
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2007-03
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of the dry kilns at the North Pacific Lumber Company in Barnet Village, BC.
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
- Industries - Logging/lumber
- Industries - Forestry
- Buildings - Industrial - Mills
- Names
- Barnet Mill
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Canadian Photo Company
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Geographic Access
- Barnet Village
- Texaco Drive
- Street Address
- 8059 Texaco Drive
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Interior of Mill, [191-] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/540/540-010.jpg?width=280)
Interior of Mill
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription73602
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [191-]
- Collection/Fonds
- LaFavor Family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia postcards ; 8.5 x 14 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of the interior of the mill at the North Pacific Lumber Company in Barnet Village, BC.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [191-]
- Collection/Fonds
- LaFavor Family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia postcards ; 8.5 x 14 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 540-010
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2007-03
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of the interior of the mill at the North Pacific Lumber Company in Barnet Village, BC.
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
- Industries - Logging/lumber
- Industries - Forestry
- Buildings - Industrial - Mills
- Names
- Barnet Mill
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Canadian Photo Company
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Geographic Access
- Barnet Village
- Texaco Drive
- Street Address
- 8059 Texaco Drive
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Interior of Mill, [191-] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/540/540-010.jpg)
![Interior of Power House, [191-] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/540/540-006.jpg?width=280)
Interior of Power House
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription73598
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [191-]
- Collection/Fonds
- LaFavor Family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8.5 x 14 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of the interior of the Power House at the North Pacific Lumber Company in Barnet Village, BC.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [191-]
- Collection/Fonds
- LaFavor Family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8.5 x 14 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 540-006
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2007-03
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of the interior of the Power House at the North Pacific Lumber Company in Barnet Village, BC.
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
- Buildings - Industrial - Powerhouses
- Industries - Logging/lumber
- Industries - Forestry
- Names
- Barnet Mill
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Canadian Photo Company
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Geographic Access
- Barnet Village
- Texaco Drive
- Street Address
- 8059 Texaco Drive
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Interior of Power House, [191-] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/540/540-006.jpg)
Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19348
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 3 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 56 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 57 sec.)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of an oral history interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. The interview opens with introductions and how the content of the interview can be drawn on by Burnaby Village Museum for future …
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Series
- Museum Oral Histories series
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 3 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 56 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 57 sec.)
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Anushay Malik Co Interviewer and technical support: Kate Petrusa Interviewee: Dr. Sadhu Binning Location of Interview: Love farmhouse at Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: November 25, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 3 Total Length of all Tracks: (1:15:57) Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto three separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of an oral history interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. The interview opens with introductions and how the content of the interview can be drawn on by Burnaby Village Museum for future exhibits and for researchers to learn more about the history of the South Asian community in Burnaby. During the interview, Dr. Binning shares his ancestral background along with his relatives' and his own personal experiences as a South Asian immigrant living and working in British Columbia and Burnaby. Dr. Binning conveys that he’s a Burnaby resident who’s lived in Burnaby since 1973 and that his children were born here. Binning shares his ancestral heritage beginning with his uncle Dhana Singh who emigrated from Punjab to British Columbia in 1931 and began working in the forest industry. He explains how Dhana Singh and another partner owned, operated and worked in small sawmills in the vicinity of Kamloops, Williams Lake and also on Vancouver Island. Binning conveys that in the beginning Dhana Singh and many other South Asian immigrants were not legal residents until 1938. In 1938, about 350 South Asian immigrants (mainly Punjabi) gathered resources to hire a lawyer to obtain permanent residency. Binning mentions that one of the notable South Asians in the group who was also a close friend of his uncle, was Darshan Singh Sangha, a trade unionist who was a founding member of the International Woodworkers of America (IWA) union and an active member of the Communist Party of Canada. Binning conveys how Darshan Singh Sangha returned to India in 1947 to be a part of the revolution, how he was very active in the communist movement in India. While in India, Darshan Singh Sangha, was known as Canadian and thereby adopted “Canadian” as his surname, becoming “Darshan Singh Canadian”. Binning further explains that his uncle Dhana Singh Sangha returned to India in 1951, married and came back to B.C. in 1957 bringing with him, his wife and children. In 1960, with the support of his uncle, Binning’s father, Jit Singh Binning immigrated to British Columbia and began working in sawmills in the lower mainland, Kamloops, Quesnel and on Vancouver Island. Binning clarifies that his uncle, Dhana Singh was able to immigrate to Canada with the support of his cousins from the Tarker Singh Bains family. Binning further describes Darshan Singh Sangha’s involvement with the Communist party and the IWA and how the majority of the members were from the forest industry. As an active and prominent member of the labour movement, Darshan Singh Sangha fought for the rights of South Asians and Chinese who working in the industry and facing racism, unfair wages and discriminatory practices. Binning describes how Darshan Singh Sangha wrote a book in English in 1943, titled “Rise of the New Asia”. Binning conveys how immigrants of Chinese and South Asian decent didn’t have the right to vote in British Columbia and how Darshan Singh Sangha was instrumental in obtaining the right to vote in British Columbia, although he was never given the credit. Binning describes his uncle Dhana Singh as a likeable guy with many friends, first living in Kamloops before moving to Vancouver. Binning imparts how the sport of wrestling is a popular Punjabi sport along with Punjabi kabaddi. He conveys that his uncle became involved in wrestling while working in sawmills. South Asian immigrants had to do physical labour working in sawmills, the work could be tough and could often lead to physical fights. A number of South Asian immigrants working in the mills already had experience as wrestlers from back home. Dhana Singh later left the lumber industry to work in the agriculture sector. Binning explains how immigration rules changed in the 1960s which lead to larger numbers of South Asians immigrating to Canada. Many of these new immigrants were educated and politically conscious. All of these new immigrants faced racism but being politically conscious from an independent India and with the ability to speak English they organized themselves to fight for their rights. Binning imagines the items that his uncle and his father may have brought with them in their suitcase when immigrating to Canada. Binning describes three items, including a rajai (a blanket with cotton inside that is sewn together), a bistra (small attaché case or trunk) and a piece of cloth to lie on. Binning further describes the roles in Indian society as caste divisions and that it was usually women’s work in making the rajais. Binning recollects the locations that his father and his family lived after coming to Vancouver. Binning explains that a few years after living together in Vancouver, he and his family moved to Burnaby in 1973 to be closer to his Dr. Binning’s wife, Jagdish Binning’s family. Dr. Binning and family lived in a house in Burnaby located on Irmin Street near Royal Oak between 1973 and 1987. While living at this house their children attended McPherson Park Junior High School and later Burnaby South Secondary School. Binning reflects on some of the racism that he and his family have faced while living in Burnaby which led him to write a poem that he published in 1994 titled “No More Watno Dur”. Binning explains the meaning of the title “Watan” meaning “country and everybody” “a country far way from the motherland”. Binning explains the origins of the magazine “Watan” that was started by a friend in 1973. The magazine got its roots in Vancouver in 1973 from an organization called the “Punjabi Literary Association”. Binning became the editor of the magazine in 1976 and his friend joined him as assistant editor in 1978. Binning continued to work as editor until 1983 or 1984 when he returned to school to complete his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree. Binning describes the origins of the “Vancouver Sath” that was formed by a small group of South Asians around 1982. Binning was a founding member of the organization and held meetings and rehearsals at his house in Burnaby. Vancouver Sath first started out as an informal discussion forum by a group of politically conscious Punjabi writers and activists. Binning talks about issues and problems that Vancouver Sath addressed including; racism as well as domestic violence in the South Asian community. Binning explains how he and Sukhwant Hundal wrote articles on these issues and others that were happening in the South Asian community in Canada. Binning talks about how in 1983, the group was inspired to begin performing theatrical works after consulting with Gursharan Singh who was from a well known theatrical group from Punjab who were performing in Vancouver. In the beginning the Vancouver Sath’s plays were focused on the problems in Punjab but they soon decided to address social issues in their own South Asian community here in Canada. Binning summarizes and draws attention to, some of the plays that Vancouver Sath has written and performed including; “Picket Line”, about Punjabi women farmworkers’ rights; “Lattan de Bhoot”, about domestic abuse; “A Crop of Poison”; “Kihda Viah” (English translation- “Whose Marriage”) about arranged marriage and others about social issues in the South Asian community. The plays were performed in public schools and community centres in Vancouver and Richmond, Simon Fraser University and some were also performed in Toronto, Calgary and Williams Lake. Binning mentions some of the traditional foods that he likes to eat and where he and his family have shopped to find ingredients. He recalls how his mother, Gurmaje Kaur Binning did all of the cooking and was often cooking all day long. In the sixties, the Binning family address on 13th Avenue in Vancouver was also used as a postal address for many friends and family who’d recently immigrated. When these friends dropped by to pick up their mail, his mother often provided them with tea and food. After Binning and his wife, Jagdish moved to their own home in 1973, he shared in some of the shopping and cooking but his wife did the majority of the work due to his busy schedule. The interview closes with Binning providing an explanation of how “Watno Dur” magazine changed it’s name to “Watan” magazine. Binning reflects on how this came to be, when he made the decision to get an education in Canada and to stay here, not just as a “Canadian” but as a “Punjabi Canadian.
- History
- Interviewee biography: Dr. Sadhu Binning was born on May 10, 1947 to mother Gurmej Kaur and father Jeet Singh Binning. Due to lack of proper records management in India at the time of his birth, it is believed that he was actually born sometime in December of 1947. He grew up alongside two brothers and one sister in a village located in Kapurthala, Punjab. Dr. Binning attended secondary school in the nearby city of Phagwara, Punjab although he did not complete his education here. Throughout his childhood, he enjoyed reading both Punjabi and Hindi novels and learned how to read Urdu as well. Dr. Binning’s uncle, Dhana Singh immigrated to Canada in 1933 and returned to India in 1953. When Dhana Singh returned to Canada in 1957, he sponsored Dr. Binning’s father, Jeet Singh Binning to immigrate. Dhana Singh co-owned a few saw mills in British Columbia and also worked in the truck driving industry. Dr. Binning remembers that some people who had lived in Canada would visit their village and that they appeared to be strong and healthy and looked happy. He also noticed that they would eat meat, so whenever they would visit there would be meat available. In 1967, when he was nineteen and a half years old, Dr. Binning immigrated Canada to join his father. He recalls his father and uncle and a friend arriving at the airport to pick him up. During his first few days, Dr. Binning made the decision to remove his turban and beard upon receiving advice from his uncle. Dr. Binning first obtained work on a farm in Abbotsford, working alongside his mother. While working, Dr. Binning also attended English classes in Vancouver. Dr. Binning’s Uncle Dhana Singh worked in a Vancouver saw mill and tried to help find work for his nephew but was unsuccessful. Dr. Binning soon found work at a saw mill in Avola and worked there until the end of the summer until a friend helped find him work in a saw mill in North Vancouver. During his free time, he enjoyed camping with friends. In 1970, Dr. Binning left the saw mill after obtaining a job at the post office. The post office offered lower wages than working at the mill but Dr. Binning believed that he would become more educated working here. While working as a postman, Dr. Binning recalls facing a lot of discrimination and racism and was often referred to as a ‘Paki’ multiple times a day. In 1973, Dr. Binning married Jagish Sihota. Sadhu and Jagdish originated from nearby villages in India and met each other in Canada. Dr. Binning’s wife, Jagdish worked at the Royal Bank of Canada for thirty years until her retirement. While working, she also looked after the household and their son and daughter. Jagdish also handwrote a magazine, “Watno Dur’ (English translation: ‘away from homeland’) which was distributed in the community. In 1976, Dr. Binning became the editor of the magazine and the name was later changed to “Watan’ as they had accepted their new homeland of Canada. While working at the post office, Dr. Binning also attended night school starting in eighth grade. After receiving his high school diploma, he was accepted to Simon Fraser University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Anthropology and Sociology and in 1986 he obtained a Masters degree from Simon Fraser University. While attending university, Dr. Binning was very active within the community and wanted to work to improve society. He first thought that he would return to India to contribute and improve rights in his homeland but upon seeing the prevalence of the movements in Canada, he realized that work needed to be done here too. In 1983, Dr. Binning became a founding member and contributor to a theatrical collective known as “Vancouver Sath”. The theatrical group produced plays that represented societal issues and were invited to perform at multiple conferences throughout British Columbia and Canada. The group focused and acknowledged the many issues in Punjab and in Canada. One of the plays that the group produced focused on the exploitation of Punjabi women who worked on farms in Canada. Dr. Binning continued to be involved as an integral member of Vancouver Sath until 1995. Over the years, Dr. Binning has strongly lobbied for Punjabi language education and between 1988 and 2008 he worked as Punjabi instructor at the University of British Columbia. He first worked as a teaching assistant at UBC under Dr. Harjot Oberoi and due to low wages, he simultaneously worked at the Post Office. In 2019, Dr. Binning received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from UBC in recognition of his work. Since 1973, Dr. Binning has lived in Burnaby and has resided in the same home that he and his wife Jagdish purchased in 1987. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, watercolour painting, travelling abroad and going on road trips. Interviewer biography: Anushay Malik is labor historian with a geographical focus on South Asia. Anushay studied at the University of London and was a research fellow at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 2014, Anushay moved back to her native Pakistan and joined Lahore University of Management Services as an Assistant Professor. In 2023, Anushay is a visiting scholar at Simon Fraser University and lives in Burnaby with her family. Anushay was a co-curator of the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Subjects
- Industries - Logging/lumber
- Industries - Forestry
- Foods
- Migration
- Organizations - Societies and Clubs
- Organizations - Unions
- Persons - South Asian Canadians
- Performances
- Performances - Dramatic Performances
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Racism
- Names
- Binning, Dr. Sadhu
- Binning, Gurmaje Kaur
- Binning, Jit Singh
- Binning, Jagdish
- Sangha, Darshan Singh
- Canadian Farmworkers Union
- Hundal, Sukhwant
- Sangra, Harjinder
- Singh, Dhana
- Vancouver Sath
- Responsibility
- Petrusa, Kate
- Malik, Anushay
- Accession Code
- BV022.29.3
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
- Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby
Documents
Audio Tracks
Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning, [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022
Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning, [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0003_004.mp3Lands, fisheries and game, minerals
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary6485
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV014.29.7
- Call Number
- 639 COM
- Place of Publication
- Ottawa, Ont.
- Publisher
- Commission of Conservation -- Canada
- Publication Date
- 1911
- Printer
- Mortimer Co. Ltd.
- Physical Description
- 519 p. : ill., maps ; 25 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Mines and mineral resources--Canada
- Fisheries
- Natural resources--Canada
![Loading Skids and Burner, [191-] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/540/540-005.jpg?width=280)
Loading Skids and Burner
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription73597
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [191-]
- Collection/Fonds
- LaFavor Family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8.5 x 14 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of the loading skids and burner at the North Pacific Lumber Company in Barnet Village, BC.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [191-]
- Collection/Fonds
- LaFavor Family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8.5 x 14 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 540-005
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2007-03
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of the loading skids and burner at the North Pacific Lumber Company in Barnet Village, BC.
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
- Industries - Logging/lumber
- Woodworking Tools and Equipment
- Names
- Barnet Mill
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Canadian Photo Company
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Geographic Access
- Barnet Village
- Texaco Drive
- Street Address
- 8059 Texaco Drive
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Loading Skids and Burner, [191-] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/540/540-005.jpg)
![Looking up North Arm, Burrard Inlet, [191-] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/540/540-016.jpg?width=280)
Looking up North Arm, Burrard Inlet
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription73608
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [191-]
- Collection/Fonds
- LaFavor Family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8.5 x 14 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of an image looking up the north arm of Burrard Inlet from the North Pacific Lumber Company in Barnet Village, BC.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [191-]
- Collection/Fonds
- LaFavor Family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8.5 x 14 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 540-016
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2007-03
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of an image looking up the north arm of Burrard Inlet from the North Pacific Lumber Company in Barnet Village, BC.
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
- Industries - Logging/lumber
- Industries - Forestry
- Buildings - Industrial - Mills
- Names
- Barnet Mill
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Canadian Photo Company
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Geographic Access
- Barnet Village
- Texaco Drive
- Burrard Inlet
- Street Address
- 8059 Texaco Drive
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Looking up North Arm, Burrard Inlet, [191-] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/540/540-016.jpg)
![The Men's Quarters, [191-] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/540/540-026.jpg?width=280)
The Men's Quarters
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription73618
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [191-]
- Collection/Fonds
- LaFavor Family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8.5 x 14 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of the men's quarters for those who worked at the North Pacific Lumber Company in Barnet, BC. Burrard Inlet is also depicted in the background of the image.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [191-]
- Collection/Fonds
- LaFavor Family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8.5 x 14 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 540-026
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2007-03
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of the men's quarters for those who worked at the North Pacific Lumber Company in Barnet, BC. Burrard Inlet is also depicted in the background of the image.
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
- Buildings - Residential - Apartments
- Industries - Forestry
- Industries - Logging/lumber
- Names
- Barnet Mill
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Geographic Access
- Barnet Village
- Texaco Drive
- Street Address
- 8059 Texaco Drive
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![The Men's Quarters, [191-] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/540/540-026.jpg)
![Nichols Chemical Company, [191-] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/540/540-019.jpg?width=280)
Nichols Chemical Company
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription73611
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [191-]
- Collection/Fonds
- LaFavor Family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8.5 x 14 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of Nichols Chemical Company in Barnet Village, BC. Photograph depicts the construction of the building.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [191-]
- Collection/Fonds
- LaFavor Family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8.5 x 14 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 540-019
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2007-03
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of Nichols Chemical Company in Barnet Village, BC. Photograph depicts the construction of the building.
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
- Industries - Logging/lumber
- Industries - Forestry
- Buildings - Industrial - Mills
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Canadian Photo Company
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Geographic Access
- Barnet Village
- Texaco Drive
- Street Address
- 8059 Texaco Drive
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Nichols Chemical Company, [191-] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/540/540-019.jpg)
![No. 1 Stock Shed, [191-] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/540/540-011.jpg?width=280)
No. 1 Stock Shed
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription73603
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [191-]
- Collection/Fonds
- LaFavor Family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8.5 x 14 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of No. 1 stock shed at the North Pacific Lumber Company in Barnet Village, BC.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [191-]
- Collection/Fonds
- LaFavor Family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8.5 x 14 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 540-011
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2007-03
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of No. 1 stock shed at the North Pacific Lumber Company in Barnet Village, BC.
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
- Industries - Logging/lumber
- Industries - Forestry
- Buildings - Industrial - Mills
- Names
- Barnet Mill
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Canadian Photo Company
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Geographic Access
- Barnet Village
- Texaco Drive
- Street Address
- 8059 Texaco Drive
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![No. 1 Stock Shed, [191-] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/540/540-011.jpg)