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Landscape featuring town buildings below on right. A farmyard can be seen in foreground.

Photograph depicts a landscape shot of a grassy area with fruit-bearing trees in the background.

Photograph depicts a cow with a bell around its neck standing in the front yard of a house.

Photograph depicts the Copeland ranch on a bench of the Fraser River in Lillooet, BC.

Photograph depicts Archdeacon William Henry Collison to left of wife Marion, who stands bent over garden on right. Church steeple visible behind wood fence in background. Hills can be seen in distance.

Handwritten annotation on verso reads: "Grandad & Grannie in garden at Kincolith".

Photograph depicts Marion and William Henry Collison standing on left with shovel, Bertha Collison on right, and young Muriel and Katherine Collison in centre with shovel (eldest daughters of W.E. Collison). Wood buildings cross midground, trees and hills visible in background.

Handwritten annotation on verso reads: "Garden at Kincolith / Grandad, Grannie / Mimi, Katie / Mother".

Sign in photograph appears to read "Mile 33, BC" and "Can (?) Press Prepay".

This fonds illustrates the life and work of G. Gary Runka and his contributions to the province of British Columbia. Gary Runka was the first General Manager of British Columbia's Agricultural Land Commission and helped establish the provincial Agricultural Land Reserve. After transitioning from a government career to private consulting, Runka provided comprehensive professional services through his land consultancy business, G.G. Runka Land Sense Ltd., offering land capability and environmental assessments, integrated resource management, land and water use conflict resolution, and interdisciplinary land use planning. Described by colleagues as one of BC's most highly respected agrologists and influential land use planners, Runka had a 52-year career working on (or against) an incredible number of landmark projects in British Columbia, such as the Site C Project. Gary Runka’s partner in life and vocation, Joan M. Sawicki, worked with Gary on many of these projects—as well as her own; her contributions are also represented throughout the records of this fonds.

Gary Runka's deep connection to the land is evident from his earliest papers on aerial photo interpretation, his work with the Canada Land Inventory, through his speeches and his work establishing the BC Agricultural Land Reserve and in his subsequent consulting career through G.G. Runka Land Sense Ltd. Gary Runka's influence and legacy was recognized in the tributes paid after his death, including the post-humus award as the Real Estate Foundation's "Land Champion" for 2014.

The G. Gary Runka fonds has been divided into the following nine series:
1) Personal Records
2) Speeches & Publications
3) Professional Records
4) Agricultural Land Commission
5) Land Sense Ltd.
6) Client Files
7) Maps
8) Photographs
9) Digital Records

Photograph depicts a traction engine at a ranch on Nicola Lake, near Merritt. The engine was made by Nichols-Shepard Co. at Battle Creek, Michigan and named the "Red River Special." It is undated and has 2 cylinders, side tanks, 16-10 horse power, wood burner, firebox 5 ft. long.

Photograph depicts a rear view of 4 of the 6 traction engines in Nanton, Alberta. The left engine was built by Reeves and Co. in Columbus, Indiana, U.S. Its identification is #4438, it has 2 cylinder simple, and a roof. The next engine was built by Waterloo Mfg. Co. Ltd. in Waterloo, Ontario and has a single cylinder. The third engine was built by Sawyer Massey. The engine on the right side is a Gaar Scott, built in 1913, and has 25 horsepower on the drawbar and 75 horsepower on the belt.

Photograph depicts a ranch at the upper and east end of Nicola Lake, 20 miles northeast of Merritt. It has a steam traction engine and thresher, last used agriculturally about 10 years ago. Steamed and moved in 1964 for C.B.C.

Photograph depicts a Gaar Scott traction engine in working order, steamed twice a year at least. It was built by the M. Rumely Co. in Richmond, Indiana, U.S. The engine is a #16541, has 25 horse power, and 2 cylinders. It was photographed at Texaco Station in Nanton, Alberta. It was owned by Jack burrows of Nanton.

Photograph depicts a traction engine built by Sawyer Massey in Hamilton, Ontario. It has a single cylinder and large fire box for burning wood or straw. The engine is located in Nanton, Alberta.

Photograph depicts the rear view of the Gaar Scott traction engine parked at Texcoc Station in Nanton, Alberta. The rear wheels have a 2'9" tread. It was used on farms for haulage, threshing, chaff cutting etc., but not plowing.

Photograph depicts traction engines owned by Jack Burrows in Nanton, Alberta. There are six in this photo, all of which appear could be steamed, another two in derelict condition, and one in the village in working order. Running from front to rear in the photo: 1) Reeves with roof, U.S. 2) Waterloo, Ontario, Canada 3) Massey, Canada 4) Gaar Scott with roof, U.S. 5) Massey, Hamilton, Canada 6) Gaar Scott, U.S.

Photograph depicts a Sawyer Massey steam engine in Nanton, Alberta. It was built in Hamilton, Ontario. It has a single cylinder and large fire box for burning wood or straw.

Photograph depicts a Sawyer Massey traction engine in Nanton, Alberta. The device parallel and topside of the boiler to heat feed water. The water tank is small so it must have had a water cart in constant attendance.

This "The Land is Yours" film is a promotional film produced by the British Columbia Department of Agriculture in Kelowna, ca. 1968 or 1969. The film was produced by Gary Runka and hosted by Russ Richardson. Runka and Richardson provide commentary throughout the film. The film was directed by Nobert Hartig.

Slide depicts Mission Flats from South East Kelowna. Photograph taken from an empty field and depicts a developed field and a wooden house. Mountains and the Okanagan Lake can be seen in the background. Original slide index description: "Mission Flats from SE Kel."

Slide depicts an apple tree blossoming in a backyard. The yard is surrounded by a wooden fence. Original slide index description: "Apple blossoms Kelowna."

Slide depicts cherry trees blossoming in an orchard. Original slide index description: "Cherry blossoms Lakeview Heights."

Slide depicts orchards surrounding Mount Boucherie. The Okanagan Lake and mountains can be seen in the background. Original slide index description: "Orchards & sunflowers from Mt. Boucherie."

Slide depicts a row of red and yellow tulips in front of a row of blossoming cherry trees. Original slide index description: "Tulips & Chery Blossoms Ok. Mission."

Slide depicts peach trees blossoming in an orchard. Original slide index description: "Peach blossoms Shanboolard."

Slide depicts peach trees blossoming in an orchard. Original slide index description: "Peach blossoms Lakeview Heights."

Slide depicts peach trees blossoming in an orchard. Original slide index description: "Peach blossoms Casa Loma."

File consists of a speech given by Gary Runka entitled "Relationship Between A.R.D.A. Soil Capability Ratings and Soil Productivity Ratings".

Commentary on this speech by Barry Smith of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands:
"This is a very useful overview of the agricultural capability ratings.

While no mention is of course made in this (circa) 1969 speech to the BC farmland preservation program, its value rests in the importance of the BCLI in the original designation the ALR and its future administration.

For anyone that is or has been involved with the farmland preservation program, this single sentence within the speech, made about 4 or 5 years before the designation of the ALR, provides an important insight into the value of the CLI and its relationship to farmland preservation. "For example. Class 5 soils while restricted in use to pasture or hay can produce very high yields."

Image depicts two unidentified individuals and a van on a farm at an uncertain location, possibly a place called Cypress Hill, with an atmometer and a sunshine recorder.

File consists of a speech given by Gary Runka to the Canada Soil Survey Committee in Ottawa entitled "Land Capability Analysis".

Commentary on this speech by Barry Smith of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands:
"This is a fairly technical speech explaining the history, and mechanics of the evolving land capability analysis process in BC. It gives insight into this early period in which there was a fair amount of trial and error to develop the best techniques to display and utilize information.

From an agricultural perspective the speech notes (p.5) that compatibility between agriculture and other sectors is not high. The speech demonstrates what would emerge as an important link between Land Capability Analysis and the ALR. On page 7 "possible predictions that will result in land use conflicts but perhaps better long range planning" are insightful and in the case of this statement, reads like a tentative foreshadowing of the BC farmland preservation program that would emerge in about two years.

"(1) Agriculture - "(c) Conservation of agricultural land through rural zoning of those high capability and high productivity soils, near markets."

It is unknown if the use of the acronym C.S.S.C was intended to refer to the "Canada Soil Survey Committee", which held its eighth meeting in Ottawa in 1970, or to the "Canadian System of Soil Classification. Regardless, for more information on the subject a copy of the 1998 / 187 page report by the Soil Classification Working Group entitled, "The Canadian System of Soil Classification" can be found here: https://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/publications/manuals/1998-cssc-ed3/cssc3_manual.pdf "

File consists of a speech given by Gary Runka entitled "BC's Land Use and the Current Land Inventory".

Commentary on this speech by Barry Smith of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands:
"Although page 4 of this speech is missing (or possibly intentionally deleted), this document provides a detailed explanation of the CLI ratings and may well have been the basis of interpretation guidelines for agricultural capability mapping used by the ALC.

GGR at the time was the B.C. Land Inventory Field Coordinator.

It appears that slides at one point accompanied this speech."

Photograph depicts part of a brown and white building similar to the "Director's Lodge" at Cassiar, B.C. (see items 2000.1.1.3.19.88 and 2000.1.1.3.19.89). Unidentified individuals visible inside greenhouse in fenced back yard. Forest in background. Handwritten annotation on verso of photograph: "Cassiar June 15 71".

File consists of a speech given by Gary Runka at UBC entitled "Integrated Land Use - BC Experience".

Commentary on this speech by Barry Smith of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands:
"The speech provides insight into GGR's concept of integrated land use as opposed to multiple land use.

Agriculture noted as often the 'primary use for land designated in the ALR'. On page 5 GGR reflects on this concept when stating that integrated land use planning is a useful first step "... to indicate the primary physical capability of each landform based on inherent soil and climatic characteristics".

The speech was accompanied by slides."

File consists of a speech given by Gary Runka at UBC entitled "Land Capability Analysis".

Image depicts a barn with large, Harvestore Systems. It is possibly located on one of the many farms near Vanderhoof, B.C.

File consists of a speech given by Gary Runka to the BC Federation of Naturalists in Vernon entitled "The Canada Land Inventory, Land Capability Analysis and the Planning Process".

Commentary on this speech by Barry Smith of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands:
"This speech largely avoids technical detail and an outlining of the mechanics of land capability analysis but does provide several practical examples that allow for a better understanding of the application of the analytical work.

The summary on page 11 is particularly important (in part):
"Planning must anticipate desirable land use patterns, not merely react to the pressure of short run expedients. Above all else let's not forget that land use planning should be people-oriented as well as resources-oriented. Hopefully, facts rather than short term
economics, politics, or emotions will play an increasing role in decision-making."

The speech was accompanied by slides.

(Note: Via a handwritten amendment the title was changed from "Land Capability Analysis and the Planning Process" to 'The Canada Land Inventory, Land Capability Analysis and the Planning Process"

File consists of a speech given by Gary Runka to the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Environment Committee entitled "The Canada Land Inventory, Land Capability Analysis and the Chamber of Commerce".

Commentary on this speech by Barry Smith of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands:
"GGR makes the point in opening that the Chamber of Commerce may not be a group the public normally associates with concern for the environment but he feels it is time to correct this fallacy.

This speech is of value, if for nothing else, for the outline provided of the origin of the Canada Land Inventory (page 2).

Interestingly in the light of a future Land Commission publication, GGR uses the phrase "...with proper inventory information perhaps we would have left some of our options open". The 15 page B.C. Land Commission booklet published in March 1975 [was titled 'The B.C. Land Commission: Keeping the Options Open']."

Item is a photograph of boats docked on the shore behind piles of grain or straw.

Item is a photograph of rows of plants in a garden.

Item is a photograph of a river bend and the surrounding country taken from the air.

Item is a photograph of a rural area taken from the air.

File consists of a speech given by Gary Runka to the Agricultural Institute of Canada entitled "Managing Our Land Resources for Survival and Pleasure".

Commentary on this speech by Barry Smith of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands:
"This speech is aimed at land use planning and planners, and GGR provides his definition of "ecology" which includes:
"...the basic characteristics of the land - its geology, soils, climate, vegetation, and animal life, including the devil that does the most damage, man. It also includes the interrelationships within these basic characteristics and of course this is where the word "complexities" comes in. There are no two places where these components combine in exactly the same manner and each ecological unit, if you like, is unique."

GGR mentions the importance of considering options.

This package includes a copy of the speech as well as a second, 2 page document, with the same title in which GGR is noted as 'Manager of the BC Land Commission'. This second document is largely a summary of the more formal speech."

Item is a photograph of people harvesting grain by hand.

Item is a photograph of a woman working in a field.

File consists of a speech given by Gary Runka to the Agricultural Institute of Canada Land Use Committee entitled "Land Use Control and Jurisdictional Rights".

Commentary on this speech by Barry Smith of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands:
"This is a first draft position paper written by GGR was developed for the Agricultural Institute of Canada, Land Use Committee.

The paper notes that attitudes are shifting from land being considered as a commodity to considering land as a natural resource. There are several references to governmental relationships, the inability to count on local governments to preserve agricultural land and the need for a federal land use policy supporting farmland preservation.

The use of a zoning tool as an effective means to preserve agricultural land is explored. The paper makes a strong case for there being no legal need for compensating land owners for regulatory land use zoning.

Included with the package are two letters written by GGR (November 7,1974) sent to Jim Lore (Alberta) and Steve Hart (Ottawa) requesting their review of the paper and input. A copy of the finalized paper, which may have been a jointly authored paper, is not included and it is not known if the paper was eventually published by the Agricultural Institute of Canada."

File consists of a 1973 BC Land Commission photographic slide and audio tape set entitled "Land Commission Act and the Agricultural Reserve Plan" that was used in original public hearings throughout the province. The 80 slides included with the presentation materials were created mostly by Gary Runka. The audio cassette is a recording of the presentation with speakers Bill Lane, BC Land Commission Chair, and Gary Runka, BC Land Commission General Manager.

Image depicts some farmland near Alexandria, B.C.

Tractor pulling the trailer is being driven by the head of the family Campagnolo posed with in front of a log cabin (see item 2009.6.1.68).

Image depicts an irrigation ditch in Lillooet, B.C.

Image depicts an irrigation ditch in Lillooet, B.C.