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By Caden Fanshaw

Local History

Looking back on Island Cache 50 years after it was destroyed

Jul 18, 2022 | 6:28 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The great flood of 1972 was not kind to Prince George, flooding downtown and ultimately destroying the Island Cache community, one that had been thriving since the 1920s.

Originally created as a construction camp, the tightknit community located near the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers had its own store, school, and dozens of homes.

One of those who lived at ‘The Cache’ was Audrey Gauthier Bourque who moved in back in 1964.

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“it is very hard to believe it’s been fifty years,” said Bourque. “It was a beautiful community where everybody knew each other, we never had to lock our doors.”

Bourque said it’s important to remember the people who lived there and the good times that were had adding there were plenty of them.

Although many of the landmarks are no longer standing, there are plenty of artifacts and records compiled that have been compiled from over the years.

The only major landmark still standing from the days of Island Cache is the school situation across from the fish hatchery on River Road.

It was a controversial ending for the community as the City of Prince George and local health officials condemned one-third of the homes on the Island Cache and the City of Prince George rezoned the land as industrial with some later becoming the edge of Cottonwood Island Park.

A book was written detailing the first-hand accounts from former residents and local officials to ensure the stories live on.