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.
Encyclopedia of World Art Library Reading Room, 2nd floor Library and Arts Building. Presentation by the Brandon College Alumni Association of a cheque for the final payment on the Encyclopedia of World Art as a memorial to Ernestine R.W. Whiteside, former Lady Principal of Clark Hall. L to R William Bridgett, President, BCAA; F. Joan Garnett, General Secretary, BCAA; Eileen McFadden, College Librarian; Dr. R.F. B. King, Associate Dean of Arts and Chairman, Faculty Library Committee
Two works of art from the University Collection, south end Library Reading Room, McKenzie Building. Naming of the Robbins Library and opening of the Lightbody Reading area. L to R (numbered as on back of picture) 1) Dorothy Luchansky, 2) Lillian Phillips, 3) Prof. Marion Crowhurst ?, 4) Elsie Paterson (Stewart), 5) Stella Tolmie, 6) Shirley Gillespie, 7) Alice Gregory (Orr) (back), 8) Dr. Robert Brockway, 9) Dr. D.N.Wheeler (back), 10) Dr. R.F.B. King (part), 11) Marg. McKinnon Nos. 1-10 University Staff; 11-Mental Health Centre
Library Reading Room looking North, 2nd floor McKenzie Building. Naming of the Robbins Library and opening of the Lightbody reading area. L-R: Stanley Knowles, M.P. Chancellor, Dr. D. N. Wheeler, Chairman of the Faculty Library Committee, Georgia (Lightbody) Whitman, Dr. John E. Robbins, Dr. A. L. Dulmage
Library Reading Room, 2nd floor McKenzie Building. Tour of library by members of St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church associated with gifts of funds. L Father Rudachek, 2nd from L Helen Harris, front row: girl on left ___ Zwednicki
Initial layout of furnishings looking south. Library Reading Room, Library and Arts Building with Art Exhibit for official opening. People not identified
New Dining Room (?) Board of Directors Activities. l-r: Wilfred F.McGregor, Chairman, Board of Directors receiving cheque from Hon. Stewart McLean, Minister of Education.
book stacks on mezzanine. Tour of the Robbins Library by members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church (associated with presentation of funds) L to R 1) Helen Harris, 2),3),4),5), Father Rudachek, etc.
