The ecological history of North Burnaby encapsulates a dynamic interplay between nature and human influence. In the pre-contact era, Indigenous communities, particularly the hənqəminəm and Sḵwxwú7mesh, thrived in harmony with the landscape. The shores of Burrard Inlet hosted vital village sites, emphasizing the significance of the region for seasonal activities such as fishing, shellfish gathering, and sea mammal hunting. Burnaby Mountain, a revered area for Indigenous communities, teemed with diverse plant resources and wildlife, including bears and cougars. However, the late 1800s witnessed profound changes with settler encroachment, logging, and the establishment of industrial facilities like Spratt’s Oilery. The landscape underwent a radical shift, marking the beginning of ecological challenges. Urbanization burgeoned post-World War II, transforming North Burnaby into a bustling suburban center with subdivisions, shopping centers, and infrastructure projects. The construction of the freeway in 1964 symbolized the era’s embrace of the automobile culture. Despite the disruptions, Indigenous communities resiliently engaged in ongoing stewardship efforts, including habitat restoration projects and the establishment of the Agricultural Land Reserve in 1973. The contemporary ecological landscape reflects both the scars of historical exploitation and the determined commitment to preserving cultural and environmental heritage.