Contributed by Mr. Kelly Harms, Community Archivist
Chilliwack Museum and Archives
Monday, August 15, 2005

British Columbia archives large and small are dealing with the angst of increased financial pressures. This economic reality is nothing new, but seems to be the trend of the past two or three decades. Financial hardship has caused many to come up with new and innovative ways to generate revenue to compensate for funding shortfalls.

One example of innovation is a project recently undertaken by the Chilliwack Museum & Archives; to conduct historical research on behalf of the Canada Lands Company (hereafter CLC). The Chilliwack Museum & Archives was approached by the CLC to provide vital historical context, which in turn allowed them to broaden their vision for their commercial redevelopment project.

The CLC is the "arm's length, self-financing Crown corporation" in charge of the redevelopment of the former Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack. According to the Company website, the company: "purchases surplus strategic properties at fair market value from the federal government, then improves, manages or sells them in order to achieve optimal financial and community value for both local communities, and the company’s sole shareholder, the Government of Canada".

The research was conducted in two phases, based directly on the needs and vision of the redevelopment plan. The first phase of the project "focused on the military families and the origins and development of the Permanent Married Quarters (PMQs) area of the former A6 Canadian Engineers Training Centre (later known as Camp Chilliwack, then Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack). The second phase of the research was to study the "military portion of the base, on the south side of Keith-Wilson Road."

Chilliwack Museum & Archives Director Ron Denman was asked to draw up a contract for the work, and assemble the project team. Meetings were held to identify project goals, and once the project team was assembled work commenced.

The project team for Phase 1 was: Ron Denman, Project Manager, Carol Baird, Researcher, Kelly Harms, Graphics Coordinator, and Paul Ferguson, Military History specialist. The Project team for Phase 2 was: Ron Denman, Project Manager, Dave Yendall, Researcher, Kelly Harms, Graphics Coordinator, Maria Wong, Research Assistant, Paul Ferguson, Military History specialist.

In order to determine important themes in life on the base, a focus group of former military personnel and local residents was assembled to discuss and give their perspectives. There were many themes identified by the focus group; so many in fact that it was necessary to distill these down to a few essential elements.

The detailed research and focus group discussions led to the recommendation of a legacy walk, to be incorporated into the lay out for the Garrison Crossing subdivision. Themes identified in the research, and reviewed by the focus group, were then added as program elements within this legacy walk. Themes recommended for inclusion were: 1) The major development phases of the base; 2) The Military Schools and Training; 3) The Field Engineers; 4) Community relations; 5) Gathering places; 6) Civilian employees.

The one major theme that came to dominate both Phase 1 & 2, was "Coming Home". According to the project introduction: "Careers were characterized by frequent returns to Chilliwack for postings or schooling. For many, Chilliwack was the only community that was called home. It is significant that a large number of military personnel chose to live in Chilliwack after retirement, reinforcing the strong ties of military personnel to the community and the base."

Themes and recommendations derived from the research were submitted to CLC, and other urban planning consultants retained by CLC. In due course these themes were incorporated into a legacy walk which was introduced into the layout of the Garrison Crossing subdivision project.

Accepting the challenge of this project made for a positive experience for the staff and contractors of the Chilliwack Museum and Archives. The project gave us an opportunity to reach a new corporate client; particularly one which appreciates the historical geographic context to the point where listening turns into constructive action.

Meeting new private sector partners broadens our connections throughout the business community, and demonstrates a new potential for how things can be done. Our philosophy going into the project was that it was better to get involved and be actively engaged in the process, than to stand back and be critical of decisions taken by the developer.

We were very impressed by the knowledge and considerable skills which CLC brought to the project. There was a good group dynamic between the project team and CLC staff and contractors, which made it an enjoyable project to be part of. Participation in the project has already led to new opportunities for consultant work. Director Ron Denman has been called upon by CLC to provide historical context presentations and on site walking tours as part of the development of the Canada Education Park.

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© 2005 Archives Association of British Columbia