With today's environmental sensibilities, it is hard to believe that the public would allow an oil company to move into their neighbourhood, acquire acres of prime ocean front property, divert water from a pristine trout stream and close off a public beach.  But in 1935 the people of Burnaby not only allowed the California based Standard Oil Company to do just that, they applauded it.   In depression era Burnaby, any industry that was willing to set up shop and hire the locals was welcomed.  Loosing Rainbow Creek as a recreational destination was considered a small price to pay for employment opportunities.

The STANOVAN (Standard Oil Company of Vancouver) refinery opened to much fanfare in 1936 and their service stations popped up all over the lower mainland.

During World War II, The refinery doubled its production to 4,000 barrels a day while observing wartime blackout procedures at night.  All burners and furnaces were shielded to prevent light from leaking skyward just in case Vancouver was subjected to an enemy attack.  Three foot deep bomb shelters dug around the compound filled with water during the rainy season and refinery employees diving into the fox holes during air raid drills often found themselves taking an unexpected bath.

The refinery was again modernized in the 1950s when the Trans Mountain Pipeline brought crude oil directly from Alberta.  For those too young to remember, Standard Oil changed its name to Chevron in 1976.
 

When Confederation Park was opened in 1927, Rainbow Creek and the beach were included in the overall plan but a good chunk of the park was sold with other municipal lands to the Standard Oil Co. eight years later.  The lumber mill shut down shortly after and the end of Willingdon Avenue was closed to the public.

Today, Rainbow Creek's flow has been greatly reduced as most of  its tributaries have been channelled into storm sewers.  What's left of the runoff ambles through Confederation Park's north arm, dipping into the property owned by the oil refinery for a short spell before spilling into the ocean. From the park, look across the ravine to the area where the creek crosses a group of large industrial pipes.  On winter days the creek has been known to steam and bubble like a geyser, creating a surreal atmosphere reminiscent of Yellowstone.  Exactly what type of heat exchange going on is unclear but when the conditions are right it can put on quite the show. Along the shoreline, remains of the dock and lumber mill can still be seen beside the ruins of a few concrete structures.  The beach remains unused by the general public.

The best place to park is N49 17.173 W123 00.018 beside the Rainbow Creek Miniature Railway (open in the summer months).  The cache is located in a part of the park designated as an off leash area for dogs.

Enjoy your visit.