Harewood Colliery Dam
645 Wakesiah Avenue, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R, Canada
Formally Recognized:
2002/07/10
Other Name(s)
n/a
Links and documents
Construction Date(s)
1910/01/01 to 1911/01/01
Listed on the Canadian Register:
2006/11/22
Statement of Significance
Description of Historic Place
The Harewood Colliery Dam is an early dam structure located in a municipal park on the edge of one of Nanaimo's oldest neighbourhoods, south west of the city core. The historic place consists of all the remaining components of the original dam.
Heritage Value
The Harewood Colliery Dam is a rare, tangible link with Nanaimo's industrial heritage. Built in 1910-11 by the Western Fuel Company to supply water for coal washing and for use by miners, mules and horses in the mines, the water system quickly developed an important secondary use. Homes near the pipeline were allowed to tap the line for domestic uses and eventually this water was carried to most of the homes in South Harewood. The Harewood Colliery Dam symbolizes the important role the coal company played in the everyday lives of local residents.
The value of the Harewood Colliery Dam resides in its location in a municipal park, readily accessible to the public as a recreational and interpretive venue. The lake created by the dam provides a well-used outdoor swimming facility for the general public.
Source: City of Nanaimo, Development Services Department
Character-Defining Elements
The character-defining elements of the Harewood Colliery Dam include:
- all of the remaining components of the original dam including the concrete-faced, earthen dam and the concrete spillway.
- the dam's location within a municipal park.
Recognition
Jurisdiction
British Columbia
Recognition Authority
Local Governments (BC)
Recognition Statute
Local Government Act, s.954
Recognition Type
Community Heritage Register
Recognition Date
2002/07/10
Historical Information
Significant Date(s)
n/a
Theme - Category and Type
- Developing Economies
- Technology and Engineering
Function - Category and Type
Current
- Leisure
- Park
Historic
- Industry
- Water or Sewage Facility
Architect / Designer
n/a
Builder
n/a
Additional Information
Location of Supporting Documentation
City of Nanaimo, Development Services Department
Cross-Reference to Collection
Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier
DgRx-120
Status
Published
Related Places
n/a