To share photographs and memories or view more of our collection on the Eburne area, please contact the Sea Island Heritage Society.
Eburne Island
In Feburary 1875, William (Harry) Eburne (1855-1924) arrived on Sea Island in British Columbia, and purchased Eburne Island in 1878. He opened a general store which became the North Arm Post Office in 1885. Eburne was a well-known businessman and chicken farmer and his name was given to the business district that emerged in the area now known as Marpole (Vancouver).
The Eburne area originally consisted of land on Sea Island, the North Arm of the Fraser River and Eburne Island. When the area of Eburne on the North Arm was renamed Marpole in 1916, the use of the name for the Richmond lands gradually disappeared.
Residents and Businesses of Eburne
The Eburne area was located on the northeast corner of Sea Island, along the North Arm of the Fraser River and close to the Marpole and Eburne bridges, where it was, and still is common to see tugboats on the river.
The Eburne community once stood where the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet mall is now. Sea Island and Lulu Island were joined by the Eburne Bridge (about where the Canada Line crossing is now).
In this 1954 photograph retrieved from the City of Richmond Archives, the bridge on the left is the Marpole Bridge, joining Marpole in Vancouver with Sea Island. The Eburne bridge at right joins Sea Island to Lulu Island, which is Richmond. By 1957, the Oak Street Bridge was opened and the Marpole Bridge dismantled.
The next time you are headed to Vancouver International Airport, imagine a hundred or more years back, when you could stroll across the Marpole Bridge to Eburne, over the North Arm of the Fraser River, between Marpole and Sea Island.
Airport Road
Sea Island Heritage Society continues to try to identify all residents of Airport Road in Eburne, and would appreciate your help or reference to individuals who can assist. Click any of the links below to view the list of residents and addresses compiled over the years.