Narrow Results By
Decade
- 2020s 84
- 2010s 213
- 2000s 392
- 1990s 564
- 1980s 550
- 1970s
- 1960s 563
- 1950s 588
- 1940s 543
- 1930s 750
- 1920s 701
- 1910s 635
- 1900s 303
- 1890s 165
- 1880s 25
- 1870s 13
- 1860s 14
- 1850s 7
- 1840s 3
- 1830s 2
- 1820s 2
- 1810s 2
- 1800s 2
- 1790s 1
- 1780s 1
- 1770s 1
- 1760s 1
- 1750s 1
- 1740s 1
- 1730s 1
- 1720s 1
- 1710s 1
- 1700s 1
- 1690s 1
- 1680s 1
- 1670s 1
- 1660s 1
- 1650s 1
- 1640s 1
- 1630s 1
- 1620s 1
- 1610s 1
- 1600s 1
Shell Oil Company
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark675
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Geographic Access
- Kensington Avenue
- Associated Dates
- ca. 1930-1993
- Heritage Value
- After considering several sites in the Greater Vancouver area, the Shell Oil Company chose 70 acres in North Burnaby with frontage of one third of a mile on Burrard Inlet. Shell proposed to build a four-million dollar plant that would employ up to 2000 - providing some relief in the middle of Burnaby's economic crisis of the Depression years. The site became known as the Shellburn Refinery and was in operation until 1993.
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Westridge Area
Images
Burnaby North High School
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark745
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Associated Dates
- 1923-1982
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Geographic Access
- Willingdon Avenue
- Associated Dates
- 1923-1982
- Heritage Value
- Burnaby North and Burnaby South were the first high schools built in the City. Before the high school opened, Burnaby students had to travel to Vancouver if they wished to pursue education beyond an elementary level. In 1921, arrangements were made to use the basement of the Presbyterian Church for instruction of local students. By 1922 the Burnaby North High School opened at its first permanent location (4375 Pandora Street - which is now Rosser Elementary). In 1945, the Willingdon Avenue site was built and was used until a new building was constructed in 1961 on Hammarskjold Drive. From 1962, the school was used as Burnaby Heights Junior High school, but it closed in 1982 and the junior high students went to the new Burnaby North on Hammarskjold.
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Capitol Hill Area
- Street Address
- 250 Willingdon Avenue
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
Images
Burnaby Heights Neighbourhood
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark776
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Associated Dates
- 1955-2008
- Heritage Value
- Up until the 1970s, this neighbourhood was known as Vancouver Heights. When a new park was created during that decade and named "Burnaby Heights Park," the name was gradually adopted by newcomers to the area. Today, you will hear residents refer to their neighbourhood as Burnaby Heights, Vancouver Heights, or just "The Heights." Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the commercial district in this neighbourhood continued to grow and a Retail Merchants Association was formed which later became known as the Heights Merchants Association. The neighbourhood still retains a residential neighbourhood characteristic with an increasing number of apartment buildings and multi-family units being built over the past 20 years.
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Heights Area
Images
Burnaby Lake Neighbourhood
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark821
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Associated Dates
- 1955-2008
- Heritage Value
- In 1966 Burnaby Lake was identified as a key potential regional park in the GVRD ’s Regional Park Plan for the Lower Mainland. The lake was to be developed for nature study, strolling, trail riding, canoeing, sightseeing and picnicking. It was formally recognized as a regional nature park in 1979, at which time the GVRD assumed management of the park through a lease agreement with the City of Burnaby. In 1993 Burnaby Lake was selected by the City of Burnaby to be included in Greater Vancouver ’s Green Zone, and was identified as a key component of the GVRD ’s Park and Outdoor Recreation System (PORS) for the Burrard/Peninsula/Richmond sector, which includes Burnaby, Vancouver, New Westminster, and Richmond.
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Lake Area
Images
Stride Avenue Neighbourhood
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark845
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Associated Dates
- 1955-2008
- Heritage Value
- The interurban link between New Westminster and Vancouver stimulated the early settlement of Stride Avenue. Infilling of the area took place in the early 1950s and the pace of development had slowed considerably by 1970. Duplexes became a popular feature in the decade between 1970 and 1980 and in the late 1980s, the neighbourhood was incorporated into the Edmonds Town Centre South plan.
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Stride Avenue Area
Images
Bygones of Burnaby : an anecdotal history
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5462
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- McGeachie, Pixie, 1921-
- Publication Date
- 1976
- c1975
- Call Number
- 971.133 MCG COPY 4
h
Anthony R. Hurren — artwork
The Corporation of the District of Burnaby
The University of British Columbia Library
Simon Fraser University Archives
The Vancouver Public Library
British Columbia Hydro Library
�BYGONES OF BURNABY
PROLOGUE
For 22 years my love affair with Burnaby grew and strengthened
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Digital Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Call Number
- 971.133 MCG COPY 4
- Author
- McGeachie, Pixie, 1921-
- Place of Publication
- Burnaby, B.C.
- Publisher
- Century Park Museum Association
- Publication Date
- 1976
- c1975
- Physical Description
- 108 p. : ill. ; 23 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Burnaby (B.C.)--History
- Notes
- 4 copies held: copy 4.
Digital Books
The shopping guide of the West : Woodward's catalogue, 1898-1953
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary772
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Woodward Stores Limited
- Publication Date
- c1977
- Call Number
- 381 WOO
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- ISBN
- 0888941595
- Call Number
- 381 WOO
- Author
- Woodward Stores Limited
- Place of Publication
- Vancouver
- Publisher
- J. J. Douglas
- Publication Date
- c1977
- Physical Description
- xix, 160, 174 p. : ill. ; 28 cm
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Manufactures
- Catalogs
- Names
- Woodward's Limited
- Notes
- Reprint of the 1912 and the 1929 catalogues.
- Includes indexes.
Exploring Vancouver 2 : ten tours of the city and its buildings
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary999
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Kalman, Harold, 1943-
- Edition
- Rev. and enl. ed.
- Publication Date
- 1978
- c1974
- Call Number
- 720.971 KAL
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- ISBN
- 0774801042
- Call Number
- 720.971 KAL
- Edition
- Rev. and enl. ed.
- Author
- Kalman, Harold, 1943-
- Contributor
- Roaf, John, 1939-
- Place of Publication
- [Vancouver]
- Publisher
- University of British Columbia Press
- Publication Date
- 1978
- c1974
- Physical Description
- 299 p. : ill. ; 26 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Architecture
- Historic buildings
- Subjects
- Buildings
- Buildings - Heritage
- Geographic Access
- Vancouver
- Notes
- "The official guidebook of the Greater Vancouver Chapter of the Architectural Institute of British Columbia."
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 277) and index.
Vancouver houses
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1001
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Call Number
- 728 BAI
- Place of Publication
- Vancouver
- Publisher
- Vancouver Environment Education Project, University of British Columbia
- Publication Date
- c1972
- Physical Description
- [37] leaves : chiefly ill. ; 22 x 28 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Architecture
- Geographic Access
- Vancouver
British Columbia : one hundred years of geographical change
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1094
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- ISBN
- 0889220484
- 9780889220485
- Call Number
- 917.11 ROB
- Place of Publication
- Vancouver
- Publisher
- Talonbooks
- Publication Date
- c1973
- Physical Description
- 63 p. : ill. ; 21 x 28 cm.
- Inscription
- "SCHOOL DISTRICT #41 (BURNABY) / DISTRICT RESOURCE CENTRE / B", printed and handwritten in ink on a sticker attached to a front cover page.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Natural resources--British Columbia
- British Columbia--Economic conditions
- Subjects
- Natural Resources
First approaches to the Northwest coast
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1098
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Pethick, Derek, 1920-
- Publication Date
- c1976
- Call Number
- 970.009 PET
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- ISBN
- 0888940610
- 9780888940612
- Call Number
- 970.009 PET
- Author
- Pethick, Derek, 1920-
- Place of Publication
- Vancouver, B.C.
- Publisher
- Douglas & McIntyre
- Publication Date
- c1976
- Physical Description
- xix, 232 p. : ill. ; 22 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Northwest, Pacific--Discovery and exploration
- Fur trade
- Notes
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 224-227) and index.
Adventures in British Columbia
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1123
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Christensen, Susan
- Publication Date
- c1971
- Call Number
- 971.1 CHR
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Call Number
- 971.1 CHR
- Author
- Christensen, Susan
- Place of Publication
- Vancouver
- Publisher
- Ceder House Pub. Co.
- Publication Date
- c1971
- Physical Description
- 32 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Geographical recreations
- British Columbia
- British Columbia--History
- Juvenile literature
- Biography
Vancouver : the golden years, 1900-1910
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1144
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Timms, Philip T., 1874-1973
- Publication Date
- c1971
- Call Number
- 971.1 VAN
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Call Number
- 971.1 VAN
- Author
- Timms, Philip T., 1874-1973
- Place of Publication
- [Vancouver, B.C.]
- Publisher
- Vancouver Museums and Planetarium Association
- Publication Date
- c1971
- Physical Description
- 52 p. : ill. ; 23 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Vancouver (B.C.)--History
- Vancouver (B.C.)--Pictorial works
- Notes
- Photos. from the Philip T. Timms Collection of the Vancouver Public Library.
Vancouver defended : history of the men and guns of the Lower Mainland defences, 1859-1949
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1167
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Moogk, Peter N., 1943-
- Publication Date
- c1978
- Call Number
- 971.11 MOO
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- ISBN
- 0919900267
- 9780919900264
- Call Number
- 971.11 MOO
- Author
- Moogk, Peter N., 1943-
- Contributor
- Stevenson, Robert V., 1928-2010
- Place of Publication
- [Surrey, B.C.]
- Publisher
- Antonson Pub.
- Publication Date
- c1978
- Physical Description
- 128 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- World War, 1914-1918--British Columbia
- World War, 1939-1945
- Military art and science--Canada
- British Columbia--Militia--History
- Canada--Coast defences
- Periodicals
- Notes
- Includes bibliographical references and index.
In the sea of sterile mountains : the Chinese in British Columbia
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1168
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Morton, James, 1922-
- Publication Date
- 1974
- c1973
- Call Number
- 971.2 MOR
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- ISBN
- 0888940521
- 9780888940520
- Call Number
- 971.2 MOR
- Author
- Morton, James, 1922-
- Place of Publication
- West Vancouver
- Publisher
- J. J. Douglas
- Publication Date
- 1974
- c1973
- Physical Description
- xiii, 280 p., [8] leaves of plates : ill. ; 24 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Chinese--British Columbia
- British Columbia--Race relations
- British Columbia--History
- Notes
- Includes index.
- "Sources other than newspapers": p. 269.
British Columbia coast names : their origin and history
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1177
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Walbran, John T., 1848-1913
- Publication Date
- c1971
- Call Number
- 917.11 WAL
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- ISBN
- 0888941439
- 9780888941435
- Call Number
- 917.11 WAL
- Author
- Walbran, John T., 1848-1913
- Place of Publication
- Vancouver
- Publisher
- Douglas & McIntyre
- Publication Date
- c1971
- Physical Description
- xvi, 546 p., [20] leaves of plates : ill. ; 22 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Names, Geographical--British Columbia
- British Columbia--Gazetteers
- Notes
- Reprint of the 1909 edition, which has title: British Columbia coast names 1592-1906, to which are added a few names in adjacent United States territory : their origin and history.
A harvest yet to reap : a history of Prairie women
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1391
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Rasmussen, Linda, 1950-
- Publication Date
- c1976
- Call Number
- 301.41 RAS
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- ISBN
- 0889610290 pa
- 0889610304 bd.
- Call Number
- 301.41 RAS
- Author
- Rasmussen, Linda, 1950-
- Place of Publication
- Toronto, Canada
- Publisher
- Women's Press
- Publication Date
- c1976
- Physical Description
- 240 p. : ill., ports. ; 24 cm.
- Inscription
- "To Jean/ TR994 / to library " Handwritten in black ink on subtitle page / "Catherine L. Chew/ 3665 Franklin st. / Vancouver, BC V5K 1Y7 " Stamped in black ink
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Women--Prairie Provinces
- Frontier and pioneer life
- Biography
Urban structure : a study of long range policies which affect the physical structure of an urban area
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary3813
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Sixta, Gerhard
- Publication Date
- c1971
- Call Number
- 309.2620971133 SIX
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV003.51.1
- Call Number
- 309.2620971133 SIX
- Author
- Sixta, Gerhard
- Place of Publication
- Burnaby, B.C.
- Publisher
- Planning Dept. of the District of Burnaby, B.C.
- Publication Date
- c1971
- Physical Description
- 144 p. : ill. (some col.), maps ; 31 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- City planning
- Social policy
- British Columbia--Vancouver
- Subjects
- Planning - City Planning
- Notes
- Illustrated by Gerhard Sixta.
- Includes bibliographical references and index.
Canadian workers, American unions
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary7599
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Scott, Jack, 1910-2000
- Publication Date
- c1978
- Call Number
- 331.88 SCO
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- ISBN
- 091988881X
- 0919888828
- Call Number
- 331.88 SCO
- Author
- Scott, Jack, 1910-2000
- Place of Publication
- Vancouver
- Publisher
- New Star Books
- Publication Date
- c1978
- Physical Description
- 242 p. ; 22 cm
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Labour History
- Labor movement--Canada--History
- Notes
- Includes bibliographical references and index.
Interview with Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19346
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1600-2022] (interview content), interviewed 7 Oct. 2022
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (111 min., 51 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (111 min., 51 sec.)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. During the interview Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar discusses and provides in…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Series
- Museum Oral Histories series
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (111 min., 51 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (111 min., 51 sec.)
- Material Details
- Interviewers: Anushay Malik, Rajdeep Co Interviewer and technical support: Kate Petrusa Interviewee: Nadeem Parmar Location of Interview: Residence of Nadeem Parmar in Burnaby Interview Date: October 7, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:51:51 min Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. During the interview Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar discusses and provides information on; his ancestral background, his education, his employment background, his experiences of racial discrimmination as a South Asian immigrant, saw mills established by South Asian relations in Paldi (Vancouver Island), in North Vancouver and Burnaby, family relations in the South Asian Canadian community and in regions in Punjab, the caste system, his literary works, locations of family homes in Burnaby, the architectural design of his house, personal stories and anecdotal information as a South Asian Canadian living and working in Canada. 00:00 – 01:45 The framework and purpose of the interview is explained to interviewee Nadeem Parmar by interviewers Rajdeep and Anushay Malik. The interviewers explain how the information from this interview can be drawn on for Burnaby Village Museum’s future exhibits and also how researchers will learn more about the history of the South Asian community in Burnaby through residents’ stories. Interview begins with Nadeem providing his full name "Kulwant Singh Parmar". He clarifies that his name was given to him by his grandfather who was a civil engineer and that his father also worked as a civil engineer. Nadeem expresses that he was born with a “silver spoon in his mouth” as a descendent of his maternal grandfather who was a successful landlord. Nadeem explains that when the Partition of India came into effect, (1947) he was 11 years old. He and his family left the partitioned side, his native village was located in Punjab and his forefathers were located in Rajasthan. 3:20 – 4:57 Nadeem explains further about his forefathers who came from Rajasthan. He shares information about his ancestor on his father’s side, named Vijay Singh who was friends with Emperor Jahangir. When fighting began against Jahangir he left the area to head to the middle of central India, then to the Punjab area with small states. As a clan, as a Parmar, he conveys there were about eleven or twelve villages with the same name. Interviewer, Anushay helps Nadeem to clarify the time period of this information. Nadeem refers to the time period being similar to the epic historical film “Moghal-e-Azam” and Anushay confirms the time period being the 1600s when they left Rajasthan. 4:58 – 10:59 Interviewer Anushay asks Nadeem to about his migration to Canada. Nadeem conveys that his first ancestor on his in-laws side of the family migrated around 1889. Further discussion ensues about reading Punjabi and how interviewer Rajdeep can read Punjabi and that she comes from the village of "Lakhpur" in Punjab. Rajdeep notes that “Lakhpur” is near "Phagwara". Nadeem clarifies that his village is "Panchat" and this family used to live in "Phagwara". and Nadeem and Rajdeep compare their familiarity and memories of the area. Nadeem conveys some of his comments in Punjabi and then changes to English. Nadeem recollects when the Japanese bombarded Shillong, he was around seven years old and attended missionary school. The only languages that were taught were English and Persian. Nadeem conveys that his mother had hopes of Nadeem becoming an army officer and moving up the ranks but Nadeem wasn’t interested. Nadeem attended college, graduated with a Bachelor of Science, BSC with Physics and Chemistry, followed by another Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and finally a degree in his favourite subject in the language of Urdu. He completed these degrees in Punjab in Doaba College, Jalandher. Nadeem recollects how he started teaching but wasn’t getting paid very well. When he was at college, with encouragement from his professor, Veer Pankalia [sic] he began writing poetry and short plays. His professor also introduced him to a famous poet of Punjab, Mila Ram Offa [sic] and he gave him the name of Nadeem. Nadeem explains the meaning of the name “Nadeem” “…the one who know about it, inside out…” even though we generally think of the meaning being “friend” it’s not just about friend. 11:00 -24:48 Nadeem provides background information on how he ended up marrying his future wife who was born in India and immigrated to Canada with her family. Nadeem explains how the marriage was arranged through family relations that were already established in Punjab over a century ago. One of his wife’s ancestors, head of the family called “baniye” (traders) immigrated to Canada in [1899]. This relation returned to Punjab where he had nephews, the youngest of the nephews was Nadeem’s father (Lashman Singh Manhas) in law’s father (Sher Singh Manhas). He expresses that his wife’s ancestor couldn’t bring Nadeem’s father in law’s father since he was only 12 or 13 years old but he brought three of the nephews back to Canada with him. The nephews were named, Pola Singh, Ginaya Singh and Doman Singh (also named Dolmans). He describes how the group left India but it took them two to three years before they arrived in Canada. The group travelled to Burma, Indonesia and Hong Kong before landing in San Francisco. From San Francisco they walked and worked on the rail line before entering Canada and arriving in Grand Forks. The men got work on the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and eventually made their way to the lower mainland. Nadeem conveys that the younger brother of Ginaya Singh, Maya Singh joined the others in Canada taking the same route, arriving in Bridal Falls where they were working at a saw mill and in CP rail construction. He describes Maya Singh as business minded and since he was too young to work in the mill, he began working as a cook and then began growing potatoes on land that he leased from a Dutch land owner. The local mill at Bridal Falls was facing bankruptcy and Maya Singh arranged to lease the mill, eventually buying it. From there the group moved their business to Strawberry Hill in Surrey and when the sale of logs declined, they moved over to Vancouver Island and established a sawmill with Doman Singh in the community of Paldi (originally known as Mayo Lumber) near Duncan. He explains further how the South Asian community helped each other like they did back home. He clarifies that his father in law’s father is the youngest cousin of Ginaya and Doman Singh and when he died, his father in law’s younger brother started Kashmir Lumber. Eventually his father in law (Lashman Singh Manhas) and the rest of the whole family including cousins and nephews were sponsored by their relations and immigrated to Canada. Nadeem explains how in 1959, his brother in law returned home to Punjab to get married, bringing his family with him. He tells of how during this time period, a marriage was arranged by his parents for him to marry his future wife. Nadeem recollects how this came to be. Nadeem and his wife Surjeet married in Punjab in December 1960, Nadeem was 24 years old and his wife was 18 years old. 24:49 – 39:42 Nadeem describes how he obtained his teaching degree from Ramgarhia College in Phagwara (located in the Kapurhtala district of Punjab) and after a disagreement with a teacher at home, he decided to go to England. He explains how he joined his brother who had moved to England and was working as a labourer. Nadeem tells of the difficulties he faced applying for a teaching job in England and how he had to go back to school to help with his English pronunciation. Nadeem explains that after taking this course, he got work teaching Grade two students which he felt was below his qualifications (he mentions that while living in Punjab, he was a Secondary School teacher) and the pay was very low. He discovered that his brother was making more money working as a labourer so Nadeem became discouraged and quit. When Nadeem couldn’t find work as a labourer, his brother advised him to shave off his beard. Nadeem conveys how difficult it was for him to shave off his beard and how once he was clean shaven he got work as a sweeper in a factory. He shares his experience of working in the factory and of how with his former education he got himself promoted to a more technical position. With encouragement from his employer, Nadeem enrolled in technical courses which lead to him obtaining an HNC Engineering Degree. He completed the course work in two years, obtaining skills in microwave communication becoming the senior test engineer at the factory. While working in this position, Nadeem shares how he suffered discrimination when he was passed over for a senior chief engineer position at the factory by a less educated and experienced employee. 39:43 – 53:38 Nadeem recollects how things changed for him in the 1970s. It began with his father in law (Lashman Singh Manhas) passing away in 1970 while he and his family were living on 18th Street in Burnaby. His father in law had been working at the saw mill, Kashmir Lumber Company in North Vancouver that was owned by his father in law’s younger brother (Kashmir Singh Manhas). The mill had burnt down and many of the workers lost everything. Nadeem confides that during this time, his wife was suffering from depression and wanted to be with her mother back in Canada now that her father had passed away. Nadeem emphasizes how his wife’s family (over 300 relatives) in Canada often get together every year on July 1st in Paldi near Duncan. In 1972, Nadeem arrived in Canada on his own to find work but was unsuccessful so he and his wife made plans to move to Uganda where he was offered a job. In 1973, when his visa didn’t come through for Uganda, Nadeem, his wife and two children decided to come to Canada. Nadeem describes that after several unsuccessful experiences to find skilled work in Canada, he eventually found work at Canadian National Telecommunications. During this time, Nadeem and his family lived with his father in law’s family at 5216 Pandora Street in Burnaby and in 1974, Nadeem purchased a house at 131 Fell Avenue in Burnaby. Nadeem provides further details of when the families lived at these different addresses and how in 1983 he had a house built on Woodsworth Street where he is still living now. He conveys some of the history of the lot where his current house resides including details on the lot subdivision, lot ownership and the cost of building his new house. Nadeem tells of how he designed his home with help from his son who was working as an apprentice with architect Arthur Erikson at the time. He describes the architectural interior as an open concept design, in an “L” shape in honour of his father “Lakhmir Singh”. Nadeem shares information on his mother’s name which was Jamna (prior to her marriage) and became Davinder Kaur after she was married. (Note: Jamna was her name before marriage. Traditionally after a woman is married, her husband’s family changes her first name because she is now considered a part of a new family). 53:39 – 58:56 Nadeem provides information on his career working as CNCP technician working with CPIC systems and how he was promoted to a new position. Nadeem inserts a quote from a Punjabi poem which he translates to English as “Somebody asked the blind people. What do you need? He said, do you need two eyes?, he said, what else do I need?”. Nadeem conveys how in 1986 his mother passed away so he went back home to the village of Lakhpur where his father and younger brother were living. His father and younger brother were on their own and in 1986 they decided to demolish the family home. He explains that there’s a college there now and that a library was built at this location in the name of his grandfather. 58:57 – 1:04:38 Nadeem shares how he suffered a heart attack in 1990 during the marriage ceremony of his son in Williams Lake. Nadeem talks about the complicated relations of the South Asian families and the saw mill owners in Paldi and comments on the problems with the caste system that provokes discrimination within the South Asian community. Nadeem refers to disputes that arose amongst mill owners and investors that included Kapoor Singh Siddoo, Mayo Singh, Gurdial Singh Teja and Ginaya Singh which caused problems amongst his family and also lead to Kapoor Singh selling his portion of the mill. Nadeem spells “Ginaya” Singh’s name and explains that this name is the nickname for “Krishna”. Nadeem provides his insight into the joint ownership of the saw mills located in Paldi and how the the joint ownership was dissolved in 1952. Nadeem clarifies that Ginaya Singh also left Paldi and that Ginaya Singh’s wife is his mother in law’s aunt and that he also moved to Burnaby. Nadeem explains the proper name spelling of mill owner “Mayo Singh” and that the correct spelling is actually “Mayan Singh” but he changed it to “Mayo” when it was mis-pronounced. Nadeem also comments on the problems that he encountered in 1970 on the pronunciation of his own name while living in England and at one point his employer referred to him as “Paul”. 1:04:39 – 1:18:50 Nadeem relays that when he emigrated from India and to Canada that he carried his personal possessions in a small suitcase made from cardboard since the weight limit on the airplane was just three pounds. He conveys that many of his relations have all suffered from heart problems including Ginaya Singh and his children. Nadeem shares that Ginaya Singh’s three sons all lived in Burnaby. Nadeem conveys that many South Asians lived in Burnaby and many worked at saw mills in North Vancouver and in the L&K sawmill near Pemberton. Nadeem explains further about the how the disagreements came to be between Mayo Singh and Kapoor Singh. He describes how each had a different business strategy in harvesting lumber and that there were feuds amongst the families. Nadeem provides further details on the root of the family feuds. Nadeem provides definitions for certain Punjabi terms that he’s using including “Mehta”(meaning lowest class of farmers, foreigner as well head as a title given to people of a clan living in the area) and ‘Panchat”, the name of his family village that was built and founded by five brothers and one nephew (Panj- meaning five and the sound “cht” meaning six). Nadeem explains that these terms were given to people from his own clan living in the area because it was small. Nadeem explains further about status that is based on money and the Punjabi terms “Parsu”, “Parsa” and “Pasaram” that are often used to describe a person. When you are poor the term “Parsu” is used and when you become rich the term “Pasaram” is used. Nadeem refers to Mayo Singh as a Pasaram as the second most successful millner in British Columbia, second to Frederick John Hart. Nadeem mentions that Ginaya Singh, elder brother to Mayo Singh helped provide the finances to start the mill and when there was a disagreement, Ginaya Singh left the mill business, moved his family to Burnaby and began working in insurance. Nadeem shares the sad story of Ginaya Singh’s sudden death (in 1953). Nadeem states that many of the people who left the mills at Paldi went to work at the Kapoor Mill in Burnaby and some relocated to the Interior of British Columbia. Nadeem mentions that his father in law (Lashman Singh Manhas) was able to purchase a house on 18th Street in along with other residences that he bought with his hard earned money working in the farms and mills, 16 hours per day, seven days a week. 1:18:51 – 1:32:04 Nadeem explains why he thinks that most South Asian people worked in the mills in the earlier days. Nadeem conveys that since Sikh men wore beards and turbans they encountered discrimination and were unable to get work in the business community. Nadeem shares his own personal experiences of wearing a turban and the discrimination he’s encountered while living in Scotland and Canada. Nadeem mentions that a defense committee was formed to protect the Gurdwaras and people’s homes from being vandalized due to racial discrimination. Nadeem describes some of the troubles that he’s encountered in his own neighbourhood when he had to call the police. Nadeem shares a personal experience just after 9/11 where he was the target of racial discrimination in the parking lot of Burnaby Lake. Nadeem emphasizes that he has experienced many incidents of racial discrimination, especially in the workplace and that this was not unusual for him. 1:32:05 – 1:36:19 Nadeem talks about his interest in writing and his many literary works including 12 novels that he’s written in Punjabi. Nadeem highlights a few books that he’s written including a book titled “Rape” and another one titled “Sponsorship” which conveys the complex nature of people immigrating to Canada. Nadeem mentions a particular book about AIDS, titled “Wide Net” that he’s been trying to get published. Nadeem speaks to the challenges and high costs of trying to get his works published. Nadeem provides a brief synopsis of his book “Wide Net”. Nadeem relays that this is a personal account of a gay couple that he knew where one of the partners died of AIDS and that the couple gave Nadeem permission to tell their tragic story. 1:36:20 – 1:51:51 Nadeem talks about his children and compares their experiences to his own as a South Asian immigrant. Nadeems talks about the accomplishments of his son, his daughter and grandchildren including their education and careers. Nadeem says that his children are well educated and well established in their careers. Nadeem’s children attended Capitol Hill Elementary School and North Burnaby High School in Burnaby. Nadeem shares specifics of his son’s career history. Nadeem expresses that he still considers Canada to be the best country for opportunities and that he prefers to live in Burnaby rather than Surrey and shares some personal anecdotes. Nadeem lists some local places that he’s shopped for South Asian groceries and spices rather than travelling to Surrey. He mentions shopping at Kelly Douglas, stores in Chinatown, small grocers on Capitol Hill, Patel’s on Commercial Drive and Main Street. As an aside Nadeem mentions that he worked as a security guard and the wages that he earned. Nadeem comments that he has been awarded various certificates and certifications from his education and career over the years, including a Bachelor of Science. The interviewers further express their interest in seeing the cardboard case that Nadeem brought with him when immigrating to Canada. In closing Nadeem states that his favourite food from back home was kheer (rice pudding).
- History
- Interviewee biography: Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar was born June 9, 1936, Chuck 138 in Lyalpur (India before 1947) to parents Lakhmir Singh Parmar and Davinder Kaur Jamana Parmar. Nadeem grew up in the village of Panchat in the northern region of Punjab, India. Nadeem married his wife Surjeet in Punjab in 1960. After marrying the couple immigrated to England where Nadeem was already working. While living in England, Nadeem and Surjeet had two children. After Surjeet's father died in Canada in 1972, Nadeem, Surjeet and their two children immgrated to Canada, joining Surjeet's family who were living in Burnaby. After Nadeem immigrated to Burnaby in 1973 he worked various jobs before working with CN/CP Telecommunications. Nadeem holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Teaching from Punjab University and a diploma from the London Board of Education (L.B.E.) and a P.Eng. from Lancaster. He has seven books published in Punjabi, three in Urdu and is published in eight anthologies. He is fluent in Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindi. Interviewers' biographies: 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”. Rajdeep was born and raised in the Lower Mainland and is of Punjabi (South Asian) descent. She has an Associate of Arts degree in Asian Studies from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia. She is a student in the Restoration of Natural Systems program at the University of Victoria. Rajdeep works at Simon Fraser University as a Program Assistant and as a researcher with the City of Burnaby. At Burnaby Village Museum, Rajdeep contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Subjects
- Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
- Buildings - Industrial - Saw Mills
- Buildings - Industrial - Factories
- Education
- Employment
- Industries - Logging/lumber
- Migration
- Occupations - Engineers
- Occupations - Millworkers
- Occupations - Teachers
- Occupations - Writers
- Persons - South Asian Canadians
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Racism
- Names
- Parmar, Kalwant Singh "Nadeem"
- Kapoor Sawmills Limited
- Siddoo, Kapoor Singh
- Teja, Gurdial Singh
- Parmar, Surjeet Kaur
- Manhas, Ghania Singh
- Singh, Mayo
- Manhas, Kashmir Singh
- Manhas, Sher Singh
- Manhas, Budhan Kaur
- Manhas, Lashman Singh
- Responsibility
- Malik, Anushay
- Rajdeep
- Geographic Access
- Woodsworth Street
- Accession Code
- BV022.29.1
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1600-2022] (interview content), interviewed 7 Oct. 2022
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Douglas-Gilpin Area
- Capitol Hill Area
- Related Material
- See also BV022.29.5 - Interview with Surjeet Kaur Parmar
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
- Spelling of "Ginaya Singh" found as "Ghania Singh Manhas" in obituary and death certificate
- Interview is conducted in English with various segments of discussion in Punjabi
- Transcript of interview available upon request
Audio Tracks
Interview with Kalwant Singh
Interview with Kalwant Singh
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0001_003.mp3