Here's a bit broader view of the creek. It really does look like a park in the summer time. The brown grass at the right had been occupied by students at lunch time.
Did you know? On old maps, Bowker Creek is shown as "Thames River" and reference is made to the "Thames Valley" as late as 1912. In the 1800's, the creek seems to have been called "Tod's Stream". It was only after the death of John Tod, somewhere around the middle of the century, that this magnificent water course became known as "Bowker Creek". Hey, you Glenlyon guys, the point at which Bowker Creek reached the ocean used to be a big ravine. It was filled in by being used as a garbage dump.
There used to be neat stuff in Bowker Creek. We thought at the time that it was indigenous but look at this! Probably that material had come from that low rent area, Saanich.
For Immediate Release |
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FUNDING WILL END BOWKER CREEK SEWAGE OVERFLOWS
VICTORIA - Saanich will install an electrical generator to prevent sewage overflows into Bowker Creek with the help of a capital grant from the provincial government, Municipal Affairs Minister Cathy McGregor and Saanich South MLA Andrew Petter announced today.
The ministry will provide $135,000 towards the standby generator to be installed at the Wetherby sewage lift station. The generator will be used during power outages to ensure sewage flow does not exceed the system's storage capacity and spill into Bowker Creek and basements of nearby homes.
"Reliable water and sewage services are essential for sustainable economic development," said McGregor. "This project will allow us to continue working with the local government to build a solid foundation for economic growth, along with a healthy environment and a better lifestyle for local residents."
This funding is the second part of a provincial three-year, $150-million community infrastructure program. To date, 132 communities across B.C. have benefited from this program.
"The Wetherby station has limited storage and raw sewage can start flowing into Bowker Creek within seven minutes of a power failure," said Petter. "A continuous power supply will end this problem and make sure Saanich residents have a healthy and safe environment."
No more raw sewage from Saanich for Bowker Creek. Sic transit gloria ripae fllumenisque.
Those of us who grew up in Oak Bay knew perfectly well what the Canadian Hydrographic Service said about the name of Mary Tod Island was wrong. We street urchins all knew that Mary Tod Island was really Jimmie Chicken's Island. (Mary Tod might have been that John Tod's daughter.)
We were right. Jimmie Chicken belonged to an Indian band living out on Chatham Island near end of the 19th century. Jimmie was making a living selling sea food to local businesses. Presumably he didn't like the commute all the way into Oak Bay. Jimmie moved his wife into a shack he had built on Jimmie Chicken's Island. So there.
Read all about it here.
