Skip to content

Saanich archives offers virtual history lessons on significant areas

Online exhibits highlight such local areas as Gordon Head, North Quadra

Historical virtual exhibits showcasing the era of early settlement through to the end of the 20th century in Saanich are ready for intake.

Each virtual instalment assembled by archivists highlights historically significant areas such as Gordon Head, Carey and North Quadra to help residents learn the rich history of what is now Saanich – as well as acknowledging life before European colonization.

The North Quadra neighbourhood, known for its rich Garry oak forests, was an important area for local First Nations prior to colonization. In these forests, Indigenous people cultivated the edible camas bulb, an important part of their diet. They practised cultivation techniques such as prescribed burning to preserve habitats that helped the camas lily flourish. It is believed the area’s Garry oak ecosystems remain largely intact today because of these centuries-old methods.

Carey Road, another well-known area in the district, was named for Joseph Westrope Carey, who gained notoriety for planting 600 fruit trees in the area.

Archives show the area known today as Gordon Head was heavily forested before colonial settlement and became famous for its ample strawberries. In 1914 the value of the strawberry crops fell off, leading to the formation of the Saanich Fruit Growers Association.

Through one of the virtual exhibits, the archives also highlight the Saanich Fire Department, which has been in service for more than 100 years.

John G. ‘Jack’ Little was appointed chief in 1919 and in March that year, the Saanich fire hall was officially inaugurated in a rented building at the corner of Carey and Saanich roads, the current site of Uptown. The department received 25 calls for service that year.

To learn more, visit the Local Area virtual exhibits page at saanich.ca.

ALSO READ: Photo negatives help unlock the story of Brentwood Bay family


Do you have a story tip? Email: megan.atkinsbaker@saanichnews.com.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.