Before Strathcona dam: Utilizing a historical map to recall the former landscape.
Use slider or buttons to fade 1949 1stEd topographic map to compare to current landscape; also use the measure tool.
(marker links to 1950 and 1959 terrestrial photos)
Strathcona Dam on Van.Isld was constructed between 1955-1958 by BC Power Commission, a predecessor of BC Hydro.
Upper Campbell Lake was raised approx. 30m (110ft) and the Campbell and Elk River valleys were flooded to Buttle Lake.
"The Park...is a mess" BC Studies 170, 2011, and Conflicts over Wilderness, Strathcona Provincial Park
provides overview of discussions of building Hart Dam, (1947), just outside of Campbell River, and Strathcona Dam.
Compare 1950 and 1959 terrestrial photos below.
Sources:
92F/13 Upper Campbell River (1949) 1st ed. [BC] Topographical Surveys Branch, Dept. of Lands and Forests, and [Canada] Dept. of National Defence.
Map including Campbell River, Oyster River and Buttle Lake (unknown date) BC Archives.
View from Upper Campbell forest lookout, S shot 5 (1950) BC Ministry of Forests.
View from Upper Campbell forest lookout, S shot 6 (1959) BC Ministry of Forests.
University of Victoria Maps and GIS Library
Contact: daniel B-M 250-853-3619 or
UVic Libraries Maps/GIS Office