Photograph of construction worker Jas Chohan checking the level of a foundation wall for a new prefabricated solar home at BCIT. Other pieces of the home on transport trucks are visible in the background.
Photograph of construction worker Jas Chohan checking the level of a foundation wall for a new prefabricated solar home at BCIT. Other pieces of the home on transport trucks are visible in the background.
Collected by editorial for use in a March 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Jas Chohan checks the level on a foundation wall being built at BCIT for a new prefabricated solar home, which is being delivered in pieces in the background."
Photograph of the house at 5493 Dominion Street being demolished. The house was previously owned by the McLean family. The photograph was taken from 5496 Dominion Street, looking north.
Photograph of the house at 5493 Dominion Street being demolished. The house was previously owned by the McLean family. The photograph was taken from 5496 Dominion Street, looking north.
Photograph of Simon Gould, the chair of the construction committee for Habitat For Humanity, leaning against a shovel. Gould stands in the foundation and construction site for Habitat for Humanity's second townhouse project. A number of other townhouses are visible in the background.
Photograph of Simon Gould, the chair of the construction committee for Habitat For Humanity, leaning against a shovel. Gould stands in the foundation and construction site for Habitat for Humanity's second townhouse project. A number of other townhouses are visible in the background.
Collected by editorial for use in a March 2003 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Simon Gould, the chair of construction committee for Habitat For Humanity, surveys the foundation which is being prepared for their second townhouse project. The four units should be ready for their new owners by December."
File contains photographs of a Habitat for Humanity development in Burnaby and the volunteers at work on the site. Photographs depict volunteers engaged in construction and posing in and around the under-construction townhouses, and close-ups of the muddy ground and a sign signed by volunteers.
File contains photographs of a Habitat for Humanity development in Burnaby and the volunteers at work on the site. Photographs depict volunteers engaged in construction and posing in and around the under-construction townhouses, and close-ups of the muddy ground and a sign signed by volunteers.
Collected by editorial for use in a December 2001 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-2970-1: "Peter Emlick and Peri Hansen are eagerly anticipating moving into their own home at Burnaby's Habitat for Humanity development. The couple were amongst the first volunteers at the project, and the first elligible buyers. Habitat for Humanity builds low-income housing for people who would otherwise be unable to afford to own their own homes. Most of the construction is done by volunteers."
Caption from metadata for 535-2970-2: "Art Wosminity takes a break from drywall taping in one of the units."
Caption from metadata for 535-2970-3: "Volunteers help clean up the site."
Caption from metadata for 535-2970-4: "Peri Hansen says she's most thrilled about "finally having a view" from the kitchen of her new home, still under construction at Burnaby's Habitat for Humanity. "
Caption from metadata for 535-2970-5: "Mario Galdamez takes in the view from the deck of his townhouse unit at Burnaby's Habitat for Humanity."
Caption from metadata for 535-2970-6: "Habitat for Humanity projects are built largely by volunteers who exchange "sweat equity" for the chance to live in the developments. But at Burnaby's Habitat for Humanity, on a recent Saturday after heavy Fall rains, Mitch Uh felt like he was giving "mud equity.""
Caption from metadata for 535-2970-7: "Kerry MacLaren and Sandy Stephens sort through wood scraps at Burnaby's Habitat for Humanity project."
Caption from metadata for 535-2970-8: "Volunteers at Buranby's Habitat for Humanity project leave behind their signatures on a sign in the worksite's lunch area."
Photograph of Harry Rensmaag, the site supervisor at the Brentwood development. Behind Rensmaag, an under-construction condo tower and crane are visible, next to a Winners store that is advertising its grand opening.
Photograph of Harry Rensmaag, the site supervisor at the Brentwood development. Behind Rensmaag, an under-construction condo tower and crane are visible, next to a Winners store that is advertising its grand opening.
File contains photographs of the new construction and development in the Brentwood area. Photographs depict: Paul Kiidumae, general manager of Brentwood Mall, holding plans and viewing the progress of the new London Drugs wing; the interior of Brentwood Mall with the new Sears outlet visible in the…
File contains photographs of the new construction and development in the Brentwood area. Photographs depict: Paul Kiidumae, general manager of Brentwood Mall, holding plans and viewing the progress of the new London Drugs wing; the interior of Brentwood Mall with the new Sears outlet visible in the background; and the construction site with an advertising sign for the residential and commercial Madison Centre complex.
Collected by editorial for use in a July 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-2632-1: "Paul Kiidumae, the general manager of Brentwood Mall, checks on the progress of the new London Drugs wing being constructed on the north side of the mall."
Caption from metadata for 535-2632-2: "Explosive growth in the area, and the arrival of Skytrain service, allowed Brentwood Mall to quickly replace its departed Eaton's store with a new Sears outlet."
Caption from metadata for 535-2632-3: "Burnaby's Brentwood area is booming, with the construction of Skytrain attracting new development, like the Madison Centre, a residential, commercial and business complex being built on the site of the old Lougheed Hotel."
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of changes to house construction over the years. Ron discusses working in construction, designing his own house and changes to the process of obtaining building permits (including a situation involving direct wiring in his home).
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of changes to house construction over the years. Ron discusses working in construction, designing his own house and changes to the process of obtaining building permits (including a situation involving direct wiring in his home).
Recording is an interview with Ron Smitherman conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 15, 2012. Major theme discussed: building construction and development in Burnaby.
Biographical Notes
Born in 1933 and raised in Vancouver, Ron Smitherman learned the construction trade from his father, upgrading his knowledge and skills as techniques and materials changed and improved. Ron built houses and commercial buildings in Burnaby and elsewhere during the nineteen-forties, fifties and sixties.
In 1969 Ron and his family settled in Burnaby where he shifted his business to real estate.
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.
File contains of photographs of Baldwin House on Deer Lake, the home designed for the Baldwins by Arthur Erickson, prior to its heritage designation by the City of Burnaby. Photographs depict Ruth Baldwin posing on the house's deck by Deer Lake; an exterior view of the home; the home's dock; and a …
File contains of photographs of Baldwin House on Deer Lake, the home designed for the Baldwins by Arthur Erickson, prior to its heritage designation by the City of Burnaby. Photographs depict Ruth Baldwin posing on the house's deck by Deer Lake; an exterior view of the home; the home's dock; and a view of the interior living room with its original drapes and Scandinavian furniture.
Collected by editorial for use in an October 2002 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-2830-1: "Ruth Baldwin enjoys the view of Deer Lake from the lower level of the house designed for her and her husband by Arthur Erickson, an old school chum. The house is now owned by the City of Burnaby, which wants to give it a heritage designation."
Caption from metadata for 535-2830-2: "Architect Arthur Erickson designed Baldwin House to complement its surroundings, on the southern shore of Deer Lake. But there were technical challenges, like supporting the house in the swampy soil."
Caption from metadata for 535-2830-4: "The living room of Baldwin House is like a time capsule to the 1960's, with the original drapes and contemporary Scandanavian furniture that was in style at the time."
Photograph of Rolf Floden standing in front of Floden House on 18th Ave, prior to its heritage designation and its relocation by the City of Burnaby to 4th Avenue.
Photograph of Rolf Floden standing in front of Floden House on 18th Ave, prior to its heritage designation and its relocation by the City of Burnaby to 4th Avenue.
Collected by editorial for use in a January 2001 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Rolf Floden visits the house on 18th Ave. where he grew up. The house has been purchased by the city of Burnaby and will be moved to another site to be preserved."
Photograph of Helen Krenzler, City of Burnaby property negotiator, standing in front of the heritage home Floden House and a sign that reads: "City of Burnaby / For Sale by Public Tender / Viewing by Appointment / Minimum Bid Price $295,000.00". Krenzler holds a banker's box that contains an antiqu…
Photograph of Helen Krenzler, City of Burnaby property negotiator, standing in front of the heritage home Floden House and a sign that reads: "City of Burnaby / For Sale by Public Tender / Viewing by Appointment / Minimum Bid Price $295,000.00". Krenzler holds a banker's box that contains an antique light fixture.
Collected by editorial for use in a January 2003 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Helen Krenzler, the City of Burnaby's property negotiator, returns some antique light fixtures to the old Floden House, in preparation for an open house for prospective buyers. The City is auctioning the heritage home after moving it to a new location last year."
Photograph of the relocation of Floden House, a heritage home built in 1929. A man in a hard hat stands in the foreground, directing the flatbed truck that is carrying the two-storey location to its new location on 4th Street.
Photograph of the relocation of Floden House, a heritage home built in 1929. A man in a hard hat stands in the foreground, directing the flatbed truck that is carrying the two-storey location to its new location on 4th Street.
Collected by editorial for use in a February 2001 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Garry Hands, of Nickel Brothers, directs the delicate task of moving the Floden house along 4th Street in Burnaby to its new resting place further west on the street."
File contains photographs of the Nels Nelson House, located at 127 Queens Avenue in New Westminster. Photographs depict: the dining room; reading nook with a fireplace; antique furniture; and an unidentified woman standing in the home's doorway with a dog and posing in the elaborate foyer and stair…
File contains photographs of the Nels Nelson House, located at 127 Queens Avenue in New Westminster. Photographs depict: the dining room; reading nook with a fireplace; antique furniture; and an unidentified woman standing in the home's doorway with a dog and posing in the elaborate foyer and stairwell.
File contains photographs of a Habitat for Humanity housing project being built on Government St. Photographs depict volunteers working on the construction of the project and the chair of the board posing with a pick axe.
File contains photographs of a Habitat for Humanity housing project being built on Government St. Photographs depict volunteers working on the construction of the project and the chair of the board posing with a pick axe.
Collected by editorial for use in a December 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-1705-1: "Len Horton, one of the volunteer workers at the new Habitat for Humanity housing project, being built on Government St., digs a storm drainage trench."
Caption from metadata for 535-1705-2: "Gloria Levi is the chair of the board of directors of the Habitat for Humanity project, being built on Government St., but she's not afraid to get her hands dirty."
Caption from metadata for 535-1705-3: "Simon Gould volunteers his time to help construct the Habitat for Humanity project, being built on Government St."
File contains photographs of Michael Geller, the President of UniverCity Community Trust. Photographs depict Geller posing on Burnaby Mountain near the construction site and viewing the absorbent felt that is part of the development's sidewalks, and with the architectural model of UniverCity's firs…
File contains photographs of Michael Geller, the President of UniverCity Community Trust. Photographs depict Geller posing on Burnaby Mountain near the construction site and viewing the absorbent felt that is part of the development's sidewalks, and with the architectural model of UniverCity's first phase of development.
Collected by editorial for use in a February 2003 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-2022-1: "Michael Geller, the President of the UniverCity Community Trust, at Simon Fraser University, surveys construction of the first phase of the townsite that is being built at the top of Burnaby Mountain."
Caption from metadata for 535-2022-2: "Michael Geller gets a closer look at an architectural model showing the first phase of development at the new UniverCity community, now under construction on Burnaby Mountain."
Caption from metadata for 535-2022-3: "Michael Geller checks out the absorbent felt which is being integrated into the construction of the sidewalks at the new UniverCity development atop Burnaby Mountain. The felt will help control the runoff into streams lower down the mountain."
Photograph of the unidentified owner closing the garage door of a rental property in south Burnaby, where she had discovered her tenant running a grow operation.
Photograph of the unidentified owner closing the garage door of a rental property in south Burnaby, where she had discovered her tenant running a grow operation.
Collected by editorial for use in a May 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "The owner of this South Burnaby rental property was dismayed when she discovered her tenant had set up a grow operation in the garage."
Collected by editorial for use in a September 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Herman Peterson used his video camera to tape the comings and goings of a suspected crack house in his neighborhood, helping police take steps to shut it down."