Sub-series consists of records created and maintained by the Canadian National Railways, British Columbia Area, South District Office, Vancouver.
The records from the General Freight Traffic Office pertain to the movement and storage of all manner of freight, both within British Columbia and overseas. Records include but are not limited to records relating to: containerization, export lumber rates, adjustment of rail and ocean rates, grain exports, permit system on grain, Vancouver Harbour Commission, terminal arrangement, B.C. Wharf Operator's Association, labour conditions, monthly situation reports, traffic, grain elevators, trade relations, absorption of terminal charges, relations with shipping companies, strikes and labour disputes, committees, and industrial development.
The Transportation Office records include but are not limited to records relating to: relations with other railways, derailments, joint agreements, and terminals.
The records of the General Superintendent's office include but are not limited to records relating to: various railway stations in British Columbia (including buildings, platforms and shelters), construction of branches, proposed railway connections, sections of track operated jointly with other railway companies, relations with the Kamloops Indian Band, relations with other railway companies, consolidation of station facilities, interchanges, running lights, piers, ferry slips, cargo handling facilities, leases, port facilities, wharves, ships, cold storage plants, coal and oil storage sites, planer mill sites, warehouse sites, packing house sites, foreshore leases, log loading sites, booming grounds, and agricultural sites.
The Engineering office was responsible for the construction and maintenance of all CN facilities, including spur lines, roads, bridges, tunnels, docks, ferry slips, pipelines and sewer or water main crossings. Records include but are not limited to records relating to: reports on Deas Island spur, soil investigations, accidents, bridges and trestles, culverts, flood gates, overpasses, tunnels, dwellings, intermodal facilities, station buildings, docks and wharves, ferry slips, leases, property purchases, roads and highways, drainage, diversion channels, sewers, encroachments, easements, stabilization of roadbed and tracks, cuts and embankments, grade stabilization, track conditions and maintenance, fencing, vegetation and weed control, power line encroachment, public crossings, pipeline crossings, wire crossings, telephone and power line crossings, ballast, spurs, trackage, sidings, budges, industrial development, grievances, and water supply.
In addition, there are 553 agreements and contracts between CN and other parties which are arranged by contract number.
Records also include maps and plans, including but not limited to those relating to: rail yards, transfer facilities, loading platforms, stations grounds, rights of way, cities and towns in British Columbia, land surveys, joint sections of track, car ferry slips, track layout, rivers and soundings, harbour terminal trackage, industrial parks, chemical distribution centre, crossings, aerial maps, expropriation plans, docks and harbours, subdivision plans, and ferry terminals.
Records also include a volume of grade crossings for the British Columbia District, Vancouver Island Division, Smithers Division, and Kamloops Division. Grade crossings are for bridges and trestles for the years 1933-1945. The volume shows the name of the crossing, number, type, length, height, year built, capital charge, year rebuilt, quantities of material used, and remarks.
Records also include films, such as commercials, year end reviews, documentaries and other CN promotional films.
