Lake Stave and Hayward Lake are two prominent bodies of water located in British Columbia, Canada, each with its own unique history and importance to the region.
Stave Lake, situated east of the city of Vancouver, holds a rich history that dates back centuries. The lake is believed to have been named after a settler named William Staveley, who arrived in the area in the mid-1800s. Prior to European settlement, the lake and its surrounding lands were home to the Indigenous peoples of the region, including the Coast Salish First Nations. These communities relied on the lake for fishing, transportation, and spiritual practices.
Stave Lake played a significant role in the development of the region, particularly in the early 20th century when the Stave Falls Dam and power station were constructed. The dam, completed in 1912, was built to generate hydroelectric power for the growing city of Vancouver. The project brought a surge of economic activity to the area, attracting workers and their families to settle in the nearby town of Ruskin.
Over the years, Stave Lake has continued to be a vital source of water and power for the region. It is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, and hiking in its scenic surroundings.
Hayward Lake, located further east of Stave Lake, also has a fascinating history that is closely tied to the development of hydroelectric power in British Columbia. The lake was created in the early 1930s as a reservoir for the Ruskin Dam, which was built by the British Columbia Electric Company to generate electricity for the growing population of the Lower Mainland.
The construction of the dam and the subsequent flooding of the area led to the creation of Hayward Lake, which spans approximately 8 kilometers in length. The lake was named after L.D. Hayward, a former general manager of the British Columbia Electric Company who played a key role in the development of the dam and power generation facilities.
Today, Hayward Lake remains an important part of the regional power infrastructure, providing hydroelectric energy to thousands of residents in the Lower Mainland. In addition to its role in power generation, the lake also serves as a popular recreational destination, with opportunities for boating, fishing, picnicking, and hiking along its shores.
Overall, both Stave Lake and Hayward Lake have played significant roles in the history and development of the British Columbia region, serving as sources of power, water, and recreation for local residents and visitors alike.