Statement in the B.C. Legislature
June 1, 2011

Silverdale: A Historical Treasure

VICTORIA - Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to talk today about a little-known treasure of British Columbia: the community of Silverdale, situated by the scenic Silvermere Lake.

Silverdale is part of the District of Mission. It was settled largely by Italian immigrants in the 1870s, and some of those pioneering families still reside in the community today. Families like the Donatellis, the Gaglardis, Manzars, Horns, Charlongs, and Connellys have seen Silverdale develop from a small fishing, farming and logging community to a growing suburb of the Fraser Valley.

Perhaps one of Silverdale's biggest claims to fame is that it was the site of Canada's first train robbery. On September 10, 1904, sixty-year-old Bill Miner, the "Gentleman Bandit," led two accomplices in the hold-up of the CPR NO. 1 train. They stole nearly 7,000 dollars worth of gold dust, 914 dollars in cash and a 50,000 dollar bond. It was on this train that Miner is believed to have first to use the polite phrase "hands up." Also, in keeping with his "Gentleman Bandit" persona, when leaving the scene of the crime, he was purported to have said "goodnight boys, sorry to have troubled you."

Over the years, the community has produced some people of note. Eden Donatelli, Olympic and World Cup medalist in speed skating, calls Silverdale home.  So too did "Flying Phil" Gaglardi, the Minister of Highways under W.A.C. Bennet and recipient of more than a few speeding tickets. 

A few weeks ago, Mike Scudder, Mission councilor and president of the Silverdale Community Centre invited me to attend the 60th anniversary of the building. It was a pleasure talking with many of the long-time residents. I'd like to encourage everyone to visit and experience firsthand the beauty of Silverdale.

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