Development eyed for historical store property

MARIA RANTANEN mrantanen@richmond-news com

The last hardware store in Steveston which closed in 2018 could be torn down soon and replaced with a new commercial building topped by four condos.

Steveston Marine & Hardware closed five years ago after the owner sold the 55-year-old building A hardware story had been a fixture at this location on Moncton Street for 77 years

While the current building isn’t considered a “historical resource” by the city, that is, having any historical value, it wasn’t the first building on the property

In fact, the property and original building was owned by a Japanese

Canadian fisherman, Matsu Tanaka, before the Second World War

The original building most likely had living quarters on the side and rear of the commercial building

Tanaka ran the commercial and hardware store until 1942 when all peopleofJapanesedescentwereinterned for the remainder of Second World War

While many properties were expropriated from those who were interned, it appears some of Tanaka’s properties were sold and he received the proceeds, albeit lower than what the properties were assessed for

For example, he owned a vacant lot at Chatham Street and 7th Avenue valued at $450, but it sold on Jan 13, 1945 for $100, according to documentscompiledbyLandscapes of Injustice with the University of Victoria.

According to Landscapes of Injustice, Tanaka was born on March 18, 1885. In addition to owning the hardware store, he was a fish broker. He had a wife, Masaye Nakata and a son, Masao Tanaka Tanaka’s name is also listed as the owner of the Steveston fishboat

Shuchona No 4 from 1927 to 1937

The Shuchona No. 4 was built by Atagi Boat Works No owner is listed between 1937 and 1942, but it is listed as being owned by B C Packers from 1942 to 1973

Tanaka was interned in 1942 to Grand Forks, and he was exiled to Japan on Oct 2, 1946

The heritage consultant, who looked at the significance of the building on behalf of the developer, recommended the development include a commemorative element to recognize the historical or cultural significance of the property

The development application, submitted by Inter Luck Trading Corp , is being dealt with at this week’s city council planning meeting.