It’s safe to assume bootlegger Arthur Whalley didn’t know residents would be so passionate about honouring his name decades later.
But they are. Locals are celebrating after the city installed street signs, giving Whalley’s Corner around 108th Avenue and King George Boulevard historical designation, after they lobbied for it.
"Getting this historical district is a huge win for the community. And if the city really thinks about it, it’s a huge win for the city because now we’re closer. And isn’t that what it’s all about?" said Pete Nichols, owner of Whalley Printers and a member of the Whalley Community Improvement Association that formed to ensure the area is not left behind.
"After all we’ve been through, we’re here, we’re proud of who we are and we’re not going anywhere."
Read Amy Reid’s first report in a special series we call ‘Waking up Whalley’s Corner’ on page 8 in today’s issue.
