McConnell Creek

Area description

McConnell Creek is the wilder, forested territory above the low farmlands of Hatzic Prairie, and it extends about as far south as Durieu Road. At its north end are the picturesque Cascade Falls, with an estimated 167-foot drop, plunging down to the waters of Cascade Creek. This creek has been known as McConnell Creek since the early days, taking its name from Jack McConnell, who logged in the forests alongside it. It was a productive logging area, and several sawmills and logging camps were active here, particularly from the 1920s to the 1940s.

The community eventually included a school, a hall, a small store, and a church, but did not have any concentrated commercial centre. The nearest post office was situated in a home in Durieu, midway between McConnell Creek and Hatzic Prairie. The area today remains quietly rural, with two small lakes – Allan Lake and Davies Lake. However, in the remote northern area are two large ranch-type properties – one is now a base for movie sets, and the other was once a remedial centre but has recently been acquired for a Khalsa school centre.