Silverdale, British Columbia facts for kids
Silverdale is a special place in the District of Mission, British Columbia, Canada. It's a bit like the countryside and a bit like a town, located about 40 kilometers east of Vancouver. You can find it on the east side of the Stave River, right where it joins the bigger Fraser River.
Silverdale is known for its long history, especially its Italian Canadian community. For many years, people here worked in farming, fishing, and logging. But starting in the 1960s and 1970s, the area began to change, becoming more like the suburbs you see around bigger cities.
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Discovering Silverdale's History
Silverdale has a rich past, full of interesting stories and people. It was a place where different ways of life came together.
A Look at Its Past
For a long time, the main jobs in Silverdale were connected to nature. People grew crops, fished in the rivers, and cut down trees for wood. These activities helped the community grow and thrive.
Famous People from Silverdale
Some notable people have come from Silverdale's Italian community. One was Phil Gaglardi, who became a minister for highways in British Columbia. Another is Eden Donatelli, a talented speed-skater. These individuals show the diverse talents that have come from this small community.
The "Gentleman Bandit" Story
Silverdale is also famous for a unique historical event: Canada's first train robbery. This happened thanks to a person known as the "Gentleman Bandit," Billy Miner. It's said that he first used the polite phrase "Hands Up!" during this robbery. This phrase later became very well-known in stories about outlaws.
Silvermere Lake and Its Creation
On the east side of Silverdale, you'll find homes along the shore of Silvermere Lake. This lake wasn't always here in its current form. It was created by a process called dredging, which means digging up the bottom of marshy areas to make them deeper and clearer.
How Silverdale Got Its Name
The name "Silverdale" comes from a place in England called Silverdale, Staffordshire. An early postmaster, J. A. Skinner, chose the name from a list of British places. A postmaster is someone in charge of a post office, handling mail for the community.
