Pender Islands Historical Timeline

Moving Around Pender (MAP) completes The Schooner Way trail project, a major pathway for walking and biking between the Magic Lake community and the school and health centre.

On June 27, major construction is completed on “the DIP“, a cliffside section of Canal Rd on South Pender further damaged during heavy rain in November 2021. Two-lane traffic is restored.

The Epicentre building (previously the Pender Lender Library, auxiliary classroom, and youth centre) in the Auchterlonie Centre is completely upgraded and opens in March as a year-round licensed childcare facility.

On August 8, W̱SÁNEĆ Elders, community members and youth come to Bedwell Harbour to ceremonially reclaim the ancient village of QENEN,IW̱, located at the site that Poets Cove Resort now occupies. Two new interpretive panels describe the intertwined relationship between the village and SXIXŦE, the original reef-net site near the entrance to Bedwell Harbour.

The Mayne Queen is retired in January after more than 50 years of ferry service connecting the Gulf Islands and Swartz Bay. It’s listed as the “oldest ferry in revenue service with BC Ferries“.

The Pender Conservancy announces protection of the 45-acre KELÁ_EKE Kingfisher Forest on North Pender, having raised $2 million from the Raincoast Conservation Foundation and the community.

The Salish Heron is the fourth of the Salish class ferries to join the BC Ferries fleet, serving the Southern Gulf Islands. The Salish class vessel is more fuel efficient than older vessels, and capable of running on liquefied natural gas.

On March 24, elderly Penderites line up at the Community Hall for their first COVID-19 vaccinations.

In a November referendum, property taxpayers vote 84% in favour of a proposed property tax levy to stabilize Pender Island Health Care Society funding for long-term operating costs.

Driftwood Centre renovations are completed with upgraded facade and new hardware store building. Gas pumps are replaced and electric vehicle charging station installed.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, census data records the resident population of North and South Pender as 2,772, up 23% from 2011, partly due to an “urban exodus“ as workers adapt to teleworking longterm.

In early March, COVID-19 pandemic restrictions take hold on Pender, affecting almost every aspect of island life. Magic Lake residents begin a nightly “howl“ to ease the sense of isolation.

Twin Island Cider begins selling artisan ciders at their operation on Razor Point Rd. The cidery becomes known for quality products based on the use of heirloom apples and pears from local orchards.

A planned multi-year redevelopment of the Port Browning Marina Resort gets under way.

The Port Washington Store is demolished in July. Thankfully, many artifacts from the store had been donated to the museum.

Automated external defibrillators are installed in high traffic areas around the island in August with Nu-to-Yu funding.

The SDÁ,YES Truth & Reconciliation Circle is formed to foster relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples through education and community actions. The group focuses on learning, specifically with W̱SÁNEĆ neighbours.

The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve acquires the old fish reduction plant site at Shingle Bay, for use as a campground accessible by boat, bike, or walk-ins.

The library re-opens on July 3 after a major renovation, 22 years after opening in 1990. Marjorie Bailey, one of the founding members of the Pender Library (1973), passes away in August at age 101.

Shaw Cable largely completes the introduction of high-speed internet service and HD TV programming to all of South Pender.

Canada Census indicates a population on North Pender of 2,035 residents and 201 residents on South Pender, for a total of 2,236.

Final parcel of land at Brooks Point is acquired with funds borrowed by the CRD. Fundraising is finalized in 2013.

The Pender Island Health Care Centre sees the completion of a major expansion and renovation. The $1.4M project doubles the size of the facility with a new medical wing, trauma bay and interior renovations. $700K is raised from the community.

In January, Shaw Communications announces a takeover of Pender Island Cable TV and Internet, owned by Mascon Communications Corp.

The Pender Islands Handbook is published by Richard Fox, the first comprehensive guidebook for the islands.