Kevin B.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver Heritage Fair

A Tale of Two Towns

I wanted to find out how the social demographics of settlers and the economy affect the development of towns on the Canadian west coast circa 1900. I used Steveston and Duncan as case studies.

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

Immigrants bring their love of sports with them. Two great examples are the Duncan Lawn Tennis Club, which is the second oldest in the world after Wimbledon, and the Duncan cricket team, so good that the Australian National Team stopped to have a match with them.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

Social demographics and economies radically change town development; a diverse economy and welcoming immigration policies are very important for promoting sustained growth.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

My life is much easier. Early settlers had to worry about floods, droughts, fires, disease, how to get food and water, how they would be able to raise their children, and had to work long hours almost every day. I have a guaranteed education, live comfortably without risk of running out of food, have the ability to drink potable water freely, and have universal medical care.