Series MS-3099 - Report and photographic study of western route for a highway : Hazelton to Yukon

Series consists of report generated by the Survey's branch of the Government of British Columbia for a survey and study of a proposed highway route in British Columbia along its western border with Alaska, connecting the town of Hazelton to the Alaska Highway in Yukon Territory. The records included in this series reflect the methodology of the 1947-48 investigations and covers: a review of existing reports, ground reconnaissance, aerial reconnaissance and aerial photography using 3-camera photography. Prior to the construction of the Alaska Highway, investigations took place to determine the viability of proposed routes that would allow road travel between southern BC (and Seattle) with Yukon Territory along the scenic Coastal Mountain range and provide access at various points in BC to coastal ports along the Alaska panhandle. P.M. Monckton, surveyor, was recognized as having the longest association with the western route project and contributed not only ground photographs and text, but also summary reports from his previous survey work beginning in 1926. N.C. Stewart, Surveyor General of B.C. provided primary oversight for the project. His report to the Hon. E.T. Kenney, Minister of Lands and Forests, includes a diary describing the flight path, weather conditions and topographical features with aerial photograph reference numbers typed in the margin of alongside timed entries. Aerial photograph reference numbers are additionally inscribed on the attached maps and include directional arrows. G.S. Andrews provided aerial reconnaissance and stereographic photographs in his capacity as aerial survey engineer. D. Pearmain, senior draughtsman and most junior member contributed aerial reporting. In June of 1948, following the completion of aerial and ground reconnaissance surveys and reporting, R. Thistlethwaite, DLS, BCLS undertook the final part of the study, an astronomic survey. The purpose of the astronomic survey and reconnaissance was to provide horizontal control for aerial photographs. A series of captioned photographs illustrates this final report. Records are arranged in 5 black cloth binders printed with title of report (source of series title); book number, from 1 to 5; N.C. Stewart Surveyor General; and date, 1947 on books 1 to 4 and 1948 on book 5. The report includes ground and aerial photographs, maps, and text produced predominantly between 1947 and 1948 as well as reports written during earlier regional surveys in 1929 and 1939.