others such as Lord Rhondda
(D.A. Thomas) were to attempt
to define the full nature of
this potential by exploring
for new resources in the form
of natural gas, oil and coal.
The region’s established
agencies, the Hudson’s Bay
Company and the Oblates, were
also to create new dreams in

the face of the economic and
demographic transformation
taking place.
   A key component to all of
these dreams was the
navigation of the Peace River
through the use of a new
technology: the steamboat.
Prior to the arrival of the
first steamboats river

transportation was limited to
scows, York boats and rafts
which required a large amount
of human effort and were
limited in effectiveness
against the strong current of
the river. Steamboats were to
be able to carry far more
freight and passengers and,
with their regularly

scheduled trips, were to
create a new world for the
residents of the Peace River
region. Indeed, the steamboat
was to become a symbol of the
new reality to be found on
the Peace River.
   This Community Memories
exhibit, ‘Transporting
Northern Dreams,’ examines