Richmond Councillor Launches Urgent History Book on Sea Island

UPDATE: Richmond city councillor Bill McNulty has just released his latest book, unveiling the rich history of Sea Island in British Columbia. This new publication, titled Sea Island British Columbia: The Beginning of Richmond, aims to educate readers about the island’s vibrant past, which has been overshadowed by the presence of the Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

McNulty’s book is a result of extensive research and collaboration with the Sea Island Heritage Society, who approached him two and a half years ago to document their history. With 400 illustrations sourced from local archives and community members, this book captures a time when Sea Island was a bustling agricultural and fishing hub.

In the early 1900s, Sea Island was home to thriving communities, with families engaged in farming and fishing. Notably, McNulty shares an anecdote of three boys skating along the river from New Westminster to Eburne in 1909 during a particularly cold winter. The book also details the six canneries that once operated on the island and highlights the contributions of the Japanese community, including boat builders like Shunpei Baba.

The historical significance of Sea Island extends to the incorporation of Richmond itself. In 1879, 25 farmers from Sea Island signed a petition to establish Richmond as a municipality, making it a critical location in the region’s development. McNulty emphasizes, “All the business of setting up everything from the charter to the taxes was done on Sea Island.”

Despite its rich history, Sea Island’s narrative took a turn in 1921 when residents sought to secede from Richmond to create their own municipality, a movement that ultimately failed. This attempt at independence is one of many stories recounted in the book, shedding light on the community’s aspirations and struggles.

As the island transitioned into a hub for aviation, the farmland was gradually repurposed, culminating in the establishment of the Boeing plant in 1941. McNulty reflects, “It was perfect for an airport… and there was no place for an airport in Vancouver.” The transformation of Sea Island marks a significant chapter in Richmond’s history, erasing much of its agricultural roots.

Today, few remnants of Sea Island’s past remain. Only Burkeville and a handful of schools testify to the once-thriving community, as the airport’s expansion took precedence. McNulty believes it is crucial for current residents to connect with this history, stating, “If you don’t know where you came from, you sure don’t know where you’re going.”

With its rich anecdotes and vivid illustrations, McNulty’s book serves as a vital resource, fostering appreciation for the community’s heritage amidst rapid changes. Residents and history enthusiasts are encouraged to dive into this compelling narrative.

For those interested in exploring the depths of Sea Island’s history, McNulty’s book is now available for purchase.

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