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 about 1,384 (2006).

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 below 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.

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

Besides being known for its fresh grown corn, Taylor is rich in forestry. The Canfor Lumber Mill and Planer operation is located on the outskirts of town. It began operation in the area in 1989. Fibreco Pulpmill opened in 1988. North Peace Timber also operates here. Besides lumber, Taylor has a good supply of gas. Duke Energy Gas Plant and Solex Natural Gas Liquid Extraction Plant provides employment for the residents of Taylor.

Special 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. (Saturday and Sunday) The event kicks off with a parade, gold panning demonstrations, competitions, horseshoe tournament, arts and crafts fair, bingo, and activities for the youngsters. BBQ, Pancake breakfast. Many golf tournaments take place throughout the summer at the Lone Wolf Golf Club. Mens and Ladies Bonspiels are held in January and February. The Annual Dog sled Races are held in December.

2008 EVENTS OF THE PEACE COUNTRY

At Taylor, you can see the largest golf ball located at the Lone Wolf Golf Club. The ball is 12.89 metres in diameter and weighs 37 tons. It was once an old fuel tank.

Taylor Visitor Information Centre is open May to September. Mile 36 of the Alaska Highway. It is a 1932 log cabin. (250) 789-9015.

Church of Good Shepard was built in 1932 by a group of volunteers in memory of the four Hoffstrom daughters who drowned when their car rolled off the ferry.

Taylor Community Hall and Cenotaph features photos of Taylor's history. Includes Taylor's war veterans and the army who built the Alaska Highway. Next to it is the Pool and Curling Rink as well as the District Ice Centre which opened in 1993.

Taylor Curling Club. 4 sheets of ice, variety of Bonspiels, lounge upstairs. (250) 789-3734.

Taylor Elementary School is located on the north side of town with up to 140 students attending. The first school in Taylor opened in 1919 and was called the Taylor Flats School. 945 Birch Avenue West. (250) 789-3323.
School Website