The George Ingham Plaza Project: The History of British Columbia’s Electrical Industry Pre-1900
The history of British Columbia’s electrical industry before 1900 is closely intertwined with the broader evolution of electricity and its development in North America. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, pioneering scientists such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Edison made essential contributions to the understanding of electricity and magnetism, establishing the fundamental principles that would underpin future electrical technology. These early experiments with electricity laid the groundwork for the remarkable advancements yet to come.
In the late 19th century, as electric lighting systems emerged, private companies began experimenting with providing electricity for public and private use. The Vancouver Electric Illuminating Company, established in 1887, starting with 53 streetlights and around 300 lights in offices and private homes, played a pivotal role in this regard, operating a steam-driven generator that provided electric lighting to the city of Vancouver. Simultaneously, the late 19th century also witnessed the birth of hydroelectric power, harnessing the energy of flowing water to generate electricity. British Columbia’s abundant rivers and waterfalls made it an ideal location for hydroelectric development, with B.C.’s first hydroelectric plant built at Goldstream, Victoria, in 1898.
As the electricity demand surged, there were calls for public ownership of utilities and government regulation to ensure accessibility and affordability. Responding to these demands, the British Columbia government enacted the Electrical Energy Act in the late 1800s, which granted municipalities the authority to own and operate their electrical systems. This marked a significant step towards a more equitable and regulated electricity industry.
Throughout the late 19th century, the electrical industry in British Columbia experienced gradual expansion and integration. Electricity generation and distribution became more interconnected, with its applications expanding to include industrial processes and transportation. Different regions within British Columbia developed their own electrical infrastructure, with various companies and municipalities establishing power plants and distribution networks.
The pre-1900 history of British Columbia’s electrical industry was characterized by a period of experimentation, the emergence of private companies, and the initial stages of hydroelectric development. These developments laid the foundation for more extensive and interconnected electrical systems that would come to fruition in the 20th century, playing a crucial role in supporting the economic and technological growth of the province.
Watch out for our next blog post as we learn more about B.C.’s fascinating electrical history from 1900-2000.
For more information on Canada’s incredible electrical history, visit: https://www.electricity.ca/
Written by: Savannah Davis, ClearWater Communications Co.