Harvie Road: A Phase I ESA History

Historical research completed for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments often reveals more than past property occupants. It can also show how transportation routes, neighbourhoods, and land-use patterns have changed over time.

A notable example is Harvie Road in the Port Kells area of Surrey. The roadway follows the former alignment of the New Westminster Southern Railway, which was constructed through Surrey beginning in 1890 and opened in 1891. The railway was later operated by the Great Northern Railway and formed part of an important early transportation connection through the region.

The railway was abandoned in 1929, and the tracks were removed by approximately 1930. The former railway bed was subsequently converted into Harvie Road, which was named after Robert Harvie, reportedly the first engineer on the railway line.

Historical aerial photographs from 1949 to 2025 show the gradual transformation of the surrounding area. Rural and agricultural properties were progressively replaced by commercial and industrial development. As parcels were consolidated and redeveloped, portions of Harvie Road disappeared from the modern landscape.

One of the last visible remnants of the former alignment remained in use as a residential driveway extending from 94 Avenue. That section was removed in late 2018 to accommodate a new industrial development.

The history of Harvie Road demonstrates how present-day industrial properties can retain traces of much older transportation corridors. Review of historical aerial photographs, maps, directories, and municipal records can identify these changes and provide important context during a Phase I ESA.