Photograph of R.G. Bentall vice-president of Dominion Construction Co.(builders of the plaza), John Jambor (conceived of and developed the plaza), and Burnaby's Mayor Bob Prittie sharing a shove to do the sod turning together at the 5000 Kingsway Plaza site. The site consists of the entire 5000 blo…
Photograph of R.G. Bentall vice-president of Dominion Construction Co.(builders of the plaza), John Jambor (conceived of and developed the plaza), and Burnaby's Mayor Bob Prittie sharing a shove to do the sod turning together at the 5000 Kingsway Plaza site. The site consists of the entire 5000 block of Kingsway, with five office buildings and a large retail component.
Newspaper clipping attached to verso of photograph reads: "Sharing the sod-turning honours at the 5000 Kingsway Plaza site Tuesday are, from left, R.G. Bentall, vice-president of Dominion Construction Co., the builders, John Jambor and Burnaby's Mayor Bob Prittie."
The Douglas-Gilpin Neighbourhood developed into a diverse area incorporating residential, business, educational and park districts in the period after 1955. The BCIT site was built in the early 1960s, shortly after the Burnaby Municipal Hall was located on Canada Way near Deer Lake in 1956. The construction of the Municipal Hall at this location fostered the creation of an administrative and business centre adjacent to the park, while the northern and central areas of the neighbourhood retained their primarily residential character.
In 1950, the Burnaby School Inspector reported: "the recent development of a number of large housing projects and the continuing growth of new homes in settled areas are compelling the Board to consider a building program of major proportions...now under construction, including McPherson Park with 21 classrooms." Enrolment in its first year was 686 students. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, junior high schools were replaced with expanded secondary schools encompassing grades 7 through 12; as a result, McPherson Park Junior High was closed and Burnaby South Secondary School opened.
By the 1970s, the Sperling-Broadway Neighbourhood was characterised as one of the Municipality's fastest growing residential areas. In 1980, it was estimated that slightly less than half of the homes were single-family residences, while the remaining development was taking the form of townhouse and high-rise apartments. The emphasis shifted back to single family housing during the construction of planned subdivisions such as the Camrose subdivision in the 1980s and the area remains primarily residential in nature. The neighbourhood is well-served by park facilities and is also home to the Burnaby Mountain Golf Course.
Overcrowding at both Lyndhurst and Cameron Road schools in the early 1970s prompted the construction of the Stoney Creek Community School in 1974. Opening with 101 students, the school was expanded with the addition of six classrooms, a library and activity room in 1976.
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.
Application to Rezone Lot 1 N1/2, and S1/2, Block 32, DL 34, from R5 Residential to CD Comprehensive Development to permit the Construction of a High-Rise Senior Citizens Apartment Building
Photograph of the interior of the basement of the Royal Bank building while under construction inside Heritage Village. Ceiling joists are visible along with three towers of wood cribbing that was used to support the building prior the support walls and concrete foundation being poured.
Photograph of the interior of the basement of the Royal Bank building while under construction inside Heritage Village. Ceiling joists are visible along with three towers of wood cribbing that was used to support the building prior the support walls and concrete foundation being poured.