Smithers at the beginning...			...Part II
			by Lillian Weedmark

The years following the incorporation of Smithers, in 1921, were a period of growth for the community. Main Street remained as the hub of the business section. To develop it, the street had to be excavated to a depth of 6 to 8 feet so that it had an adequate base for construction. In 1924, the single-lane street was covered with crushed rock and sidewalks were rebuilt. The swampy land was a major problem. Many buildings, such as the Government Office and the old Post Office, were constructed on pilings 25 to 50 feet down.

use BACK button to return Note the ditch and sidewalk to the side of Main St. which was single-lane all photos courtesy of the BV Museum

Meanwhile, the ditch known as the Grand Canal kept right on flowing. Smithers continued to grow and soon found it needed more laws to govern its increasing population. Taxes, dog licences and the outlawing of chickens within the village boundaries were just a few of the by-laws passed during the 20's. Automobiles were becoming common enough that a rather unique law was passed, requiring horse-drawn vehicles to carry lights to help avoid collisions. The 1920's brought a number of services to Smithers. Until then, electricity had been supplied from generators owned by Wiggs O'Neill in a small plant at the south end of Main Street but for only a few hours a day. In 1921, the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway installed an electrical plant in their roundhouse that would supply the increasing needs of the growing community. Local citizens were encouraged to purchase $25.00 shares in a company formed by the Smithers Citizens' Associaton. This money was used to install the necessary poles and wiring.

Powerplant in the roundhouse of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway	The town also received its first telephone switchboard and saw the first undertaking business open during the early 1920's. .