ALBION MAPLE RIDGE BC
Nestled within the vibrant city of Maple Ridge, British Columbia, lies the historic neighborhood of Albion. As the oldest non-Indigenous settlement in the district, Albion boasts a rich tapestry of history, community spirit, and modern development.
Albion’s History
Albion’s origins trace back to the mid-19th century when pioneers like Samuel Robertson established the first fruit orchard in British Columbia. Originally known as East Haney, the area was renamed Albion in 1907. The community’s early economy flourished with sawmills, canneries, and fishboats, reflecting its strategic location along the Fraser River.
Albion was originally named “East Haney”. In 1907, when the post office opened, the name Albion was adopted because there was already a post office in Haney. A Scottish man named Samuel Robertson was the first non-native settler in Albion. His land, on the east and south of Kanaka Creek, had the first fruit-bearing orchards in all of British Columbia.
Kanaka Creek was named after the Hawaiians, known as Kanakas, who first came to Fort Langley as labourers for the Hudson's Bay Company. Many of these Hawaiians married Kwantlen and Katzie First Nation women.
Samuel Robertson passed away in 1897 and his son James took over the 700 acre farm. In 1919, James sold the land to two brothers named David and Colonel Victor Spencer. In 1948, a major flood devastated the area and flooded the Robertson property which also destroyed the buildings. Samuel Robertson had a business partner named Peter Baker, whose true name was Peter Boulanger, an early French settler from Quebec. Together, their farm lands made up the land that is known today as Albion Flats.
The City of Maple Ridge purchased the land in 1959 and today this is the location for the Albion Fairgrounds. The milk house is the last remaining original structure on the land that was built by Victor Spencer.
In recent decades, Albion has experienced significant growth, transitioning from its rural roots to a bustling suburban enclave. The neighborhood offers a mix of new and older homes, attracting families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle. Its proximity to the Golden Ears Bridge ensures residents have easy access to the greater Vancouver area, enhancing its appeal to commuters.
Community and Recreation
Albion is renowned for its strong sense of community and abundant recreational opportunities. The Albion Fairgrounds host the annual Maple Ridge Country Fest every July, drawing visitors from across the region. The Albion Fairgrounds is used year-round to host many various events, such as: Country Fest, Caribbean Festival, Ridge Meadows Home Show and many more. The Sport Complex is home to Planet Ice (Ice Rink) and Golden Ears Winter Club (Curling Club).
Parks like Albion Park provide picnic areas, sports facilities, and scenic trails, making them popular spots for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Kanaka Creek Regional Park has two main sections. The Canyon Trail (1.2 km) follows the sandstone canyon with remarkable falls on both the north and south arm of Kanaka Creek. You can expect a few challenging hills on this trail. Bell-Irving Hatchery is part of Kanaka Creek Regional Park and supports improvement activities for Chum and Coho Salmon as well as Cutthroat Trout in Kanaka Creek. The Riverfront Trail (3 km) is a fairly flat trail that boosts beautiful views of the Fraser River.
Education and Amenities
The neighborhood is served by School District 42 Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, with institutions like Albion Elementary and Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary School catering to local families. The latter, named after the pioneering settler, offers a technical focus, attracting students from various neighborhoods. Additionally, the recent development of the Albion Community Centre has further enriched the area’s amenities, providing residents with modern facilities for various activities.
Albion seamlessly blends its historic charm with contemporary conveniences. Its rich history, coupled with ongoing development and a strong community ethos, makes it a unique and inviting neighborhood within Maple Ridge. Whether you’re drawn by its historical significance, recreational offerings, or modern amenities, Albion stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of well-balanced community living.