View of Eagles Estate, circa 1935
[Photo courtesy Philip Herring]

The City of Burnaby is pleased to announce a new partnership with TLC The Land Conservancy of British Columbia to restore and manage the historic Eagles Estate Heritage Garden in Deer Lake Park.

Constructed in 1929, the Eagles Estate is located on the southeast shore of Deer Lake at the corner of Sperling Avenue and Deer Lake Drive (5655 Sperling Avenue). Developed for over 60 years by esteemed Burnaby residents Dr. Blythe Eagles and Dr. Violet Eagles, the estate featured a magical 1.6 acre garden designed by Frank E. Buck, a pioneer Canadian horticulturalist. The house and property were purchased by the City in 1995 from the Eagles family for inclusion into Deer Lake Park and was recognized as a civic heritage site.

A heritage value assessment of the Eagles Estate Heritage Garden revealed that it is highly significant garden in British Columbia, based on its historic, artistic and cultural significance, combined with its physical integrity and its context within the Deer Lake Park heritage precinct. The garden's significance led the City of Burnaby to look for a partner to return the garden to its former glory through a high level of restoration. The new conservation plan will see the Eagles Estate become one of Deer Lake Park's horticultural attractions through a volunteer program operated by TLC The Land Conservancy of British Columbia, who will open an office in the Eagles house in July, 2003.

Children performing in Eagles Garden,
circa 1963
[Photo Courtesy Philip Herring]

TLC The Land Conservancy of B.C. is a registered, charitable, non-profit land trust, established in spring 1997 and modeled after the National Trust of Britain. Its mandate includes the protection of biodiversity, cultural and natural heritage areas, and areas of scenic, recreational and scientific importance within British Columbia. Since its inception almost six years ago, TLC has raised over $14 million to purchase and protect environmentally sensitive lands throughout B.C. TLC now owns over 9,000 acres, holds long term leases on an additional 75,000 acres, and has covenants on over 2,000 acres, protecting a total of over 86,000 acres throughout the province.

If you have an interest in participating as a volunteer or contributing to this civic heritage project, or would like more information about the Eagles Estate Heritage Garden Project please call 604.294.7400.

For more information on TLC The Land Conservancy of British Columbia visit their website at www.conservancy.bc.ca - [NEW WINDOW]