March 15, 2013 – BC Hydro’s historic Stave Falls Visitor Centre is now open to the public until October 20. The centre shows the role hydroelectric development played in the history and landscape of the Stave Valley, beginning in 1909, when the Western Canada Power Co. Ltd. began constructing the power plant at Stave Falls.

The 101 year-old power house—a designated Canadian National Heritage Site—offers the public and schools both guided and self-guided tours. It also houses a 50-seat theatre and gift shop.

Inside the centre are interactive games and historic displays that tell the story of how power has helped build British Columbia. The inner workings of the power house’s original 1912 mechanical and electrical components are also on display.

The visitor centre is located in the Fraser Valley, 65 km east of Vancouver, and is adjacent to the Hayward Lake Recreation Area. To contact the Visitor Centre or to book a tour, call (604) 462-1222. The building is wheelchair accessible.

IMAGE from “Stave Falls Timeline Image Cards”, a teaching resource provided by BC Hydro.