Renata is an unincorporated locality just south of the mouth of Renata Creek on the west shore of

Lower Arrow Lake The Arrow Lakes in British Columbia, Canada, divided into Upper Arrow Lake and Lower Arrow Lake, are widenings of the Columbia River. The lakes are situated between the Selkirk Mountains to the east and the Monashee Mountains to the west. Bea ...

in the

West Kootenay The Kootenays or Kootenay ( ) is a region of southeastern British Columbia. It takes its name from the Kootenay River, which in turn was named for the Kutenai First Nations people. Boundaries The Kootenays are more or less defined by the Kootenay ...

region of southern

British Columbia British Columbia (commonly abbreviated as BC) is the westernmost province of Canada, situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. It has a diverse geography, with rugged landscapes that include rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, ...

. The locality is about northwest of Castlegar via Broadwater Rd and a five minute boat ride across the lake.

Early settlers

In 1887, three French prospectors venturing into the valley created a settlement, and built a hotel for loggers and passing travellers. In 1891, Frederick W. Nash acquired extensive landholdings and planted an orchard. By the 1890s, the creek and community were called Dog Creek.

Mennonites

In 1907, the Western Land Company of Winnipeg bought all available land from Nash for marketing as commercial orchard lots to Mennonite families on the

Prairies Prairies are ecosystems considered part of the temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands biome by ecologists, based on similar temperate climates, moderate rainfall, and a composition of grasses, herbs, and shrubs, rather than trees, as the ...

. The next year, the unnamed subdivision was registered. Renata (reborn in Latin, adjective in female gender) was the winning entry in a contest for a new name. On the first childbirth, the parents named their daughter Judith, but after residents suggested the village name, she was officially registered as Renata Siemens (1908–2005). After a 35-year career as a medical missionary, this individual retired to the coast. The rich creek delta soil, and shielding from cold winds by the surrounding mountains, were ideal for orchards, which was the dominant occupation. By 1913, a complete village existed. Although mining occurred during those early years, it was never extensive. At its peak, the community had a population of about 250, comprising about 50 households. In 1938, a resident

trapper Animal trapping, or simply trapping or gin, is the use of a device to remotely catch an animal. Animals may be trapped for a variety of purposes, including food, the fur trade, hunting, pest control, and wildlife management. History Neolithic ...

froze to death after disembarking the train at the

Canadian Pacific Railway The Canadian Pacific Railway (french: Chemin de fer Canadien Pacifique) , also known simply as CPR or Canadian Pacific and formerly as CP Rail (1968–1996), is a Canadian Class I railway incorporated in 1881. The railway is owned by Canadi ...

(CP)

Tunnel A tunnel is an underground passageway, dug through surrounding soil, earth or rock, and enclosed except for the entrance and exit, commonly at each end. A pipeline is not a tunnel, though some recent tunnels have used immersed tube cons ...

flag stop, and becoming lost. Residents accessed this flag stop along a trail. The isolated landing became a regular port of call for the CP lake boats until abandoning the lake in 1954. At this time, the road along the northeast shore of the lake opened to Deer Park, downstream on the opposite bank. The next year, a Renata–Deer Park cable ferry was established. In 1961, the population of 131, comprising 33 households, was largely older and Mennonite. Mennonites generally exhibit close family ties and are community oriented. Every home being within of the Renata community core, created a strong sense of cohesion. The ferry was withdrawn in 1967.

Flooded

The former Renata townsite became a

ghost town Ghost Town(s) or Ghosttown may refer to: * Ghost town, a town that has been abandoned Film and television * Ghost Town (1936 film), ''Ghost Town'' (1936 film), an American Western film by Harry L. Fraser * Ghost Town (1956 film), ''Ghost Town'' ...

when the reservoir for the

Keenleyside Dam Hugh Keenleyside Dam (formerly known as the High Arrow Dam) is a flood control dam spanning the Columbia River, 12 km (6.5 miles) upstream of the city of Castlegar, British Columbia, Canada. Dam The dam is at the outflow of what was the u ...

submerged the area in 1968. On acquiring the respective properties,

BC Hydro The British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority, operating as BC Hydro, is a Canadian electric utility in the province of British Columbia. It is the main electricity distributor, serving more than 4 million customers in most areas, with the excep ...

torched them. The graveyard was covered with a slab of concrete and unmarked. Residents later placed a plaque, which is underwater for most of the year. Certain remnants of the town are visible during low water periods, including old stone foundations and the outlines of submerged orchards.

Present settlement

Weekend retreat houses and a B&B largely comprise the present community occupying the higher ground.

Footnotes

References