Deep and Sheltered Waters: The History of Tod Inlet

By David R. Gray, 2020, Royal BC Museum

https://shop.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/product/deep-and-sheltered-waters/

This new book tells the fascinating story of the people and community of Tod Inlet, near Victoria, BC. The author draws from archaeological surveys, interviews with elders of the Tsartlip First Nation and descendants of the Chinese, Sikh and white workers from the lost community, and extensive archives research. This well-illustrated book includes the history of the Vancouver Portland Cement Company and cement plant, as well as the development of the world-famous Butchart Gardens, which started in an abandoned limestone quarry. Gray tells a complex story of the long-abandoned company town, the immigrant workers’ living and working conditions, and the transformation to a provincial park. He demonstrates how the story of the people of Tod Inlet extends north to Alaska, south to California, and east to Ontario. The wealth of history at Tod Inlet reflects much of the history of the entire province, and indeed the history of Canada.