Burns Lake, British Columbia

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Village of Burns Lake
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settlement_type = Village
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pushpin_label_position = none
pushpin_map_caption = Location of Burns Lake in British Columbia
pushpin_mapsize = 220
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = CAN
subdivision_type1 = Province
subdivision_name1 = BC
subdivision_type2 = Region
subdivision_name2 = BC Interior
subdivision_type3 = Regional district
subdivision_name3 = Regional District of Buckley-Nechako
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leader_title = Governing body
leader_name = Burns Lake Village Council
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established_title2 = Incorporated
established_date2 = 1923
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area_total_km2 = 7.11
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population_as_of = 2006
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population_total = 2,107
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timezone = PST
utc_offset = -8
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latd= 54|latm= 13|lats= 45|latNS=N
longd= 125|longm= 45|longs= 45|longEW=W
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elevation_m = 720
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blank_name = Highways
blank_info = 16
blank1_name = Waterways
blank1_info = Burns Lake
website = [http://www.burnslake.org Village of Burns Lake]
footnotes = Burns Lake is a rural village, incorporated in 1923, and situated at the geographical centre of the province of British Columbia. It is the seat of the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako.

There are three First Nations reserves that are part of the town, and another three nearby, making it one of the few communities in the province that have almost equal populations of native and Canadians of European descent. Local nations include Wet'suwet'en First Nation, Lake Babine Nation, Cheslatta Band, Burns Lake band, Skin Tyee band and Nee Tahi Buhn band.

The town serves as a hub for the local logging and tourist industries. The town boasts a fine secondary school, Lakes District Secondary School, with a vibrant Fine Arts program. Burns Lake hosts annual Performing Arts and Alternative Arts Festivals, drawing talent from around the region. Burns Lake features five pubs, and a selection of stores and services as well as a library and a hospital.

History

Bob Gerow, one of the main founders Burns Lake, entered into partnership with Jack Seely and Howard Laidlaw to create Burns Lake Trading Company. Together, they built a store/hotel and a sawmill on Gerow Island.

In 1911, there was just a pack trail through the bush where the main part of the village now stands. A bridge was constructed to connect Gerow Island to the mainland. All men not already employed by the railroad were hired to help build the bridge.

A number of historic buildings still stand:

The Old Hospital

First built in 1933 by the Women's Missionary Society of the United Church of Canada, the hospital was officially opened by Canada's former Governor General Lord Tweedsmuir. Once the largest and finest public building between Prince George and Prince Rupert, it was famous for its fine gardens. It was later occupied by senior citizens apartment complex, then declared a heritage building in 1982 and redeveloped as an office building by its owner, the Burns Lake Native Development Corporation.

The Bucket of Blood

The square-cut log building is a former fur trade post which later became a gambling den. A shooting over a game of poker led to the building's name. It now contains a display of historical artifacts from the life of Barney Mulvaney, one of the founders of Burns Lake.

Recreation

kiing

The area around Burns Lake was settled by many Scandinavians, who brought with them their love of skiing. For many years, local residents participated in all forms of skiing, including jumping and downhill, through the Omineca Ski Club. By the late 20th century, however, the Omineca Ski Club was exclusively a cross-country (Nordic) ski club. Its facilities have hosted several national championships and are considered to rank among western Canada's best trail networks. Notable past members have included Kaare Engstad, Karl Lindaas, Alford Eakin, Esther Bahen (Miller), Marvin Strimbold, Lana Lindaas and Chris Paulson.

Golf

The Carnoustie Golf & Country Club opened in 1977, has nine holes and was built to go with the natural lay of the land. It covers 50 acres with water hazards on several areas. The original developers, Mel and Peggy Forbes, died but their daughter Moira, and her husband carried on with the business many years until they sold in 2004. The family was very devoted to the golf in the Burns Lake area.

Further reading

The book "", written by Sarah de Leeuw, includes a short essay on Burns Lake titled "Screamed on a Fence, Beside a Passing Train".

References

* [http://www12.statcan.ca/english/Profil01/CP01/Details/Page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=5951022&Geo2=PR&Code2=59&Data=Count&SearchText=Burns%20Lake&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=59&B1=All&Custom= Community Profile: Burns Lake, British Columbia; Statistics Canada]

External links

* [http://www.burnslake.org Village of Burns Lake]