
Garry Point Park in Richmond, British Columbia, has a rich history tied to the development of Steveston and the broader Fraser River area. Its evolution from an industrial and fishing hub to a beloved public park reflects the region’s transformation over time.
Here’s an overview of the history of Garry Point Park:
Indigenous History
Before European settlement, the area around Garry Point was part of the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Musqueam First Nation. The land and the waters of the Fraser River played a crucial role in their way of life, providing fish, transportation routes, and a connection to other First Nations along the coast. The mouth of the Fraser River, near Garry Point, was a key area for fishing, particularly for salmon, which continues to be a significant cultural and economic resource for the Musqueam people.
European Exploration and Fur Trade
The name “Garry Point” is thought to be derived from Nicholas Garry, a deputy governor of the Hudson’s Bay Company in the 1820s. Garry played a role in exploring and mapping the coastal regions of British Columbia during the early fur trade era. However, it wasn’t until much later that Garry Point became a focal area for settlement and development.
Steveston Fishing Industry
In the late 19th century, the nearby Steveston area became a booming fishing and canning hub, particularly for the salmon canning industry. The Fraser River was one of the most productive salmon rivers in the world, and Steveston developed into a bustling village, with a large portion of the workforce being Japanese immigrants who were involved in fishing, boat-building, and fish processing.
Garry Point itself was an essential piece of this industrial landscape. The area served as a strategic point for fishing activities and a location for fish processing operations. It was an active waterfront where boats could dock, and many cannery operations took place nearby. The Japanese-Canadian community, which grew significantly in Steveston, played a critical role in the development of the fishing industry.
World War II and Japanese Internment
The Japanese-Canadian community was deeply affected by World War II. In 1942, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Canadian government forcibly relocated and interned over 22,000 Japanese-Canadians from coastal areas, including many residents of Steveston. Their fishing boats were confiscated, and their properties were taken, including areas around Garry Point.
This event left a lasting impact on the community and the region. The Kuno Garden, a Japanese garden within Garry Point Park, commemorates the contributions of the Japanese-Canadian community to Steveston and the fishing industry, as well as remembering the injustices they faced during the war.
Industrial Decline and Park Development
As the 20th century progressed, the salmon canning industry declined, and the waterfront areas around Steveston and Garry Point fell into disuse. By the 1960s and 1970s, much of the once-bustling industrial waterfront was abandoned or underutilized.
In the late 1980s, the City of Richmond began planning to transform Garry Point into a public park. The idea was to preserve the natural beauty of the area and create a space where people could enjoy the scenic waterfront. The plan was to emphasize open spaces and allow for passive recreational use while respecting the historical significance of the land.
Official Opening in 1989
Garry Point Park officially opened in 1989, following years of planning and restoration. The city worked to clean up the area and transform it into a recreational space. The park was designed to have expansive green areas and waterfront access, maintaining a balance between natural beauty and public utility.
The park’s design includes large open spaces for activities like kite flying, walking trails, and the Kuno Garden, which honors the Japanese-Canadian heritage of the area. It has since become a community hub, drawing visitors from Richmond, the Greater Vancouver area, and beyond.
Modern Use and Commemoration
Today, Garry Point Park is not only a recreational area but also a place of historical reflection. In addition to the Kuno Garden, there are plaques and markers throughout the park that provide insight into the area’s rich fishing and cultural history. The park is also used for various community events, such as the annual Richmond Maritime Festival and other local celebrations.
The transformation of Garry Point from an industrial site into a public park is symbolic of Richmond’s evolution, reflecting its cultural diversity, history of immigration, and environmental restoration efforts.
In summary, Garry Point Park’s history is deeply intertwined with the Indigenous heritage of the Fraser River, the rise and fall of the salmon fishing industry, the contributions of Japanese-Canadian fishermen, and the later transformation of the land into a beloved community space. It remains a site of both natural beauty and historical significance.
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