Residents gathered near the village office to celebrate the Harrison Hot Springs’ diamond anniversary of incorporation.
Harrison Hot Springs was incorporated on May 27, 1949. At the time, the village spanned 2,020 acres – the largest area of any village in the province. In 2004, the village officially changed its name from the Corporation of the Village of Harrison Hot Springs to the Village of Harrison Hot Springs.
Mayor Ed Wood said the area was once known for its “bustling” logging and tourism industries as well as the titular hot springs that continues to draw people to the area.
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“I’m here today, proud to carry the torch as your mayor,” Wood said.
Wood thanked the residents and organizations who made the event possible.
Chilliwack-Kent MLA Kelli Paddon said the residents’ love for the village is apparent every time she visits.
“A resident had an idea that the 75th anniversary should be honoured in an amazing way, and the community came together, the staff came together, council came together and the province was able to contribute as well,” she said. “I am so, so proud to be just a little part of the history of Harrison Hot Springs.”
The village was named after Benjamin Harrison, the former deputy governor of the Hudson’s Bay Company.
The village is on the site of the ancient Sts’ailes village of Qwó:íls. “Qwó:íls” refers to the waters of the hot spring, which have been regarded as a means of traditional healing and medicine.
Sts’ailes Grand Chief Chasta Willie Charlie (Cha’qua’wet) welcomed residents and visitors to their land.
“We have a long history on the lake. We have a long history on the Harrison River and on Chehalis Lake,” Charlie said. “We’re happy to be celebrating with you today.”