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James Harkin, 1875-1955 Public servant- Chronology
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East entrance to Rocky Mountain Park, later Banff National Park, circa 1920

East entrance to Rocky Mountain Park, later Banff National Park, circa 1920
Photo: Byron Harmon
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Banff
Byron Harmon fonds
V263/NA-3436

Opening of the Banff-Windermere Highway, June 30, 1923

Opening of the Banff-Windermere Highway, June 30, 1923
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Banff, Byron Harmon fonds
V263/NA-3442

Banff National Park, Alberta, 1981

Banff National Park, Alberta, 1981
Photo: H. Dempsey
Parks Canada
09.93.03.08.110

1875
Born on January 30 at Vankleek Hill, near Ottawa.

1893
Joins the staff of The Ottawa Journal, and is later promoted to City Editor.

1904
Becomes Private Secretary to the Minister of the Interior, a department whose responsibilities include national surveying and conservation.

1911
Harkin becomes the first Commissioner of
Dominion Parks.

1917
Under his aegis, the Migratory Birds Convention
Act
becomes law.

1919
Establishes the Historic Sites and Monuments
Board of Canada.

1923
Inaugurates the Banff-Windermere Highway project.

1930
The National Parks Act — representing ten years
of effort — is passed by Parliament.

1930
Marries Jean McCraig.

1936
Takes early retirement.

1955
Dies on January 27 in Ottawa.

Campers, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, 1928

Campers, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, 1928
Glenbow Archives
NA-4868-122

James Harkin (photo detail) 1920s

James Harkin (detail) 1920s
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Banff, Alpine Club of Canada fonds
V14/AC 192P/1 (45)

Mount Harkin

Mount Harkin
Kootenay National Park Visitor Information Centre, Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia

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