Mill Lake (British Columbia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mill Lake |
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View of Mill Lake in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
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 Mill Lake
Location in British Columbia
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| Location | Mill Lake Park, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada |
| Coordinates | 49°02′41″N 122°18′39″W / 49.04472°N 122.31083°W |
Mill Lake is a small lake located in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. You can find it between the Trans-Canada Highway and South Fraser Way. This lake is the main feature of Mill Lake Park, a popular spot for locals.
History of Mill Lake
Mill Lake has had a few names over the years. First, it was called Bais Lake, named after an early farmer. Then, it became Abbotsford Lake because it's in Abbotsford. Finally, it got its current name, Mill Lake, because of the sawmills that used to operate there.
Around the year 1900, a man named Charles Hill-Tout opened a sawmill right by Mill Lake. This mill helped build the Canadian Pacific Railway. It produced over 50,000 railway ties, which are the wooden beams that support train tracks.
In 1903, four brothers – Joe, Richard Arthur, Sam, and Bill Trethewey – bought the mill. In 1912, they started a new company called the Abbotsford Timber and Trading Company. This company grew very quickly. It became one of the biggest employers in all of British Columbia. They produced 20 million feet of timber boards every year!
The lake was very important for their business. Logs arrived by train and were sorted in the lake. After being processed at the mill, the timber was mostly sent to markets in the U.S..
The mill kept running until 1934. At that time, the Great Depression made business very difficult. Also, most of the local forests had been cut down. Because of these reasons, the brothers had to close the mill.
Later, the Abbotsford Lions Club bought the mill site. They removed all the old mill equipment. Then, they started turning Mill Lake into the beautiful park we know today. They added sand and grass areas for everyone to enjoy.
Where is Mill Lake?
Mill Lake is right in the middle of Abbotsford. It has streets on all sides. To the south, you'll find Bevan Avenue. Ware Street is to the east. Mill Lake Road and Bourquin Crescent are to the north. On the west side, you'll see Emerson Street and Gladwin Road.
