Donkersloot began working at Brandon University in 1970/1971 as the Clerk of Works. From 1973 until his retirement, he was the Director of Physical Plant.
The 1960s campus expansion necessitated a large, updated heat source so a central steam plant fueled by coal was built north of the campus adjacent to the CPR rail lines on Pacific Avenue. A 25-year agreement was made between the University and John R. Brodie of the Great West Coal Company, which guaranteed BU lower coal prices tendered by the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railways on an annual basis. Brandon College Engineer John Kasiurak officially opened the Heating Plant on 24 January 1962. An extension and/or upgrade of the steam plant appears to have occurred in 1970.
Until the 1990s, heat was piped underground to the campus from the Pacific Avenue Heating Plant but inspection standards were outpacing the maintenance and repairs required to keep the plant operating smoothly. Consequently, a new steam plant was built immediately adjacent to the University to the west of Darrach Hall on 20th Street. This building was essential to handling additional loads from the proposed library expansion. The original steam plant was subsequently sold.
Custodial History
Photograph was taken by Tom Donkersloot during construction and stored in albums in the Physical Plant H-Hut until they were transfered to the McKee Archives by Doug Duncalf in May 2008.
Scope and Content
Photograph shows the roof of Brandon University's coal steam plant at 20th Street and Pacific Avenue, as well as the residential area nearby. The photograph appears to be looking west.
Notes
Donkersloot recorded the date and time each photograph was taken on the back of the photos.
Caption on the photograph: President Dr. J.R.C. Evans gets the Field Day underway by ? for the men's 100 yard dash.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the 100 yard dash held at Kinsmen Stadium during Brandon College's track and field day. L-R: Lloyd Henderson, ?, ?, Jerry Jerrett, ?, ?, Jack Medd.
The photograph was taken for the Centennial of Brandon College/University.
Scope and Content
Aerial photograph taken looking southwest from approximately the northeast corner of Princess Avenue and 17th Street. The entire campus, as well as a number of residential streets are visible.
The photograph may have been taken for Brandon University's centennial.
Scope and Content
Photograph is looking northeast from approximately Victoria Avenue and 21st Street and shows the Brandon University campus, Kinsmen Stadium, the Assiniboine River and a number of residential neighbourhoods.
The death of Robin Hood -- The escape of Robin Hood -- Robin Hood and Allan-a-Dale -- Robin Hood and Little John -- Robin Hood and Sir Guy of Gisborne -- Robin Hood and the butcher -- Robin Hood and the fighting friar -- Robin Hood and the king -- Robin Hood and the poor knight -- Robin Hood and the widow's three sons -- Robin Hood goes fishing -- The sheriff among the outlaws