The bottom photo, courtesy of the Delta Archives, shows the Wetsham Island bridge in Ladner during construction in 1909. The more recent photo by the Delta Optimist last year shows Coun. Anne Peterson (left) on the bridge, which has undergone a few changes over the years but is still in use, with Sharon Ellis (right) from Wetsham Island Herb Farm.
Photograph by: submitted , for Delta Optimist
Heritage B.C. has given the Corporation of Delta an Award of Honour for the Westham 100 event.
The Westham 100 celebration was held on March 27, 2010 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the opening of the swing bridge that connects the farming community of Westham Island to Delta.
The Westham 100 event was organized by a subcommittee of Delta's Heritage Advisory Commission, led by the commission chair, Coun. Anne Peterson, who explained in a news release, "It is an honour to be recognized for a community led celebration of this distinctive landmark in Delta. Good ideas can only succeed with the wholehearted support and efforts of our volunteers and sponsors. My congratulations and thanks to the community of Westham Island and all those who participated."
Westham 100 volunteers included Robert Butler and Gordon Ellis, who were acknowledged with the Friends of Heritage Award for their work on this project; the Delta Farmers' Institute, Delta Museum and Archives, Bruno Marti, La Belle Auberge staff and many others.
Nearly 300 Deltans, including many descendants of Westham Island's original settlers, came together to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the bridge, sharing stories and reminiscing about a century of farming and moving produce over a single-lane bridge.
"Our heritage is a valuable part of community pride and identity and the Westham 100 celebration represents both of these values," said Mayor Lois Jackson.
The award was one of six presented Sept. 30 at Heritage B.C.'s annual ceremony.
