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.
Scope and Content
Photograph shows the representative for the construction firm turning over the keys of Brandon University's new Steam Plant to Wilf McGregor at the Steam Plant opening. L to R: Wilfred F. McGregor (Chairman of Brandon College Board of Directors), E. Murray Simpson, Architect (representing GBA Associates) and ? (representing the Construction firm).
Item consists of nine contact prints. Images were taken at the opening of McMaster Hall, the towers residence. 1. Lyle Dick (at microphone) 2. ? 3. Mayor William (Bill) Wilton (at microphone) 4. Walter Dinsdale (at microphone) 5. Walter Dinsdale 6. Lloyd Dulmage (at microphone) 7. Prof R. Murray Simmons (at microphone) 8. Prof. Murray Simmons.
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