Apr 11
30
Unlucky...
1. 1858 – The Opening of the Gold Rush
Gold was discovered on the Thompson River. This landmark event started an influx of settlers to the Northwest, as failed prospectors in San Francisco headed north to try their luck again. The ‘rush’ was seen as the catalyst for the founding of the British colony: British Columbia. For a short period Lillooet was considered the largest town north of California and west of Chicago.
2. 1885 – The Opening of The CPR
Donald Alexander Smith, the lead financier of the CPR railroad line, drove in the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway on November 7th. The event occurred at Eagle Pass, in British Columbia’s Monashee Mountains. The railroad physically connected Eastern Canada with the Western Colonies. This would eventually lead to British Columbia’s official status as a province of Canada in 1871.
3. 2010 – Winter Games Opening Ceremonies
On February 12th of last year, British Columbia invited the world to witness our Grand Opening of the Winter Olympic Games. The ceremony was held inside B.C. place, making it the first ever Winter Olympic opening ceremony held inside. Highlights included Katie Lang’s performance of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah and Wayne Gretsky’s role as the final torchbearer.
Now Victoria is celebrating it’s own Grand Opening. It may not come with the glittering hope of gold, a rolling line of railcars or an appearance by the Great One, but it is being celebrated around the Province, as Victoria finally has a premium mattress store. The festivities will be continuing to the end of May, with door prizes including Sealy, Simmons and Serta queen mattresses. Be a part of history and stop by our Blanshard location this week.
[...] British Columbians will either have to make the trip out east to catch a glimpse of the royal couple or be happy with the knowledge that when William is crowned King, he will definitely be obligated to visit Canada again. [...]