1922
CelebratingYEARS
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 1
2022
TD Canada Trust 604-940-4600
OUR Bank of Montreal 604-952-6817 Benjamin Moore 604-946-1333 Café de Gourmet Delights &Catering 604-946-7066 Delta Community Living Society 604-946-4606 DeltassistFamily and Community Services 604-946-9526
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CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 20222
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EDITOR: Ian oreditor@delta-optimist.comJacquesijacques@delta-optimist.com
One hundred years. It’s quite a milestone for any business, but to think that the Optimist has been around for 100 years and is still going strong is pretty cool.
Community newspapers such as the Optimist matter to their communities because they reflect the community in which they I’mserve.proud
REPORTERS: Sandor mbooth@delta-optimist.comMarksgyarmati@delta-optimist.comGyarmatiBooth
A local newspaper is quite different than many businesses in that its role is to inform, warn, celebrate, hold to account and in many ways is the town square for the community. A newspaper is a business that very much requires a soul to do its best work.
Linda lcalendino@delta-optimist.comCalendino
of the work that I have been a part of here at the Optimist and I am proud to be a part of this community. In the pages that follow in this 100th anniversary publication, you will find a selection of stories on past and present Optimist
Delta, without them none of this is Ourpossible.manyadvertising customers who have supported us over the last 100 years and continue to support us. The many community groups who have contributed to the success of the Delta Optimist and who the Delta Optimist continues to support.
Published by the Delta Optimist, a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership
Iwould like to start by congratulating the staff, readers, customers and community on the Delta Optimist reaching its 100 year milestone.
staffers who have brought you your news for the past 100 years.
A message from Glacier Media
Optimist celebrates 100 years of journalism
It is not often that a business reaches its 100 year milestone and should be celebrated when achieved. It is the hardworking staff over the 100 years that have made this possible.
CONTENTS Page 4 How we consume news Page RememberingPagePublishersPageThePageDeltaPageThePagesEdgar6Dunning8&9Dunnings12in192214Bexleyfamily1622Tom Siba & Dave Hamilton Page ThePageFromPagesAdsPagesStaffPagesCongratulationsCommunityPages50s,LookPagesPrintingPage&LookPages&SalutePagesNewsPageNewspaperPageThePageDesign24changes28church3010132platforms34&35tothedriverscarriers40to43backatthe30s40s44press46to53backatthe60s,70s54to5658&59photos60to63fromthepast64to73ourarchives74finalword The Delta Optimist would like to thank the Delta Archives for the generous use of their photos
DISTRIBUTION: Kristene rsarwary@richmond-news.comRoyakmurray@glaciermedia.ca604-946-5171MurraySarwary
Pierre ppelletier@delta-optimist.comPelletier
We thank you all for your support and we hope you enjoy this look back.
We celebrate our past, present and our future in stories, photos and a tremendous support from our business community through their advertising.
Ian Jacques Editor/Delta Optimist
The many reporters and editors over the years who have turned out countless articles on the happenings in South Delta. The advertising sales people who have aided thousands of businesses to connect with customers in South Delta. The carriers who have faithfully delivered the newspapers to virtually every door in South
CLASSIFIED: classifieds@van.net604-444-3056604-630-3300
in this industry a little over 25 years ago. Fresh out of journalism school at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, my first job was at the Merritt NEWS.
I received a big taste of the importance of real “community journalism” and how a newspaper matters to a small community in my first job in Merritt. That taste and sense of community journalism has followed me over the years to jobs with the Squamish Chief, Coast Reporter, numerous other Lower Mainland publications and now here to the Optimist.
In this day in age, there are not that many businesses that can boast they have been around for 100 years. In the newspaper business, even less can say that. I joined the Optimist team in 2016, so my vast knowledge of the community is a little light, but I do know that the Optimist has been there to chronical its residents, events and stories of this community and in doing so, has helped tell the rich history of IDelta.started
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 3
Phone www.delta-optimist.comDeliveries604-946-4451604-946-5171
PUBLISHER:
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jim jimgkinnear@netscape.netKinnear
SALES REPRESENTATIVES: John kchalk@delta-optimist.comKeelylfruhstorfer@delta-optimist.comLeerbruks@delta-optimist.comRuthjgallinger@delta-optimist.comGallingerGallingerFruhstorferChalk
SALES SUPPORT:
5008 47A Avenue, Delta, BC V4K 1T8
Much has changed in the last 100 years. Our newspaper can now be consumed in print, online, by
e newsletter and through our social Whateverchannels.yourpreference is in how you engage with us please continue to do so as we have the same goal to continue to build a better community.
Alvin Brouwer President/LowerPublishingMainland
DIGITAL SALES MANAGER: Marianne mariannel@glaciermedia.caLaRochelle
proud of our 100-year history and the stories we’ve been able to tell.
The front page of the first edition was a memorable one.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
A thousand people, many from Vancouver, showed up for the
The Optimist was there when the coal port at Roberts Bank opened in the 1970s and when the longest public hearing in Canadian history was held in 1989. Residents rallied to prevent a 1,900-home proposal from getting approved. (Who said municipal politics doesn’t matter?)
Whether you read us in print or online, we continually strive to keep you informed about what’s
happening in your backyard: bake sales, public hearings and everything in between.
able to tell a lot of stories over the last century.
In the decade after the George Massey Tunnel opened, the Optimist reported how civic politicians grappled with a flood of development applications and differing ideas on what should be Growth,allowed. in
Even though news consumption has changed, one thing has remained constant: the Optimist’s commitment to providing local news that keeps our community
fact, was so rapid in those days that when a 1,000home Ladner subdivision was proposed in the spring of 1969, then-mayor Dugald Morrison said Delta was “overwhelmed” with new housing and needed to digest what it already had.
We’veinformed. been
Today, local journalism is more important than ever.
How we consume news has changed over the years
Or, if it’s a Thursday, you pick up a copy of the Optimist either here at our office in Ladner or wait for your home delivery by our dedicated team of carriers and delivery drivers.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 20224 HAP PY 10 0 TH BI RT H DAY! Congratulations to TheDelta Optimistoncelebrating your centennial birthday! You’ve hit abig milestone, andthere aremoregreat yearstocome! wwwww.BriaCommunities.ca w.BriaCommunities.caRETIREMENT. LIVING!
It’s not unusual to scroll through your social feeds in the morning on your cellphone — likely the same device you used as an alarm Orclock. perhaps your go-to method is search — typing a few keywords into Google to see what’s making news that day.
Our newsroom also had a frontrow seat to the development – and preservation – of Burns Bog. We reported on everything from the 25,000-name petition to preserve the bog to Delta Fraser Properties Partnership wanting to build a giant entertainment centre that would have included a new home for the PNE. In the end, all levels of government purchased it to ensure its preservation.
We believe citizens armed with information can make the best possible decisions for themselves and their families, whether that’s at the ballot box or on the soccer
Wefield. are
uncapping of a Boundary Bay test well. Speculators were counting on oil flowing from the Boundary Bay area.
By dinner time, you may even turn on the 6 o’clock news.
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He was also one of the founders of the Delta Community Band Society.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 20226 The31st ANNUAL STINKY SNEAKER SALE ON UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30TH! Bring in your used runners and receive agreat deal on abrand newpair! All used runners in good shape will be donated to the downtown eastside shelter FALL CLINICS AREUNDERWAY AT THE RUNINN! Come join us every Tuesdaynightand Saturday morningfor fun and fitness as we build towardsthe Boundary BayMarathon on November 6th. At TheRuninn we of fer anumber of dif ferent programs, suitable for runners of all levels. Whether you’re acomplete beginner or aseasoned marathon veteran we have the knowledge and coaching to take you to the next level. Saturday... TheRuninn’s Saturday morning running clinic has aperfect pace group for everyone. Therun is for serious &recreational runners. Theruns are longer and slower and usually end at alocal cafe for apost run beverage and snack. Saturday runs are a great way to get and stay fit and socialize with like-minded people. This is perfect for half-marathon training as well as agroup that does ashorter run each week. Thursday... We also of fer alimited 9week tempo clinic on Thursday nights with guest coach Malcolm Smillie! Malcolm is one of the top master track athletes in the world and we are always lucky to have him out leading this clinic that is focused on pushing you physiologically and psychologically Tuesday... Our Tuesday night clinic breaks into four categories: Walking Group: Foranyone interested in learning about the benefits of power walking. Learn to Run: Designed for the beginner runner or the runner who is coming back to running. 8Kilometre Group: Usually graduates of the Learn to Runprogram, this group will work up to running 8 Kilometres. Pace Groups: Designed for the runner who wants to complement their training with speed workouts. Check outour website or visitusin thestore formoreinfo! HAPPY 100TH OPTIMIST!! #125-1315 56th Street •Tsawwassen Town CentreMall 604.943.4661 •www.runinn.com WWW@RUNINNSTORES .FACEBOOK.COM/THERUNINN THERUNINNSTORES
Also active in Delta life, Dunning was a former president of the Delta Board of Trade, now the Delta Chamber of Commerce.
Dunning married Elsie Maria Bowing (1916-1998) in 1942 and they had two children, Susan and Gene.
Dunning, who had two younger brothers, Bill and Eric, graduated from King George High School in InLadner.hisyounger
Dunning’s razor-sharp memory for historical details was accompanied by charm and a wry smile, all matched by a quick wit, making him Delta’s favourite storyteller.
“To me, Edgar was just an absolutely consummate gentleman who had an astounding memory and great talent and commitment to his community,” Delta South MLA Vicki Huntington said shortly after his passing in 2010.
dedication to the betterment, heritage and preservation of Delta is remarkable,” Jackson said.
Former Mayor Lois Jackson said those he worked and spent time with cherished Dunning’s jovial, good-humoured personality, and his personal and intimate knowledge of Delta’s history and ability to share it was truly “Edgar’stouching.lifelong
Dunning was also one of the founding members of the Delta Historical and Museum Society, and its first president when the museum opened with much fanfare in the old municipal hall building in Ladner in 1969. When the Delta Archives moved into the civic precinct, the Edgar Dunning Reading Room was created.
As he grew older and provided a vital link to Delta’s past for new generations, he was often referred to as a treasure or an icon and was revered by many.
years, Dunning worked in central B.C. at the Premier Gold Mine before ending up at a newspaper in Prince Rupert. He moved back to Ladner in 1930 to learn the printing business and begin a lengthy career at the Optimist where he served in a variety of capacities.
Edgar Clesson Dunning is a name that will always be synonymous with the Delta Optimist.
Not only was Dunning there at the beginning way back in 1922, but he continued his relationship with the newspaper until passing away in the fall of 2010 at the age of 100. In fact, his last Rambling column, a popular weekly staple of the paper, ran on the day he died.
Born in Elbow, Saskatchewan, on Jan. 7, 1910, Dunning came to Delta as a 12-year-old when his dad, Vincent Dunning, started the Optimist at the invitation of the Delta Board of Trade.
In 1961 he was appointed editor of the Pacific regional edition of CBC Radio’s Neighbourly News, a program that ran for 26 years.
Dunning not only had a long career as a journalist, but he played an important role in the growing community of Delta, founding and supporting a host of organizations.
Dunning joined the B.C. Weekly Newspapers Association in 1931 and was its youngest president. He also served as director of the Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association and was chairman of the B.C. Weekly Newspaper Advertising Bureau.
Following the death of Eric in 1971, Dunning assumed the duties of executor of his brother’s estate, which included the Coquitlam Herald and Maple Ridge Gazette, where he was active in managing.
He was involved with many groups, including the Kinsmen Club of Ladner, which he helped form in 1935, becoming its president four years later. He was named a life member of the club in 1961 and in 2009 received Kin Canada’s highest honour when was named a Hal Rogers Fellow.
Who EdgarwasDunning?
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 7
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 20228
The first issue of The Weekly Optimist, published on March 23, 1922, consisted of four pages. About 500 copies were printed.
It all began with the Dunning’s
The eldest Dunning boy served the paper in many capacities over the years, including reporter, editor, printer and pressman, as well as bill collector, before taking over as publisher in 1942.
He sold part interest in the paper to Ernie Bexley in 1964 and later divested all his holdings, but rejoined the Optimist family as a columnist in the early 1990’s.
I
t was 100 years ago that Vincent Clesson Dunning accepted an invitation from the Delta Board of Trade (the predecessor of the Delta Chamber of Commerce) to start a newspaper to fill the vacancy left after the demise of the Delta Times in 1914.
of 1922, he arrived on the West Coast, found the equipment he needed in Vancouver to produce a small newspaper and installed it in the former saloon of the Ladner Hotel, at the corner of today’s 48th Avenue and Delta Street, just a block from where the Optimist has its offices
Vincent Dunning eventually made his way to California but never returned to Ladner.
He continued to write his popular weekly Rambling column until his passing in 2010 at the age of 100.
InBarons.January
in 1930 after two years in northern B.C., part of that employed by the Prince Rupert Evening Empire and its competing newspaper, The Daily News.
Dunning, trained as a printer in his youth in southern Manitoba, closed the weekly Globe in Barons, 35 miles north of Lethbridge, Alberta, and sold the Sun he had started in Carmangay, 10 miles north of
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 9
Thetoday.first
The history of the Optimist newspaper started 100 years ago
issue of The Weekly Optimist, published on March 23, 1922, consisted of four pages. About 500 copies were
The Fenton building was home until 1938, when the Dunnings were able to purchase the former Methodist Church property where the post office is now located.
To reduce costs, the new publisher moved the printing
The printing equipment was moved into the church building which prompted comments from other publishers about expecting high and noble thoughts from the publication and the Dunnings moved into the former manse.
Edgar, the oldest of the three Dunning boys, officially began work at The Optimist
Inprinted.February of 1923, Dunning announced in the new paper that he was leaving to look after publications he had started in Cloverdale, Langley and White Rock. He turned over ownership of The Optimist to his wife, Gertrude Dunning, whose name appears as publisher in the first issue of March that year. She became the first female publisher of a B.C. weekly newspaper.
plant and the home she shared with her three sons to a twostorey building owned by Edgar Fenton beside the Odd Fellows Hall on Delta Street. Its neighbours were a jewelry store and the Royal Bank of Canada on the north and Craig’s Bakery on the south. The three Dunning boys particularly appreciated the bakery for they could count on getting baked goods that had not been sold.
The upper floor provided the Dunning home of three bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and big pantry, but no bathroom. The only toilet for the family was located on the lower floor, which meant a jaunt outside and down the stairs when nature called.
The printing equipment was installed in the south half of the lower floor with the front part of the north side rented to various businesses. Walter Creech sold real estate there until 1927 when Neil McDiarmid, retired after 26 years as Delta’s municipal clerk, opened a general insurance office in the space. Other people rented it in the 14 years The Optimist occupied the building.
The printing equipment was installed in the south half of the lower floor with the front part of the north side rented to various businesses. Walter Creech sold real estate there until 1927 when Neil McDiarmid, retired after 26 years as Delta’s municipal clerk, opened a general insurance office in the space. Other people rented it in the 14 years The Optimist occupied the Thebuilding.upper floor provided our home of three bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and big pantry, but no bathroom. The only toilet for the family — mother and three sons — was located on the lower floor, which meant a jaunt outside and down the stairs when nature called.
My experiences as an “DailyEmpireRuperttheemployedpartColumbia,northernworkingyearsafterAugust,startededitorin1930,twospentinBritishofthatbyPrinceEveningandtheNews.
By Edgar AssociatedDunningwiththe Delta
As teenagers, my brothers and I, besides obtaining a basic education in Ladner schools, learned the rudiments of the printing trade, including setting type by hand and using the guillotine like paper cutter.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202210
In February of 1923, my father announced in the new paper that he was leaving to look after publications he had started in Cloverdale, Langley and White Rock. He turned over ownership of The Optimist to my mother, whose name appears as publisher in the first issue of March that year. My father made his way to California but never returned to Ladner.
Optimist in various capacities since its inception in 1922, it’s only natural that many memories crowd into any reminiscing. They deal not only with editing but also with a multitude of occupations when you grow up connected with a newspaper in a small town.
The first home of our family was a brown cottage at the corner of Hotham and Victoria streets, now 50th Street and 47A Avenue. Across from us was the home of Paul E. Ladner, inherited from his father, William Henry Ladner, Delta’s first reeve.
a few years ago.
To reduce costs, the new publisher moved the printing plant and our home to a twostorey building owned by Edgar Fenton beside the Odd Fellows Hall on Delta Street. Our neighbours were a jewellery store and the Royal Bank of Canada on the north and Craig’s Bakery on the south. The three Dunning boys particularly appreciated the bakery for we could count on getting baked goods that had not been sold, such as luscious doughnuts, on a Sunday morning.
A galvanized washtub sufficed as a bathtub for us boys until we outgrew it and then we enjoyed the facilities kindly offered by neighbours with properly equipped bathrooms.
My experiences as an editor started in August, 1930, after two years spent working in northern British Columbia, part of that employed by the Prince Rupert Evening Empire and its competing newspaper, the Daily News.While I was away, a linotype had been purchased to replace the handset method of typesetting at The Optimist and when I returned from the north I had to learn in two weeks how to operate the machine well enough to compose the paper. I made it, but that issue shows my lack of Thatexperience.issuewas also my baptism as an editor and reporter as well as printer and pressman. Mother remained as publisher and did some writing but at first I held down most of the positions with help for a while from my
Dad closed the weekly Globe in Barons, 35 miles north of Lethbridge, Alberta, and sold the Sun he had started in Carmangay, 10 miles north of Barons. He was also associated with the Blairmore Enterprise and the Coleman Journal in the Crows Nest Pass. Before starting the Barons Globe, he had been involved with publications in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Rambling columnist remembers the early days of the fledgling newspaper
OptimisttocameDunningsweststartthe
The Fenton building was home until 1938, when we were able to purchase the former Methodist Church property where Delta’s post office is now located.
My father, Vincent Clesson Dunning, trained as a printer in his youth in southern Manitoba, and in 1922 accepted an invitation of the Delta Board of Trade to start a newspaper to fill the vacancy left after the demise in 1914 of the Delta Times, published by George Manley.
In January of 1922, he arrived on the west coast, found the equipment he needed in Vancouver to produce a small newspaper and installed it in the former saloon of the Ladner Hotel, at the corner of today’s 48th Avenue and Delta Street, just a block from where the
Across the street stood Pat McRae’s pool hall. It’s still there, but not in the same capacity in which it served for many decades. The prefabricated B.C. Telephone exchange to the north of the pool hall was demolished
The lower floor of the former Epworth League rooms were used as office and the church hall became a storeroom, sometimes rented as a roller
The printing equipment was moved into the church building –which prompted comments from other publishers about expecting high and noble thoughts from the publication – and our family moved into the former manse.
skating rink, a second hand store and a shoe store.
Optimist has its offices today. The first issue of The Weekly Optimist, published on March 23, 1922, consisted of four pages. About 500 copies were printed.
Earlybrothers.introduction into the pitfalls of editing came when I quoted a speaker at a public meeting. The man had used the word “damn” in his address so I quoted him. I still remember the reprimand I received from Rev. J. A. MacDonald of Ladner Baptist
When I got to his office I found that all he wanted was to talk about families in Delta he knew, how they were doing and conditions in general. I always got the money we needed and Paterson found out about his friends in Delta. That arrangement continued for years.
I had no objection to him expressing his opinions by letter, but he always insisted on reading his epistle to me and no one else. As he stood at the front counter translating the work, his voice steadily increased in volume and the pitch more strident as he became more excited until finally it became almost unintelligible. Fortunately, he didn’t write as many letters as BesidesBushfield.reporting,
Forthe past 26 yearswehaveprovided results-oriented and cost-effectivelegal adviceand representation to our South Delta community.
A reporter added to the staff in the late 1930s caused us some problems. George Palmer, an ardent advocate of communism, after covering the usual beats in Delta decided he’d like to go to
Call, email or visit us online –weare here to help! •FamilyLaw •Wills &Estates •RealEstate•BusinessLaw Congratulations DeltaOptimist on your 100th Bir thday!
editing and setting type on the linotype, another of my jobs was bill collecting. Most customers caused no problems and paid their bills regularly. One man with whom we did business — he will remain nameless for his descendants still live in Delta — frequently ran up a sizable account for printing and subscriptions and my efforts to collect it produced no results. Once, when I contacted him about a long overdue bill, his reply was: “Don’t worry, I’ll pay the bill. I’ve got the money. It’s in the bank.” Finally I sent him an account for double the amount he actually owed, expecting him
That alerted the RCMP, who then began investigating not only the applicant but also all of us at the newspaper. Palmer eventually obtained a passport and visa, and made his way to Moscow, where he spent two years with the News
We published some of the reports he sent back to us about conditions in Russia and they can be found in Optimist files.
AfterChurch.the
So many memories, so many people …
WhileSeveride Lawcannotmatch the Delta Optimist’slongevity, Deirdreand David Severide opened their Ladner lawofficein 1996 (having practiced lawinLadner since 1983and 1989!) and arevery proud to have expanded their team to six lawyersand seven legalassistants today!
to come storming into the office. He arrived at the office one day when I was out and paid the doubled bill without a word about the extra amount. We gave him credit for the difference, which he eventually used up in printing but we had no more Beforedifficulties.anundertaking business had been opened in the municipality, Tom Paterson advertised his Paterson Funeral Home in New Westminster in The Optimist. He would let the account grow until threatened with small debts court action, which he ignored. A phone call to him revealed he would pay the bill if I came to the Royal City.
English as a second language and then bring his letter to the Optimist office.
subdividing of T. E. Ladner’s 500 acre farm into Delta Manor, the influx of residents brought more problems for an inexperienced editor. Some of the new settlers had axes to grind and causes to Ernestpromote.Bushfield used letters to the editor as his forum. He was verbose in the extreme and sometimes his lengthy diatribes required much editing. That was one hazard for a greenhorn editor but his insistence on always reading his epistles to me added to the problem.
There’s so much that could be told about the business and people who worked in various capacities. Among them would be Len Froud, a fine printer; Linton Eccles and Dennis Williams, both trained as reporters in England; Bob and Ivy Grant, who worked at The Optimist as reporters and then left to start a competing paper; Eileen Watts, Suzanne Westphal, who served in several capacities.
the USSR to see the system in action. He found he could get a job with the English language Moscow Daily News and started the process of getting the necessary documents.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 11 #201-5027 47AAvenue, Delta | 604-940-8182 | www.severide.com | info@severide.com
Years later another letter writer provided trouble. Chung Chuck, whose opposition to marketing boards and his methods of demonstrating his feelings, provided problems for the police. Occasionally he would put his arguments against the marketing system to paper, scribbled in
wanting to travel to Vancouver or New Westminster, they could hitch a ride on the 40-car sternwheeler that plied the Fraser.
When the fishing and farming industries became successful, other industries moved in and tried their luck in Delta.
Newdry.industries
The big store was Lanning, Fawcett and Wilson. The store, which was on Chisholm Street, sold everything from clothing to groceries, and claimed to have “everything necessary to furnish the Municipalhome.”hall
the Delta Museum. The building also housed the jail, which was located downstairs.
What the community looked like in 1922
TheDelta.crops
from Delta’s farms provided for many areas of the province. Most of the oats rolled in Victoria mills came from Delta farms, some of them owned by then-premier John Oliver. Those farms now surround the park that bears Oliver’s name.
1920’s Ladner Delta Archives - 1981-095-066
A boardwalk was constructed to allow residents to get around without being splashed by the horses, but it was torn down in For1925.anyone
brought new people, which meant more settlements further from the river. The area north of Westham Street (now 48th Avenue), around Chisholm and Delta streets, was the major shopping area.
The plant was run John A. Williamson, a farmer, who also happened to be Delta’s reeve (now known as mayor) at the time. Farming was the other large industry of the era. Delta’s fertile
The roads in 1922 were rock and gravel, mainly because there were few cars. The main form of transportation at that time was horses, so there was no immediate need for paved roads. The only road that was paved was Trunk Road, which was paved in 1920.
2014 2020
was born in 1922, Delta was community of 3,500 that lived off the Fraser River, Chilukthan Slough and the land surrounding the waterways. Fish canneries were abundant in the early ‘20s because of the large numbers of sockey salmon in the Fraser. And even though the number of cases being shipped from local canneries was declining rapidly by 1922, they still employed a large number of the municipality’s residents.
Jason La
WContributingRoseWriterhentheOptimist
A sawmill was constructed and ran until 1929. Pacific Milk Company opened a creamery and ran it until Another1928.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202212
soil attracted many people to the area, and by 1922 the farms stretched from the Fraser to East
company believed it could find oil and natural gas in
Three school girls sitting on the fence enclosing the school yard on Annacis Island in the 1920s. Marit Carlson is identified as the girl in the middle and the schoolhouse can be partially seen on the right of the photo. Delta Archives - 2021-035-143
was located in the centre of the community, at the corner of Delta and bridge streets, in the building that now houses
Boundary Bay, although it shut down by the end of 1922, when all four wells that were drilled came up
Productand advice aren’tall we do at Home. We also offer awide range of services. Custom colour matching with our Beauti-tone paint line is one of them. Youbring us acolour sample and we will match it. We also offer many other services from having your project delivered to wood cutting, custom flashing, knife sharpening, rebar cutting and bending, propane exchange and Hilti rentals.
Home Hardware Building Centre has been in the South Delta Community since 1981. Through support and donation we proudly sponsor numerous community activities and local charities. We would like to thank all of our fantastic customers over the years for your support. We look forward to serving you in the future, in the most knowledgeable and professional manor
Atpossible.Home...
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 13 1140 -56th www.homehardwaredelta.com CANADIAN OWNED 1140 -56th Street • Tsawwassen•604-943-0141 www.homehardwaredelta.com CANADIAN OWNED 1140 -56th Street •Tsawwassen •604-943-0141 www.homehardwaredelta.com CANADIAN OWNED
CANADIAN OWNED
At Home .this is how we want you to feel when you walk into Home HardwareBuilding Centre. As our customer,you areapart of our family.Fromamajor renovation to changing alight bulb, no project is too big or small for our sales team to take the time to get you the right productfor your job.What goodare the products if you arenot quite surehow they work? We havethat covered too!
With years of experience, on the job training and numerous seminars, we have the answer to those questions and the ability to give expert advice when needed. Combine knowledge and dedication with ahelpful friendly attitude and that’sexactly what you will findatHome. From over 35,000 items in storeand over 100,000 through our Home Hardwarewarehouse, items can be easily ordered in-storeoron-line, plus hundreds of local suppliers. We have the products you need to complete your job.
Home HardwareBuilding Centrehas been in the South Delta Community since 1981. Through support and donation we proudly sponsor numerous community activitiesand local charities. We would like to thank all of our fantastic customers over the years for your support. We look forward to serving you in the future, in the most knowledgeable and professional manor possible.
Productand advice aren’tall we do at Home. We also offer awide range of services. Custom colour matching with our Beauti-tone paint line is one of them. Youbring us acolour sample and we will match it. We also offer many other services from having your project delivered to wood cutting, custom flashing, knife sharpening, rebar cutting and bending, propane exchange and Hilti rentals.
1140 -56th www.homehardwaredelta.com 1140 -56th Street • Tsawwassen•604-943-0141 www.homehardwaredelta.com 1140 -56th Street •Tsawwassen •604-943-0141 www.homehardwaredelta.com
At Home...this is how we want you to feel when you walk into Home HardwareBuilding Centre. As our customer,you areapart of our family.Fromamajor renovation to changing alight bulb, no project is too big or small for our sales team to take the time to get you the right productfor your job.What goodare the products if you arenot quite surehow they work? We havethat covered too!
this is how we want you to feel when you walk into Home Hardware Building Centre. As our customer, you are a part of our family. From a major renovation to changing a light bulb, no project is too big or small for our sales team to take the time to get you the right product for your job. What good are the products if you are not quite sure how they work? We have that covered too!
Product and advice aren’t all we do at Home. We also offer a wide range of services. Custom colour matching with our Beauti-tone paint line is one of them. You bring us a colour sample and we will match it. We also offer many other services from having your project delivered to wood cutting, custom flashing, knife sharpening, rebar cutting and bending, propane exchange and Hilti rentals.
CANADIAN OWNED
With years of experience, on the job training and numerous seminars, we have the answer to those questions and the ability to give expert advice when needed. Combine knowledge and dedication with ahelpful friendly attitude and that’sexactly what you will findatHome. From over 35,000 items in storeand over 100,000 through our Home Hardwarewarehouse, items can be easily ordered in-storeoron-line, plus hundreds of local suppliers. We have the products you need to complete your job.
With years of experience, on the job training and numerous seminars, we have the answer to those questions and the ability to give expert advice when needed. Combine knowledge and dedication with a helpful friendly attitude and that’s exactly what you will find at Home. From over 35,000 items in store and over 100,000 through our Home Hardware warehouse, items can be easily ordered in-store or on-line, plus hundreds of local suppliers. We have the products you need to complete your job.
CANADIAN OWNED
Home HardwareBuilding Centrehas been in the South Delta Community since 1981. Through support and donation we proudly sponsor numerous community activitiesand local charities. We would like to thank all of our fantastic customers over the years for your support. We look forward to serving you in the future, in the most knowledgeable and professional manor possible.
He pointed to the residential and commercial growth in Tsawwassen in the early 1970s as the catalyst for the increase in the Optimist’s size. Bexley said the paper grew along with the community.
Bexley quarterOptimistoperatedfamilyforacentury
Ernie and Bea Bexley spent time in Hawaii after selling the Optimist in 1990.
Mainland Publishing Ltd. in 1990.
Bexley was heavily involved in the community during his tenure at the Optimist. He served on Delta council and was president of the Delta Chamber of Commerce and the Tsawwassen and Ladner business associations. He was also a member of the parks and recreation commission, the Rotary Club of Ladner and the Masonic Order.
Inyears.1964,
Bexley retired after the sale, enjoying his time on the golf course in Beach Grove and
Recycled
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202214 Are You Tire dO fY our Cr ac ked Conc rete or Paving ? WE ARE HERE TO HEL P Before After
He served as owner and publisher of the Optimist until selling the newspaper to Lower
The Bexley years at the Optimist were truly a family affair, with wife Bea, son Peter and daughter Lynn all employed at the Withpaper.anincrease in the number of staff and circulation in the early 1980s, the Optimist office next to the post office
Rubber Paving ECO FRIEN DL Y NON- SLIP SURF ACE UP TO 30% LESS THAN CONCRETE CA LL NOW UPS PROPERT Y VALUE 1-800 -609 -5408 www.ecopaving.com 4.8/5 Average Rating1000’sofJobs Driveways Apartments Patios Stairs Walkways Pool Decks Playgrounds Courtyards Congratulationstothe Delta Optimist for their 100 Year Anniversary!!
on Ladner’s 48th Avenue was no longer adequate. Bexley moved the operation in 1986 to a location it occupied on Ladner Trunk Road up until 2015.
The name Bexley became synonymous with the Optimist as the Beach Grove family held control of this newspaper for more than 25
Ernie Bexley purchased 50 per cent of the shares of the company that published the Ladner Optimist (as the paper was called at that time) plus the option to buy the remaining shares 10 years later.
In an article for the Optimist’s 70th anniversary in 1992, Bexley said when he arrived in South Delta, the community was generally isolated from the rest of the Lower Mainland. He said the first few years proved difficult as a small population limited the number of pages the newspaper could publish.
HeHawaii.died in 1998 at the age of 82.
2022 Coas tHot el Br andAward
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 15 16 65 56 St ,D el ta @t saww asseninn
Winn er of Ho telo ft he Year! Leadero ft he Year,EmmaM cD onald,G en er al Manager Be st in Ho telC leanlin ess
Spacious,r ecentlyr enov ated suites ar edesignedwithconvenience andcomfort in mind,and featur eminifridges, micr owaves, flat-screen TVsand fr ee wi-fi.Add aspr ingtoyourstepevery morning, cour tesy of ourfreecontinental br eakfast– andstop by Br owns Socialhousefor delectable localdininginthe af ternoonand evening. Ther e’snoneedtoskipyourwor kout either ; ourbrand-newfi tnessfacilit yhas ever ything youneedtostayhealthy andfocused. Spar kcreativity at CoastTsawwassenInn andlet us pr ov ideasophisticatedset ting foryournex tmee ting or corpor ateevent.E xplor eour versatilevenues, whichcombine forover5,500 square feet of space. Seat 220 guests in ourelegant Pacific Ballr oomortake care of businessinthe ExecutiveRoom–per fect forsmall boar dmee tings. Keep your guests ener gizedand inspir ed with awideselection of delicious catering optionspreparedbyour Head Chef andprofessional culinar yteam.
One of the missing pieces was a publication in South Delta.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202216 4977Trenant Street, Unit130 Delta ladnerdentist.com 604-946-9588 Your Family Dentist Located in Ladner Village Delicate and Compassionate Care ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Love SmileYourAgain!
The publishers who have led this newspaper over the years are considered to be some of the best in the
writing his column until he passed away in 2010 at the age of 100.
A couple years after the launch of the Today, there was a restructuring of ownership of publications in the Lower Mainland and the Optimist and Today ended up in the same pot. Shortly thereafter, the products were merged and Siba was appointed publisher of the combined operation in He1991.was
publisher of the Optimist until 2001 when he left to take the same position at Business in Vancouver.
and was publisher for seven years, while also continuing his role with Glacier Media as President, Lower Mainland Publishing LP and Glacier Community Media Digital.
“It truly is an honour to work at the Optimist,” said Pelletier. “We have such an experienced, dedicated staff at the Optimist who really care about the readers and businesses. We are cognizant that the trust and goodwill we have in the community was built off the backs of all the previous and current employees and it is something we continue to build upon every single day.”
Editor’s note: Tom Siba passed away in April of this year, while Dave Hamilton passed away in 2021.
“Everycommunity.time
Siba also hired former Optimist owner and publisher Edgar Dunning to write a column for South Delta Today when he was 79. Dunning was a great mentor and an amazing source of Delta history and Dunninginformation.continued
I went to the office in Ladner, I felt like I had stepped back in time,” Chalmers recalls. “I know the community faced big issues, the way every city does, but it did seem like everyone genuinely cared and so many knew each other. I was also impressed with the role that the Optimist played in the community. It had its finger on the pulse of what was happening and the paper really reflected the essence of the Whencommunity.”Chalmers left in 2012, Siba returned for a couple of years to aid the new ownership transition. Alvin Brouwer assumed the helm from Siba
The Optimist has a longstanding tradition of excellence and strong leadership
“I spent a lot of time driving around the Fraser Valley. The idea of having a newspaper where I lived was very attractive,” recalled Siba, a long-time Tsawwassen resident in the Optimist’s 95th anniversary publication. “We approached the Bexley family to buy the Optimist. They were not interested in selling. So in 1989, we started up the South Delta Today.
“Several current staff members were there a quarter century ago when the merged product began. Dave Hamilton and John Gallinger were
After Siba left the first time, Randall Taylor took on the role, coming to Delta from the Chilliwack Times. Taylor served as publisher for half a dozen years before moving to Vancouver Island where he’s now in commercial real estate.
Tombusiness.Siba,who served as publisher on two occasions, was involved with the Now/Times group of community newspapers in the 1980s. The group had papers in Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster and Surrey/North Delta and was working to expand — primarily through acquisition — but would consider start-ups if necessary.
Lori Chalmers was Taylor’s successor. Having worked in much larger cities, she says she was very impressed with the cohesiveness of the South Delta
L-R: Edgar Dunning, Lori Chalmers, Tom Siba
In 2019, Matt Blair assumed the role of publisher taking over from BlairBrouwer.was in that role until November 2021, when current publisher Pierre Pelletier joined the Optimist team. Pelletier has been with Glacier Media in a variety of publisher and group publisher roles since 2004.
He retired from BIV Media Group in 2010, but went back to the Optimist for a couple of years in 2012 to aid in the transition to new owners.
there from the original launch of the South Delta Today.”
•Domino’s Pizza
•The
•Forever Blue Nails 778-434-3443
•Nexgen Hearing 604-948-4822 604-595-1680 604-943-8400
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 17 Tsaw wassenTownCentrehas been servingthe communities of Tsaw wassenand Ladner since1970 As agreat business partner forthe past 32 yearswiththe DeltaOptimist, we wish them a hardyCONGRATULATIONSontheir 100thanniversary! With over40shops andservicesweknowyou willfindeverythingyou need! 12th Ave& 56th St ,Tsaw wassen •Tsaw wassenTownCent re Mall .com
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The Optimist is routinely awarded a Blue Ribbon by the CCNA for overall excellence.
This year, the City of Delta presented the Optimist with 2022 Heritage Award of Merit in recognition of its 100th Anniversary and its service to the community.
In April, Optimist editor Ian Jacques, third from the left, along with several of his colleagues from community newspapers across the province, was presented with The Silver
category and reporter Sandor Gyarmati has been honoured in the Best Agricultural Story
Photo courtesy BCYCNA
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202218 TRADES ARE THE FUTURE BC’sshipbuilding industr yisexperiencing rapid growth. If you are aqualified Trades person, thenwe may have ajob for you! •FITTERS •JOINER •PAINTERS •RIGGERS •STAGES •WEILDERS •SERVICES What do we offer? Great Wages and Benefits Local 506’sBenefitand Pension plans protect you and your family today and in the future. YOUR BETTER TOMORROW STARTS NOW #211 -3823 Henning Dr., Burnaby,BCV5C 6P3 Phone 604-558-1506 • Fax 604-588-3506 Email: Local 506@shaw.ca Website: marineshipbuilderslocal506.ca
Incategory.2021,current editor Ian Jacques was honoured in the Investigative News Story category and the Optimist was once again nominated for General Excellence.
The Optimist has also been recognized in the community by groups such as the Delta Chamber of Commerce and the Royal Canadian Legion.
Over its 100-year history, the Delta Optimist has received countless awards and recognition for its work from a variety of industry Theorganizations.Optimistand its staff have received numerous awards from the Canadian Community Newspaper Association (CCNA), the B.C./Yukon Community Newspapers Association (BCYCNA) and Suburban Newspapers of America (now known as the Local Media Association), including winning the General Excellence (top overall newspaper) award from both the B.C. and Canadian Inassociations.recentyears, the Optimist has received awards for Best Front Page and Best Christmas Edition, while former editor Ted Murphy has been recognized in the Outstanding Columnist
The Optimist is an award newspaperwinning
Quill Award. The award, on behalf of the Canadian News Media Association, recognizes 25 years of distinguished service to the News Media industry.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 19 Drs .J an &Warren Rob er ts 5550 12th Av enue, Ts awwassen, B.C., V4M 4C2 |6 04-943-3343 |r eception@rober tsdental.ca
Long-time residents and newcomers alike will still find us at our location in central Tsawwassen, “Rober ts Dental and Facial Rejuvenation”. Those of you who have been with us along our jour ney may remember us at the same location as “The Fine Ar tofDentistr y”, in Coal Harbour as “A Smile Above”, or even as the original “Tsawwassen Dental Clinic”. It is through our patients and the stories that they have shared with us over the years, that we take pride in ser ving our local community and celebrating ever ything it has to offer.We continue to work with our talented and growing team and look for ward to being able to share some exciting news in the near future.
It is our great pleasure to be apar tofthe celebration for this landmark 100-year anniversar yedition of the Delta Optimist. There is aremarkable sense of community that is evident in the stories and events that have taken place, and still continue to take place, among our local neighborhoods. We are honored to have been able to call sunny Tsawwassen our home for over for ty years, and to have had the privilege to provide our ser vices to multiple generations of local families over this time.
In the 1970 ’s , the home was used by the Gateway Societ y as a group home for autistic children. The Gateway Societ y used the home for many year s, until they ultimately needed a larger facility
With sources from Delta Heritage Society, City of Delta, and Brian Hart
Delta Archives:
Delta Archives: 2011-027-003
Clair’s Boutique Hotel operated until Oc tober 2021, when the owner’s retired and put the proper ty up for sale
George Baker served on the Delta Police Commission, and as a member of the Delta Fire Brigade. He also belonged to the Delt a Lodge No 15, the Shriners , and the Masons. When George Baker died in 1928 , Ur sula took the children and moved to Vancou ver. The house was sold in 19 44 2010-038-069
In 20 02, the Baker Residence was purchased by Clair + Clifford Oates, who li ved on the lower level, and turned the main and upper floors into a boutique hotel.
In the new location, the Baker Residence was used as the Primrose Gues t House
The Baker Residence was built as a 1 ½ storey craf tsman home in 1922 for George T Baker, his wife Ur sula, and their 6 children It was originally located at 48 83 48 th Ave in Ladner
The work was recognized with a Herit age Preservation Award in 20 02
The house was raised at this time, to include a full height basement. Other alterations made to the home during the move were the removal of the chimney, and the roof over the lateral ex tension, rear porch, and st airs were truncated. A balcony was also added to the upper floor rear bedroom and the roof over the main floor was altered in the rear
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202220
They renovated the kitchen and created the 6 themed gues t rooms. They also renovated aspect s of the landsc ape by creating lush gardens and a water feature.
10 0 years of the Baker Residence
George opened a wheelwright and black smith shop on Elliot t Street in 1897 called “L adner Carriage Work s”. He was a well known carriage painter. Around 1912, he expanded his business into hardware and farm machiner y sales and renamed his business Ladner Carriage and Automobile Work s.
It was at that time, in 1985, the Baker Residence was moved from it s original location a block away to the current location at 4919 48 th Ave in Ladner.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 21
SGDIhas been recognized fortheiraccomplishment sthrough several industry awardsprograms; mos trecentl ywinningthe GrandH AVA N Awardfor ‘InteriorDesigner of TheYear’,and TheDelta Optimist Reader ’s Choice Award for ‘Bes tInteriorDesign’.
Roband SarahGallop have deep root sinSouth Delta,being 4th and5th generationliv inglocally.T heybothgrewupinL adner, areDSS Grads, and areexcited to bringtheirbusinessback to Ladner.T heys tarted SGDIin Ladner in 20 09;and TopShelfDesigninTsawwassenin2019.
Sarahhas alway shad apassion for herit agehomes ,hav ingworkedon many restorationproject sthrough herworkasadesigner
11 -1835 56 Street 604-952-4448 sarahgallop.com
Sarah Gallop Design Inc.
What does the future look likefor theBaker Residence?
2021 Winner –BestCustom Home $3,000,000 and Over 20 21 Winner –B es tCharac ter Home Renovation Follow us @s arahgallop and@ topshelfdesign
Rendering source: SarahGallop Design Inc.
Sarahand Robremaincommit tedtothe communit ythrough their contributionsand involvementwiththe Delt aHospitaland Communit y Health Foundation -where Sarah sits on theBoard of Director s-and theCit yofDelta -whereshe currentl ysit sonthe Ad visory Design Panel -and hasalsos at on theHerit ageAdv isor yCommission andthe Ladner Village Revitalization Ad visory Commit tee.
SarahGallop Design has recently appliedto theCit yofDelta to turn theBaker Residence into theirdesigns tudio.
If approved, thehomewill undergo restoration andconservationworktoreturn some of thepreviousalterations back to the original appearance andwill also protect the home into thef uture by addingthe building to theDelta’sHerit ageRegis ter.
An addition is proposed forthe buildingto add afire ratedset of st airs forincreased life safety,and an elevator forincreased accessibility
Theapplication of theHerit age RevitalizationA greement will ensurethat theBaker Residenceismaint ained and protected into thef uture.
Hamilton was involved in many aspects of community volunteerism with a focus on HeRotary.joined
His career began with Arthur Anderson and Company in Winnipeg. He was transferred to Vancouver in 1974, where he met his wife Kathleen.
newspaper industry, running several Lower Mainland newspapers and publications for Glacier Media including publisher of the Optimist for 15-plus
A consummate community volunteer and champion for this community’s newspaper, general manager Dave Hamilton lost his battle with prostate cancer passing away on Tuesday, March 23.
Besides his passion for community,
Hamilton had a passion for sports including curling, golf and slo-pitch.
Diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in 2016, Hamilton fought his cancer battle bravely and while undergoing treatment, he continued to work at the Optimist until the end of 2019 when he retired after 30plus years with the paper.
World’s original serviceclub, RotaryInter national, congratulates Delta Optimist on 100 years of service
Siba spent 25 years in the community
Former Optimist publisher Tom Siba died peacefully on April 22. He was Siba’s73-years-old.lastfew years have been impacted by Lewy Body Dementia.
“He was certainly very dedicated to his community,” said Alvin Brouwer, president of Lower Mainland Publishing LP and Glacier Community Media Digital. “He always supported events, fundraisers and business events in the community. He had great community spirit. It’s very sad that he died in the Optimist’s 100th year.”
A resident of Tsawwassen for 44 years, Siba volunteered for many organizations, including The Rotary Club of Ladner, Scouts Canada District president (1993-97), Reach Child and Development Society and Reach Foundation, Delta Community Foundation, Ladner and Tsawwassen Business Associations, Delta Heritage Museum and Lower Mainland Better Business Bureau.
He was member of the Tunnel Town Curling Club for 25 years, served on the board of directors, curled in men’s as well as mixed leagues, often curling three nights per week.
“I still remember one time, early on in our relationship, we were walking in Ladner Village and I swear every person we passed, he knew everybody. He was so ingrained in South Delta. He was involved in everything. He was a great ambassador for our newspaper.”
In April of this year, the newspaper industry and the Optimist, mourned the loss of a respected newspaper man and community leader.
Born in Winnipeg, Siba frequently returned to his hometown where family members still reside. He remained loyal to his roots as a Winnipeg Jets fan.
He volunteered within Rotary’s various job descriptions, including fundraising, public relations, community involvement, and international project support. His efforts included numerous years of contribution as a member of the club’s board of directors, including his role as club president in the 2000/01 Rotary year.
In early April, when the Optimist wrote its front-page memorial tribute to Hamilton, community tributes came pouring in.
Hamilton was also president of the Beach Grove Golf Club and was a huge part of the Ladner mixed slo-pitch league. Besides all of his community involvement, Hamilton worked tirelessly for the AlvinOptimist.Brouwer, president of Lower Mainland Publishing LP and Glacier Community Media Digital said, “Dave was a leader in the industry. He was one of the most enthusiastic person I’ve ever met…really cared about his customers, his colleagues and his community equally.
Life-long community volunteer and Optimist legend A leaderandnewspaperrespectedmancommunity
Heyears.was
also involved provincially and nationally as a BC and Yukon Community Newspapers Association director for many years and as a BC director on the Canadian Community Newspapers Association board. He served as BCY president in 1991 to 92.
Rotary in Terrace, then Ladner and became a charter member of The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen in June 1992.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202222 Join us with your ideas, passion to give back to our diverse communityand world. Rotary people of action can bring resources to these and many kinds of projects. www.rotary-ladner.org •www.rotarytsawwassen.org
In March 2021, the Optimist lost a beloved member of its family.
The couple lived in Campbell River and Port Hardy before moving to Tsawwassen where Siba joined The Madison Group in 1978.
Hamilton was 64.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 23
1947 20121985 1928 1964
The design of the Optimist has changed over the years
Photographsarticles. are the most obvious change in this July 15, 1964 edition of the Optimist. In addition to four black-and-white photos, this era’s front page features bolder headlines.
paper was known in this July 10, 1947 edition, still doesn’t include any photographs, although ads have disappeared and headlines have become larger. The front page alone features a whopping 17
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202224
The Optimist, as could be expected, has undergone many changes in design over its nine decades of existence.
The evolution of Delta’s oldest community newspaper has mirrored both the industry and technological advancements. From broadsheet (large size paper) with no photographs and small headlines to tabloidsize (smaller paper) with colour photographs and bold headlines, the Optimist certainly looks different today from its early years.
The paper’s name has also been modified several times over the years. The following front-page graphics show the newspaper’s Thisevolution.October 25, 1928 edition of the Weekly Optimist is typical of that era. The front page features display and classified ads, no photographs and small Theheadlines.Ladner
Optimist, as the
Although not recognizable from the graphic, this February 1, 1985 edition of the Delta Optimist Week Ender shows a switch to a tabloid format as well as the introduction of spot colour or one colour, typically red or Thisgreen..February 24, 2012 edition of the Delta Optimist is typical of present-day production, complete with full colour photos, large headlines and teasers that highlight articles inside the paper.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 25 Ri ve rH ou se Re st au ra nt and Pu b.c om CEL EBR AT ING 100 YE ARS RiverHouse Restaurant and Pubwould liketo Congratulate TheDelta Optimist on this 100th Anniversary
Although these may not have been concretely identified or formally defined initially, the principles were present and prevailed through the years of transformation from a Village Department to a sophisticated policing organization while maintaining its “no call too small” mantra.
Police building 1962 First municipal jail 1888
the community throughout the department’s entire history.
These principles are reflected in the declared Vision, Mission and Core Values in which the Department operates on today.
principles of Public Trust, Public Confidence, Professionalism and Public Safety.
Though Delta’s population (and its police force) has grown, Delta remains a police service connected to its community. The Delta Police are proud to have provided more than 130 years of policing to a community with a changing landscape while never changing its philosophy of ‘No Call too Small,’ which has resonated with
to expand, growing into fulltime operation in the 1950s. As the municipality has grown and evolved over time, so too has its police service. A team of more than 200 sworn officers and 80 police staff provide service to the community of Delta which is home to more than 102,000 citizens.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202226 NA AD - 1 00yae enw s! CongratulationsD eltaO ptimistf ora noutstandingj obo freporting ourn ewsforthepast1 00y ears!
The history of policing in Delta
Founded in 1888, the Delta Police Department (DPD), has a long and rich history being one of the first municipal police departments established in British Columbia.
On July 7, 1888, Joseph Jordan was appointed Delta’s Chief Constable at a salary of $75 per month. Prior to the Chief Constable’s appointment, in 1887, William McKee, the municipal clerk, was designated as a constable in addition to his duties as a clerk.
In the following years, when lumber theft was no longer the most serious issue for police to contend with, the DPD was forced
There is a common theme that runs throughout the history of the Delta Police Department. The philosophy of community-based policing that is founded on the
The nature of crime and criminal activity has changed dramatically from the early days of policing in Delta. As communities grow and social issues and technologies change, so does the extent and nature of crime. The Delta Police prides itself on staying tuned into crime trends and patterns, using resources strategically to deal with the emerging issues.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 27 ROBIN REIMER 604-868-2844 ROBINREIMER.COM ROBINREIMER@TELUS.NET #1IN SOUTH DELTA Seafair Realty 1625 56th Street, Tsawwassengroup *BASEDON# OF YEARS QUALIFYING FOR MEDALLION CLUB IN GREATER VANCOUVER REAL ESTATEBOARD 1983, 1984, 1985,1986,1987, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994,1995, 1996, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 &2021 OVER 4 DECADESOFSELLING SOUTHDELTA AND I’MSTILL PASSIONATEABOUT MY BUSINESS MY GOAL IS TO GIVE YOUTHE BEST REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE YOUHAVEEVERHAD!!! “MYFRIENDS CALL ME RUBY” * ROBIN REIMER 604-868-2844 ROBINREIMER.COM ROBINREIMER@TELUS.NET #1IN SOUTH DELTA Seafair Realty 1625 56th Street, Tsawwassengroup *BASEDON# OF YEARS QUALIFYING FOR MEDALLION CLUB IN GREATER VANCOUVER REAL ESTATEBOARD 1983, 1984, 1985,1986,1987, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994,1995, 1996, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 &2021 OVER 4 DECADESOFSELLING SOUTHDELTA AND I’MSTILL PASSIONATEABOUT MY BUSINESS MY GOAL IS TO GIVE YOUTHE BEST REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE YOUHAVEEVERHAD!!! “MYFRIENDS CALL ME RUBY” *
the former church was also recognized by Heritage B.C with an award, which recognizes best practices and high standards in heritage Althoughconservation.itisnowhome to a community newspaper, and the interior has been somewhat modified to accommodate the Optimist, many heritage features have been maintained, including the hardwood flooring and stained glass.
in 1896 and for its first few years of existence, a Baptist congregation gathered at the town hall in Ladner on Elliott Street. Pastor B.H. West was officiating in those early days.
In the summer of 2015, the Optimist office moved a couple of blocks south into the historic former home of the Ladner Baptist Church. The century-old building at the corner of 47A Avenue and Delta Street is a landmark Gothic Revival-style structure that has survived in substantially original Beginningcondition.
By the end of the 1960s, the entire congregation had packed up and moved to a new building in Ladner, but the quaint old church on 47A Avenue would stand the test of Thetime.building
Join the LBA today!
The Ladner Business Association is acommunity minded business association thatdelivers benefits to its members in a variety of ways,including the promotion of member businesses, advocating on behalf of the business community,hosting networking events and giving back to the community.The LBAhosts severalcommunity events including the Easter parade, the Christmas Tree Festival and Breakfast with Santa.
In 1902, a lot was purchased from William Ladner for the grand sum of $300 and volunteers began constructing a building for the congregation. The exterior was completed in 1902 and the new church was dedicated on a Sunday that year, but the interior wouldn’t be finished until a year later. The steeple was completed in 1913 and the building would see a couple of other additions over the years. In 1945, a small house was purchased and moved onto an adjacent lot. That house was used as a parsonage for some years, but townhomes now occupy the site. In its early days the Ladner Baptist Church lacked a steady pastor and went through several in its first few years. It looked like the church would close altogether but the dedicated congregation kept it Ingoing.1913,
Thereare manywaystoget involved in the LBA– Become amember,attend an event, sponsor an eventorVolunteer! Optimist onYour 100thAnniversary!
Rev. D.G. McDonald, aged 70, arrived to be the pastor, a role he held for a decade. He was instrumental in turning things
around and a pastor in later years described him as “perhaps the most beloved pastor the church has had.”
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202228
It is a fitting home for newspapera that is 100 years old
@L ad nerbu si ne ss Ladne rb usine ss .com info @l ad ne rb usi ne ss .com #L ad ne rb usi ne ss CongratulationsDelta
Inrepair.2014
housed a community arts and crafts centre for a while in the early 1970s and later a preInschool.2003, former owner Dr. Norman Gregory received a heritage conservation award from Delta for his preservation efforts when the building housed a Montessori Inschool.2012, Steve Knoblauch received a Delta Heritage Award of Merit for the restoration and adaptive re-use of the building. Around the time of his restoration, the bell tower and building foundations were collapsing and in need of
Taylor had already sold and purchasedmultiple properties before starting her real estate career She knewthe gap in the market and what she wanted to offer as an advisor.Working with Taylor will giveyou aboutique, full-service, hands-on experiencefromstart to finish. Keeping her client’s interest as number 1, Taylor treats each transaction as if it were herpurchases and guides Sellers & Buyers on exactly what is needed to maketheir home stand out from the rest. As aSeller,the goal is to showcase your property to its absolute best -this will ensurefewerdaysonthe market and moremoney. Foreach transaction, Taylor workswith a“what would Idoifthis were me”approach. Whether that is decluttering the home withnumerous trips to the landfill/goodwill, to full staging/ res-designsand/or makingsmall tweakswherethey’re needed. We can’tforgetabout the lawn care and curb appeal,tohiring the bestmedia companies in the businessfor photographs/videos/ mini reels and targeted SEOads to trulyset youapart. Taylor knows the importanceofputting your best foot forward, especially in asocial mediaworld, as Buyer(s) decide in 30 seconds whether your propertyisfor them or not.
As afourth-generation “Ladnerite”I knowthe insand outs of our community. Let’sdecide together if this market is foryou and come up with a tailored marketing plantoget your home sold fortop dollar. Club Member 2017-2021.
I’MN OT JU ST A REA LE STAT EAGEN T.
CO NTAC TM EF OR AF RE EH OME EVALUATI ON! Medallion
If you’dliketodiscussreal estate overa phonecall or coffee, please feel free to reachout at 604-362-0350. I’MA LSO YO UR NEIG HBOR !!
Taylor is an activememberofthe communityinLadner,a 4th generation “Ladnerite,”Airbnb super host, Real Estate Investor &Advisor.She is knownfor her communityconnections, strong work ethic, and deep Ladner roots. Taylor has aremarkable abilitytouncover“smartinvesting”and amazing opportunitiesinboththe local &internationalreal estate market forher valued clientele. Forthe last 5years, Taylor has been awarded the Medallion Club status as well as Elite status with Macdonald Realty- oneofBC’smost reputable agencies.
As an active real estate agent, homeowners &investorscontinue to seek out Taylor’smarketing, professionalism, and guidance to assistinselling their most importantinvestments. In today’s real estate market,itiscrucial to put your absolutebest foot forwardout of the gate, thinking out of the box& beingguided by areal estate advisor that canensureyou areset forsuccess.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 29
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edits finished stories, letters, columns and press releases as well as writing a column for each issue. The text and photos are laid out page-by-page with headlines, sub-headlines and captions. Pages are printed and proof-read. The publisher typically reads, at minimum, the front page, all columns, letters, opinion pieces, and anything that could be Oncelitigious.ads are returned from our
gather information by
attending meetings or events as well as conducting interviews and research to write stories. An editor gives assignments to reporters and a photographer while a sports editor covers local teams and
onto newsprint. The sheet of newsprint is split into two, folded and then trimmed off into a tab size paper. The trimmed papers are run through a stacker, counted, bundled and then stacked onto Papersskids.
Here’s a look at the process it takes to create each issue of the Optimist
Sales staff work with clients on ads while an editorial team generates stories and photos. Each week, sales reps gather copy, artwork, logos, etc. and a sales support staff member uploads the material to our graphic designers.
are taken to a bindery for flyer insertions (located in the same building as our press) and then trucked to our warehouse in Delta. Drivers deliver the papers to carriers’ homes as well as apartment buildings. Carriers, both children and adults, deliver the paper to homes and businesses.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202230 Lynda Terborg | 604.250.8676 Personal Real Estate Corporation Macey ter Borg | 604-838-1108
Everything that appears on the pages of the paper can basically be broken down into two categories: advertising and editorial content.
Theathletes.editor
Once ads are booked, a “dummy” is put together. The dummy is essentially a blueprint of where each ad goes and how much editorial space is available on each Reporterspage.
graphic designers, a proof is sent to the client for approval. It might go back and forth a few times until it is, as we would say “good to go”. Finished editorial pages and approved ads are combined and sent to a printing press our company owns called Kodiak Press in Vancouver for printing.
And then we go back to square one and start planning for next week’s paper.
The prepress department checks the files for correct image size and colour and then drops the pages into the correct configuration for the press. The pages are sent to a computer to plate machine where the electronic files are burned onto an aluminum plate with a laser. Plates are processed and attached onto a steel cylinder for the press. Eventually the image is transferred
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO THE OPTIMIST AND STAFF.
My clients benefit from strong negotiating skills, contrac tknowledge,progressive marketing and ahands on approach to real estate.
Ibelieve that listening and thoughtful communication is arequirement of a professional realtor.
My business has allowed me the oppor tunity to expand with 2professional realtors, acreative photographer and social media assistant. Agreat team with amazing skills that enhance the ser vice Ioffer.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 31 TOP1%OFSALES OF GREATER VANCOUVER REALTORS 2020/2021 Exclu siv ely Selling in Ts aw wa sse na nd Lad ne r direct 604-31 2 -7 62 1 e mai l sold@tr ishamurp hy.ca websi te www.trishamurphy.ca
Iamproud to have ser ved Tsawwassen and Ladner for the past 18 years specializing exclusively in my own community.
LULU TRISHAGODIN MURPHY PRE C* RA CHEL MA CINNES Sut to nG ro up Se afa ir Real ty President’sClub -2021 Top1%-REBGV TOP 1% OF SALES OF GREATER VANCOUVER REALTORS 2020/2021
When it comes to photos, we make sure that each image is crisp, clear and properly sized so that it loads quickly on your device. A highly pixelated photo used for print won’t work for the web. If it’s taking to o long, you may decide to abandon the story altogether. We don’t want that.
their cellphone. For comparison, those on desktop computers account for only 25 per cent.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202232 SUTTON GROUP -SEAFAIR REALTY 1625-56th St., Delta,BCV4M 2B2 604-809-2855 www.tomyingling.com (604) 809 2855 glingtom@gmail.com Proudly Calling Tsawwassen &Ladner home for over 40 years! (6 yin This is Home Happy 100thBirthdaytothe Optimist!! Iamproud to have been able to call South Delta home for almost half of that. If Ican help you buy or sell ahome in thisamazing communityplease call me. Here’stoanother 100 years! This is Home RichardLowe Personal Real Estate Corporation JohnNyLowe,2002 of family business on JohnNy’sCorner Celebrating The way news is delivered looks a whole lot different than it did only a few decades ago.
Beyond the traditional tasks of being a reporter — interviewing a source and writing a story — the job requires us to meet our readers where they’re at.
We know our readers not only get their local news from the print edition of the Optimist, but on social media, too. For many, our digital newsletter lands in their email inbox Monday to Friday at 5 Whatp.m.does this all entail for our editorial team? It means publishing our stories with the reader in mind.
That means we’re also acknowledging how our
It’s not as simple as hitting ‘publish.’ Reporters have to make sure their stories are being told in a way that suits our readers.
Again, we’re always keeping the reader in mind.
waysinyourDeliveringnewsdifferent
Nearly 70 per cent of our online audience reads our stories on
audiences are different.
Again, we’re always keeping the reader in mind. So yes, how people access the news has changed, and in ways, so has how we tell it. But the reasoning behind why we want to keep you informed hasn’t and
also try to make sure that they’re delivering their stories to you, our audiences, in a way that suits where you’re reading it from. A Facebook post may link back to the article on our site, while on Instagram we might instead tell a story through a 30-second Reel.
for sure with whatever new channel pops up that our readers navigate to: we promise to be there every step of the way.
Christmas
Folks who read our stories on Facebook differ from the folks who read our daily newsletter. Our Facebook followers are mostly made up of women aged 35 to 54 years old while more than half of our newsletter subscribers are Reporters65-plus.
Merry
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 33 MEMBERS BENEFIT Should Ibea member? Yes! Let'sdiscuss howmembershipisrightfor you. As amember, your business needs are the lens through which the Delta Chamber of Commerce advocates. deltachamber.ca /join-the-chamber/ 604.946.4232 Join Today Advocacy in all levels of government Growth and connection via our networking events Affordable health insurance Discounted registration to our events Exclusive resources, educational opportunities, and events Recognition as acommunity builder supporting Delta Members have access to: deltachamber.ca /join-the-chamber/ 604.946.4232 #4 -7551 VANTAGE WAY, TILBURY INDUSTRIAL PARK, LADNER 604-940-1413 www.mcautoandtransmissions.com Facebook NeHappy wYear
Take for example a series of Google News Lab trainings we recently participated in that covered topics like Flourish — a data visualization and storytelling tool. This upcoming election, we now can take those data-driven stories and better tell them to you with interactive charts and maps.
Meeting that audience where they’re at means reporters are constantly adding to their digital skill set.
Onewon’t.thing’s
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202234 Yes, we deliver...ThenewspapersaredeliveredtoourwarehouseinDeltaviaa5-tontruckeveryWednesdaynight.Atthewarehouse,thenewspapersaresortedintoroutes.Our10driversthenloadtheirvehiclesanddeliverthenewspaperstothenewspapercarriers. There are 147 Optimist newspaper carriers. Our carriers deliver over 17,000 Optimist papers every week, covering over 173 routes in South Delta.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 35
Chester McDowell, subbing in for sister Charlie whileshe’s away at camp on 100th Anniversary
Bobby McDowell retiring from paper delivery 1998
Bobby McDowell delivering papers with mom onDogwood Drive. circa 1997
years of Optimist delivery in our family. Let’s face it, it’s often a family affair in bad weather, illness or absence.
My
I’m including photos of my mom who has now helped 2 generations of Optimist delivery people.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202236 We arehonouredtoser ve this greatcommunit y. Whether it’s raisingafamily, runningabusiness, or enjoying aspectacular lifestyle -thereisnobetter placethan Delta. From all of us here at Thrifty Foods in Tsawwassen, thank you for bringing us into your homes. Source local Eathappy Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall |1207 56th Street |thriftyfoods.com|1.800.667.8280 |Connect with us Thrif ty Foodsisproudtobeassociatedwiththe DeltaOptimist forthe past 21 years. Happy100th Anniversar yDelta Optimist!
Now with my daughter Charlie delivering papers for the last year there are about 13
familyMcDowelltradition
I delivered papers for the Optimist from 1990 to 1998. two brothers Dave and Jaime delivered the same route for 4 years before that.
Helena McDowell, Charlie’s grandma subbing on 100th anniversary while she’s away at camp
From Bobby McDowell:
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 37 Amber Baird www.a mb erbair d. com 604.250.5048 Jennifer Dupuis 604.315.5560 www. jennif erdupuis.c om Remax 100% Club 2014-2017 REBGVMedallion Award 2010-2021. Sutton Platinum Award 2019 Sutton Masters Award 2020 Sutton Masters Award 2021. SuttonDiamond Award 2018. Remax Platinum Club 2016. Sutton Group Seafair Realty,100 -5000 Bridge St Ladner,BC, V4K 2K4 YOUR LIFESTYLE, OUR EXPERTISE Suttonth Group Seafair Realty,1625 56 St Tsawwassen, BC, V4L 2B2 Our missi on is to be the lead er in the recovery and reprocessing of asphaltshingles in Nor th America. Our pilotplant is based in DeltaBC. Our Mission
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202238
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 39
from a trip or who held an informal birthday party, are no longer seen in today’s papers.
A backlookat 20’sthe
One of the biggest stories of the decade was the near destruction of Ladner’s Chinatown due to a fire. An article in July of 1929 reported: “Fanned by a tremendous wind, the fire burned like lightning through the dry wood and the damage was all done before fire fighting equipment of Vancouver could reach the scene. Calls for help came soon after the blaze was discovered.”
The front page story read: “Prospects of Oil Flow at Boundary Bay Well - Uncapping Took Place on Sunday and visitors were many.” The story noted 1,000 people, many being Vancouverites, showed up for the uncapping of a test well “with the hope that there might
The following issue ran a huge story on the local Royal Bank being robbed of $40,000 to $100,000 worth of securities. It was estimated that it took thieves five hours to work their way through an 18inch brick wall to reach the vault.
Two gillnetter fishing boats and one smaller rowboat somewhere along the BC Coast in the 1920s. The two men are identified as Olafur Olafson and George Gunderson. The Gunderson’s were the first family to settle in the community of Annieville. Delta Archives - 2021-035-063
Some of the other stories that ran in that issue included the Odd Fellows and Ladies enjoying their annual banquet and a meeting being held in Smith’s Theatre by a group inserted in forming a local baseball league.
The first edition of The Weekly Optimist on March 23, 1922 carried a big story at the time, one which could have drastically altered the community’s future: Speculators were counting on oil flowing from the Boundary Bay area.
Many of the stories that ran throughout the decade weren’t dissimilar to what community newspapers publish today, including what was discussed by the school board. However, short informa tion pieces on locals, such who returned
Members of the Ladner Lawn Bowling Club taken on January 13, 1926, showing: Mrs. Frederick, Mrs. London, Mrs. Bradford, Mrs. McDiarmid, Mrs. W. A. Kirkland, Mrs. Haley Wilson, Mrs. Atkey, Mrs. Story, Mrs. Lambert, Mrs. Savage, and Mrs. Sadie Benson with the McKee house in the background.Delta Archives - 1974-002-201
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202240 seafair realty 5000 Bridge Street,Ladner 604.943.3110 778.773.9563 kjohnson@sutton.com Kat JOHNSON Happy 100th to DeltaOptimist Specializing in waterfront properties around the Lower Mainland. Bringing buyers andsellers together. Platinumaward winning services. Looking forward to assisting in real estate.
be sufficient force from the gas and oil below to blow out the accumulation of mud and water, but, so far, that expecta tion has not been realized.”
The Optimist also had a classified ad for the newspaper seeking a lady to assist in the printing office.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 41 Congratulations to theDelta Optimistfor their 100 year anniversary! DELTA OPTIMIST 100TH ANNIVERSARY BRAVO!! ...for having skillfully woven your printed threads that have sustained our rich tapestry that is DELTA,B.C., during these past memorable years since 1922. May the next century continue to enable you to Report, Inform and Educate your readers. We who are privileged to call Delta “Home”and who rely on the integrity of the Delta Optimist as our constant “Anchor”. Carol R. LeVasseur DD DELTA DENTURE CENTRE 604.946.9411 People skating and playing ice hockey on the frozen Fraser River near the Brackman & Ker (B & K) warehouse in Ladner Harbour circ 1926-1931. A paddlewheel boat is frozen in at the government wharf in the background. Though not common, the Fraser River had a history of freezing or partially freezing in the past. More common was the freezing of local sloughs which provided opportunities for recreational skating and ice sports before Delta obtained an ice arena. Delta Archives - 1984-068-010
Andrea Auchinleck andher team of designers at CurveInteriors have takenwhatwas onceknown as Boundary BayGrocers andturnedit into their newCurve Interiors office.Andreaalong with herhusband Rajen, alocal contractor boughtthe building in June 2021 .Togetherthey have restored in amannerthat fits the neighborhoods coastalvibe. abuilding full of Tsaw wassen history thatholds many fond memoriesfor Boundar yResidents
Over the yearsthe building hashousedmanylocal businesses including acoffee shop,dress shop,Lemon’s grocer ystore andnow is Curve Interior’s office
Coverage included complaints by local potato growers over prices, a “softball epidemic” striking Delta as many teams were formed, concerns about water rates and a call for a bridge to Vancouver. Mill rates were always big news.
Vernon de Rupe Taylor and Christine Louise Taylor with their three children in Ladner in 1936. From left to right are Gordon Taylor, Ken Taylor, Phyllis Taylor, Christine Taylor (standing above Phyllis), and Vernon Taylor. Delta Archives - 2021-010-019
“It all started when George Westwood, who was working with Robert Genge, Aubrey Cammadge and Samuel Cory in digging a ditch along the Point Roberts Road near the Delta municipal gravel pit, turned up some ‘flaky yellow stuff’ which they thought was gold...
Thebuilding wasoriginallyconstructed in the 1940’s as Boundary BayGrocers.Attachedaphoto of the storebackin1979. Shortlyafter this ArchitectBrian Hart of BrianGHart&Companyaddedthe curvetothe frontofthe building during arenovationfor the newowner Percy Smithturningitintohis lawoffice andresidence
Two children at the school yard of the second Boundary Bay School, with the photographer facing directly east, taken in the 1920s or 1930s. The road behind them was today’s 56 Street. A sign behind the children advertises “Cabins Low Winter Rates Boundary Bay Canada 3 Miles S East”. Delta Archives2022-020-145
“Then came the report from the assayers late Wednesday afternoon. The samples contained, according to the report, about 0.1 ounce of gold to the ton. This
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202242
This Delta Archives photo from the 1930s shows Butler’s store and gas station in East Delta, managed by Albert Moore
Please give Curve Interiorsacall at 604-360-1766 to discuss your next project. Curve Interiors2022 6679 1A AveDelta •www.curve-interiors.com •604-360-1766
CurveInteriors is afullservice Interior DesignCompany. Leading ateamofcreativedesigners is Andreawho startedoperating Curve Interiors in Tsaw wassen sixyears ago. Her experienceand creative eyecan helpyou with your renovation, newconstructionorfurnishing project. Andrea has apassion forworking in ourcommunity andisexcited to run herbusinessinBoundar yBay
In 1938, the Optimist reported Delta was the location of one of the shortest gold rushes in the history of the province. It started on Tuesday afternoon in May and was all over by Wednesday evening.
A backlookat 30’sthe
Boundary BayGrocers1979Andrea Auchinleck
The following year the Optimist reported on the opening of Delta’s new school center, the Ladner Junior-Senior High AlsoSchool.in 1939, the Optimist reported Delta received news of the Second World War calmly and was determined to do its part. “As this shock wore off residents of Delta faced the realities of the situation with a grim determination to do their share in the Empire’s struggle against Nazism.”
The stories were many and varied in the Optimist as the municipality gradually grew during the 1930s.
would give a ton of the ore a value of 35 cents, the price of gold being 35 cents an ounce... More than twenty claims were staked on Wednesday by Delta residents, all of whom hoped that the gravel in the area would contain high values of gold.”
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 43 #301 -1777 56th Street,Tsawwassen, BC 604.948.0458 AtlantisDaySpa.com •Advanced Facials •L uxur yMassage •Pedicures •Waxing •L ash &Brow •Microneed ling •S kin Tightening •L aser Hair Removal •S kin Rejuvenation Proudly locally ownedand operated. MANAGEMENT STRAIGHTFORWARD ANDEFFECTIVE WASTE Offeringfront endservices, roll offservice andresidential services Bin sizes ranging from 2-40 yards. Servicingresidential andcommercial properties. Removalofall waste,cardboard, recycling, andorganics •equestrian facilities •farm andgreenhouses •rental properties andstratas •restaurants •gas stations •grocery stores •retail stores •golf courses •senior livingresidences •mechanic shops andmore We charge no hiddenfees,nooverweightfees,and no environmental fees Our consistent, transparentpricingensures that youwon’t faceany surprises on your bill. ( 778-877-2969 deoliawastesolutions@gmail.com www.deoliawastesolutions.com/about/ he raising of the totem pole outside municipal hall in 1932. Carved by Wilkes James, chief of Nanaimo, the pole stood as an icon of Ladner Village for many decades until it was removed from the site in recent years. The pole was carved to honour his wife’s Tsawwassen ancestry and depicts Tsaatsen’s journey from Mount Cheam. Delta Archives - 1984-160-003
The Delta Optimist prints its newspaper at Kodiak Press in Vancouver which is owned by our parent company, Glacier TheMedia.press operates two Goss Community Press lines. The Community Press was designed to print community newspapers and flyers. Both press lines can print 64 pages with 48 pages full colour.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202244
The press units vary in age from the 1960 to 2007. The press running speed is 30,000 copies per hour. The press lines were upgraded in 2009 to add computerized closed loop registration and remote inking. Kodiak Press runs 4 crews with 5 to 6 people per crew and 2 prepress operators.
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CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 45 Our seedsare alwaysuntreated, non-GMO,non-GEO, and suitablefor organic growing. Gardening, birding, gifts, décor, and guidance. 4930 ElliotStreet, Delta|604 .952 .8820|westcoastseeds.com Hoursofoperation: Monday -Saturday: 9:30am -5:30pm andSunday11:00amto4:00pm 604.970.8118 www.bcwestcoasthomes.com #110-6068 RussBaker Way, Richmond, BC V7B 1B4 Westcoast Personal Real Estate Corporation Sincestarting her real estate career over25years ago, Frances’spassion, hard work, integrity,and sheer professionalismhave earnedrecognition for her achievements as ahigh performer.Having grown up in Ladner and lived in the Lower Mainlandfor over 40 years, Frances has afull understanding of the real estate market and local communities. She is extremely qualified to assist you with high level marketing and her on point negotiating skills will lead you to success “Whether searching for that perfect place to call home or looking to get full value for your current home or investment, my focus is always the same –YOU. Iamaspassionate today about my real estate career as the day Istarted. My business model is to supportmyclients throughout their entire real estate transaction and beyond. Customer service and the relationships built with my clients are of the utmostimportancetome. Youcan expect professionalism with the best business practices, the highest integrity, agreat attitude, and Iwillalways have yourbest interests at heart. If you have any real estate questionsorifI may be of assistance to reach your real estate goals, please feel free to reachout. Iwould be happy to hear from you.” Sincerely,Frances Frances has been amazing to work with. She helped us sell two condos during atricky time in the middle of the pandemic and helped us find agreat new home. She is extremely knowledgeable and has awealth of experience and expertise. She walked us through every step meticulously,so we fully understood every situation before making informed decisions. She knows exactly what to look for in aproperty and had excellent insightson design and functionality that were very helpful. She is always quick to respond and really cares about her clients. We highly recommendFrances to our friends and family or anyone else looking for an experienced and professional realtor! “ ” ” ” ““ Ihad the pleasure of working with Frances on two occasions. Once when Imoved to the Vancouver area and again when I moved out of the area two years later.Being new to the area I relied on her expertise,and she found me agreat townhome within my budget. She made sure my purchase suited my needs and at the same time was agood investment. Both were important to me. When Ileft the area, she was my listing realtor Again, she was agreat asset to me during the marketing and sale of my home. With her guidance my home sold quickly and for top dollar.I strongly recommend Frances and know you will receive the same great service she provided me.
Frances has been over 25 years’ arealtor during last purchase where insight helpedusremain grounded. expertise helped broaden view of place wanted that only helped After being realize how much very grateful
Stories also ran about the community’s unhappiness over the level of service with the Ladner ferry across the Fraser River. During the 1940s Delta turned to new irrigation methods to address complaints by farmers over lack of water and drought. Also during the ‘40s, then reeve J.W. Kirkland appealed for residents to get behind a proposed program for better roads in Delta.
A 1946 story described how Sam Spetifore was one of the first farmers to plant spuds on his farm at Boundary Bay. A major flood also hit South Delta in the decade.
VJ Day was heralded by siren blasts throughout Delta. The Boundary Bay Airport also had its biggest air show yet with 20,000 people in attendance. The airport was transferred to the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals in 1949 and began operations as a signals intelligence station under the name Vancouver Wireless Station.
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A municipal council committee was talking with government officials about establishing a hospital in Delta. Boundary Bay and Ladner Village were mentioned as possible sites, although it would be decades before a hospital would open.
Also reported was the drive to have a crossing built linking Delta with the rest of the Lower Mainland, including the efforts of the Lower Fraser River Crossing Improvement Association. It was a group of volunteers that originally had been part of the Delta Board of Trade before forming an independent association in 1948.
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The group was formed with Paul Dirks as its president and George Massey, who visualized having a tunnel when he moved here in the mid-1930s, as the
This photograph from possibly the 1940s depicts a May Days celebration at Memorial Park in Ladner. Children have formed in a star shape as a crowd watches their performance while children playing on a swing set can be seen behind the crowd. Given its size and proximity to the town centre, Memorial Park has for over 100 years been a natural go-to spot for Ladner’s community and sporting events. Delta Archives - 1984-160-019
Anvice-president.articleina June, 1947 issue of the Optimist outlined plans provided by Massey, who acquired details showing how it could be done from the engineering firm Christiani and Nielsen, experienced in tunnel building in Europe. With his facts and figures in hand, Massey lobbied hard and gathered support along the way, but the tunnel was deemed too expensive.
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Some of the stories covered by the Optimist during the 1940s included Ladner being established as a Second World War air training field under the British Commonwealth Air Training
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This 1947 photograph depicts Ion Blaxland roller skating at Whalen’s roller rink at Maple Beach, Point Roberts. The resort town was a favourite destination for Delta youth for much of its history. Delta Archives - 2017-005-001
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Prime Minister Mackenzie King inspecting Royal Canadian Air Force personnel at the July 2, 1941 opening ceremonies of the Elementary Flying Training School (No. 18 E.F.T.S.) at Boundary Bay. The station trained pilots for service overseas during World War II. Delta Archives - 1979-026-522
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A backlookat 50’sthe
In May 1957, recognition of the construction work being done took place with an official “concrete pour” ceremony attended by then premier W.A.C. Bennett, who was officiating in his capacity as chairman of the B.C. Toll Highways and Bridges Authority. Reported in the Optimist at the time, that gala was attended by more than 1,000 people.
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On May 23, 1959, the underwater crossing opened at 7 a.m. Before cars drove through, local farmer Murray Davie, who years earlier bet then Point Roberts sheriff Jeff Martin the tunnel would never be built, had to pay up by pushing Martin through the tunnel in a wheelbarrow.
Jim Brandrith (holding punt pole) and Bill Ramier (seated) in punt, hunting brant geese at Beach Grove in 1950. Bill Ramier is holding onto the neck of a brant goose they appear to have shot. Brant decoys can be seen floating in the water around the punt. Delta Archives - 1983-184-00
Thesaid. four-lane, $23-million crossing was also seen as great news in that it would relieve the steadily increasing traffic strain on other routes, including the Patullo Bridge.
When the project was announced in 1956, The Optimist reported an elated Clarence Taylor, president of the board of trade, predicted the tunnel would usher in a new era of prosperity and growth for Delta.
Elected Delta’s Social Credit MLA in September 1956, ardent tunnel promoter George Massey would proclaim, “When it is finished, 600,000 residents of the Vancouver area will never have to go near the Patullo Bridge for most of their trips across the Fraser.”
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were on hand for a gala ceremony in July of that year.
Ladner Trunk Road in East Delta during winter, circa 1955. Butler’s house, the Esso Station, and East Delta School are visible on the north side of the road. St. Stephen’s Church can be seen in the distance on the south side of the road. Delta Archives - 2006-007-002
“The next few years should show an expansion in this district that will be little short of phenomenal. There will be many problems that accompany this expansion but I feel that we are fully capable of dealing with them when they come,” Taylor
The ferry Delta Princess, run aground on a sandbar in the 1950s. The siltation of the river was an ongoing problem for the ferry’s crossing the river between Ladner and Richmond. Delta Archives - 2009-033-005
The biggest story of the 1950s was the construction and opening of the George Massey Tunnel.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 49 210-107756Street, Delta 604-943-9222 |info@tsawwassenfamilydental.ca www.tsa wwasse nf amily den tal.ca SCA NTOB OO K AN AP POIN TMEN T NEW PATIENTS WELCOME! OUR SERVICES: • Dental Check-Up/ Cleaning •Cavities &Fillings •Root Canal Treatment •Dentures •Dental Implants •Invisalign •Crowns &Bridges •Wisdom Tooth Removal •Pediatric Dentistry •Periodontal Gum Care •Dental Emergencies •Teeth WhiteningFrom left to right: Dr.Jesse Panesar (dentist), Daman Panesar (clinic manager), and Dr.Sunny Panesar (dentist) At our dental clinic, we pride ourselves on our outstanding customer care, from the moment you walk in the door to the moment you leave post-appointment. Our dentists and hygienists take the utmost carein providing high quality dental work and our entire team does everything in our power to make you feel comfortable and happy with your experience. Above all, we want to see you smile! har dwood •w ool •v inyl •c arpet •l aminate •h ar dwood •w harool dwood •w ool •v inyl •c arpet •l aminate •h ar dwood •w ool carpet •v inyl •l aminate •h ar dwood carpet •v inyl •l aminate •h ar dwood •Freeinhome consultations •Lifetime guaranteed installation •Prompt,professional ser vice DELTA CARPETS &F LO ORDES IGN 5025 48th Avenue,Ladner |604.946.6291 | deltacarpets.bc.ca Visit our 3000 sq.ft. showroom or call today forafreeinhome estimate. We join youincelebrating as we celebrate55years ser ving our amazing community. Delta truly is awesome! Congratulations on your 100 year anniversar y! Such aremarkable milestone,wewish youall the best forthe next 100 years! Amessagefromyour local MLA IAN PATON MLA|DELTA SOUTH 60 4-940-7930 Ian.Paton.MLA@leg.bc.ca /IanPatonDelta Congratulations on this milestone. Let’s celebrate our history. 1922-2022 Happy 100th Anniversary Delta Optimist! This Delta Archives photo shows visitors and engineers touring the Deas Island Tunnel construction site in 1959. It would be renamed the George Massey Tunnel in 1967. This photograph appeared in the Optimist on July 16, 1959. To celebrate the July 15 opening of what was called the Deas Island Tunnel (Massey Tunnel), Queen Elizabeth II cut a double blue ribbon that stretched across the south entrance to the tunnel. To her right was B.C. Premier W.A.C. Bennett. Prince Philip is on the far right. Pieces of the ribbon were snapped up as souvenirs of the occasion. It’s estimated over 3,000 people watched the ceremony.
A backlookat 60’sthe
Growth,communities.infact,
Other stories included council continuing to call on the federal government to dredge Ladner Harbour and the grand opening of the Tsawwassen Golf and Country Club. The last harness race at Paterson Park took place in the late
In 1968, for example, engineer and consultant Robert Chisholm, in a presentation to the South Delta Social Credit Association, noted senior port officials in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles and Long Beach were fully aware of the superport at Roberts Bank and its future potential.
A 1964 edition of the Optimist when the paper ran a ‘Know Your Friendly Neighborhood Ladner Merchant’ special section. Then mayor (known as reeves back then) Clarence Taylor was one of the merchants featured. He owned the Taylor-Riddell Ltd. electrical store at 4862 Delta Street.
In the decade after the George Massey Tunnel opened, the Optimist reported how civic politicians grappled with a flood of develop ment applications and differing ideas on what should be allowed.
Delta‘60s.Optimist
was so rapid in those days that when a 1,000-home Ladner subdivi sion was proposed in the spring of 1969, then mayor Dugald Morrison said Delta was “overwhelmed” with new housing and needed to digest what it already had.
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This 1965 photograph depicts the Ferguson Motors Ltd. building on Westham Street (48th Avenue), Ladner, B.C. It has been quite some time since Ladner has hosted a car dealership. Delta Archives - 1970-006-008
In 1964, the future of Delta was a hot topic as politicians endorsed a consultant’s report recommending North Delta and South Delta be promoted primarily as single-family residential
photo
This photograph depicts the Delta Community Band in February of 1967. Recognize any of your relatives? From left to right/back to front rows are: S. Luke, E. Pym, G. Gordon, M. Taylor, S. Burgess, D. Luke Jr., H. Roberts, A. Emery, P. Zander, Milton Moller, F. McClellan, Edgar Dunning, Dan Shiu, B.A. Reed, D. Robinson, W. Zander, D. Luke Sr., W. Roberts, G. Bowling, K. Douglas, L. Williams, W. McKinnon, D. Cameron, J. Hill, G. Candler, A. Powell, G. Brown, T. Golf, E. Walsh, J. Crimmon, T. Jones, B. Stupple, K. Sotvedt, N. Henri, D. England, P. Brown, R. Bull, D. Bull, P. Hill, J. Coombes - Past Bandmaster, and R. Herriot – Bandmaster. Delta Archives - 2011-030-001
The school board couldn’t keep up with the flood of new students and needed to build more schools, often opening several in a single year.
It was the decade B.C. Ferries opened its termi nal in Tsawwassen and Highway 17 was added to the landscape.
Other big stories were the construction of the superport at Roberts Bank and the expropria tion of thousands of acres of farmland by the provincial government to support it. The new port would be for the export of coal, however, there was already talk of how it would also be an ideal location for a container facility.
In the early 1960s, Delta council fired planner Bob Williams, who was reportedly a disciple of the “stop sprawl” school. Unhappy about the decision, then alderman Carl Liden stated developers had been asking for Williams to be axed for some time.
The construction of municipal hall fronting Highway 17 was also one of the big stories of the decade. Then reeve Clarence Taylor told the Optimist the future hall would be “light, functional and attractive.”
The school auditorium at the Vancouver Wireless Station in Delta circa 1964 with students parading on stage, likely during the school’s Easter Bonnet parade. After the military base departed the area in the following decade, so too did the school.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 51 #404, 1777 –56Street, (Northgate Building) Tsawwassen Congratulations on your 100th Anniversary. 604-943-2811 Mario and Cole CORPORATE,TRUSTAND PERSONAL ACCOUNTING AND TAXSERVICES www.shpak.com Congratulations to the Delta Optimist on celebrating their 100th Year Anniversar y WesternCanada’sTrailer Specialist Sales |Rentals |Service |Parts CALGARY877.720.7171 EDMONTON 800.610.1019 WINNIPEG 866.397.5524 NANAIMO 877.878.5979 DELTA 604.940.0210 PRINCE RUPERT 250.627.1981 NEW LOCATION: 32860 MISSION WAY,MISSION B.C. 604.455.0885 HEAD OFFICE 800.891.8858 www.oceantrailer.com DELTA •SURREY •PRINCE RUPERT•WINNIPEG CALGARY•EDMONTON •NANAIMO 5028 48th Ave, Ladn er Villag e 604.946.85 90 SHOP IN-STORE &ONLINE FDJ FRENCH DRESS ING TRIBAL JOSEPH RIBKOFF COLUMBIA SOYA CON CEPT PARKHURST SYMPLI AND MANY MORE! DRESS shop.so uth coastcasu als.co m De st in at ion Shopping
This 1964 aerial photograph depicts the Fraser River at North Delta looking northeast towards New Westminster, showing the fishing boat harbour at Gunderson Slough, the grain elevator, and develop ment and infilling on the spit on the river side of the slough. Since then, the operations of the Fraser-Sur rey docks have become the primary operation on that section of the river. Delta Archives - 2004-003-466
Delta Archives - 2011-022-012
Delta Archives - 2021-024-001
This 1967 photograph depicts Smokey Wilson’s fishing boat the “Delta Star” when it was first launched. The boat was built in Queensborough. Smokey Wilson can be seen sitting on the railing of the boat with two others beside him.
The new coal port officially opened at Roberts Bank on June 15, 1970, no doubt one of the most significant events in the community’s history. It was an exciting time as thousands attended the ceremony including special guests Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau (middle) and B.C Social Credit Premier W.A.C Bennett (seated).
The person receiving the most criticism was Carl Liden, Delta’s NDP MLA. Liden didn’t get much mercy at a heated public meeting in March of 1973 at Sacred Heart Church, where more than 1,000 people showed up to voice their anger. At that gathering, farmers and landowners were critical of the New Democrats, saying the government was seizing control of land while not doing enough to help
The 55-acre bulk loading facility, referred to as the Roberts Bank superport, had an estimated cost of $9 million. Operated by Westshore Terminals, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kaiser Resources, the port was one of the largest deepsea facilities in the world
a local police officer, a proposal to build a prison at Boundary Bay Airport to then mayor Tom Goode’s financial woes.
Alsofarmers.inthe
Delta Optimist photo
1972 photograph depicts the O.K. Tire building, formerly Ferguson Motors, on 48 Avenue (Westham Street). Also in the photograph are the Surrey Co-op tower, old theatre building, and the caboose-shaped Ladner Station restaurant. Delta Archives1974-003-329
A backlookat 70’sthe
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Reserve, which covered over 8,000 hectares (46 per cent) of Delta’s land base. When the highly controversial Bill 42, the Land Commission Act, was introduced in early 1973, the response from local farmers, property owners and developers was overwhelmingly negative.
early 1970s, Delta council dealt with a 3,500-unit housing proposal by Quadrant Development Ltd. for the Spetifore property in Tsawwassen. Other big stories covered during the decade ranged from the murder of
The biggest story to kick off the 1970s was the official opening of the coal port at Roberts Bank. It was an exciting time as thousands attended the ceremony, including then prime minister Pierre Trudeau and then premier W.A.C Bennett.
Another story of huge significance in the 1970s was the introduction of the Agricultural Land
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“I am against Bill 42 because it transfers and centralizes power. It puts it in the hands of a five-man, nameless, faceless commission that is not elected by the people. That is not putting power in the hands of the people; it is taking power out of the hands of the people,” said local farmer Mike Guichon at one of the many public meetings that year.
This photograph depicts staff at Weaver Elementary School posed for their group photo for the 19721973 school year, very much dressed in the style of the period. Not everyone is identified but if you know anyone not yet identified, we would love to hear from you. From left to right are:
Top row: Jennifer MacArthur, Roland Chapman, Jim Smith, and Mrs. Dunn. Bottom row: Janet Guy, unknown, unknown, unknown, and unknown. Delta Archives -
This photograph from 1972 depicts the beachfront/dyke at the bottom of 88 Street in East Delta during winter. The building in the photo appears to be a hunting cabin used by hunters in Boundary Bay and was known to be abandoned during the 1950s and 1960s.
Local trappers such as Newt McCulloch frequented the dykes of Delta hunting wild game. The building was pur posely burned down by the local fire department in 1973 as part of a training exercise.
Delta Archives: 2006-007-003
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 53 DELTA HOSPITAL AUXILIARYSOCIETY DHAS Volunteers Supporting HealthcareinDelta since 1969 Registered Charity Number: 13952-5596 RR001 All proceeds support patient care and comfort at Delta Hospital and Mountain View Manor Delta Hospital Auxiliary Society –5800 Mountain View Blvd., Delta, B.C. www.deltahospitalauxiliary.org CONGRATUL ATIONS TO THE DELTA OPTIMISTONREACHING ITS100TH ANNIVERSARY! The Optimist is such an important partofour community, and we appreciatesomuch howyou have kept the citizens of South Delta informed about our localnewsand events overthe years. We look forwardtomany moreyears of working together. V BC AH THE CANADIAN TIRE TSAWWASSEN COMMONS OW NE DA ND MAN AG ED BY MEM BER SO FYOU RC OMMUN ITY 4949 Canoe Pass Way •604.948.8819 •www.canadiantire.ca From one100 yearold to another, Happy 100th Bir thday De lt aOptimis t! (left to right): Councillor Jeannie Kanakos, Councillor Bruce McDonald, Councillor Dylan Kruger, Mayor George V. Harvie, Councillor Alicia Guichon, Councillor Lois E. Jackson, Councillor DanCopeland Twitter CityofDeltaBC Facebook CityofDeltaBC Instagram CityofDeltaBC Let’s Talk Delta letstalk.delta.ca
Delta Optimist’s rich tapestryoflocal journalism overthe last centuryhas put the Delta community at the forefront; helping keep residents and businesses informed of key issues, events, and emergencies in our community. Congratulations on this tremendous 100th Anniversary, and mayyour enduring success continue!
On behalf of Delta Council and the City of Delta, congratulations to the Delta Optimist on your monumental 100th Anniversary!
This photograph depicts the state of construction for the ice arena at today’s Ladner Leisure Centre on February 9, 1977. At the time it was built, the site of today’s neighboring Delta City Hall and Rotary Park were still empty fields. Delta Archives - 2004-003-453
Happy anniversary and here’s to the next
Once congratulationsagain, on a hundred years accomplishmentsofand best wishes for the next 100
On behalf of Delta Fire and Emergency Services, I express my sincere congratulations to all the publishers, editors and writers who have been involved with the Delta Optimist for the past Sincecentury.1922,your newspaper has brought us invaluable and indepth news coverage, human interest stories, community events, and pictures that highlight the accomplishments and opinions of so many talented and caring individuals in our community.
Congratulations from the Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation
Neil Dubord, Delta Police Department
Thank you for the coverage you have provided to Delta Fire and for your professionalism over the Happyyears.100th Anniversary! Keep up the great work!
Chiefyears!
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202254 Empathy.It’sthe capacity we shareas human beings to step intoeach other’sshoes. To understand wherethey’recoming from and what they’refeeling. To listenhardand refuse to judge. It’salso one way to reduceand resolve conflict. #GetReal about howtohelp. Beforeyou weigh in, tune in. Congratulations DeltaOptimist on Your 100th Anniversary! vancouver-fraser.cmha.bc.ca Webs ite: belvederebc.com/ sunc rest-commu nity andaWelcome to Deltaresidents, from Suncrest Retirement Community here at 2567 KingGeorgeBlvd in South Surrey! Email address for information :s uncre stbc@telus .net Con gra tu la tio ns on the Delta Optim ist’s 100t hA nnive rsary,
Local journalism captures the pulse of communities in a way national journalism can never do.
For a century, the Delta Optimist has kept our community informed on the stories that matter most to Deltans. The Optimist has been there for our community through good times and bad. It has kept us connected to our neighbours, and engaged on the issues that impact our daily lives.
On behalf of the board and staff of Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation, I want to congratulate the Delta Optimist on their historic 100th Anniversary!
Community Congratulations
Congratulations from Delta MP Carla Qualtrough
Delta Police congratulatesChiefOptimist on 100 years
-years!Lisa
Hoglund, CFRE, Executive Director, Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation
Here in Delta, we are so fortunate to celebrate 100 years of local journalism with the Delta Optimist.
“100!
The newspaper and its team members are a vital part of our community, through their community focused reporting. Like the Optimist, the DPD also has a community focus, through policing”“community-firstourperspective, part of which includes keeping our community informed on public safety and wellbeing matters amongst other important updates.
On behalf of the Delta Police (DPD),Departmentcongratulations to the entire Delta Optimist team for keeping our community informed and in the know for a century; what an 100developmentnewspaper’shavetalentprintsignificanceaaCelebratingcelebratingmilestoneincredibleitistobe100years!suchmilestoneisalsotestamenttotheoflocalmediaandtheofthosewhocontributedtothegrowthandoverthepastyears.
Thanks to the Optimist’s staff for working so hard to keep local journalism alive in our community.
The Optimist is an integral part of our community and we want to thank them for their dedication to news and journalism in Delta. Here’s to another 100
Fire Chief Guy McKintuck
Congratulations Optimist on 100 years
On behalf of the community, I want to thank the entire team at the Delta Optimist for your many contributions to make Delta the best place to live in all of Here’sCanada.tothe next 100 years!
again to the Delta Optimist on your milestone 100th Anniversary and may you continue your important role in our community for many years to come.
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the Delta Archives and Edgar Dunning Reading Room.
In a rapidly changing media environment, the Optimist’s longevity and popularity over the last century stems from the trust and transparency it has earned with readers in our community throughout the years. Your stories and headlines have continuously and successfully connected with readers and fostered further Ofengagement.course,when
“
Office of Mayor George V. Harvie City of Delta
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 55 McKee Seniors Recreation Centre is operated in par tnership with the CityofDelta and the volunteers of the McKeeHouse Seniors Societ y. All those 50+ areinvited to visit McKeeSeniors Recreation Centre to discoverthe wide range of recreation and leisureoppor tunities available VOLUNTEER OPPOR TUNITIES AVAIL ABLE McKeeSeniors Recreation Centre 604 946 1411 |5155 47 AV E, DELTA CONGR ATUL ATIONS TO THE DELTA OPTIMIST! ANNU AL MEMBERSHIP IS ONLY$ 30.00 PR OGR AMS OFFERED: • Fitness Programs • Yoga Programs • Specialized Programs, Drop -in and Registered Programs • Custom Fit • GetUp&Go • Minds in Motion • Osteo Fit • Ar tPrograms • Watercolour -Beginners • Acrylic &Watercolour Intermediate • DancePrograms • Line Dancing • McKee Clubs &DropIn’s • VarietyofWorkshops
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On behalf of Delta Council and the City of Delta, I want to congratulate the Delta Optimist on their monumental 100th Anniversary!
Congratulations from Delta South MLA Ian Paton
Congratulations from the Delta Chamber of Commerce
look forward, the Delta Optimist will thrive as it adapts to changes while exemplifying steadfast honesty, respect, and love toward this
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I think of the Delta Optimist, I think of its founders, the Dunning family, and especially the late Edgar Dunning. Mr. Dunning’s steadfast commitment to the Delta Optimist in his various roles as owner, publisher, and columnist, remain an enduring legacy in our community, including his love of local history preserved through
The Delta Chamber of Commerce has long cherished our partnership with the Delta Optimist, and we are thankful for our shared century-long commitments to Delta.
I know the Optimist’s staff work incredibly hard week after week each year to provide quality local news coverage for Delta residents.
That’swhy our team is committedtoofferingonly thebest, safest,and most evidence-based skin careand medical aesthetics treatments. With us, youreceiveclinical grade, non invasivemedical procedures performedbyexperts, within a comfortable medical spasetting.
This rare and remarkable milestone is a testament to the Delta Optimist’s journalistic integrity, attracting insightful individuals to uphold this reputation year after year—in a rapidly evolving industry, no
The challenges for a newspaper to sustain the community’s trust and produce a high quality product have never been greater. The Delta Optimist continues to do just that, with a strong community voice that honours a rich and lengthy history of reporting Delta’s Congratulationsnews.
Yours MayorGeorgetruly,V.Harvie
I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to the Delta Optimist on their milestone 100th anniversary!
For a century, the Optimist has provided the residents of Delta with the latest breaking news, extensive coverage of community events, celebrated the many achievements of Delta athletes, and so much more.
The Delta Optimist celebrating 100 years of service is a testament to the significance of local newspapers and the special devotion and hard work that goes into them. They have provided invaluable information and news to our communities and have become a reliable source of information for many.
Congratulations from the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
Congratulations from Tsawwassen First Nation Government
Thank you for amplifying our voices. We look forward to working with the Delta Optimist for many years to come - Congratulations!
The Tsawwassen Business Improvement Association (TBIA) sends our congratulations to the Delta Optimist in celebration of their 100 years of bringing the news to South Delta.
Buying or selling a home can be one of the largest financial decisions you will make and it can seem like an intimidating experience. If you work with me Ic an streamline the process and save you time, money +s tress.
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Michelle Barlow Executive Director Tsawwassen Business Improvement Association
Congratulations to the DeltaOptimist for 100 years!
The Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce wishes to extend our hearty congratulations to the Delta Optimist on the remarkable achievement of your 100th anniversary publication.
TFN wants to acknowledge the ongoing respect and dedication to detail from the Delta Optimist while they work to share our Nation’s stories and culture.
“
On behalf of all of our local business members, homeowner associates and directors, allow us to say well done and all the best in the next 100 years.
Come in to see us at Tsawwassen Town Center Mall or giveusacall to arrangeafabulous fresh flowerdeliveryofyour choice!
Congratulations from TBIA
On behalf of Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN), we would like to express our congratulations to all publishers, editors, writers, and readers who have been involved with the Delta Optimist for the past century.
Flowers Beautiful fabulous fresh ••flowers
We look forwardtohearing from you. flowersbeautiful.com 604-943-2815 Unit 105, 1315 56th street,Delta Tsawwassen Town Center Mall
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202256
Sutton Group -Seafair Realty 1625 -56Street, Delta, British Columbia V4L 2B2 604-790-5859 |www.alisonsteen.com
Flowers Beautiful has been part of this communityfor almost half acenturynow and we look forwardtoassistingthe community of Del ta in celebrations of anykind, formany more years to come.
We congratulate all staff past and present. Our community values your integrity, your attention to detail and your thoughtful story telling. We look forward to many more years of news from the Delta Optimist.
“
In 2019 fire hall No.4 was relocated to land beside the Boundary Bay Airport. This new state of the art multiuse building includes Delta’s Emergency Operations Centre and corporate training facility, fire hall, and fire suppression burn building/training facility.
In the late 1800’s the first non-indigenous people arrived in Delta and as the population grew, so too did the number of fires and medical incidents. The task of firefighting fell to the residents and local merchants who formed bucket brigades accessing water from a network of drainage ditches fed by the Fraser River.
•1948 fire hall No.2 (Tsawwassen)
•2005 fire hall No.7 (Tilbury)
TheLambert.Second
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 57 Visit our Store/Showroom in DeltaorShop Online at towerfitnessequipment.ca Providing Premium Fitness Equipment Solutions Since 20 03 •Wide range of cardio and strength equipment and fitness accessories IN STOCK! •Home gym consultation &design services •Visit our 4,000 square foot showroom to see and try out many makes and models •Delivery and assembly services provided •Free shipping of online orders over $200.00 •Pick up or purchase in store or curbside •Financing options available •Gift cards for sale •Weservice your existing fitness equipment too Phone 604-952-0499 •106/107-7562 ProgressWay,Delta, BC V4G 1E9 www.towerfitnessequipment.ca HappyCentennial Delta Optimist! Outfitting Fine Home Gyms and Commercial Fitness Facilities Throughout British Columbia Delta firefighters have a long proud history from the volunteers in the early days to the career firefighters of today.
The first full time firefighters were appointed in 1963 and later formed Local 1763 in 1968. Many of the career firefighters were originally volunteer firefighters with the department.
Delta trains its firefighters to a high standard and, over the years, new specialties, including hazmat, technical rescue, wildland, and emergency medical responder training have been introduced to meet the needs of the growing community. Delta has been fortunate that its elected representatives have placed public safety as a priority during its rapid industrial, agricultural and residential growth. Their investment in public safety has ensured that our emergency responders are provided with modern fire halls, apparatus, safety gear, medical response and firefighter training. Moving into the future, Delta Fire will continue to uphold its vision of providing a dynamic fire service, always responsive to community needs.
Visit www.deltafire.ca for current fire hall and apparatus locations.
Chief until 1939 when a volunteer fire brigade was formed. The first official fire department was started in 1940 under the guidance of Chief Fire Warden, Cecil
•1953 fire hall No.3 (North Delta)
As the different communities in Delta grew, the following fire halls were built:
•1960 fire hall No.4 (East LadnerRemained a volunteer firehall until 2010)
A brief history of Delta Fire Department in the community
•1980 fire hall No.5 (Sunshine Hills)
Following this fire, Chief of Police, S.C. Fenton was given extra duties as fire
•1951 fire hall No.1 (Ladner)
In 1929, a fire truck was sent to Ladner by the Vancouver fire department to help prevent the fire that destroyed Ladner’s Chinatown from spreading into the rest of the community. Delta Archives - 2008-025-003
•1996 fire hall No.6 (Annacis Island)
World War effort propelled firefighting forward further and by 1943, Delta received its first fire truck. By 1944, Delta had 16 volunteer firefighters.
Despite people’s best efforts, buildings often burned to the ground.
In 1929, a large fire destroyed most of Ladner’s Chinatown (1878-1929).
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202258
We area2nd generation, family owned business and the longest running auto repair shop in the area, operating since 1983. Come see us for all your Automotive needs!” We offer all general car repairs including Oil change/maintenance service, Complete mechanical repairs, Tire replacement and more. and all types of gasoline, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles.
service on
Services arewarranty garage is facility.Our
approved, and our
Customers areour number one priority.Weare committed to maintaining our reputation as one of Tsawwassen’smost reputable car repair shops. We aim to develop lasting relationships with our clients by offering high-quality affordable services and proper advice on how to keep your vehicle’sperfor mance at its optimum.
We repair
vehicles, including
professional trained mechanics arelicensed to perfor mall the auto repair services offered in our shop. We arecommitted to the highest industry standards on service delivery We arepassionate about cars, so keeping your car back in top for mgives us a great deal of satisfaction. At Sierra, we’ve made it our job to give you the confidence that your vehicle is in the best hands! Give us acall today 604.943.6850! Congratulations to the Delta Optimist on their 100 Year Anniversary. Call: 604-943-6850 | Email: admin@sierraautomotive.ca #41-1835 56th Street, Tsawwassen BC V4L 2M1 (Behind McDonald’soff 56th Street) Celebrating 40 Ye ars In Business Iain and Family Hendrik Iain Marin Stevie Here’s some of thegoodstuff youget with Eastlink. At Eastlink,we’re allabout keepingitsimple. So here’s thedeal: save on allthe services youneed. home sweet home savings get it today 1-888-345-1111 *Certain conditions apply. Taxesand 911 fees and movie/event rentals if applicable, are extra.Offers valid for alimited time, while supplieslast and subject to change without notice. 1) Any channels that are exchanged must remainonyour account for aminimum of one (1) month.2)$15 bundle discountisavailable to customers who add Internet with eligible Mobile and either TV, Smart Home or Home Phone plans. $15 bundle discount appears on your Eastlink Internet monthly bill and will apply as long as your services are in good standing. In the event your Mobile or Internet service is terminated or service plan is changed, you may be required to forfeit the monthly bundle discount. UnlimitedFibreLinkInternet with wholehome WiFi perfected. Pickthe channelsyou want with TV ChannelExchange1 . We are the Optimist...
an approved CVSE inspection
ago with avision for better opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. Ser ving Va ncouver ,R ichmond, North Delta, Ladner , Surrey ,W hite Rock, Langley ,B urnaby and Beyond. NOBODYINTHE WORLD SELLS MORE REAL ESTATETHAN RE/MAX® Real Estate Services Gurdial S. (Dale) Badh Group www.GurdialBadhGroup.com 604-303-SOLD (7653) Assistingclients in allaspects of Buying/Selling Residential&C ommercialRealEstate. Farms, BuildingL ots, De velopmentL andEtc. With over 35 yearsofMarketExperienceas oneofthe TopProducingAgents. Think ingofBuy ingorS el ling pl ease fe el free to ca ll 60 4- 351 -51 11. We look forwardtothe opportunity to assistyou with your Real Estate needs. Thank you. Congratulations to Delta Optimist on Tradition of Trust since 1987 Your Real Estate Consultant for Life
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 59 Congratulations on your first 100 years, Delta Optimist! 604.946.9508 www.dcls.ca Thank you to the Delta Optimist for all your work on behalf of our community and for your steadfast support of DCLS throughout the years. To learn more about the 59-year history of DCLS in Delta, or to make adonation, please visit www.dcls.ca.
Tony Schmand on a tractor at “Variety Farm” in the early 1960’s. Tony and Lucy Schmand founded DCLS years
almost 60
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202260 Top 10% in SALES of ALL GREATER VANCOUVER for 37 YEARS #1 at ROYAL LEPAGE REGENCY Rlty for 10 YEARS 51 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE SELLING SOUTH DELTA! CALL US FOR A FREE MARKET EVALUATION! REGENCY REALTY 1333 56th St, Tsawwassen (next to Starbucks) (We speak German, Finnish, Cantonese & Mandarin) READY TO SELL YOUR HOME? SO ARE WE! GIVE US A CALL! 604-767-4038 The Geffk e Johanna 604-719-7345 Medallion Club 29 Years Stefan B.B.A. 604-767-4038 Medallion Club 11 Years Bonnie Ma Assistant Speaks Mandarin & Cantonese TEAM Ads from the past October 1923 March 1922 April 1923 June 1922 October 1923
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 61 TSAWWASSEN BOUNDARYBAY LIONS CLUB WANT TO BECOME ALION? CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DELTA OPTIMIST ON 100 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY OF DELTA, FROM THE TSAWWASSEN BOUNDARY BAY LIONS CLUB www.tbblions.com We would like to thank you for your many years of supporting our club events and activities. You’re like one of our family. Keep up the good work. If youare interested in finding out moreinformation about the Club and join us foranintroduc tory meeting,please contac tthe Membership Direc torat: TBBLionMembership@gmail.com www.facebook.com/tbblions/ www.tbblions.com@tbblions Call 604-940-6005 today! •3820 ARTHUR DRIVE, LADNER •WWW.AUGUSTINEHOUSE.CA Opening this fall -HAVEN HOUSE SOUTH 12 Additional Long Term CareSuites ForMoreInformation Call 604-940-6005 We’reExpanding to Better ServeOur Community March 1934 January 1933 May 1933 June 1934 March 1936August 1933 April 1935
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202262 v Delta FireDepartment would liketocongratulate the Delta Optimistontheir 100 Year Anniversary!!! WE ARE PROUD TO BE A PART OF DELTA March 1934 AprilMay19471945 Ads from the past December 1940 June 1940
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 63 DEAS ISLAND DANCE JOIN US FOR OUR 25TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY SEASON Happy 100th BirthdayDelta Optimist Perfor minour 25th Anniver sar yProduction “Beauty and the Beast” Located in Unit 320 Tsawwassen Commons between Petsmart and Marks Forregistration info: www.deasislanddance.com admin@deasislanddance.com Ballet Tap Breakdance Hip Hop Jazz Lyrical •Classes forPreschool to Adult •General and CompetitivePrograms •Beginner to PreProfessional •Royal Academy of DanceExams •DisneyPerforming Group •Professional Faculty •AwardWinning Choreographers •8000 SquareFoot Facility Musical Theatre Contemporary Modern Tiny Steps forTwos Storybook Ballet Move and Groove METAL CLEANING,PRETREATMENT AND FINISHING INDUSTRIAL ¢ MILITARY ¢ MARINE ¢ AVIATION ¢ MINING ¢ AUTOMOTIVE ISO 9001:2015 Certified ¢ Controlled Goods Program Registered ¢ Quality Service Since 1978 Congratulations to the Delta Optimist fortheir 100 year anniversary! ¨ Degreasing ¨ Paint Stripping ¨ Pickling IOiling ¨ Rust Removal ¨ Stainless Passivation ¨ Zinc and Manganese Phosphating ¨ Media Blasting ¨ Painting Tanks, Vessels, Boilers, Burners Engines, Pumps, Turbines Gears, Rotors, Bearings, Springs Housings, Shrouds, Cowls Heat Exchangers, Radiators Valves, Fittings, Piping Beams, Plates, Rods Cars, Boats and more... CLEANING FOR: Oxygen Service Chlorine Service Onsite Service 7691 Vantage Way, Tilbury Industrial Park, Delta, BC V4G 1A6 (604) 946-7761 ¢ www.redi-strip.com ¢ info@redi-strip.com June 1952 March 1950 June 1955 May 1952
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202264 John’s Thistle Auto will be celebrating their 40th Anniversary in 2023 We Love being part of this great community! 4892 Elliott Street, Ladner 604-946-6626 johnsthistleauto.com
Congratulations to the Optimist on their 100th Anniversary.
persistence. The premier also suggested that the tunnel was only the beginning and that expansion all over the province would be phenomenal.
As reported by the Optimist on open ing weekend, many different celebra tions took place and signs were erected welcoming visitors, directing them how to get to various parts of South Delta and Point Roberts.
- from our archives -
were on hand for a gala ceremony in July 1959 to celebrate the tunnel, unveiling a plaque that recognized Massey’s efforts. Two years prior to the opening, in May 1957, recognition of the construction work being done took place with an of ficial “concrete pour” ceremony attended by Premier W.A.C. Bennett, who was officiating in his capacity as chairman of the B.C. Toll Highways and Bridges
A group of South Delta farmers appeared before Delta council at around the open ing to protest the use of their farmlands for the new South Delta highway.
Farmer Chris Winskill said the time had come for council to make a firm stand against the destruction of farmland in
milestoneaCelebratingbig
In the line-up on opening morning was George Massey, the key figure behind the lobby effort for the tunnel. Elected Social Credit MLA in 1956, Massey was vice-president of the Lower Fraser River Crossing Improvement Association, a group he helped form but refused to take the position of president because it would “cramp his style.”
The underwater crossing opened 7 a.m. that day but, before cars drove through, local farmer Murray Davie, who years earlier bet Point Roberts sheriff Jeff Martin the tunnel would never be built, had to first pay the bet by pushing Martin through the tunnel in a wheelbarrow.
Not everyone was happy with the prog ress, however.
DeltaDelta.Archives
Bennett thanked Massey for his dogged
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
They saw the premier pull a compressed air lever which dumped eight tonnes into the forms of the first tunnel section.
On Saturday, May 23, 1959, the new Deas Island Tunnel opened to traffic, connecting Delta and Point Roberts with the rest of the Lower Mainland, creating easier access as well as opening the door for many changes to come.
Celebration events had already taken place in the weeks prior to the open ing, including a procession of nearly 300 horse riders taking part in a ride through the new underwater crossing.
Photo Visitors and engineers touring the Deas Island Tunnel site in 1959. It would be renamed the George Massey Tunnel in 1967
ReportedAuthority.by the Delta Optimist at the time, that gala was attended by more than 1,000 people.
Many artifacts from Coast Salish First Nations peoples have been discovered in Delta over the Archaeologicalyears.evidence shows that Aboriginal people had seasonal settlements near the present-day Alex Fraser Bridge at the Glenrose and St. Mungo cannery sites over 8,000 years
A head mortar laboriously sculptured from tough red granite was unearthed in Beach Grove.
Optimist file photo A wide variety of merchandise was for sale at the new Brackman-Ker Store in Ladner Village in 1965.
The object is described by Roy Carlson in Prehistoric Art of the Lower Fraser Region as a human head mortar sculptured in red granite.
Sons in Law, Stephen Harbott &R ay Tompk ins purchased the business in 2000. Soon after, Gordon and Barbara’s grandson’s,Daniel Tompk ins and Jeff Gibson, also joined the business the family legac
Aboriginal settlement sites, on the west side of the Beach Grove golf course and along the shores of the Strait of Georgia, date back 4,000 years.
If you’re of a certain vintage, you may have purchased seeds and mixtures, or perhaps other home gardening supplies such as a rotary lawnmower, at the Brackman-Ker Store in Ladner Village.
The new B & K Store
The name B & K had a long history associated with agriculture in Delta and the company’s history also paralleled the history of British Columbia.
and arecontinuing
y. We areproud of our growing business and the loyaltyand strong customer focused work ethic we see in our staff. Ourteam takes pride in offering exceptional ser vicein meeting the elec trical needs of our customers Forafreeestimate,call us at 604-943-8013 We look forwardtocontinuing to suppor tour communityfor manyyears to come. WILLS • PROBATE &ESTATEADMINISTRATION • POWERS OF ATTORNEY • CORPORATE & BUSINESS • REALESTATE CONVEYANCING • MORTGAGES An association of independent practices. 50 58 –47A Aven u e, De lt a| Tel: 60 4946 -8 010 |Fax:6 04 94 6-9652 We are here to help makeyour life's most important changes alittle easier Happy100th Birthday Delta Optimist! John Eastwood,Notary Public LisaEastwood,Lawyer
The store was a division of Maple Leaf Mills Ltd.The store is long gone and the building is boarded-up and vacant.
granaries, to Brackman-Ker Company of Victoria in 1904.
Otherago.
Built in the late 1800s, the old BrackmanKer warehouse on Chisholm Street collapsed into the river in 2010.
Delta Archives.
Let’s check out an impressive work of native art discovered in 1961 by John Trevitt while he was digging at a house construction site in Beach Grove.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 65
Located at 4860 Chisholm St., across the street from the old Brackman-Ker warehouse on the waterfront, the new store celebrated its grand opening in April of 1965.
The object was in a private collection but is now apparently lost, according to the
AnfindIndigenousancientamazingartifact
Delpor tElec tric is afamily owned and operated business thatstar tedinthe home of Gordon and BarbaraWrightin1969. Gordon is from a farming family in Delta thatarrivedinthe mid 1860’s.
“This head mortar is one of the more impressive works of art from the the Marpole phase,” he wrote. “The most startling aspect of this sculpture is the huge thick-lipped, wide-open, almost circular mouth, a feature which strongly suggests that the figure is represented as shouting or singing.”
The stone object is 21 centimetres high and is about 2,000 years old.
The warehouse across the street was originally built for J.A. Paterson and H.D. Benson, who sold it and associated
- from our archives -
Delta Archives Photo
The milling business was founded in 1877 by Henry Brackman and James Milne as a rolled oats manufacturer.
Brackman’s death in 1903, Ker took over the company and began an ambitious expansion throughout Western TheCanada.Brackman-Ker Milling Company was bought by Maple Leaf Mills in 1965.
The company dissolved in 1879, but had been resurrected when Brackman partnered with David Russell Ker in After1881.
ChiefNeil Dubord, DeltaPoliceDepartment
file photo
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202266 ALLEN SCHWABE 604-644-5664 1625 56th Street, Tsawwassen 604-943-3110 seafair.com HAVE APOSITIVE EXPERIENCEINSELLING YOUR PROPERTY. Ihavelived in South Delta for38years and have 48 years of Sales Experience. No one works harder fortheir clients.
“The future of Delta Municipality depends on how well the board does its job, and in this regard Delta School Board, in my opinion, stands second to Optimistnone.”
- from our archives -
Onceagain, on behalf of the DPD,congratulations on ahundred yearsof accomplishments and best wishesfor the next 100 years!
100 Anniversary th
On behalf of the DeltaPoliceDepartment(DPD), congratulations to the entireDeltaOptimistteamfor keeping our communityinformed and in the knowfor acentury; what an incredible milestone it is to be celebrating 100 years!
Thenewspaper and itsteammembersare avital part of our community through their qualityreporting with acommunityfocus.Likethe Optimist, the DPD alsohas acommunityfocus through our “community-firstpolicing” perspective, part of which includes keeping our communityinformed on public safety and well-being matters,amongstother important updates.And the DeltaOptimist team has asignificantrole in assisting us in keeping the community informed; the DPD appreciates and valuesthis partnership
DeltaOptimist
Delta to almost 13,000.
included Royal Bank manager Mr. Grysdale and his family, as well as the Colrest and the Muir families.
Delta Reeve Clarence Taylor in 1966 was highly complimentary of the Delta School Board as it had a big task with keeping up with the rapid influx of students in the growing municipality.
Delta Secondary art teacher Rain Leagh tells a class of the true meaning of art and its many forms. Many provincial art prizes had been won by DSS students.
The Optimist reported that in the 1964/65 school year, the district had 4,963 pupils enrolled in secondary and elementary schools combined, almost four per cent higher than the previous Byyear.1971, enrollment had climbed in
Celebrating such amilestone is alsoatestamenttothe significanceof local printmedia and the talentofthose who have contributed to the newspaper’s growth and developmentoverthe past 100 years.
At the time, Herb Walker was its last owner, while the Kirkhoff family lived Otherupstairs.families who lived in the house
The house was built by Harry J. Hutcherson, who was Delta’s reeve in Delta1909.Archives
Let’s go back to 1966 when Education Week was held in Delta from March 6 to Many12. activities included open houses and displays as parents were encouraged to “See your schools in action…Inspect examples of your child’s work…Get to know your teachers.”
ChiefDubord’sMessage,onbehalf of DPD
Photo
The Delta Funeral home in 1948.
Let’s head back and visit another Ladner Village business from the late 1940s. This photo shows the Delta Funeral Home on Bridge Street.
FuneralDelta Home
Delta schools in 1966
Personal Real Estate Corporation
Delta Archives Photo
City Realty 604-946-8000 | 604-943-8080 www jacksonandlowe.com info@jacksonandlowe.com RE/MAX City Realty President’s Club 2020 Top 1% REBGV
Theseated.interior
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 67
That year, in addition to a number of other events that heightened tensions, the U.S. began installing nuclear-capable Jupiter missiles in Turkey, increasing American capacity to launch an attack against the USSR. It prompted the Cuban missile crises. The fear of nuclear war was very real as USSR that year detonated “Tsar Bomba”, a 50-megaton bomb which was the most powerful nuclear device
Personal Real Estate Corporation
The Municipality of Delta’s water system could supply the Lower Mainland after an atomic attack.
That’s what a February 1961 headline in the Delta Optimist suggested when civil defence officials told municipal council that in the event of a nuclear fallout in Vancouver and the region, the Delta water supply was the nearest available source that would be uncontaminated.
The first Ladner Post Office opened in 1875 and a post office would be located in a few different places in the community in the early year
warnuclearroleDelta’sin
Todd Jackson, B.A.
Overnecessity.”700gallons
which would be retrieved by people from outside by opening small glass inset
Portableexplained.generators would supply the required power for the operation in the event of an attack. Receiving the report for study, council was told the supply would provide water for more than a million people.
Richard Lowe, RIBC
Amy Lambert, B.A.
a minute, or more than one million gallons a day from a completely enclosed and uncontaminated system could be readily available for distribution by tanker trucks, the article
- from our archives -
It was in the Cold War days. Delta council was told the city’s artesian wells feeding an enclosed reservoir were needed as an emergency water supply for the region if there was a nuclear war.
Mike Van Straaten, BMgt Realtor
Personal Real Estate Corporation
The photo shows Dr. Alfred de Rupe Taylor in the office with Florence Lord
Here’s a photograph of the Ladner Post Office in 1910.
Deltadoors.Archives
ever tested.
It was proposed by civil defence officials and the city’s engineering department that an eight-inch bypass line from the feed lines entering the East Delta water reservoir be installed because the Greater Vancouver Water District sources could be all contaminated and unusable, making Delta’s water “a life-saving
The Municipality of Delta’s water system could supply the Lower Mainland after an atomic attack.
photo also shows sorting tables and mail in individual boxes,
Photo
Grabbingyourmail
Grace brings plenty of trees
- from our archives -
However, council was informed that a big problem when it comes to tree bylaws is that they can’t interfere with municipal zoning, which permits property owners to build their new homes to a specific Staffsize.
At the time, Ken Wenman, son of Delta MLA Bob Wenman, had gone to Victoria and negotiated for the planting of 2,100 trees from the provincial government.
It was prompted by several development applications involving the removal of a significant number of trees from properties, all abiding by the current
are also reviewing how other municipalities are dealing with the issue.
read, ‘What better way to beautify the bare scenery along a freeway than plant a few trees?’
Optimist file photo Grace McCarthy visited Delta in 1971 to help start a beatification project.
Staff will report back with options for heightened protection of “significant trees” and whether additional measures could be used to address tree removal in connection with building applications, particularly proposed accessory buildings and structures.
About half the trees would be planted in Delta and the rest in White Rock.
Fast forward to 2022 and the City of Delta, despite updating its tree protection bylaw and a having new urban forest strategy, is facing uproars in neighbourhoods across the community about the loss of trees, especially clear-cutting of residential lots up for
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202268 ACCEPTING APPLICATIONSFOR 2023-24 EXPANDING in 2023 to add aNido program (1-3) Extended dayCasa (3-6) FOUND 1990 Nido (1-3) •Casa (3-6) Lowerelementary (6-9) Upper elementary (9-12) Out-of-School CareProgram INQUIRE NOW | BOOK ATOUR Boundary BayMontessori School 3800 72nd St.Delta, BC |V4K 3N2 604.946.9814 | bbmschool.ca “The goal of childhood education should be to activate the child’sown natural desiretolearn” —MARIA MONTESSORI Global LeWorldview arning through BuildingnatureLeIndependence arning through discovery LEADING IN EARLY LEARNING SuperiorFish Market and SpecialtyFoods Trennant Park Square•5229 Ladner Trunk Road 604-946-2097 |superiorfish.ca Serving the best quality for over 40 years! With ourlarge selection of wildfresh fish... andmanyother local andimportedgourmet products! local cheeses •farm chickens •non alcoholic beverages vegan •glutenfree• rogers chocolates •fruit &meatpies ThankYou For Ser ving Our CommunityFor 100 Years!
It included 1,000 cedars, 1,000 Douglas firs and 100 spruce trees.
TheMcCarthy.article
Let’s head back to a March 24, 1971 edition of the Optimist when an article ran featuring a tree planting ceremony in Ladner with special guest Grace
zoning Changesbylaw.toDelta’s tree bylaw were approved last December, requiring additional tree replacements for largediameter trees.
McCarthy, a minister without a portfolio and MLA for Vancouver-Little Mountain, was on hand to help Ken and a group of Young Socreds get started on a beatification project, located by the 499 freeway (now called Highway 99) near the Highway 10 overpass.
Deltaredevelopment.citystaffare
currently reviewing what other measures can be implemented to strengthen tree protection.
In 1980, senior governments signed a $50 million pact to expand the coal port.
Five decades of Deltathroughcoal
Accepting the coal, the first ship to sail out of the port was named Snow White.
the grand opening, calling it a great day for “TheDeltans.additional
It handles coal from mines in B.C., Alberta as well the north western United ItStates.currently handles 33 million tonnes of coal Westshoreannually.this
Mayor Dugald Morrison was on hand for
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 69 Support these Local Businesses by Shopping Local 4847 TO 4905 DELTA STREET, LADNER Support these Local Businesses Local Accent Leasing &Sales 604-270-2488 Canadian Mental Health, Delta Branch 604-943-1878 Delta Community Living Society 604-946-9508 Delta Youth Services /South Delta Employment Centre 604-946-0324 Greenfeld Financial Management 604-940-8617 Go Go Sushi 604-940-3323 Lerazo Contracting Inc 778-321-8285 Main Street Denture Clinic 604-876-3029 Niagara Pizza 604-946-1522 Quality Shoe Repair 604-946-2016 Sterling Notary Public ................................................................ 604-946-0588 Stillwater Sports 604-946-9933 Studio One Dog Grooming 604-943-7812 The Hair Shak Salon 604-946-5156 The Ripple Effect Counseling Book online Wheatley Renovation &Contracting ......................................... 604-218-6773 CongratulationsonYour 100thAnniversary! e t’sD oR eal Es ta Lte PA UL KHARA REAL ESTAT EG ROUP www.pau lkha ra.c om With over 34 years as aTop Producing Team ser ving Greater Vancouver,our biggest achievements come from successfully ser ving our clients and helping them achieve their goals. Our focus is to provide excellent customer ser vice and stay up to date on the latest technological developments that affect the industr y. Paul Khara and his team are an invaluable asset when it comes to buying, selling or investing in Real Estate. Put our award winning ser vice to work for you. PAUL 604.816.4568 CALVIN 778.869.4875 Sutt on Gro u p- Seafai rR ealty 5000 Bridge Street Delta, BC V4K 2K4
Westshore is designing and will construct the infrastructure to handle the potash, including a potash dumper, storage building and associated conveying Insystems.addition, certain existing infrastructure at Westshore’s terminal will be modified to support handling the BHPproduct.will substantially fund the construction, with Westshore responsible for construction costs in excess of the agreed Westshorebudget.says it will also contribute up to an aggregate $33 million to costs related to specific infrastructure or unexpected permitting conditions.
industries and employment resulting could change the whole face of Delta. We have a very bright future,” Morrison said.
a few years ago also undertook a $275 million facility upgrade within the existing footprint.
Five decades later, Westshore Terminals, now controlled by the Jim Pattison Group, continues to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and remains the largest dry bulk terminal on the west coast of the Americas.
The Delta Optimist reported that despite water spraying, a large cloud of dust arose when coal was dumped from the first rail car, forcing spectators to stand aside.
Delta’s coal port officially opened at Roberts Bank on June 15, 1970.
bulk loading facility, referred to as the Roberts Bank superport, had an estimated cost of $9 million.
A 1969 photograph of a bucket wheel reclaimer operating at the Roberts Bank coal terminal during its construction.
- from our archives -
A year earlier, an expansion proposal had been quashed due to environmental concerns, prompting a revised proposal designed to minimize environmental Westshoreimpacts.
The facility now ships steel making (metallurgical) and energy (thermal) coal to over 20 countries worldwide.
It was an exciting time as thousands attended the ceremony including special guests Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and B.C Social Credit Premier W.A.C
Commenting on concerns about pollution, Morrison said “We will be watching it very closely.”
summer announced it reached an agreement with BHP Canada Inc., a subsidiary of BHP Group, to provide port services to BHP’s proposed Jansen Potash Mine in Saskatchewan.
Delta Archives Photo
The first clanging, whistling trainload carrying a load of coal had arrived at Westshore Terminals two months earlier, carrying a shipment from Sparwood, B.C. destined for Japan.
Operated by Westshore Terminals, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kaiser Resources, the port was one of the largest deep sea facilities in the world.
TheBennett.55-acre
“Mary Pybus’ sit-down protest began when the contractors started digging the 200-foot right-of-way through the Pybus farm Monday afternoon though no agreement had been reached between the
Optimist file photo
The attached photo shows an upset Mary Pybus doing a sit-down protest of the splitting of her farm thanks to the building of Deas Thruway (Highway 99) through her Crescent Island property without compensation.
Streaking in Delta
The 46th Academy Awards in April 1974 had been interrupted by a streaker.
appearance in Delta as another pair ran nude at a local hockey game.
Two male streakers brought startled looks from those attending as the pair raced through the school’s main hall mid-way through the opening ceremony, the Optimist reported.
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The act of running naked in public was a strange and popular fad back in 1974
Delta Archives Photo
For three days Mary Pybus sat in the path of a big dragline that was to go through her farm
Despite a few gasps, the ceremony continued as scheduled.
It’s not the first time streakers made an
Fightingherforrights
highways department and the Pybuses,” an Aug. 7, 1958 article in the Optimist Shenoted.won her fight with the provincial highways department for an agreement that included being compensated for the asking price of her land and the province moving her home, barns and machinery.
“She left her chair Wednesday after an undertaking had been obtained.”
Streaking was a big fad in Canada and the U.S. during the early part of the 1970s, especially during public events.
Let’s head back to a 1974 ceremony at the new South Delta Senior Secondary when an uninvited pair made an unexpected cheeky appearance.
Let’s take a step back to 1958 in this Delta Optimist throwback.
- from our archives -
Ray Stevens’ song “The Streak” reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart that year.
Let’s go back to the summer of 1963 when the Paterson Park harness racing track in Ladner was still going strong, but experienced a horrific incident.
It’s presumed she stepped on the gas instead of the brakes. People didn’t have a chance
Born in Leeds, Yorkshire, Taylor grew up in Cornwall and was apprenticed as a harness Comingmaker.toLadner
Dr Sereena Uppal CHIRO PRA CT OR I’vemoved! Iamexcited to sharethat Ihavejoined Dr.Lisa
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 71 Albany
Ted Taylor celebrated 50 years in business in Ladner back in 1962. Here he was seated on a stitching horse he had for many years. In the background can be seen some of the harness and leather goods that still formed a part of the stock of Taylor’s Shoe Store.
In 1947, after 35 years in the store, Ted took his son-in-law Lloyd G. Taylor into his Thebusinesses.DeltaSaddlery, as Ted’s store was called, became Taylor’s Shoe Store.
“Calls were made from the PA system for people with station wagons to transport the injured to hospitals and many drivers came. Ambulances were supplied from Vancouver and New Westminster,” he wrote.
Delta SpectatorsArchivesand track officials described the melee as ‘unbelievable’ and how people ran in panic.
www.albanybooks.com |604-943-2293 Bookstore|604-943-2513| ToyStore Ghent, ND and her team at CollaborativeWellness. would liketofollowme,
For those of youwho
- from our archives -
to avoid her. Alex C. McLeod of Richmond died in Vancouver General Hospital of multiple injuries.
Let’s head back to the September 1962 pages of the Delta Optimist when a feature story ran on local businessman Vernon “Ted” Taylor, who celebrated 50 years in business in Ladner.
Spectators and track officials described the melee as “unbelievable” and how people ran in Managementpanic. had a rule that vehicles were not permitted near the track but McKeen had asked permission to drive closer so that she could see the racing from her window.
An inquest was held and additional safety measures implemented.
Taylor was simply known as “Ted” by many and was described as “a lively little man at 82.”
in 1911, he took his current store on the south side of Westham Street (now called 48th Avenue) in 1912 and was there ever since. He made and sold saddlery, harnesses, mended shoes and did all kinds of other leather work.
Dr. T. Vaughan Jones was at Paterson Park when the accident happened and he and two men trained in St. John Ambulance helped attend to the injured.
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Those were the days when every farmer
BOOKSGAMES TOYS
Reporter Don Luke with the Optimist was also on hand and took several dramatic photos of the aftermath.
Tsawwassen Town CentreMall 131556St, Tsawwassen BC
TaylorTedLadner’s
“Whether a visitor calls into Taylor’s for a pair of new shoes, to pick up a mended coat, handbag or dog collar or just to pass the time of day, he gets he gets a welcomes and pleasant visit with Ted Taylor, Ladner’s ever-young harness maker and musician,” the articles stated.
Among the many injured were Jimmy and Bruce Baker, three and seven-year-old sons of a horse owner at the track. Several people suffered broken bones.
had a horse and buggy.
The June 5th edition of the Optimist reported on an accident which took the life of one man and injured 17 others.
trackatTragedythe
All the farm work was done with heavy horses and there was a continual demand for leather work.
After the first race had ended, a car driven by Mrs. Stanley McKeen of Vancouver went out of control, crashed through the east parking lot barrier, hit a rail fence at the side of the track, ploughed through spectators standing, swiped the grandstand, hit a steel post and rebounded through another fence and went another 150 yards, dragging bodies along the way.
Optimist file photo
Serving theCommunity Since1985
always aware of the everchanging hunting hot spots depending on weather and tidal conditions.
He was invited by the Ladner Businessmen’s Association.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202272 240-4977 TrenantSt, Delta | 604-946-6444 | www.stoilenalstonlang.ca We provide personal and corporate financial services, includingtaxation,accounting, bookkeeping, management and advisory services. Happy 100 th Anniver sar y! Happy 10 0t hBir th day DeltaOptimis t! GO FO RT HE Investingand managing clients’ real estate needsfor over 15 years. Bevand her team will helpguideyou throughyour real estate transactions and help youachieve thebestpossible resultswithcareand attention! BEV KINGSTON Delta Funeral Home &Cremation Centre by Arbor Memorial 532 9L ad ner Tr unk Ro ad ,D elt a, BC Arbor Memorial Inc. Congratulations On Your 100th Anniversary! Ask about afree Family Registry Estate Planner™ today. Visit deltafuneral.ca Or call 604-946-6040 - from our archives -
Slim Cameron passed away in 1988 at age Delta94.Archives
Optimist file photo Santa arrives by helicopter in 1974.
Hehours.was
then transferred to the B.C. Game SlimCommission.wasDelta’s game warden for more than 20 years, retiring in 1959.
Let’s recall the story of “Slim” Cameron, a longtime game warden in Delta.
Photo
Cameron was a longtime game warden for Delta.
‘Slim’Remembering
ArrivingVillage.
He was also a keen conservationist and actively involved in wildlife management. He enthusiastically carried out his responsibilities, claiming to have “pinched” just about every local hunter, and friends were not exempted. He was also an ardent fisherman, hunter and noted gunsmith.
by helicopter, he’s pictured here on his way to Santa’s grotto at the OK Tire store on 48th Avenue to hand out oodles of hugs and presents.
with his family in Delta in 1923 and spent the next 14 years with the B.C. Police Force. He was
Warren Hubert Cameron was born in 1895 in Quebec. He worked on farms, logged in the Fraser Valley, surveyed for the Canadian Northern Railway and fought in First World War where he was Hewounded.arrived
The following Saturday, he arrived by “Santacopter” at the Delta Town Fair mall in Tsawwassen, greeted by several hundred delighted kids.
This photo from Dec. 7 that year shows Santa Claus surrounded by hundreds of Delta children and parents in Ladner
ClausSanta flies to town
A member of the Ladner Delta Rod and Gun Club, Cameron paid close attention to the younger generation to ensure adherence to bag limits and shooting
Time to dance around the May Days pole
Photo
Delta Archives Photo
Theneeded.total
municipal act of 1872, herby request to be incorporated as a municipality. The municipality is to be known by the name of Delta. The number of councillors shall be
Although the area was first sighted by Europeans in the 1790s, it wasn’t until 1879 that there were enough settlers to establish a community.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 73 KELLY KALBUS ELLY ALBUS Working to bring you home. 77 8 386 1423 kelly@sutton.com realestatewithkelly.com Sutton Group Seafair Realty Are you ready to find your New Home? Thinking of Selling or Buying? Contact me for all your real estate needs! 778-386-1423 Congratulations Delta Optimist on your 100th Anniversary! Delta Village Chiropractic And Dr.DavePar ker Congratulations to the Delta optimist forser ving Delta for100 year s Dr.David A. Parker #2-4882 Delta St. Ladner Tel: 604-952-0538 deltavillagechiropractic.com REIFEL MIGRATORY BIRD SANCTUARY 5191 Robertson Rd., Westham Island, Ladner 604-946-6980 | www.reifelbirdsanctuar y.com ■ 7kms of Trails ■ GiftShop/Picnic Area ■ Entrance Charge ■ Check website for hours and to pre-book your visit Congratulations Delta Optimist on your 100th Anniversar y. - from our archives -
Onseven.”Nov.10
As far as those who registered their opposition, 1,450 forms came from South Delta while only 56 came from North
AccordingDelta.
Ladner was chosen as the first reeve, (known as a mayor) of Delta.
to a report at the time, the classification change will not impact Delta’s agricultural identity, municipal status nor the community names of Ladner, Tsawwassen and North Delta. “Farming and agricultural land remain vital components of not only Delta’s identity, but its economy, culture and Dhistory.”eltaArchives
The number of electors in the municipality at the time was estimated to be 69,928, so 6,993 forms registering opposition were
A total of 79 residents signed a petition to the province’s lieutenant governor that year asking that Delta be declared a
Let’s step back 90 years to Ladner May Days at Memorial Park. The above 1932 photos show children dancing around the May Pole. It has been a longrunning tradition and part of the annual Fastfestivities.forward
Themunicipality.petitionstates, in part, “we the undersigned residents of south side of Fraser River, being duly qualified to petition as provided in clause three of the
This Sunday’s parade culminates at the stage in Memorial Park where the traditional May Pole Dance and May Royal Court Crowning Ceremony will take place.
An 1895 photo of Delta’s city hall on Elliott Street at Ladner’s Landing.
Children having fun around the May Pole in 1932.
At the time, Delta was a small farming and fishing community which really got started in 1868 when William Ladner bought 640 acres of land on the south side of the river. His brother Thomas followed and was the second homesteader in Delta.
The official incorporation of the community, which until a few years ago was not officially titled a city but a corporation, took place on Nov. 10, 1879.
to 2022 and May Days is back with in-person events this weekend that had to be cancelled for a couple of years due to the pandemic. Running from Friday to Sunday, the fair includes a May Days court ceremony, parade, fastball tournament, entertainment, amusement rides and activities and a beer garden.
that year, the British Columbia Gazette published the deed of incorporation for the Corporation of WilliamDelta.
Council today still has just seven members, unlike most other municipalities in the province of similar size which have more.
number of verified response forms submitted was 1,506, just over two per cent.
officialDeltaMaking
In 2017, council agreed to move forward to officially change the municipality’s title from the Corporation of Delta to City of TheDelta.only way residents could have blocked the change was for at least 10 per cent of eligible voters to submit an elector response form registering their opposition.
Back to the drawing board. What the resulting larger magazine did, however, was give us the space to truly pay homage to the Optimist’s past. In turn, it gave our loyal readers and advertisers a better magazine. 100 years.
Well over 5,000 editions published. Dozens of provincial and national Andawards.now, approaching close to 400,000 stories read on our website every month. As the stewards of the Delta Optimist, we are sincerely grateful. Thank you Delta.
Pierre PublisherPelletierDelta Optimist
Back in January when Ian and I sat down to outline this project, our expectations were for 50-60 advertisers equating to roughly a 48-page magazine. With this information in hand, we began the journey of conceptualizing the magazine layout and generating story ideas. Over the following eight months, those ideas were transformed into design, along with completed stories and photos.
A nice, concise plan until... it wasn’t. We knew we had grossly miscalculated the page count when the selling cycle began. Within a few days, we were overwhelmed with the support of the Finalcommunity.tally:112 advertisers and a 76-page magazine.
Word…FinalThe
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Boband Lindaknowthatthe DeltaOptimisthas been theirtrustedbusinesspar tner foryears.
y! info@thechancey team.com |thechanceys.com| 60 4-946-8899LINDACHANCEY Personal Real Estate Corp. BOB CHANCEY Personal Real Estate Corp.
TheDelta OptimistworkedwithBob when he wasjuststartingout as arealtor.Togetherover theyears,theyhelped Bobclimb themountaintobecomethe #1 realtorinGreater Vancouver.
It has been abusinessalliancefor the past 40 years...
Boband Lindabecamea team in 1986 andsince thattimehaveachievedmanyawardsasthey worked together.
Both Boband Lindawould like to thank theprevious owners of theOptimist–Mrs.Bexley, whom they hada greatmanylaughswithoverthe years –along with Mr.Bexley.
Congratulations Optimist!–and thank you.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022 75
Happy100th Anniversar
They wouldalsoliketothank andexpress theirgratitudetoa fewother people at theDelta Optimist, notablyDaveHamilton,Ruth Gallinger,and LindaCalendino– they especially helped them overthe many years.
Bob& Linda Chancey
CITY REALTY
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 202276 604-940-2882 604-940-2882 604-948-1700 604-948-1700 Proud Partners keeping the community Proudconnected Partners keeping the community connected Open Connection congratulates the Delta OpenOptimist Connection congratulates the Delta Optimist on it's 100th onBirthday! it's 100th Birthday! OPEN CONNECTION HAS BEEN LOCALLYOWNED AND OPERATED IN DELTA/TSAWWASSENSINCE 1986 1214 56 Street, 121Tsawwassen 456Street, #Tsawwassen 102 - 4841 Delta Street, #1Ladner 02 -4841 Delta Street,Ladner In business andlife, havingthe Inright businessand life, having the Inright business and life, havingthe right partner makes all partthedifference! nermakesall the padifference! rtnermakesall the difference! We We We have thoroughlyenjoyedservicing haour ve thoroughly enjoyedservicing havour ethoroughly enjoyed servicing our localcommunity for over 35 locyears. al community for localover35years. community forover35years. We'd We'd liketosincerely thankthe Delta likeOptimist to sincerelythank the Delta likOptimist etosincerely thank the Delta Optimist fortheir continuedsupport of foOpen rtheir continued support of forOpen theircontinued support Open Connection in acheiving itsgoals Conand nection in acheiving itsgoals Coand nnection and dreams and lookforward to serving dreyou amsand look forward to drservingyou eamsand lookforwardtoservingyou at oneofour atlocationssoon! one of ourlocations atsoon! of ourlocations soon! We'll take care of We'llyou! take care of you! Visit us at one of our locations Visitbelow! us at one of our locations below!
