Site History

1889 – 1891

James McLean and Frank Ross open the Ross McLaren Mill in 1889. Soon the country's largest, the Mill is an ambitious project relying on the Fraser River as its main source of transportation. After James McLaren's death the Mill closes and lies idle for several years. In 1891 the District of Coquitlam is born.

1906 – 1909

The river is dredged so large ships can pass. The Mill reopens as the Fraser River Sawmills and soon breaks production records. The owners look to Quebec to solve a labour shortage — in 8 months more than 400 Francophones arrive and settle north of the Mill.
A manager's residence is built — today it is Place des Arts.

1912 – 1913

The Mill undergoes a major expansion in 1913 and a new plywood plant and shingle mill is added. Over the years the Francophone community grows and set down roots — in 1912 the town in which they live is named Maillardville after Father Edmond Maillard, the area's first parish Priest.

1918

The region is rapidly populated and quickly modernizes. In the span of four years both electricity and running water become available to the more than 30,000 residents.

1931 – 1934

The Great Depression hits the area hard and the Mill lays off most of its workers — the Francophone community's numbers dwindle Wage reductions lead to a six-week strike during which Maillardville rallies around millworkers by setting up soup kitchens and collecting donations from the wider community.

1935 – 2004

What is now commonly known as Fraser Mills operates under Crown Zellerbach Corporation for 40 years and produces lumber for the United Kingdom, Europe and North America. A costly upgrade aimed at modernizing the Mill along with anunforseen economic downturn forces the Mill to cease operations on October 1, 2001. Beedie Group acquires the site from International Forest Products Ltd in 2004.

2005 – 2007

The Beedie Group develops a new proposal for the site that includes a wide range of land uses. City of Coquitlam Council approves an Official Community Plan Amendment in March 2007.