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
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