Townsite Heritage Articles
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The Townsite Heritage Society was formed in 1992 with the following objectives stated in its Constitution:
To protect, enhance, maintain and promote the historical character and integrity of the traditional neighbourhood and business section of the Powell River Townsite by educating children, adults and tourists through:
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The Townsite Heritage Society has many resources available on the history of the Townsite. At Henderson House, a variety of published books can be purchased such as the House Histories and Heritage volumes by Karen Southern. We also material available for viewing like our archival photograph collection. Below is a list of the resources available.
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The Triangle Garden captures the essence of the Garden City Concept. The land is currently owned by the City of Powell River, however the garden is managed and maintained by the Townsite Heritage Society.
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Anyone can become a member! If you are a business or a local, joining the Townsite Heritage Society may interest you as you will be kept up to date with events and be privy to available discounts. In addition, members will receive the Digester, which is a semi-annual publication created by the Townsite Heritage Society.
Membership costs $10 annually. They are available for purchase at Henderson House or you can contact Joelle Sevigny, (Co-ordinator) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 604-483-3901 for more information. We accept cheques, cash or e-transfers.
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Events : The Townsite Heritage Society organizes many fundraisers and fun events for the community to participate in the promotion and conservation of our beautiful Historic District! See the list below.
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The Garden City and Arts and Crafts Movements influenced Powell River's planners of 1910 in regard to the location and architectural style of our homes, parks, green belts, commercial buildings and recreation facilities.
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Orientation to View
Structures located on corner lots were given special attention to design, the criteria being the presence of two fronts. This feature allowed for two directions from which to orient the view. In this period the practice was described as Looking Two Ways.
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The town of Powell River itself was preplanned on blueprints as early as 1909. The prime mover behind the town's development was the Powell River Company, which was responsible for preplanning, constructing and providing for most of the community's needs.
Architecture - RESIDENTIAL STYLES
Historically, our community was preplanned with principles generated from progressive philosophical movements arising as a result of the excesses of industrialization in the late 19th century.
The Garden City and Arts and Crafts Movements influenced Powell River's planners of 1910 in regard to the location and architectural style of our homes, parks, green belts, commercial buildings and recreation facilities.
Townsite homes built before 1930 depended on add-on and decorative elements for articulation and architectural interest.
For example, the use of roof brackets, add-on porch structures, boxed windows, and decorative porch and veranda posts and balustrades were common.
Click on a photo to the right for a write-up and photos of commercial buildings built in the early part of the 1900’s.
