The Forgotten History of WWII in Vancouver: Industry, Internment, and Resilience

 During World War II, life in Vancouver was deeply impacted by the war effort, rationing, and major social changes. The city was a key military and industrial hub, playing an essential role in Canada's contribution to the war. Here’s a glimpse into what life was like:

1. The War Economy & Industry Boom

• Vancouver’s shipbuilding industry exploded as the city became a major site for constructing warships, cargo vessels, and patrol boats. Companies like Burrard Dry Dock and West Coast Shipbuilders employed thousands, including women, in roles traditionally held by men.
• The city’s economy boomed due to war contracts, but it also meant long work hours and strict production schedules.

2. Rationing & Daily Life

• Food, fuel, and clothing were rationed. People were issued ration books for sugar, butter, tea, and meat.
• Victory Gardens were promoted, and many Vancouverites grew their own vegetables.
• Blackout drills were practiced to prepare for possible Japanese air raids, especially after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. People had to cover windows and turn off lights at night.
• Air raid sirens were tested, and people were trained in emergency response.

3. The Internment of Japanese Canadians

• After Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, paranoia and racism led to the forced relocation and internment of over 20,000 Japanese Canadians—many from Vancouver.
• The federal government seized homes, businesses, and boats from Japanese Canadians, sending them to internment camps in the interior of BC.
• Hastings Park in East Vancouver was used as a processing center, where families were temporarily held before being sent away.
• This was one of the darkest periods in Canadian history, with entire communities like Powell Street’s Japantown disappearing.

4. Military Presence & Defense Measures

• Coastal defense fortifications were built, including gun emplacements at Stanley Park, Point Grey, and Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver.
• HMCS Discovery, a naval base on Deadman’s Island (near Stanley Park), trained sailors for the Royal Canadian Navy.
• The Pacific threat loomed, especially after the Japanese occupation of the Aleutian Islands (Alaska). Some feared an invasion, leading to heightened security.

5. Social Changes & Women's Role

• With men overseas, women entered the workforce in record numbers, working in factories, shipyards, and offices. Many joined organizations like the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (Wrens) and the Canadian Women’s Army Corps (CWAC).
• The war accelerated social change, setting the stage for future women's rights movements.

6. War Bonds & Community Support

• Canadians were encouraged to buy war bonds to support the war effort. Fundraising drives, parades, and posters were everywhere.
• CBC radio broadcasts kept people updated on the war, along with newspapers like The Vancouver Sun and The Province.
• Schools taught patriotism, and children participated in scrap metal and rubber drives.

7. Post-War Effects

• The war reshaped Vancouver’s economy and demographics. Many returning soldiers struggled to find work, leading to early postwar housing shortages.
• Japanese Canadians who were interned were not allowed to return to Vancouver until 1949, even though the war had ended in 1945.

Final Thoughts

Vancouver during WW2 was a time of hardship, sacrifice, and drastic social change. While some experienced economic growth through war industries, others—especially Japanese Canadians—faced immense injustice. It was a period that transformed the city permanently, setting the stage for the modern Vancouver we see today.