TAYLOR, B.C.

Part of the Peace Country includes the northeast part of British Columbia and the small community of Taylor situated along Highway 97. This town is located 14 km south of Fort St. John, and has a population of 1,501.

MORE PHOTOS: Click on the mini-pictures above to enlarge photo.

Alexander Mackenzie travelled through this area in 1793 in search of the Northwest Passage. Taylor was named after Herbie Taylor, who settled in this area in 1912. He was a fur trader, trapper, farmer and ferryman. Herbie was the first to put up a sign "Taylor Flats", as that area was known as Taylor Flats for years. In 1923, the post office was opened at Taylor's farm and the community was officially named Taylor. In 1957 Canada's 1st natural gas pipeline was constructed from Taylor to the United States border. (Westcoast Transmissions Gas Line) In 1958 Taylor was incorporated as a Village.

On the south end of town, many make their way up the steep highway towards Dawson Creek. A Viewpoint along the highway gives many the opportunity to see the magnificent view of the valley below. The blue Taylor Bridge crosses the Peace River and the Gas Plants are also very visible. The Peace River Suspension Bridge opened in 1943 and was the longest bridge on the Alaska Highway at 2130 feet. Unfortunately it collapsed in 1957. It was rebuilt in 1960.

Crossing the Taylor Bridge you can view the Mighty Peace River below. (enlarge picture)	Employment is provided by Duke Energy, Canfor Taylor Pulp, Taylor Gas Liquids and North Peace Timber. (enlarge picture)

Within a 100 km of Taylor there is a population of about 54,000 people.

Taylor Events:
The World's Invitational Gold Panning Championships are held on the banks of the Peace River each year on the long weekend of August. (Friday through Sunday) The event kicks off with a parade, followed by a weekend of gold panning demonstrations, competitions, horseshoe tournament, arts and crafts fair, bingo, activities for the youngsters, BBQ, and a Pancake breakfast. Many golf tournaments take place throughout the summer at the Lone Wolf Golf Club. Sand Sensation features world-class sand carvers from around the world who create sand sculptures at Peace Island Park, in July. Mens and Ladies Bonspiels are held in January and February. The Taylor Olympics take place every year in February with frozen boot curling, human dog sled races, snow show race, and 4x4 skiing.