Delta turns 139 years old today.
The city of more than 100,000 residents today was home to about 250 people back in 1879, 60 of whom signed a petition to the provincial government requesting Delta be incorporated.
Wanting to provide better services, the petitioners were seeking the power to tax and borrow to fund major projects such as roads and flood control.
The first election, after incorporation became official on Nov. 10, 1879, was held on Jan. 5, 1890. William Henry Ladner, the older of two brothers who had pre-empted land at the north end of Chilukthan Slough on his way to the Barkerville gold fields, was elected warden as the chief officer was then titled.
The first municipal hall was built on pilings in 1883 at the north end of Chilukthan Slough. It was replaced in 1912 by a larger and more dignified structure that still stands at the corner of Delta and Bridge streets.
