1940's

1940

  

• Elk Falls Park is created.

 

• The Willow Point Hall is constructed.

  
 


Firehall built in 1943 with volunteer labour,

MCR 3131

1941

• Population of Campbell River: 1,968

 

• A volunteer fire department is formed.  Equipment is obtained through the Air Raid Precautions.

 

1944

  
• A road is pushed through to Sayward.  Campbell River is no longer 'the end of the road'.  
   

1945

  

• The first locally published newspaper, the Courier, begins circulation.

 

• Campbell River Lodge opens.


B.C Airlines seaplane base,

MCR 1444

 

1946

• A 7.2 earthquake rocks Campbell River.

 

• B.C Airlines establishes a seaplane base in front of the Willows Hotel.

   

1947

  

• The John Hart power station goes on line.  Campbell River gets 60 cycle electricity.

• The hydroelectric potential of the Campbell River watershed was first noted by would-be developers in the 1890’s. In the ensuing years various companies applied for and were granted power licenses, but not until 1945 and the formation of the B.C. Power Commission did hydroelectric development take place.

 

• The 599-seat Van Isle Theatre opens its doors.

 

• Campbell River incorporates as a Village.


John Hart Dam, MCR 11822

(click to enlarge)

   

1949

  

• Village water supply from John Hart Dam is put into service.

 

• The Community Hall roof collapses after a heavy snow fall.


Community Hall roof collapse, MCR 1467