Statement in the B.C. Legislature
November 17, 2011

The Ruskin Dam

Honourable Chair, I’m pleased to rise in the House today to talk about a small, historic community on the border of Maple Ridge and Mission.  I’m speaking about Ruskin, located on the slopes where the Stave River converges into the Fraser.

Its roots began as a commune in the nineteenth century by followers of John Ruskin, an English art critic and writer.  The commune faded away, but the name remained. Logging became the economic mainstay and Ruskin’s many sawmills made it a cedar shake capital of the world employing hundreds of people.

With industrial activity flourishing and the community growing, Ruskin was in need of increased power.

In 1927, construction began on the Ruskin Dam and Powerhouse. I toured the dam last week and it certainly was a blast into the past. Still functioning is an 80 year old light bulb that has never been turned off. I didn’t want to get too close to it.

BC Hydro is planning a major renovation of the Ruskin station, which will improve its seismic performance, restore the building’s heritage façade, replace the aging powerhouse equipment, and enhance the protection of fish and wildlife in the area. 

Once upgraded, the facility will provide safe, reliable electricity for more than 33,000 homes  

The project has strong support in the Mission business community which recognizes the very positive economic impact it will have. Ruskin residents have told me that they appreciate the importance of the upgrade for their personal safety.

Ruskin’s dam and quaint houses have also become a staple for film and television productions such as The X-Files and Smallville. 
Next time you’re around Ruskin, drop by the Wynick’s Shake and Shingle Pub, maybe after reeling in a day’s catch of salmon off of the Stave.

-30-