Hilliers, British Columbia

Hilliers is a village located on Vancouver Island, in the province of British Columbia, Canada. As of the 2021 Census, it had a population of 1,590. It's neighbouring communities are Errington, Coombs, and Qualicum Beach.[1]

Hilliers
Village
Hilliers is located in Vancouver Island
Hilliers
Hilliers
Location of Hilliers in British Columbia
Hilliers is located in British Columbia
Hilliers
Hilliers
Hilliers (British Columbia)
Coordinates: 49°31′N 124°48′W / 49.517°N 124.800°W / 49.517; -124.800
CountryCanada
ProvinceBritish Columbia
Regional districtNanaimo
Area
 • Total29.05 km2 (11.22 sq mi)
Population
 (2021)
 • Total1,590
 • Density54.7/km2 (142/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC-8 (Pacific Standard (PST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-7 (PDT)

History

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In 1913, the first annual Fall Fair was held in Hilliers.[2] In 1923 the Fall fair was moved to neighbouring Coombs, and has been held there ever since.

In 1947, a group of 200 Doukhoubors set up a communal farm in Hilliers. They purchased a 348 acre plot, tilled the land and grew crops, built a school, and a canning plant. They lived on the farm for six years before leaving the area.[3][4]

Geography

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Hamilton Marsh, part of the French Creek Watershed, is located in Hilliers. It is accessible to the public and cared for by The Hamilton Wetlands and Forest Preservation Society.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (2022-02-09). "Profile table, Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population - Hilliers, Unincorporated place (UNP) [Designated place], British Columbia". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  2. ^ "100th Coombs Fair coming up". Parksville Qualicum Beach News. 2013-08-06. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
  3. ^ Kalmakoff, Jonathan J. (2020-01-24). "Hilliers Communal Farm was Short-Lived". Doukhobor Heritage. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  4. ^ "The Doukhobor Colony in Hilliers". Coombs History. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  5. ^ "Hamilton Marsh". Hamilton Marsh. Retrieved 2024-01-06.