Ladner, British Columbia

The Historic Village of Ladner

Attracted by Delta's agricultural potential, Thomas and William Ladner came to the area in 1868 and began farming. By 1879 present day Ladner had been staked out and granted municipal status. Ladner's Landing became the thriving centre of Delta's farming and fishing community by the turn of the century.

An extensive diking and drainage system alleviated the flooding problems that had previously plagued Delta farmers, enabling them to produce bountiful crops from the fertile soil. Numerous canneries located along the Fraser River provided seasonal employment for many of Ladner's Chinese residents. The Chinese community was located on the dyke along River Road until 1914, when most of the buildings in Chinatown were destroyed by fire. By the early 1900's Ladner was a prosperous community that boasted a variety of goods and services to accommodate a growing population.

Modern day Ladner (pop 21,800+ including the rural areas) is an older established small town of great charm. Delta's municipal centre is located in Ladner and contains the new Municipal Hall, Health Centre, Justice Building, Transit Exchange, ice arena and swimming pool.

The surrounding area of Ladner includes great parks and recreational areas. Deas Island Regional Park, in the middle of the Fraser at the south end of the Massey Tunnel, provides great close-up views of river traffic. The George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Westham Island west of Ladner is a rest-stop for thousands of birds. The fall snow goose arrival is spectacular. The newly acquired Boundary Bay Regional Park is another good Delta nature spot.

Quaint shops and boutiques can be found in the center of the Village, along with the Delta Museum and Archives. Through the summer the Ladner Village Market thrives certain Sundays of each month.

Ladner still has the atmosphere of the village that was built with pride by the pioneer farmer and fisherman families that came here over a century ago.