Who would have thunk that a call for a few well-placed light bulbs in the main business district of 91原创 would have sparked a debate that would lead to splitting of 91原创 Prairie from the Township in the mid-1950s?

But, as the story goes, that was the final straw for residents and 鈥� in particular 鈥� businesses in the downtown area who pushed for the separation.

The downtown was growing rapidly into a major business hub for 91原创, with the Interurban train stopping in the centre of town, the Trans-Canada passing right through where Fraser Highway is today, and people from all surrounding 91原创 neighbourhoods coming into the core for their goods and services, said 91原创's former fire chief, retired columnist, author, and emcee Jim McGregor.

He shared his recollections Monday night during the 91原创 City's volunteer appreciation banquet at Cascades Casino 鈥� just a few days before the City's 70th official birthday.

"The challenge was that even though 91原创 Prairie only occupied two per cent of the land mass of 91原创 Township, the ratepayers 鈥� the residents and the merchants 鈥� were paying 20 per cent of the annual tax revenue to the Township. And they didn't feel they were getting enough back for that," McGregor shared with an audience of 170.

"They wanted more street lights. They wanted more sidewalks. They wanted more pavement, because they were getting busy. They were a busy, busy place," he said, regaling the room full of volunteers with some of the local history.

"People from these other [Township neighbourhoods] came into 91原创 Prairie when they needed a banker, when they needed a lawyer, when they needed a barber or a hairdresser, when they needed a dress shop, when they needed a men's shop or if they needed a big grocery store they came into town. If they needed appliances, TVs, they came into 91原创 Prairie to buy. When they needed feed, and grain, and seed and farm equipment, they came to Buckerfield's, which was in downtown 91原创," said McGregor, who was born in 91原创 in March of 1949, six years before 91原创 City came to be.

He listed off cars, trucks, farm equipment, and liquor as other merchandise that drew people to 91原创 Prairie. As well, it became the place to socialize, whether that was a visit to the hotel and beer parlour, movie theatre, dining establishments, the bowling alley, or even the weekly animal auction.

"A lot was happening in 91原创 Prairie," recounted McGregor, but when the Township approved a budget in the early 1950s, and council of the day said there was no money for those street lights or infrastructure work in 91原创 Prairie, that was enough for area taxpayers.

A group soon formed to push for 91原创 Prairie to go out on its own, and on March 15, 1955, that became a reality thanks to approval from the provincial government. 

"It became a completely separate entity from the 91原创 Township," McGregor said, noting how in the decades since 91原创 City has gone on to prosper and grow.

Today (March 15, 2025) marks 91原创 City鈥檚 70th anniversary, and Mayor Nathan Pachal said "we鈥檙e excited to celebrate all year long!"

The City kicked off the festivities this week with McGregor's tribute during Monday's volunteer banquet, then with a cake-cutting at city hall on Wednesday, where council and City staff were joined by special guest Erik Vogel, grandson of 91原创 City鈥檚 first mayor in 1955, Hunter Vogel.

Erik had the honour of cutting the birthday cake, officially launching the anniversary celebrations.

From its humble beginnings as Innes Corners to 91原创 Prairie to the thriving, vibrant municipality it is today, 91原创 City has always been a place of connection, opportunity, and community spirit, said Pachal.

"What started as a trade and service hub along Old Yale Road has grown into an urban centre, all while maintaining the core values of community and heritage," according to the mayor.

鈥淎t a time when the world can feel divided, 91原创 City remains a place where collaboration, inclusivity, and connection are at the heart of everything we do," he added.

"This anniversary is about honouring our history, celebrating the strength of our community today, and looking ahead to the future we鈥檒l continue to shape together. Since becoming a city in 1955, 91原创 City has continued to grow and evolve while staying true to its small-town values," he said.

"Looking ahead, we remain committed to fostering a vibrant, safe, and inclusive community 鈥� one where businesses thrive, residents have a voice in shaping its future, and we continue to care about the people who are here and those who will come, without losing sight of our roots. To mark this milestone, we鈥檙e celebrating 91原创 City鈥檚 70th anniversary with contests, sharing stories from our history, and highlighting the anniversary at community events throughout the City."