History of Powell River, British Columbia
Sunshine Coast, BC, Canada

Powell River BC, like many areas of British Columbia was inhabited by the traditions and cultures of the First Nations people for many thousands of years. Prior to European settlement the region was the year round home of the Sliammon First Nation. The population is said to have been close to 20,000 First Nations people at one time in history. The Sliammon territory covered from Stillwater and part of Texada Island, Malaspina and Gifford Peninsulas, Homfray Channel, part of Cortes Island, Hernando, Savary, and Harwood Islands and Powell, Goat, and Haslam Lakes.

Powell River, BC, Canada was named by Israel Powell in 1889. An influential figure, the Dr. was then the Superintendent of Indian Affairs for BC. It was not until about 20 years later in 1908 when logging arrived to the area that the community began to take shape and in 1914 the building of the residential areas began. Soon after in the 1920's, Powell River was the centre of the newsprint world and was the home base for western Canada's largest producing newsprint mill.

As the Community grew, many residential areas began to spring up. It was not until 1955 that the communities of Cranberry, Westview, Townsite and Wildwood amalgamated in to the Corporation and District of Powell River. Soon later the surrounding areas like Texada, Lasqueti and Lund were incorporated into the Regional District in 1967.

Even today in the forests around the city of Powell River there are remnants left behind from the logging days like oxen roads, logging railways and abandoned logging camps. Much overgrown today, but still some evidence of a previous time can be discovered.

The old townsite of Powell River, British Columbia covers about 10 blocks and is designated a National Historic Region. The majority of the townsite was designed by Scot John McIntyre when he was townsite manager between 1919 - 1931.

Today, the Townsite community streets are lined with pastel type color homes, restored with pride. The commercial district is populated with heritage building after heritage building. Some of the more interesting buildings of the area include the various bank buildings, St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church built in 1916 and St. John's Protestant built in 1913. The village centre has accommodations, restaurants, banks and gas.