What is Cumberland, British Columbia, and where is it located?

Cumberland is an incorporated village municipality situated east of Perseverance Creek on the east coast of central Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It is part of the Comox Valley community, located west of BC Highway 19, approximately 105 kilometers (65 miles) northwest of Nanaimo and 10 kilometers (6 miles) southwest of Courtenay by road.

Who first discovered coal in the area that would become Cumberland, and when?

While First Nations people were aware of the coal deposits, J.W. Mackay is credited with discovering coal near the present-day town site in 1852 during his explorations.

What was the initial development effort related to coal discovery in the 1860s?

Following J.W. Mackay's discovery, Sam Cliffe formed a syndicate in 1869 that staked claims on Perseverance Creek. This group hacked a trail to Royston and began grading sections for a rail bed, establishing a sawmill and laying some wooden rails for a horse-drawn tramway. However, development ceased when their capital was exhausted.

Who acquired the coal claims in 1887, and what company did they form?

In 1887, Robert Dunsmuir purchased the enterprise and established the Union Colliery Co. He arranged for a sawmill to be transported to the mine area, which involved hauling machinery via oxen from Royston, as only a portion of the original rail bed was still usable.

What was the coal production in Cumberland during the late 19th century?

Coal production in Cumberland was recorded at 31,204 tons in 1889 and increased to 66,556 tons by 1892. By 1897, the mine was producing between 700 and 1,000 tons per day and employed 600 men.

Who purchased the Dunsmuir mines in 1910, and under what company?

In 1910, Sir William Mackenzie acquired all the Dunsmuir mines through his company, Canadian Collieries (Dunsmuir).

What significant infrastructure was established by the colliery in 1912?

In 1912, the colliery established a hydroelectric plant on the Puntledge River. This plant was crucial as it supplied power to the entire Comox Valley.

What were the dates and death tolls of major coal dust explosions in Cumberland?

Cumberland experienced several fatal coal dust explosions. The recorded incidents include 64 miners killed in 1901, 21 in 1903, 18 in 1922, and 33 in 1923.

What led to the widespread strike among Vancouver Island miners in 1913?

In 1913, management locked out protesting Cumberland miners who had taken an idle day. This action escalated into a broader industrial dispute, resulting in all unionized Vancouver Island miners going on strike by the summer of that year. The situation became volatile with the protection of strikebreakers by special police, leading to riots in Cumberland and the deployment of troops by the BC government.

When did the last Canadian Collieries mine on Vancouver Island close, and what was its connection to Cumberland?

The Tsable River mine, the final Canadian Collieries mine on Vancouver Island, closed in 1960. Miners working at this operation were based in Cumberland. A smaller, employee-owned operation continued until its final closure in 1966.

What was the original name of the company village in Cumberland, and why?

The original company village was named Union, after the Union Coal Company that initially developed the area.

How did the town of Cumberland get its name, and when was it incorporated?

A new townsite named Cumberland was laid out in 1894. The name was chosen because the local coal quality was comparable to that from Cumberland County in Great Britain, and several principal streets were named after places in that English county. The name Cumberland was officially adopted for incorporation in 1898, also replacing 'Union' for the post office.

Describe the history and eventual closure of the hospital in Cumberland.

The hospital in Cumberland began in 1895 in James Dunsmuir's former residence. It underwent several expansions, including nine rooms added in 1901, a 10-bed ward in 1904, and the Jubilee Wing in 1924, eventually accommodating 41 beds and 6 bassinets. The hospital closed in 1977.

When did Cumberland begin piping water and when did the city take over the system?

The Cumberland-Union Water-Works Company started piping water from Hamilton Creek in 1897. The City of Cumberland later purchased this water system in 1949.

What significant event impacted Cumberland in 1933, and which hotels were affected?

A major fire occurred in Cumberland in 1933, destroying 18 businesses and 11 houses. The hotels affected by this fire were the Cumberland, the King George, and the Victory.

What is the status of the historic hotels in Cumberland mentioned in the text?

The Cumberland Hotel, originally opened in 1894, was rebuilt after the 1933 fire and operated until November 2020. The King George Hotel, built in 1911 and also rebuilt after the 1933 fire, closed in 2014. The Waverley Hotel, which escaped the fire and was built slightly earlier, continues to operate.

Describe the history of the Ilo-Ilo Theatre in Cumberland.

The Ilo-Ilo Theatre opened as an opera house in 1914 and later began showing silent movies and hosting dances. It was rebuilt after a fire in 1932 but closed in 1957. Discussions are currently underway regarding the restoration of the building.

When did Cumberland reincorporate as a village, and when did its RCMP detachment close?

The community reincorporated as the Village of Cumberland in 1958. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachment in Cumberland closed in 1969, with the officers relocating to Courtenay.

How has Cumberland evolved in recent decades?

In recent decades, Cumberland has transformed into a significant destination for outdoor recreation, culture, and tourism. It also serves as a bedroom community for Courtenay, and the village has been actively preparing strategies, such as the Economic Development Strategy 2018–2023, to address contemporary challenges.

What was the population of Cumberland according to the 2021 Canadian Census?

According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Cumberland had a population of 4,447 residents.

What was the population change in Cumberland between the 2016 and 2021 censuses?

Between the 2016 census (population 3,753) and the 2021 census (population 4,447), Cumberland experienced a population increase of 18.5%.

What is the population density of Cumberland based on the 2021 census data?

Based on a land area of 29.04 km² (11.21 sq mi), Cumberland had a population density of 153.1 people per square kilometer (396.6 per square mile) in 2021.

What were the primary ethnic groups identified in Cumberland according to the 2021 census?

In the 2021 census, the largest ethnic group identified in Cumberland was European, comprising 87.67% of respondents. Indigenous peoples represented 7.99%, East Asian peoples 1.6%, Latin American peoples 1.14%, Southeast Asian peoples 0.91%, and South Asian peoples 0.46%.

What percentage of Cumberland's population identified as irreligious in the 2021 census?

In the 2021 census, 81.2% of Cumberland's population identified as irreligious, with 3,555 persons reporting no religious affiliation.

What percentage of Cumberland's population identified with Christianity in the 2021 census?

According to the 2021 census, 16.6% of Cumberland's population identified with Christianity, totaling 725 persons.

What is Coal Creek Historic Park, and what historical communities does it encompass?

Coal Creek Historic Park is located about 1.2 kilometers (0.7 miles) west of Cumberland. It encompasses the historical sites of a Chinatown, which once peaked at around 2,000 residents and 100 businesses, and a Japanese hamlet. The park was gifted to the Village of Cumberland in 2002 and officially named in 2008.

What happened to the Chinese community in Cumberland during the Great Depression and after World War II?

Many residents of Cumberland's Chinatown left during the Great Depression. Following World War II, numerous buildings in the area were dismantled, and their materials were salvaged.

What was the fate of the Japanese settlement near Cumberland during World War II?

The Japanese hamlet, consisting of about 36 homes and two general stores, was permanently abandoned by its residents in 1942. They were relocated to internment camps as part of the Japanese Canadian internment policy during World War II.

What is the significance of the street names in Cumberland's early settlement?

Many principal avenues in Cumberland, such as Maryport, Windermere, Penrith, Derwent, Allen, and Keswick, were named after places in Cumberland County, Great Britain. This naming convention reflected the high quality of coal found locally, which was comparable to that from the Cumberland Coalfield in Great Britain.

What is the current status of the Waverley Hotel in Cumberland?

The Waverley Hotel, which survived the 1933 fire and was built slightly before it, is still in operation in Cumberland.

What is the official website for Cumberland, British Columbia?

The official website for Cumberland, British Columbia, is www.cumberland.ca.

What major highway serves Cumberland?

Cumberland is located west of British Columbia Highway 19.

What time zone does Cumberland observe?

Cumberland observes Pacific Standard Time (PST), which is UTC-8. During daylight saving time, it observes Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), which is UTC-7.

What are the postal code and area codes for Cumberland?

The postal code for Cumberland is V0R 1S0. The area codes serving Cumberland are 250, and also 778, 236, and 672.

Which provincial highway is associated with Cumberland?

British Columbia Highway 19 is associated with Cumberland.

Who is the current mayor of Cumberland, according to the provided text?

According to the provided text, the current mayor of Cumberland is Vicky Brown.

What is the total land area of Cumberland?

The total land area of Cumberland is 29.11 square kilometers (11.24 square miles).

What is the governing body of Cumberland?

The governing body of Cumberland is the Cumberland Village Council.

What historical significance does the name 'Union' have in Cumberland's history?

The name 'Union' is significant as it was the original name of the company village established by the Union Coal Company. It was also the name of the company that Robert Dunsmuir acquired and renamed Union Colliery Co.

What role did Robert Dunsmuir play in the development of Cumberland?

Robert Dunsmuir purchased the coal claims in 1887, forming the Union Colliery Co. He arranged for essential infrastructure like a sawmill and worked on improving access routes to the mine, significantly advancing the development of the area.

What is the significance of the 'Cumberland Coalfield' mentioned in relation to the town's naming?

The 'Cumberland Coalfield' in Great Britain is significant because the high quality of coal found there was mirrored by the coal discovered in the area that became Cumberland, British Columbia. This similarity influenced the naming of the town and its streets.

What is the 'Comox Valley' and Cumberland's relationship to it?

The Comox Valley is a community in British Columbia, and Cumberland is part of it. Cumberland is located west of BC Highway 19 and is situated within this broader regional context.

What is the 'Mid-Island' region of British Columbia, and how does Cumberland relate to it?

Cumberland is located in the Mid-Island region of British Columbia, which is a geographical area on Vancouver Island.

What regional district is Cumberland a part of?

Cumberland is part of the Comox Valley Regional District in British Columbia.

What is the 'Cumberland Lake Park Campground' and its proximity to the village?

Cumberland Lake Park Campground is a recreational area located approximately 2 kilometers (1.5 miles) west of the village of Cumberland.

What does the 'Economic Development Strategy 2018–2023' indicate about Cumberland's focus?

The Economic Development Strategy 2018–2023 indicates that the Village of Cumberland was actively preparing plans to address economic challenges and foster development within that period.

What does the table on ethnicity in Cumberland show regarding the population's origins over time?

The ethnicity table shows that the European population has consistently been the largest group, ranging from 87.67% in 2021 to 91.59% in 2011. The Indigenous population has also shown a significant presence, increasing from 4.88% in 2016 to 7.99% in 2021. Other ethnic groups like East Asian, Latin American, Southeast Asian, South Asian, and African populations are present in smaller percentages, with some fluctuations over the years.

What is the trend of the 'Total responses' for ethnicity in Cumberland from 1996 to 2021?

The total number of ethnicity responses has generally increased from 2,450 in 1996 to 4,380 in 2021. The percentage of total responses relative to the total population has remained high, consistently above 96%, indicating that most residents provided at least one ethnic origin response.

What does the data on religion in Cumberland from the 2021 census indicate?

The 2021 census data for Cumberland shows that the majority of the population identified as irreligious (81.2%). Christianity was the next largest group at 16.6%, followed by Judaism (0.6%) and other religions (1.6%).

What is the historical significance of the Chinatown area within Coal Creek Historic Park?

The Chinatown area, located west of Cumberland, was once one of Canada's largest Chinese communities, peaking at approximately 2,000 residents and supported by 100 businesses. Residents actively drained wetlands and established market gardens. Fires and subsequent dismantling of buildings after World War II led to its decline.

Cumberland British Columbia Wiki: Cumberland, BC: A Village Forged by Coal and Community

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Overview

Location & Status

Cumberland is an incorporated village municipality situated east of Perseverance Creek, near the eastern coast of central Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It is part of the Comox Valley region, located west of BC Highway 19. By road, it is approximately 105 kilometers (65 miles) northwest of Nanaimo and 10 kilometers (6 miles) southwest of Courtenay.

Governance

The municipality operates under the name "The Corporation of the Village of Cumberland." It is governed by a Village Council, with Vicky Brown serving as the current Mayor. The village was officially incorporated in 1898.

Geography

Cumberland has a total area of 29.11 square kilometers (11.24 square miles) and is situated at an elevation of 160 meters (520 feet) above sea level. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 49°37′8″N 125°1′53″W.

Historical Trajectory

Early Discoveries & Development

While First Nations were aware of local coal deposits, J.W. Mackay's 1852 discovery marked the beginning of European exploration for coal. Sam Cliffe's syndicate staked claims on Perseverance Creek in 1869, establishing a trail and rudimentary tramway. However, financial difficulties halted initial development.

Robert Dunsmuir acquired the enterprise in 1887, forming the Union Colliery Co. He arranged for sawmill machinery to be transported to the mine site, overcoming challenges with existing infrastructure. The early townsite was named Union, reflecting the company, but the adjacent new townsite laid out in 1894 adopted the name Cumberland, mirroring the quality of British coal from Cumberland County, England.

Coal Mining Era

Cumberland became a significant coal-producing region. By 1897, the mine employed 600 men and yielded substantial daily tonnage. Sir William Mackenzie later purchased the Dunsmuir mines, and the colliery established a hydroelectric plant on the Puntledge River in 1912, serving the wider Comox Valley.

The mining operations were not without peril; significant coal dust explosions resulted in numerous fatalities in the early 20th century. The period also saw considerable industrial unrest, including a major strike in 1913 that led to government intervention. The last mine in the area, Tsable River, closed in 1966.

Community Growth & Resilience

The company village of Union evolved into the incorporated Village of Cumberland in 1958. The community faced challenges, including a major fire in 1933 that destroyed numerous businesses and homes, necessitating rebuilding efforts for key establishments like the Cumberland and King George Hotels.

Over time, Cumberland transformed into a hub for outdoor recreation, culture, and tourism, serving as a bedroom community for nearby Courtenay. The village has actively pursued economic development strategies to address contemporary challenges.

Demographic Profile

Population & Density

According to the 2021 Canadian Census, Cumberland had a population of 4,447 residents living in 1,840 private dwellings. This represented an 18.5% increase from the 2016 population. The population density was approximately 153.1 people per square kilometer (396.6 per square mile).

Ethnic Composition

The ethnic makeup of Cumberland, based on 2021 census data, shows a predominantly European population (87.67%). Indigenous peoples constitute 7.99%, with smaller percentages identifying with East Asian, Latin American, Southeast Asian, South Asian, and African origins.

Panethnic groups in the Village of Cumberland (1996-2021)
Panethnic group	2021		2016		2011		2006		2001		1996
Panethnic group	Pop.	%	Pop.	%	Pop.	%	Pop.	%	Pop.	%	Pop.	%
European	3,840	87.67%	3,415	92.67%	3,050	91.59%	2,480	91.51%	2,505	97.85%	2,365	96.53%
Indigenous	350	7.99%	180	4.88%	175	5.26%	225	8.3%	45	1.76%	70	2.86%
East Asian	70	1.6%	30	0.81%	40	1.2%	0	0%	0	0%	20	0.82%
Latin American	50	1.14%	10	0.27%	15	0.45%	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%
Southeast Asian	40	0.91%	30	0.81%	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%
South Asian	20	0.46%	0	0%	10	0.3%	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%
African	15	0.34%	10	0.27%	50	1.5%	0	0%	10	0.39%	0	0%
Middle Eastern	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%
Other/Multiracial	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%
Total responses	4,380	98.49%	3,685	98.19%	3,330	97.99%	2,710	98.12%	2,560	97.23%	2,450	96.15%
Total population	4,447	100%	3,753	100%	3,398	100%	2,762	100%	2,633	100%	2,548	100%
Note: Totals greater than 100% due to multiple origin responses

Religious Affiliation

In the 2021 census, the majority of Cumberland residents identified as irreligious (81.2%). Christianity was reported by 16.6% of the population, with Judaism and other affiliations accounting for the remaining 2.2%.

Coal Creek Historic Park

Chinatown Heritage

Historically, Cumberland hosted one of Canada's largest Chinese communities, peaking at around 2,000 residents with numerous businesses. These settlers played a vital role in developing the area, draining wetlands and establishing market gardens. A significant fire in 1935 and subsequent material salvaging impacted the community's structures.

The site of the former Chinatown is now part of Coal Creek Historic Park. Despite earlier plans for restoration being derailed by funding issues and vandalism, the park preserves the legacy of this significant cultural settlement.

Japanese Hamlet & Internment

A smaller Japanese hamlet, comprising about 36 homes and two general stores, also existed near Cumberland. The community operated a tea garden at Comox Lake from 1914 to 1939. Tragically, residents were forcibly relocated to internment camps during World War II.

The land encompassing both the Chinese and Japanese settlements, totaling 104 acres, was gifted to the Village of Cumberland in 2002. This area was provisionally named Perseverance Creek Historic Park before being officially designated as Coal Creek Historic Park in 2008, honoring its historical significance.

Railway Connections

Historical Links

Cumberland's development was intrinsically linked to railway infrastructure. Early efforts by the Union Coal Company involved grading for a rail bed towards Royston. Later, Sir William Mackenzie's acquisition of the mines also involved significant railway operations. For further details on the railway history connected to the region, refer to the section on railways serving Union Bay.

(See Railways to Union Bay for related information.)

Notable Figures

Community Contributors

Cumberland has been home to several notable individuals who have contributed to various fields:

Bob Auchterlonie (1969– ), naval officer
Thomas Audley Bate (1913–1967), politician
Albert Goodwin (1887–1918), labour activist
Robert Grant (1854–1935), politician
Terry Tobacco (1936– ), athlete
Wong Foon Sien (1899–1971), labour activist

Related Information

Further Exploration

List of francophone communities in British Columbia

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Cumberland British Columbia" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about cumberland_british_columbia while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

john lamb general

vestibule architecture

wisconsin and southern railroad

kingdom of portugal

microsoft office picture manager

ghilji

valentino fashion house

central european time

agriculturist

discrimination

References

Statistic includes all persons that did not make up part of a visible minority or an indigenous identity.

Statistic includes total responses of "Chinese", "Korean", and "Japanese" under visible minority section on census.

Statistic includes total responses of "Filipino" and "Southeast Asian" under visible minority section on census.

Statistic includes total responses of "West Asian" and "Arab" under visible minority section on census.

Statistic includes total responses of "Visible minority, n.i.e." and "Multiple visible minorities" under visible minority section on census.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Cumberland, British Columbia Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not official guidance. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official municipal resources, historical archives, or seeking advice from qualified local historians or community planners. Always refer to official sources for the most current and accurate information regarding Cumberland, British Columbia.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Cumberland, BC

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

📍 Location & Status

🏛️ Governance

🗺️ Geography

Historical Trajectory 📜

⛏️ Early Discoveries & Development

🏭 Coal Mining Era

🏘️ Community Growth & Resilience

Demographic Profile 📊

👥 Population & Density

🌍 Ethnic Composition

🙏 Religious Affiliation

Coal Creek Historic Park 🏞️

🇨🇳 Chinatown Heritage

🇯🇵 Japanese Hamlet & Internment

Railway Connections 🛤️

🔗 Historical Links

Notable Figures 👤

⭐ Community Contributors

Related Information 🔗

💡 Further Exploration

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Location & Status

Governance

Geography

Historical Trajectory

Early Discoveries & Development

Coal Mining Era

Community Growth & Resilience

Demographic Profile

Population & Density

Ethnic Composition

Religious Affiliation

Coal Creek Historic Park

Chinatown Heritage

Japanese Hamlet & Internment

Railway Connections

Historical Links

Notable Figures

Community Contributors

Related Information

Further Exploration

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice