The community of Bolivar Heights derives its name from the Bolivar family, who immigrated to Nova Scotia from Germany in 1751 and settled in Lunenburg, which was home to a burgeoning German community at the time.
Similar to many Canadians, Dennis Bolivar was drawn from the East Coast to the West Coast by the allure of the gold rush. He briefly passed through Vancouver en route to the Yukon before returning to settle in Vancouver, where he established his family.
His son, Haddon Bolivar (1892-1976), played a pivotal role in the development of our neighborhood. Haddon, married to Laura for over six decades, raised seven children: Merle, Bernice, Geraldine, Audrey, Dean (known as Bud), Myrna, and Earl. Merle resides in Surrey, while Dean resides in Kamloops. In 1913, Haddon and his father initiated a chick hatchery on Latimer Road, supplying chicks to poultry farmers in the Fraser Valley. The original barn remains intact and well-maintained. The economic downturn of the Depression adversely affected Haddon Bolivar’s business, prompting him to relocate to North Surrey in 1933 and re-establish his enterprise as “the Bolivar Hatcheries” at Bolivar Road and King George Highway.
During this period, Haddon also served as President of the BC Hatchery Association. The hatchery and barn were situated opposite their substantial three-story residence. In the 1940s and 1950s, the hatchery became a prominent landmark along King George Highway, featuring a neon sign adorned with fighting roosters. Concurrently, Haddon seized an opportunity to purchase property northeast of his previous location, laying the groundwork for residential development that would come to be known as Bolivar Heights. Haddon Bolivar was known for his philanthropy and community spirit.
He played a leading role in the establishment of Whalley Ball Park, contributing to its development with field clearing, fencing, and bleachers. Together with Gord Wilson and Tom Binnie, Haddon was instrumental in founding the Whalley Athletic Association and its inaugural men’s baseball team, the Whalley Chiefs. This initiative eventually expanded to include two teams and scholarships for post-secondary education. Additionally, Haddon and Laura Bolivar fulfilled their vision of a local hospital by repurposing their former residence to establish the Florence Nightingale Hospital in 1957, located just east of its original site on 111A Street. Laura Bolivar was active in the Catholic Women’s League and the Surrey Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, while Dean Bolivar contributed significantly through his involvement with the Kinsmen in the 1950s. Merle operated Merle’s Beauty Salon on Bentley Road from 1946 to 1952, and Dean’s son Rodney owned the Hockey Shop at 135th Street and 104th Avenue.
Bolivar Heights remains a community with a rich legacy of civic engagement and commitment, a testament to the enduring values championed by its founders. Haddon Bolivar’s legacy continues to resonate through his advocacy for community involvement, education, fairness, and integrity, values that Bolivar Heights upholds to this day.
Special Aknowledgements:
- Special thanks to Lee Bolivar, Dean Bolivar, and Lucy Matich for generously sharing their time, insights, and information.
- We also extend our gratitude to Cherington Place Manor for providing the photograph used in this compilation.
- Lastly, our appreciation goes to the Honourable MLA Penny Priddy for her dedicated efforts in compiling this historical account.