Storyboard
We believe it's important to celebrate the history of our community and those who have lived here. Storyboards, placed in public spaces, are a great way to learn more about our history. You'll find the locations of Port Moody's stone markers and storyboards marked on our Heritage Public Art Guide.
Nominate a subject for a new storyboard
The purpose of the Historical Stone Marker and Storyboard Program is to commemorate people, places, and events that have played an important role in Port Moody’s pre-colonial, civic, economic, social, or cultural history. If you would like to nominate a new subject for a storyboard, please complete the Port Moody Historical Stone Marker and Storyboard Program Nomination Form.
All submissions will be reviewed by the Heritage Commission, which acts as an advisory body to Council on matters relating to Port Moody’s natural and cultural heritage resources. If a proposed subject is selected, it will be presented to Council for final approval.
Komagata Maru storyboard
“Remembering the Komagata Maru” is a heritage storyboard commemorating the 1914 Komagata Maru incident and the efforts of the local Sikh community to reduce the suffering of passengers forced to stay aboard the ship. This storyboard is located in Rocky Point Park at the water’s edge, just west of the restaurant building at 2770 Esplanade Avenue.
The Komagata Maru was the name of a steamship carrying 376 prospective immigrants, mostly Sikhs from the Punjab region of India. In May 1914, when the ship arrived in Vancouver, the passengers were denied entry to Canada and forced to stay aboard due to enforcement of Canada’s exclusionary and discriminatory immigration laws. The members of Port Moody’s Sikh community came together to collect food, water, medication, and money to help the Komagata Maru passengers.
Developed in partnership with the Descendants of the Komagata Maru Society and the City’s Heritage Commission, the storyboard acts as a reminder of the damage caused by systemic racism, as it existed in the past and as it exists today. It encourages us to continue to fight discrimination and foster inclusion in our communities so that we can create a better future for everyone.
Chip Kerr storyboard
The Chip Kerr storyboard, which is located in Chip Kerr Park and commemorates the life and bravery of John Chipman Kerr, Victoria Cross recipient.
About Chip Kerr
“War is hell, but what is homesteading?” This was the note Chip Kerr left behind on his Alberta homestead door before departing to enlist in the army. On September 16, 1916, Kerr was chief bayonet man with the 49th Infantry Battalion near Courcelette, France, during the Battle of the Somme. Realizing the Canadians' supply of bombs was low, Kerr valiantly got out of his trench and ran along the parados while exposed to heavy fire. When he came into close contact with the enemy, he opened fire at point-blank range, inflicting heavy losses. This led the enemy to surrender because the Germans believed they were surrounded. Despite having part of his index finger blown, Kerr managed to lead his group in capturing 62 prisoners and 250 yards of enemy trench. Kerr did not have his wound attended to until after he and two other men escorted the prisoners back while under fire, and reported for duty. For these courageous acts, he received the Victoria Cross from King George V at Buckingham Palace on February 5, 1917. Today, Kerr's medal is displayed at the Canadian War Museum, in Ottawa. During the Second World War, Kerr re-enlisted in the army, transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force, and was posted to Sea Island, BC. After the war he retired with his family to Port Moody. His house, which was nicknamed “Sleepy Castle”, is now located at 2224 Clarke St. where a stone marker was placed in front of the house to commemorate his contribution to the First World War. The Chip Kerr Park was dedicated to John Chipman Kerr VC in 2006.
More information about Chip Kerr
If you would like to learn more about Chip Kerr's life and heroics during the First and Second World Wars, check out the following resources: