Dunc. Russell - Victoria

The importance and value of a wide range of community recreation facilities is acknowledged by most British Columbians, but it hasn't always been that way. In 1956 when a committee proposed creation of a social and recreation facility for seniors in New Westminster, it was considered an unnecessary extravagance that would not be popular.

Dunc. Russell headed the committee that made that facility a reality.

He brought together more than 60 representatives from amateur sports, service clubs, art and culture, education and civic bodies - a complete cross section of city life - and set out to make community recreation a reality in New Westminster.

In 1964 Dunc. Russell moved to Port Alberni, and after three years of quiet persuasion and dynamic leadership, Echo Centre was built. With its world class indoor swimming pool, arts and crafts rooms, seniors' centre and museum, Echo Centre became the heart of the community and made Port Alberni the envy of many larger, richer communities. The standards set by this facility were copied all over the province.

In 1975 he was lured to Oak Bay by the municipal council. The result was construction of the justly-famous Oak Bay Recreation Centre.

For his work of more than 50 years, Dunc. Russell is often called the "father of Municipal Recreation in B.C."