Cecil Lake
Cecil Lake is a farming community about 30 km (20 miles) east of Fort St. John. It takes its name from the lake (actually a large slough) which was named after Major Cecil Mortimer, one of the crew members that first surveyed the area. The land is used to grow mostly grain while some ranching also occurs. Timber was the community’s second industry; there was at one time seventeen sawmills in the area, both large and small. By 2000 there were still a few small sawmills in operation. Settlers could clear a space for their houses and use the logs they cut to build their first home. The remaining land could be cleared for farming with the logs sent to the sawmills. In the late 60s the first oil well was drilled. Working in the oil patch meant hard cash for the men so they could improve their farming operation or update their homes.
Homesteaders settled in three different areas of Cecil Lake. Each had their own school; Erinlea, Cecil Lake and Transpine. In 1966 all three schools were amalgamated into the Transpine, then in 1969 all rural schools on that side of the river were consolidated into one, the Clearview School. The Gough Memorial Outpost Hospital, staffed by two people, was built with funds given in memory of Prebendary Gough of Holy Trinity congregation in London, England.
In 1938, with money supplied by the Fellowship of the West a log church, St. Matthias Anglican Church at Cecil Lake was erected. The centre for the Catholic religion was at Joe Whitford’s house and later at May and Bob Barrette’s home. Cecil Lake Christian Fellowship began in the early 60’s when some families felt a need for a regular, weekly Sunday school and Bible Study. Services were held at various homes until the present location at the Old Transpine School.
A variety of organizations have existed in the community, including the Recreation Commission, Women’s Institute, 4-H, the legion, Farmers’ Institute, Girl Guides, Brownies, Beavers, Cubs and Boy Scouts. The Cecil Lake Hall was built in 1946 and was used for dances, community suppers and many other events. A new hall was constructed in 1968.
Community Facilities
| Facility | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clearview Arena | Plan 18274 33-84-15 | Ice arena |
| Moose Creek Outdoor Recreation Grounds | East side of the lake, NE¼ & S½ Sec 35, SW¼ 36-84-15 | Outdoor recreation |
| Cecil Lake Recreation Commission | Along Cecil Lake Rd, Plan 6229 26-84-17 | 5 acre site |
| Cecil Lake Christian Fellowship | 4607 Cecil Lake Road, DL 1479 | 2 acres since early 60’s |
| St. Matthias Anglican Church | 4923 Cecil Lake Road, Plan B5095 23-84-17 | 2.00 acres Built in 1938 |
Visitor Comments
The students that attended the student dormitory in Ft.St.John are having a dorm reunion , the august long weekend in 2012. Any people that attended as asked to go on a facebook site called
'Fort St.John Dormitory' or email henselregina@live.com or call Regina Hensel @ 778-866-1736 for reunion details. I would appreciate if this message got passed on to your meetings.
Could you please tell me where I can purchase the Cecil Lake History book?
Thank-you.
I am amazed that the Blenkin family is remembered in Cecil Lake. We were not there for that long, but it had a huge impact on our family. Living in a log house without water or power, on a road a quarter mile long into the cabin that was never plowed or graded has an impact on a person. I remember how warmly we were welcomed into the community, how much fun we had at community dinners and dances, skit shows and celebrations. Of the five children remaining, Pat, Nahlene, Sylvia, Don and Tim, we all live on Vancouver island now, but have very fond memories of the north.
Hi Sylvia, I have been trying to locate you and Nahlene for awhile now, hoping this message reaches you. Please respond if you recieve it. Thanks. My parents lived in Cecil Lake as well, their names are Fred and Emma Wood. Waiting to hear from you. Nellie
Good to hear from you Nellie. I couldn't seem to address you directly, so hope you see this message and can reply to me. Nahlene and I both live on Vancouver Island now, and would love to be in touch. sblenkin@shaw.ca.
I am looking for a family that used to live in Cecil Lake in the 1950-1969's
by the name of Belynkin (I am not sure of the spelling)...their eldest daughter was the first to marry in St.Matheus Church and their younger daughter, Cynthia, was a friend of mine. Does anyone know anything of their whereabouts?
Please send me an email: henselregina@live.com
I looked the Blenkin family up in the Cecil Lake history book. I regret that I must tell you that Cynthia was killed in a car accident in Nelson, B.C in 1971, the book states that she was 16 at the time. Pat is married to Mike Smith and they have moved, I believe, to the Okanogan. Mrs Blenkin to the best of my knowledge passed away a few years ago. According to the history book, Sylvia and her husband live in Victoria, Valerie and Tim and their spouses live in Victoria also. Nahlene lives in Vancouver. Mr. Blenkin passed away from a heart attack in 1989. Hope this helps you.
Thank you for the information...I just received contact from Cynthia's sister, Sylvia...was deeply saddened to hear of Cynthias passing in 1971, but so grateful for the internet to make communication with her family possible. Thank-you Karen...I actually remember you as well. You had a neighbor when I was little whose name name Debbie Updahl...she taught me how to ride a bicycle! I also seen you at several Amway conventions. Thank you for your time.