Author and Historian, John Atkin, will explore the headline that described BC as the “Lumberyard of the World”. Vancouver and its sawmills’ products enjoyed a worldwide reputation. Local mills’ products could be found in places as diverse as Great Britain, Egypt, South Africa and in China where there was a special order in 1881 for roof beams for the rebuilding of Beijing’s Forbidden City.

The forest that once blanketed Vancouver drew non-native settlement to this area and gave birth to the modern city. From a single mill on Burrard Inlet to over 15 mills producing an astounding volume of cut lumber, it’s hard to imagine the immensity of the industry here. John will explore the history of the industry in the region and its impact on the city.