Village of Ashcroft Pocket Guide 2022

Experience Ashcroft

AN OASIS IN CANADA’S ONLY TRUE DESERT

ASHCROFT MUSEUM

Open mid-April to the end of October Monday to Friday 9-4 Open weekends July through August Entrance by donation Phone 250-453-9232

Preserved in time

Fire & Ambulance Call 911 Ashcroft Hospital & Community Health Centre 700 Ash-Cache Creek Hwy Ashcroft, BC V0K 1A0 Phone: 250-453-2211 Ashcroft RCMP Detachment 720 Elm St Ashcroft BC V0K 1A0 Phone: 250-453-2216 Emergency Services (TNRD) Phone: 250-377-8673 THE VILLAGE OF ASHCROFT Incorporated in 1952 Elevation:335m (1099 ft) Area: 51.45 km² Population: 1,558 (2016)

Official flower: Day Lily

This guide was developed by the EDTC and funded, in part, by COVID-19 Safe Restart Grant and:

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EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Welcome............................... 4 History................................. 5 A Desert Oasis.................... 6 Culture..................................7 Recreation............................ 8 Map..................................... 10 Arts...................................... 13 Local Businesses.................14 Artisans...............................18

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AVERAGE TEMPS. Spring..................-7C to 16C Summer.............. 12C to 32C Winter................-14C to -3C Fall...................... -6C to 17C

If not otherwise credited all photos are property of Village of Ashcroft.

COVER PHOTO:

Wellness Awaits You

Prickly Pear, Stefanie Murphy.

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Welcome Nestled on the banks of the mighty Thompson River, Ashcroft has a clean, dry desert climate and four distinct seasons which allow for a wide variety of outdoor activities all year round.

Ashcroft began life in 1885 as a railway town, and played an important role during the Gold Rush days and the development of the province. Much of that history can be seen throughout the town and in Ashcroft’s museum, considered one of the best in B.C. Take a walking tour of the community’s many historic homes and buildings, view the dozens of stunning glass mosaics and murals that celebrate Ashcroft’s heritage and natural beauty, or pause for reflection at the historic Chinese cemetery. Ashcroft offers today’s traveller a variety of activities, events, and unique shopping and dining opportunities. We invite you to visit and discover all we have to offer.

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Memories MUSEUM

Ashcroft’s award-winning museum allows visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in the town’s history as they experience the way life used to be.

CHINESE CEMETERY

The historic Chinese cemetery has been recognized by the Province of B.C. and lovingly restored as a tribute to the Chinese settlers who played a major role in Ashcroft’s early days.

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A Desert Oasis HERITAGE PARK

An oasis in the desert, the Heritage Park highlights Ashcroft’s history and provides plenty of things to do, whether it’s taking a break by the water wheel, having a picnic, or discovering some of the park’s beautiful mosaics.

POOL PARK

Keep your cool at the Ashcroft pool park, which offers seasonal swimming, plenty of park space, and a year-round playground.

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DANIELLE NELSON

All Aboard !

TRAINS

All aboard! Ashcroft started life as an important railway depot, and trainspotters will find plenty of opportunities to explore the town’s railway roots.

HARMONY BELL TOWER

The Harmony Bell tower celebrates the First Nations, Chinese, Japanese, and settler people who created Ashcroft and made it their home.

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KELLY FUNK: GOLD COUNTRY

Adventure TRAILS

From a gentle stroll around the Heritage Park to self-guided walking tours of downtown Ashcroft to hiking the scenic Inukshuk and Three Meadows trails and biking or watching the sunset over the desert hills, there are activities for everyone in and around Ashcroft.

Discover the wonderful world of geocaching! Explore Ashcroft by finding some of the many geocaches hidden in the town, in a fun-filled activity that’s suitable for all ages.

MUNICIPAL RECREATION

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STEFANIE MURPHY

Whether you like to swim, skate, curl, skateboard, or play hockey, soccer, or baseball, you’ll find Ashcroft has all the amenities you need.

KELLY FUNK: GOLD COUNTRY

GEOCACHING

KRIS HARDY

KRIS HARDY

Wonderland WINTER

KRIS HARDY

The area around Ashcroft is a winter wonderland, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and with everything from ice fishing to snowmobiling. Prefer your winter sports indoors? Check out Drylands Arena for hockey and skating, or the curling rink if you want to throw a few rocks.

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Wellness Awaits You

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VILLAGE OF ASHCROFT 601 Bancroft Street PO Box 129 Ashcroft BC V0K1A0 admin@ashcroftbc.ca Phone: 250-453-9161 Toll Free: 1-877-453-9161

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MAP LEGEND

15 312 4TH ST. Built 1932, originally the 31 LEGACY PARK CAMPGROUND Bank of Montreal.

Not a historic site, but an RV campground.

16 311 BRINK ST. Built 1895. The upstairs was the IOOF Hall Lodge #23.

1 HERITAGE PLACE PARK A Millennium Downstairs was first occupied by Oliver Project titled, "A Walk Through Time" and Harvey, then by Melvin Bryson, the a must to wander through!

Customs Agent.

2 ASHCROFT CEMETERY Circa 1889.

17 MURAL painted by Jo & Greg Petty in There are stones that date back earlier, honour of Remembrance Day. but they were moved here afterwards.

18 303 3RD ST. Built 1932 by Mrs Smith 3 612 BRINK ST. Built 1905 by original as the "Ashcroft Grocery Store." It became owner Mr. Christie, the Government Agent. the Ashcroft Bakery in the 1960's.

4 602 BRINK ST. Built 1914 by Dr. 19 210 BRINK ST. Built 1936 for Tan Whitman and later bought by Leslie Louie. There were no written or drawn Cameron, an employee of Inland Express. plans for the house, it was built entirely 5 601 BRINK ST. Built 1911 by by memory.

J.C.Shields, an electrical engineer.

20 207 BRINK ST. Built 1900 by Billy Designed as a pre-cut house constructed McKenna. in 4 foot lengths!

21 202 BRINK ST. Built 1917 as a 6 601 BANCROFT ST. Originally built livery stable. John Bundus took over the 1913 as the Lady Minto Hospital. It was stable in 1933, put in a cement floor and replaced by the present hospital in 1970. operated it as a Blacksmith shop which The Village Office is now located here. was operated by three generations of the 7 511 BRINK ST. Built in 1900 by J.B. Bundus family until 2016.

Bryson for D. Murphy.

22 CARIBOO FREIGHT WAGON Built 8 507 BRINK ST. Built early 1900's.

1863 by Isaac Lehman to haul freight The columns and porch were moved here to the Cariboo Wagon was rebuilt in from Walhachin.

1992/1993 and donated to the village.

It was installed at the entrance to town 9 504 BRINK ST. Built in 1904 in 1993.

by Marcus Bailey.

23 ASHCROFT FIRE HALL Originally 10 501 BRINK ST. St. Albans Anglican built 1899. Replica built 1918 and was Church. Built 1891 by Contractor William moved to the present site 1994.

Higginbottom for $500. The bell was purchased from England for $400 24 114 RAILWAY AVE. Built 1916 as and was used to alert the community Wing Wo Lung, a general store. This is the whenever there was a fire until the Fire only surviving store from Ashcroft's China Hall was built in 1899.

Town. A must see on the north side of the building are three mosaic glass murals.

11 403 BRINK ST. Built 1901 by Dr F.S.Reynolds, owner/editor of the Journal 25 ORIGINAL SITE OF THE GRAND newspaper. In 1922 it was acquired by CENTRAL HOTEL Burned down in 1916 the Masonic Lodge. Previously, the site fire, rebuilt 1920 as the Central Hotel. held the Courthouse and jail.

Used as a hotel until the 1950's, presently the Central Café.

12 401 BRINK ST. Built 1889 as "The Town Hall" and renovated 1898 as an 26 SPUD PARK Beside present Fire Hall.

Opera House. Operated by McGillvray 27 BUFFALO MURAL Created for the and Veasy. Remodelled in 1911, it movie "An Unfinished Life." Local artist showed silent movies, concerts and plays.

Jo Petty was one of the artists involved in Reopened as a movie theatre in 1929. painting the Mural.

Now privately owned.

28 HARVEY BAILEY BUILDING SITE 13 404 BRINK ST. Erected 1917 as Built originally in 1885. Burned down the Dominion Public Building. Housed in the 1916 fire and rebuilt same year. the Post Office, telephone & telegraph Burned down again in 2001. All that offices. Has operated as the Ashcroft remains is the safe.

Museum since 1982.

29 HISTORIC PHOTOS On Railway Ave at 14 404 4TH ST. Built 1898 and occupied Lady Minto Place Mall. by the BC Mining Journal. It became 30 601 RAILWAY AVE. The BX Building, The Ashcroft Journal in 1899, and built 1911 for BC Express. In 1924 it was operated from 1912–1978 by the became the cannery office. In 1925 it Cumming family. Now occupied by became the Government Office. Now The Ashcroft-Cache Creek Journal. used as a private residence.

HISTORIC WALKING TOUR

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32 CHINESE CEMETERY Once neglected the cemetery contains about 60 grave sites. Recently been revitalized by the local Rotary and Lions Clubs. Includes an information kiosk, mosaic glass mural and bench. Off street parking is available.

MOSIACS 33 CN RAIL 100YRS MOSAIC 34 SAFETY MART MOSAICS 35 ELEPHANT HILL FIRE Commemorating the 2017 Elephant Hill Fire 36 WINDS OF CHANGE 37 TEA CUP MOSAIC 38 ROLGEAR BUILDING Features a variety of mosaics and paintings celebrating Ashcroft's history and heritage.

39 PHOENIX RISING MOSAIC 40 LEGION MANY HANDS MOSAIC 41 STRONGER TOGETHER MOSAIC This mosaic was created as a collaborative project involving first responders and their families.

42 FULL CIRCLE MOSAIC 43 ST. ALBAN'S MOSAICS Four mosaics are located in the entry of the church and were created to be an exact replica of the Map of Egypt through the Middle East.

44 4H MOSAIC 45 RIVER RUNS THROUGH MOSAIC Installed during 2014 Wellness Festival.

46 JAPANESE MURAL In 2000, Japanese artist Kazuhiko Nagaki and several students from Bifuka, Japan (Ashcroft's sister city) painted this mural.

47 WELLNESS AWAITS YOU MOSAIC 48 ASHCROFT TRAIN STATION MOSAIC 49 COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM MOSAICS Three Mosaics designed by local artist Marina Papais in recognition of CIB celebrating their 10th Anniversary.

50 A.Y.JACKSON ASHCROFT MOSAIC Marina Papais designed and created this mosaic after the Group of Seven artist A.Y. Jackson who painted Ashcroft in 1945.

51 HARMONY BELL MOSAIC Recognizing four of the predominant cultures that helped build Ashcroft.

Completed 2018. Marina Papais and Daniel Collett are largely responsible for mosaics working with volunteers and village crew to create four Mosaic panels, a bell tower, interlocking brick and benches.

BILL LOWE

Art Scene

MOSAIC/MURALS/ART

MARINA PAPAIS

ROYDEN JOSEPHSON

MARINA PAPAIS

Ashcroft has a thriving art community, and dozens of unique and beautiful artworks are all over town, from stunning glass mosaics to murals on many of the town’s buildings.

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ASHCROFT APARTMENTS & MOTEL

715 Railway Avenue, Ashcroft, BC 250-453-9129 info@ashcroftmotel.com "Friendly courteous and a pleasure to stay"

ASHCROFT ART & ARTISANS

Located inside the Ashcroft HUB at 711 Hill Street, Ashcroft BC 250-457-0561

ASHCROFT BAKERY & COFFEE SHOP

151 – 3rd Street, Ashcroft BC 250-453-9212 loveashcroft.com "Delightful Gem on a side street in town!

Friendly service. Fresh food.

Fantastic baked goods."

THE ASHCROFT HUB

It’s happenin’ at the HUB! 711 Hill Street, Ashcroft BC 250-453-9177 ashcrofthub.ca or loveashcroft.com For wellness, recreation and the arts

ASHCROFT I.D.A PHARMACY

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400-210 Railway Ave, Ashcroft, BC 250-453-2537 Monday To Friday 9:00am – 5:30pm Saturday 10:00am – 3:00pm Local pharmacy. Local care.

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ASHCROFT SAM’S DINER

202 Brink St, Ashcroft BC 250-457-3510 ashcroftsamsdiner@icloud.com loveashcroft.com Burgers, Sandwiches, Noodles, Wontons

Downtown THE HEART OF ASHCROFT

Tired of cookie-cutter main streets that feature the same chain brands? Ashcroft has a variety of unique restaurants and shops, where you'll find one-of-a-kind products and friendly service.

BECCA’S BARBER & BEAUTY SHOP

210-200 Railway Ave, Ashcroft BC 250-457-3124 "Becca is amazing and the hair queen!"

BLUE SAGE BED & BREAKFAST

Jim & Martina Duncan 405 Brink Street, Ashcroft BC bluesagebnb@gmail.com 250-453-2202 bbexpo.com/bluesage The perfect place to rest and relax!

ASHCROFT BIKES

Half / Full Day or Hourly* Rates *minimum 2 hours Helmet & Bike Lock included 778-207-3000 ashcroftbikes.ca Cruise Ashcroft in style!

THE BLOOMIN' PAINTBRUSH

778-207-3000 605 & 607 Railway Avenue, Ashcroft BC marilynandersonart.com Artist Studio & Sale, Art Lessons, Events, Bicycle Rentals

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CHEVRON-KFC

250-453-2606 chevronkfc@gmail.com We do delivery

COMMUNITY FUTURES

250-453-9165 vision@cfsun.ca Start, expand, sell your business

HOME HARDWARE BUILDING CENTRE

Ashcroft Home Building Centre 501 Railway Avenue, Ashcroft BC 250-453-2281 "My go to place in town to grab anything from a hook to a ladder"

GRAND CENTRAL RESTAURANT

209 Railway Ave Ashcroft BC 250-453-9360 We do catering for all occasions

NATURE’S GIFTS

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413 Railway Ave, Ashcroft BC 250-453-9309 loveashcroft.com Top Quality Vitamins & Supplements, Health Foods, Unique Gifts, Women’s Clothing, Essential Oils

QUALITY GLASS LTD.

107 Brink Street, Ashcroft, BC 250-453-9017 or 250-457-7482 qualityglass@coppervalley.bc.ca tirecraft.com Autoglass, Tires, Residential Windows & Doors

WILLOW’N BED & BREAKFAST

Pache & Patricia Denis 570 Mesa Vista Drive, Ashcroft, BC 250-453-9227 pdenis@telus.net bbexpo.com/willow 270 degree unobstructed view UNITEA CAFÉ AND LOUNGE

605 Railway Ave, Ashcroft BC 250-457-1145 loveashcroft.com Licensed café, music venue & lounge.

Food, tea, coffee, beer, wine & cocktails!

Mexican, Greek and comfort food!

Always fresh & delicious.

THOMPSON VALLEY FUNERAL HOME LTD.

Shawn Molner, Owner/Operator 660 Highway 97C, Ashcroft BC shawn@tvfh.ca tvfh.ca Ordinary people.

Extraordinary care.

SLIM JIM’S 50’S DINER

110 Railway, Ashcroft 11:30 – 7 pm Wed – Sun 250-453-2230 Gourmet Burgers, Schnitzel, Steaks & Shakes

REVELATIONS

415 Railway Ave Ashcroft BC 250-453-9339 Waxing – Pedicure – Manicure Permanent Make-up Clothing – Helium Balloons

ROLGEAR®

114 Railway Avenue, Ashcroft 1-844-ROL-GEAR rolgear.com loveashcroft.com Fastener drivers We RATCHET... different

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Handmade

FROM OUR ARTISANS

Ashcroft is home to an amazing variety of artists and artisans, and their work is widely available.

Whether you're looking for a unique piece of jewellery, homemade soap, wood carvings, pottery, paintings, or more, you'll find that special something to take home as a gift (or keep for yourself).

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Wheelchair accessible Slide Diving board Children’s playgrounds Covered Picnic Tables Soccer Fields Baseball Fields

ASHCROFT POOL PARK 561 Elm Street, Ashcroft 250-453-9031 ashcroftpool@ashcroftbc.ca ashcroftbc.ca

TNRD-BPRYCE

HERITAGE PARK 700 Railway Street, Ashcroft 250-453-9161 admin@ashcroftbc.ca ashcroftbc.ca

Wheelchair accessible Walking path Interpretive signs Mosaics Sitting benches Picnic tables Washroom Gazebo Water features

Power Water/Sewer Sani-dump Showers Washrooms Laundry

Camp by the River in Ashcroft at

[ L EG ACY

PA RK

Open May – October

R E S E R VAT I O N S :

250-453-2642

ashcroftlegacypark@gmail.com

Wellness Awaits You

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