Union Steamship of British Columbia stock certificate 1954 (Canada)

Plain but uncommon certificate with interesting Pacific maritime history. Issued  and cancelled.  Dated 1954. Measures approximately 11 x 8.5 inches. 

The Union Steamship Company of British Columbia was a vital pioneering shipping firm, established in 1889, that connected Vancouver Island and the mainland Sunshine Coast for passengers, mail, and freight, developing unique navigation techniques for treacherous waters and contributing significantly to regional development.

The Union Steamship Company of British Columbia was a pioneer firm on coastal British Columbia. It was founded in November 1889 by John Darling, a director of the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand, and nine local businessmen. The company began by offering local service on Burrard Inlet near Vancouver and later expanded to servicing the entire British Columbia coast.

The Union Steamship Company was bought out by the Canadian Pacific Steamship Company in 1948.

The SS Noronic fire forced the Federal Maritime Department to change marine regulations regarding wooden passenger vessels, while the nature of the BC coastal fleet changed more to freight and a tug and barge operation.

The Union Steamships ran until 1956 when a strike finished the fleet. The fleet and routes were taken over by Northland Navigation in 1962.

Product descriptions and images
Please note that some pictures may only be representative of the inventory available.  If we have more than one piece, we are unable to scan and display every piece.  Unless otherwise noted, that there are variations for signatures, cancellation marks/holes, serial number, and dates.  Colors will be as noted and pictured.