In 2004 and 2006, the Elders Council for Parks in British Columbia held two gatherings to honour some of the individuals who, during the mid-to-late-20th century, envisioned and constructed BC's renowned park systems.

This series of profiles celebrates the careers, personalities and accomplishments of these 25 park builders and park pioneers.

Parks are supported by the efforts of countless individuals, but there are some whose work stands out as exemplary. They are the leaders, planners and managers who remind us that if we wish to keep natural wildernesses intact in BC, we must work to protect them.

Parks help preserve thousands of square kilometres of wildlife habitat — lush forests, alpine meadows, streams, lakes and wetlands. These ecosystems have provided sustenance for BC's first people for millennia. They serve as a healthy milieu for modern towns and cities and as exquisite scenery and recreation opportunities for BC's highly urban population. The protection and management of this natural heritage benefit everyone, including wildlife.

These 10 profiles are funded by a grant from BC 150 and are a collaboration between BC Nature and the Elders Council for Parks in British Columbia.

Park Pioneer Profiles

Bob Ahrens
Bert Brink
Ian McTaggart-Cowan
Ruby Dunstan
Hal Eidsvik
Ken Farquharson
Richard Hankin
Ian Leman
John MacFarlane
Charlie Velay

Download the Park Pioneer Profiles Booklet (PDF, 6MB)

Research, writing, and design by Edith Ladu
Coordinated by BC Nature for the Elders' Council for Parks in British Columbia
Adapted for the web by Breeonne Baxter