File contains photographs of Burnaby citizens concerned about industrial and big box retail development in the Big Bend area. One photograph shows Shawn Wade leaning against a fence next to a sign that reads "Western Garden Soil Mushroom Manure Bark Mulch." The other photograph shows Ed Leong holdi…
File contains photographs of Burnaby citizens concerned about industrial and big box retail development in the Big Bend area. One photograph shows Shawn Wade leaning against a fence next to a sign that reads "Western Garden Soil Mushroom Manure Bark Mulch." The other photograph shows Ed Leong holding soil in the fields at Leong's Nursery.
Collected by editorial for use in a November 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-1685-1: "Shawn Wade is concerned the City of Burnaby's plans to allow big box retail development in the Big Bend area along Marine Way would threaten the unique agricultural flavor of the area, including nurseries, and the allotment gardens."
Caption from metadata for 535-1685-2: "Ed Leong, who's run Leong's Nursery since the 1960s, says industrial development in the Big Bend area has already destroyed his ability to grow crops like Chinese vegetables, green onions, lettuce and carrots, as water gets trapped in the already boggy soil by surrounding landfill."
This portion of the recording pertains to Robert "Bob" Lowe's memories of the development of property Burnaby. He discusses houses being built by his father, grandfather and himself; this includes the property that he and his wife bought in 1961. Bob also discusses the rise of the automobile.
This portion of the recording pertains to Robert "Bob" Lowe's memories of the development of property Burnaby. He discusses houses being built by his father, grandfather and himself; this includes the property that he and his wife bought in 1961. Bob also discusses the rise of the automobile.
Date Range
1939-2012
Photo Info
Robert "Bob" Lowe (at center) and friends riding soap box race cars, [1939]. Item no. 549-041.
Recording is an interview with Robert "Bob" Lowe conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 5, 2012. Major theme discussed: the rise of the automobile and its effect on development in Burnaby.
Biographical Notes
Robert "Bob" Lowe has lived his entire life in Burnaby. During his childhood, Bob’s family lived at several addresses near Royal Oak and what is now Canada Way. He attended Douglas Road Elementary and South Burnaby High Schools. After graduating, Bob worked for a few years before enrolling in Normal School for a teaching certificate. He began teaching in Vancouver, married in 1952, and started a family. The Lowes moved to Government Road in 1961 and began a hobby farm, while Bob upgraded his formal education and became an administrator in the new college system.
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collected by editorial for use in a January 2002 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Shawn Wade fears the unique rural character of Burnaby's Big Bend area will die if Burnaby council approves a plan for commercial development."