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Interview with Allan Nixon by Rod Fowler February 21, 1990 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory466

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1927-1990

Length: 00:04:05

Summary: This portion of the interview is about the equipment used by the fire department over the years, in particular about the pump and ladder trucks, and about Chief Waddell's wise choice of locations for the fire halls.

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about the equipment used by the fire department over the years, in particular about the pump and ladder trucks, and about Chief Waddell's wise choice of locations for the fire halls.

Date Range: 1927-1990

Length: 00:04:05

Names: Waddell, Gordon

Subjects: Public Services - Fire Protection; Buildings - Civic; Transportation - Fire Trucks

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 21, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Al Nixon, conducted by Rod Fowler. Al Nixon was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about the history and operations of the Burnaby Fire Department from its beginning in 1911 to 1990, and Al Nixon’s stories about the various ways photographs, records and artifacts about the department were collected and saved. The interview takes place while looking at photographs, but the information is clear nonetheless (His photographs have been deposited in the Burnaby Archives). Al Nixon also talks about his father's career as a firefighter, and about his Douglas grandparents and their home “The Gables” [Seven Gables] and neighbourhood in Burquitlam. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Al Nixon was born in New Westminster Feb. 8, 1936, the son of Provincial Fire Marshal Basil Nixon (1904-1975) and Agnes Douglas (1909-?). His mother’s family immigrated to Canada from Scotland in 1922 and lived in a large ca. 1900 home in Burquitlam at 9957 Sullivan Road called “Seven Gables” (recently demolished). His grandfather Thomas Douglas, a Coquitlam Councillor and Socialist, was murdered in 1934 in his North Road service station. Al Nixon began his career as a firefighter with the Burnaby Fire Department in 1957, eventually becoming Deputy Fire Chief Operations in 1987 and Fire Chief in 1991, before retiring in 1993. In the mid 1980's Al Nixon became interested in the department’s history after finding a photograph scrapbook at one of the firehalls. It was in very bad condition but he recognized its value and began a project to collect and save photographs, artifacts and stories about the Burnaby Fire Department, a 6 month project that turned into years. The photographs and information gathered by Al Nixon became part of Douglas Penn’s book “Follow that Fire: the history of the Burnaby Fire Department”.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 0:43:35

Interviewee Name: Nixon, Al

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Audio Tracks

Track three of interview with Al Nixon

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-014/MSS187-014_Track_3.mp3

Interview with Allan Nixon by Rod Fowler February 21, 1990 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory464

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1911-1990

Length: 00:05:22

Summary: This portion of the interview is about how Al Nixon began collecting and saving photographs, records and stories about the history of the Burnaby Fire Department in the mid 1980's. Finding the first scrapbook of photographs lead to other discoveries that placed the beginning of the Burnaby Fire Dep…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about how Al Nixon began collecting and saving photographs, records and stories about the history of the Burnaby Fire Department in the mid 1980's. Finding the first scrapbook of photographs lead to other discoveries that placed the beginning of the Burnaby Fire Department in 1911.

Date Range: 1911-1990

Length: 00:05:22

Subjects: Public Services - Fire Protection; Documentary Artifacts - Photographs

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 21, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Al Nixon, conducted by Rod Fowler. Al Nixon was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about the history and operations of the Burnaby Fire Department from its beginning in 1911 to 1990, and Al Nixon’s stories about the various ways photographs, records and artifacts about the department were collected and saved. The interview takes place while looking at photographs, but the information is clear nonetheless (His photographs have been deposited in the Burnaby Archives). Al Nixon also talks about his father's career as a firefighter, and about his Douglas grandparents and their home “The Gables” [Seven Gables] and neighbourhood in Burquitlam. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Al Nixon was born in New Westminster Feb. 8, 1936, the son of Provincial Fire Marshal Basil Nixon (1904-1975) and Agnes Douglas (1909-?). His mother’s family immigrated to Canada from Scotland in 1922 and lived in a large ca. 1900 home in Burquitlam at 9957 Sullivan Road called “Seven Gables” (recently demolished). His grandfather Thomas Douglas, a Coquitlam Councillor and Socialist, was murdered in 1934 in his North Road service station. Al Nixon began his career as a firefighter with the Burnaby Fire Department in 1957, eventually becoming Deputy Fire Chief Operations in 1987 and Fire Chief in 1991, before retiring in 1993. In the mid 1980's Al Nixon became interested in the department’s history after finding a photograph scrapbook at one of the firehalls. It was in very bad condition but he recognized its value and began a project to collect and save photographs, artifacts and stories about the Burnaby Fire Department, a 6 month project that turned into years. The photographs and information gathered by Al Nixon became part of Douglas Penn’s book “Follow that Fire: the history of the Burnaby Fire Department”.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 0:43:35

Interviewee Name: Nixon, Al

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Al Nixon

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-014/MSS187-014_Track_1.mp3

Interview with Allan Nixon by Rod Fowler February 21, 1990 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory465

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1936-1990

Length: 00:04:08

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Al Nixon describing the location of the North Burnaby Fire Department fire hall and the location of the six fire halls subsequently built for the combined north and south department. He also talks about Fred Blake, Lewis Auvache and Henry Chapman, early member…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Al Nixon describing the location of the North Burnaby Fire Department fire hall and the location of the six fire halls subsequently built for the combined north and south department. He also talks about Fred Blake, Lewis Auvache and Henry Chapman, early members of the department who were also interested in the department's history.

Date Range: 1936-1990

Length: 00:04:08

Names: Blake, Fred; Auvache, Lewis; Chapman, Henry H.

Subjects: Public Services - Fire Protection; Buildings - Civic

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 21, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Al Nixon, conducted by Rod Fowler. Al Nixon was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about the history and operations of the Burnaby Fire Department from its beginning in 1911 to 1990, and Al Nixon’s stories about the various ways photographs, records and artifacts about the department were collected and saved. The interview takes place while looking at photographs, but the information is clear nonetheless (His photographs have been deposited in the Burnaby Archives). Al Nixon also talks about his father's career as a firefighter, and about his Douglas grandparents and their home “The Gables” [Seven Gables] and neighbourhood in Burquitlam. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Al Nixon was born in New Westminster Feb. 8, 1936, the son of Provincial Fire Marshal Basil Nixon (1904-1975) and Agnes Douglas (1909-?). His mother’s family immigrated to Canada from Scotland in 1922 and lived in a large ca. 1900 home in Burquitlam at 9957 Sullivan Road called “Seven Gables” (recently demolished). His grandfather Thomas Douglas, a Coquitlam Councillor and Socialist, was murdered in 1934 in his North Road service station. Al Nixon began his career as a firefighter with the Burnaby Fire Department in 1957, eventually becoming Deputy Fire Chief Operations in 1987 and Fire Chief in 1991, before retiring in 1993. In the mid 1980's Al Nixon became interested in the department’s history after finding a photograph scrapbook at one of the firehalls. It was in very bad condition but he recognized its value and began a project to collect and save photographs, artifacts and stories about the Burnaby Fire Department, a 6 month project that turned into years. The photographs and information gathered by Al Nixon became part of Douglas Penn’s book “Follow that Fire: the history of the Burnaby Fire Department”.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 0:43:35

Interviewee Name: Nixon, Al

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Audio Tracks

Track two of interview with Al Nixon

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-014/MSS187-014_Track_2.mp3

Interview with Allan Nixon by Rod Fowler February 21, 1990 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory467

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1945-1990

Length: 00:06:11

Summary: This portion of the interview is about the inhalator equipment used by the department starting in 1945. Al Nixon describes 50% of the calls received by the department as "pre-hospital care", and that the department is an emergency service rather than just a fire department. He also describes the 19…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about the inhalator equipment used by the department starting in 1945. Al Nixon describes 50% of the calls received by the department as "pre-hospital care", and that the department is an emergency service rather than just a fire department. He also describes the 1990 department staffing and equipment level.

Date Range: 1945-1990

Length: 00:06:11

Subjects: Public Services - Fire Protection; Emergency Measures

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 21, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Al Nixon, conducted by Rod Fowler. Al Nixon was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about the history and operations of the Burnaby Fire Department from its beginning in 1911 to 1990, and Al Nixon’s stories about the various ways photographs, records and artifacts about the department were collected and saved. The interview takes place while looking at photographs, but the information is clear nonetheless (His photographs have been deposited in the Burnaby Archives). Al Nixon also talks about his father's career as a firefighter, and about his Douglas grandparents and their home “The Gables” [Seven Gables] and neighbourhood in Burquitlam. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Al Nixon was born in New Westminster Feb. 8, 1936, the son of Provincial Fire Marshal Basil Nixon (1904-1975) and Agnes Douglas (1909-?). His mother’s family immigrated to Canada from Scotland in 1922 and lived in a large ca. 1900 home in Burquitlam at 9957 Sullivan Road called “Seven Gables” (recently demolished). His grandfather Thomas Douglas, a Coquitlam Councillor and Socialist, was murdered in 1934 in his North Road service station. Al Nixon began his career as a firefighter with the Burnaby Fire Department in 1957, eventually becoming Deputy Fire Chief Operations in 1987 and Fire Chief in 1991, before retiring in 1993. In the mid 1980's Al Nixon became interested in the department’s history after finding a photograph scrapbook at one of the firehalls. It was in very bad condition but he recognized its value and began a project to collect and save photographs, artifacts and stories about the Burnaby Fire Department, a 6 month project that turned into years. The photographs and information gathered by Al Nixon became part of Douglas Penn’s book “Follow that Fire: the history of the Burnaby Fire Department”.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 0:43:35

Interviewee Name: Nixon, Al

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Al Nixon

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-014/MSS187-014_Track_4.mp3

Interview with Allan Nixon by Rod Fowler February 21, 1990 - Track 5

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory468

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1980-1990

Length: 00:05:26

Summary: This portion of the interview is about the purchase and location of the first fire hydrants in Burnaby by the Waterworks Department, and about disputes about the areas covered by adjacent fire departments, in particular who covered District Lot 172 between Burnaby and New Westminster.

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about the purchase and location of the first fire hydrants in Burnaby by the Waterworks Department, and about disputes about the areas covered by adjacent fire departments, in particular who covered District Lot 172 between Burnaby and New Westminster.

Date Range: 1980-1990

Length: 00:05:26

Subjects: Public Services - Fire Protection

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 21, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Al Nixon, conducted by Rod Fowler. Al Nixon was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about the history and operations of the Burnaby Fire Department from its beginning in 1911 to 1990, and Al Nixon’s stories about the various ways photographs, records and artifacts about the department were collected and saved. The interview takes place while looking at photographs, but the information is clear nonetheless (His photographs have been deposited in the Burnaby Archives). Al Nixon also talks about his father's career as a firefighter, and about his Douglas grandparents and their home “The Gables” [Seven Gables] and neighbourhood in Burquitlam. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Al Nixon was born in New Westminster Feb. 8, 1936, the son of Provincial Fire Marshal Basil Nixon (1904-1975) and Agnes Douglas (1909-?). His mother’s family immigrated to Canada from Scotland in 1922 and lived in a large ca. 1900 home in Burquitlam at 9957 Sullivan Road called “Seven Gables” (recently demolished). His grandfather Thomas Douglas, a Coquitlam Councillor and Socialist, was murdered in 1934 in his North Road service station. Al Nixon began his career as a firefighter with the Burnaby Fire Department in 1957, eventually becoming Deputy Fire Chief Operations in 1987 and Fire Chief in 1991, before retiring in 1993. In the mid 1980's Al Nixon became interested in the department’s history after finding a photograph scrapbook at one of the firehalls. It was in very bad condition but he recognized its value and began a project to collect and save photographs, artifacts and stories about the Burnaby Fire Department, a 6 month project that turned into years. The photographs and information gathered by Al Nixon became part of Douglas Penn’s book “Follow that Fire: the history of the Burnaby Fire Department”.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 0:43:35

Interviewee Name: Nixon, Al

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Audio Tracks

Track five of interview with Al Nixon

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-014/MSS187-014_Track_5.mp3

Interview with Allan Nixon by Rod Fowler February 21, 1990 - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory469

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1980-1990

Length: 00:05:58

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Al Nixon describing his work as Deputy Fire Chief and some of the challenges facing the department: the need for more and better equipment and halls to address fires in new kinds of structures (e.g. Metrotown parkade) and growing areas

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Al Nixon describing his work as Deputy Fire Chief and some of the challenges facing the department: the need for more and better equipment and halls to address fires in new kinds of structures (e.g. Metrotown parkade) and growing areas

Date Range: 1980-1990

Length: 00:05:58

Subjects: Public Services - Fire Protection

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 21, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Al Nixon, conducted by Rod Fowler. Al Nixon was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about the history and operations of the Burnaby Fire Department from its beginning in 1911 to 1990, and Al Nixon’s stories about the various ways photographs, records and artifacts about the department were collected and saved. The interview takes place while looking at photographs, but the information is clear nonetheless (His photographs have been deposited in the Burnaby Archives). Al Nixon also talks about his father's career as a firefighter, and about his Douglas grandparents and their home “The Gables” [Seven Gables] and neighbourhood in Burquitlam. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Al Nixon was born in New Westminster Feb. 8, 1936, the son of Provincial Fire Marshal Basil Nixon (1904-1975) and Agnes Douglas (1909-?). His mother’s family immigrated to Canada from Scotland in 1922 and lived in a large ca. 1900 home in Burquitlam at 9957 Sullivan Road called “Seven Gables” (recently demolished). His grandfather Thomas Douglas, a Coquitlam Councillor and Socialist, was murdered in 1934 in his North Road service station. Al Nixon began his career as a firefighter with the Burnaby Fire Department in 1957, eventually becoming Deputy Fire Chief Operations in 1987 and Fire Chief in 1991, before retiring in 1993. In the mid 1980's Al Nixon became interested in the department’s history after finding a photograph scrapbook at one of the firehalls. It was in very bad condition but he recognized its value and began a project to collect and save photographs, artifacts and stories about the Burnaby Fire Department, a 6 month project that turned into years. The photographs and information gathered by Al Nixon became part of Douglas Penn’s book “Follow that Fire: the history of the Burnaby Fire Department”.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 0:43:35

Interviewee Name: Nixon, Al

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Audio Tracks

Track six of interview with Al Nixon

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-014/MSS187-014_Track_6.mp3

Interview with William J. Copeland by Rod Fowler February 18, 1990 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory435

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1960-1990

Length: 00:03:16

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Bill Copeland's involvement in the International Association of Fire Fighters union.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Bill Copeland's involvement in the International Association of Fire Fighters union.

Date Range: 1960-1990

Photo Info: Mayor Bill Copeland cutting the ribbon for the opening of the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts accompanied by Jack and Doris Shadbolt and Councillors Doug Drummond and Derek Corrigan, 1995. Item no. 535-0067

Length: 00:03:16

Subjects: Public Services - Fire Protection; Organizations - Unions

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 18, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with former Burnaby Mayor William J. Copeland conducted by Rod Fowler. Bill Copeland was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Bill Copeland’s education, career and experience as a Burnaby firefighter from 1955 to 1987, and his work for the union International Association of Fire Fighters. He talks about his early family life in Burnaby and Vancouver, war service, training with the Federal Fire Service, the organizations he has belonged to, and the careers of his three children. He briefly talks about Burnaby politics and his unexpected election to Mayor of Burnaby. Major themes of the interview, described by track: Track 1: Organizations - Unions; Public Services - Fire Protection; International Association of Fire Fighters; Track 2: Public Services - Fire Protection; Track 3: Elections; Track 4: family history and education; Track 5: Public Services - Fire Protection; Track 6: Elections

Biographical Notes: William John (Bill) Copeland (1927-2002) was born in Vancouver May 19, 1927. As a young child he lived with his parents on Southwood Street in South Burnaby on a chicken ranch. Bill’s father was a miner and was often away from home. The family moved to Pioneer Mines at Bridge River for a few years and then moved back to Vancouver in 1941 when his father contracted silicosis. Bill served in the navy for about a year near the end of WWII, was in the Canadian Merchant Marine and worked as a pipe fitter, before beginning his career as a fire fighter. He trained with the Federal Fire Service and worked two years at the Wireless Station in Delta. In 1955 he started work as Fire Fighter No. 53 in Burnaby, retiring 33 years later in 1987. Most of his career was spent at the Control Station or Number 1 Firehall, first located at Wiilingdon and Hastings (now No.5 Station) and later on Sperling near Canada Way. Bill worked as a first aid instructor, eventually moving into the training office, and retired as assistant chief. In 1987, shortly after retiring, Bill was asked to run for Mayor for the Burnaby Citizens Association (BCA). Much to his surprise he won. He served with distinction for three terms (1987-1996). Bill, his wife Ruth, and their three children, Doug and Dan (both firefighters) and Emily (a teacher), lived in North Burnaby on Cliff Avenue, the family home for about 35 years. Bill was active in many organizations including the Cliff Avenue soccer organization, St. John Ambulance, Burnaby Red Cross, and CNIB, among others. He began representing firefighters locally in the International Association of Fire Fighters in the early 1960s, eventually becoming President of the provincial association and then Vice President of the 6th District representing Western Canada.

Total Tracks: 6

Total Length: 0:25:35

Interviewee Name: Copeland, William J

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and business computerization in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Images

Mayor Bill Copeland cutting the ribbon for the opening of the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts accompanied by Jack and Doris Shadbolt and Councillors Doug Drummond and Derek Corrigan, 1995. Item no. 535-0067 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with William J. Copeland

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-013/MSS187-013_Track_1.mp3

Interview with William J. Copeland by Rod Fowler February 18, 1990 - Track 5

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory439

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1955-1986

Length: 00:06:41

Summary: This portion of the interview is about particular fires that Bill remembers, the kinds of calls attended, and the stress caused by some of the calls and the shift work.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about particular fires that Bill remembers, the kinds of calls attended, and the stress caused by some of the calls and the shift work.

Date Range: 1955-1986

Photo Info: Mayor Bill Copeland cutting the ribbon for the opening of the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts accompanied by Jack and Doris Shadbolt and Councillors Doug Drummond and Derek Corrigan, 1995. Item no. 535-0067

Length: 00:06:41

Subjects: Public Services - Fire Protection

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 18, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with former Burnaby Mayor William J. Copeland conducted by Rod Fowler. Bill Copeland was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Bill Copeland’s education, career and experience as a Burnaby firefighter from 1955 to 1987, and his work for the union International Association of Fire Fighters. He talks about his early family life in Burnaby and Vancouver, war service, training with the Federal Fire Service, the organizations he has belonged to, and the careers of his three children. He briefly talks about Burnaby politics and his unexpected election to Mayor of Burnaby. Major themes of the interview, described by track: Track 1: Organizations - Unions; Public Services - Fire Protection; International Association of Fire Fighters; Track 2: Public Services - Fire Protection; Track 3: Elections; Track 4: family history and education; Track 5: Public Services - Fire Protection; Track 6: Elections

Biographical Notes: William John (Bill) Copeland (1927-2002) was born in Vancouver May 19, 1927. As a young child he lived with his parents on Southwood Street in South Burnaby on a chicken ranch. Bill’s father was a miner and was often away from home. The family moved to Pioneer Mines at Bridge River for a few years and then moved back to Vancouver in 1941 when his father contracted silicosis. Bill served in the navy for about a year near the end of WWII, was in the Canadian Merchant Marine and worked as a pipe fitter, before beginning his career as a fire fighter. He trained with the Federal Fire Service and worked two years at the Wireless Station in Delta. In 1955 he started work as Fire Fighter No. 53 in Burnaby, retiring 33 years later in 1987. Most of his career was spent at the Control Station or Number 1 Firehall, first located at Wiilingdon and Hastings (now No.5 Station) and later on Sperling near Canada Way. Bill worked as a first aid instructor, eventually moving into the training office, and retired as assistant chief. In 1987, shortly after retiring, Bill was asked to run for Mayor for the Burnaby Citizens Association (BCA). Much to his surprise he won. He served with distinction for three terms (1987-1996). Bill, his wife Ruth, and their three children, Doug and Dan (both firefighters) and Emily (a teacher), lived in North Burnaby on Cliff Avenue, the family home for about 35 years. Bill was active in many organizations including the Cliff Avenue soccer organization, St. John Ambulance, Burnaby Red Cross, and CNIB, among others. He began representing firefighters locally in the International Association of Fire Fighters in the early 1960s, eventually becoming President of the provincial association and then Vice President of the 6th District representing Western Canada.

Total Tracks: 6

Total Length: 0:25:35

Interviewee Name: Copeland, William J

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and business computerization in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Images

Audio Tracks

Track five of interview with William J. Copeland

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-013/MSS187-013_Track_5.mp3

Adminstrative agreement between B.C. Board of Parole and B.C. Corrections Branch

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16690

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1981

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 13 p.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a copy of "ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE B.C. BOARD OF PAROLE AND THE B.C. CORRECTIONS BRANCH" including a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Mr. John Konrad, Chairman B.C. Board of Parole; Mr. Bernard Robinson, Commissioner B.C. Corrections Branch, March 11, 1981. The t…

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Series: Oakalla correctional facility records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 13 p.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a copy of "ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE B.C. BOARD OF PAROLE AND THE B.C. CORRECTIONS BRANCH" including a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Mr. John Konrad, Chairman B.C. Board of Parole; Mr. Bernard Robinson, Commissioner B.C. Corrections Branch, March 11, 1981. The thirteen page agreement is divided into seven sections and includes a Table of Contents.

Subjects: Public Services - Correctional; Public Services - Policing

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm; Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre

Accession Code: BV991.45.242

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 1981

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of item

B.C. parole policy and procedures

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16668

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1980-1982]

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 2 cm of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of copies of excerpts from "B.C. Parole Policy and Procedures"; with memo to adult probation officer-parole coordinators re: copies of parole forms to data control, Feb. 1, 1982; and blank form on statement of parole applicant along some handwritten notes.

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Series: Oakalla correctional facility records series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 2 cm of textual records

Material Details: File enclosed in black duotang folder

Scope and Content: File consists of copies of excerpts from "B.C. Parole Policy and Procedures"; with memo to adult probation officer-parole coordinators re: copies of parole forms to data control, Feb. 1, 1982; and blank form on statement of parole applicant along some handwritten notes.

Creator: Province of British Columbia

Publisher: B.C. Board of Parole

Subjects: Public Services - Correctional; Public Services - Policing

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm; Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre

Accession Code: BV991.45.172

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [1980-1982]

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of file

Burnaby under cover 86

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary732

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Author: Ledwon, Erich

Publication Date: 1988

Call Number: 363.2 LED COPY 1

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Reference Collection

Material Type: Book

Call Number: 363.2 LED COPY 1

Author: Ledwon, Erich

Place of Publication: Burnaby

Publisher: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Publication Date: 1988

Physical Description: 162 p. : ill.

Library Subject (LOC): Police

Subjects: Occupations; Occupations - Police Officers; Public Services - Policing; Public Services

Names: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Notes: 4 copies held: copy 1

Cop in the closet

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary3855

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Author: Fossum, Jack, 1905-

Publication Date: c1981

Call Number: 971.2 FOS

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Special Collection

Material Type: Book

Accession Code: BV004.23.60

ISBN: 0888390815

Call Number: 971.2 FOS

Author: Fossum, Jack, 1905-

Place of Publication: North Vancouver, B.C.

Publisher: Hancock House Publishers

Publication Date: c1981

Physical Description: 169 p., [32] p. of plates : ill., map ; 23 cm.

Inscription: Bookplate on front pastedown reads "Property of Ted Brue" "from daughter Anita + Don" [handwritten in blue ink] "Birthday Greetings" "Oct. 21, 1982" [handwritten in black ink on front end paper]

Library Subject (LOC): Police; Biography

Subjects: Occupations; Occupations - Police Officers; Public Services - Policing; Public Services

Names: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

F.R.C.C. job descriptions

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16669

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [198-]

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 cm of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of copies of various job descriptions for Fraser Regional Correctional Centre including; Control Supervisor; Shift Supervisor; Classification Officer; Living Unit Officer; Records Officer; Transport Officer; Records Clerk; Visiting Officer; Safety-Training Officer and Recreation Progr…

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Series: Oakalla correctional facility records series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 cm of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of copies of various job descriptions for Fraser Regional Correctional Centre including; Control Supervisor; Shift Supervisor; Classification Officer; Living Unit Officer; Records Officer; Transport Officer; Records Clerk; Visiting Officer; Safety-Training Officer and Recreation Program Supervisor.

Parallel Title: Fraser Regional Correctional Centre job description

Subjects: Public Services - Correctional; Public Services - Policing

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm; Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre

Accession Code: BV991.45.173

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [198-]

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of file; Pages within file were removed from binder with title "F.R.R.C.C. job descriptions"

Memorandum re inmate effects when attending court

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16673

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 3 Oct. 1988

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a one page memorandum addressed to all Unit Directors from, G. Mittermayr, A/P.O., Records; regarding: "Inmate Effects When Attending Court" dated Oct. 3, 1988. The memorandum is typewritten on Province of British Columbia letterhead.

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Series: Oakalla correctional facility records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a one page memorandum addressed to all Unit Directors from, G. Mittermayr, A/P.O., Records; regarding: "Inmate Effects When Attending Court" dated Oct. 3, 1988. The memorandum is typewritten on Province of British Columbia letterhead.

Subjects: Public Services - Correctional; Public Services - Policing

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm; Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre

Accession Code: BV991.45.152

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 3 Oct. 1988

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Annotation in blue ink crossing textual element listed in number 4.; Text elements listed in numbers 1., .2., 3, 5, 6, 7. are highlighted in yellow

Oakalla district west wing post review

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16671

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1980]

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: .5 cm of textual records

Scope and Content: Item consists of a copy of "Oakalla District West Wing Post Review" from Oakalla District Director's Office. The Post Review is divided into five sections; Section One: Organization Charts; Section Two: 04 Funds; Section Three: Current List of Posts; Section Four: Job Descriptions / Sample Staff Wo…

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Series: Oakalla correctional facility records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: .5 cm of textual records

Scope and Content: Item consists of a copy of "Oakalla District West Wing Post Review" from Oakalla District Director's Office. The Post Review is divided into five sections; Section One: Organization Charts; Section Two: 04 Funds; Section Three: Current List of Posts; Section Four: Job Descriptions / Sample Staff Work Schedule (March 1980) and Section Five: Floor Plan and Fire Evacuation Plan.

Subjects: Public Services - Correctional; Public Services - Policing

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm; Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre

Responsibility: Province of British Columbia

Accession Code: BV991.45.176

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [1980]

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Transcribed title

Post review documentation

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16672

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1980]

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 5 cm of textual records (2 folders)

Scope and Content: File consists of copies of information regarding correctional services, centres and camps including information statistics, organizational charts; correspondence and post review documentation compiled by H.B. Bjarnson and titled "Post Review Documentation". Content within is organized by subject he…

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Series: Oakalla correctional facility records series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 5 cm of textual records (2 folders)

Scope and Content: File consists of copies of information regarding correctional services, centres and camps including information statistics, organizational charts; correspondence and post review documentation compiled by H.B. Bjarnson and titled "Post Review Documentation". Content within is organized by subject heading tabs in the following order: "Hutda Lake Camp"; "Support Services"; "Island Region"; "Lakeview Camp"; Snowdown W.R.U."; "V.I.R.C.C." (Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre) ; "C.C.C. #1" (Victoria Correctional Centre); "Jordan River Camp"; "J.D.H." (Juvenile Detention Home); "Metchosin Camp"; "Vancouver Region"; "Burnaby C.C.C."; "Marpole C.C.C."; "Lydan Williams C.C.C."; "Y.D.C. Vancouver" (Youth Dention Centre Vancouver); "Lakeside (OWCC)" ; "Central Control"; "Central Services"; "Hospital"; "Director's Office"; "Westgate B"; "South Wing"; "East Wing"; "West Wing"; "South Fraser Region"; "Support Services "Surrey C.R.C."; "Chilliwack C.C.C."; "Mount Thurston Camp"; "Ford Mountain Camp"; "Security Unit"; "Centre Creek Camp"; "Pierce Creek Camp"; "N. Fraser Region"; "Support Services"; "New Haven"; "Twin Maples"; "Pine Ridge Camp"; "Boulder Bay Camp"; "Stave Lake Camp"; "A.R.C.C." (Alouette River Correctional Centre; "Interior Region"; "Rayleigh Camp"; "Bear Creek Camp"; "Kamloops C.C.C." (Correctional Centre); "Northern Region"; "Terrace C.C.C."; "P.G.R.C.C." (Prince George Regional Correctional Centre).

Creator: Bjarnson, H.B.

Subjects: Public Services - Correctional; Public Services - Policing

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm; Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre

Accession Code: BV991.45.177

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [1980]

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Transcribed title

Project brief part A : Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre Oakalla, Burnaby, B.C. project #2074

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16662

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1981]

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 cm of textual records (91p.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a copy of a typewritten report titled "Project Brief" for Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre No.2074 - Oakalla, Burnaby, B.C.; "British Columbia Buildings Corporation Project RCLS".

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Series: Oakalla correctional facility records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 cm of textual records (91p.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a copy of a typewritten report titled "Project Brief" for Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre No.2074 - Oakalla, Burnaby, B.C.; "British Columbia Buildings Corporation Project RCLS".

Creator: Province of British Columbia

Other Title Information: Cover title: Project Brief British Columbia Buildings Corporation Project RCLS Number 2074

Subjects: Public Services - Correctional; Public Services - Policing

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm; Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre

Accession Code: BV991.45.155

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [1981]

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Segment comb-binder; pages 3-91, D46G1-D46G2

Vancouver Region - Final Regional Response and Committee Position and Recommendations to the Commissioner"

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16692

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 12 Jan. 1981

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 cm of textual records

Scope and Content: Item consists of a copy of a typewritten report titled "Vancouver Region - Final Regional Response and Committee Position and Recommendations to the Commissioner", January 12, 1981. Report is enclosed within a duotang and is divided with orange subject heading tabs: "OAKALLA DISTRICT", "DISTRICT DI…

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Series: Oakalla correctional facility records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 cm of textual records

Scope and Content: Item consists of a copy of a typewritten report titled "Vancouver Region - Final Regional Response and Committee Position and Recommendations to the Commissioner", January 12, 1981. Report is enclosed within a duotang and is divided with orange subject heading tabs: "OAKALLA DISTRICT", "DISTRICT DIRECTOR'S OFFICE", "CENTRAL CONTROL", "WESTGATE 'B'", "SOUTH WING", "EAST WING", "WEST WING", "HOSPITAL", "CENTRAL SERVICES", "LAKESIDE", "YOUTH DETENTION CENTRE", "BURNABY CCC", "MARPOLE CCC", "LYNDA WILLIAMS CCC" and "PORTEAU COVE".

Subjects: Public Services - Correctional; Public Services - Policing

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm; Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre

Accession Code: BV991.45.241

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 12 Jan. 1981

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of item

Westgate "B" manufactured articles in shops

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16663

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1984]

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 15 p.

Scope and Content: Item consists of copies of documents listing various fabricated articles and costs for articles manufactured in sheet metal and fibreglass shops at Oakalla Prison. Memorandum at front of duotang from the Province of British Columbia, O. Krahnbel, S.C.O. Westgate "B".

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Series: Oakalla correctional facility records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 15 p.

Material Details: Enclosed within yellow duotang cover

Scope and Content: Item consists of copies of documents listing various fabricated articles and costs for articles manufactured in sheet metal and fibreglass shops at Oakalla Prison. Memorandum at front of duotang from the Province of British Columbia, O. Krahnbel, S.C.O. Westgate "B".