Series GR-1448 - Centennial '58 Committee records

The British Columbia Centennial Committee was established in 1956 by the Centennial Celebration Act (Statutes of British Columbia, 1956, 4-5 Eliz. 2, c. 56) to provide for the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary in 1958 of the establishment of the mainland colony of British Columbia.

The members, honorary officers, and honorary members of the Committee were appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council. The Board of Directors, consisting of eight members selected by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, was responsible for the management and administration of all business and affairs of the Committee, including control of the revenues and expenditures. It had the authority to appoint sub-committees, to establish a centennial advisory council, to make financial assistance grants, and to select an emblem for the Committee. Seventeen sub-committees were appointed and three hundred and thirty-three Local Centennial Committees were established in communities throughout the province.

The chairman of the Committee was Lawrence J. Wallace, who was also Deputy Provincial Secretary. Funding was provided by the Government of British Columbia and by other grants and gifts. The duties, functions and powers of the Committee included:

1. making and carrying out arrangements necessary for organizing a celebration;
2. entering into agreements and arrangements with any person, association, or organization for the purpose of planning, co-ordinating, and organizing the celebrations; 3. making orders as required for the purpose of carrying out these duties and functions.

Through the British Columbia Centennial Committee, the provincial government provided grants-in-aid to assist communities with special centennial projects. Major events, educational, cultural and historical programmes also received financial assistance.

The Committee was disbanded after submission of its final report in February 1959.