Ioco: Life in a Company Town

The Imperial Oil Company built an oil refinery in 1914 on the north shore of Burrard Inlet, across the way from Port Moody, BC. It was isolated from Port Moody by road, but “Shift Ferries” brought workers to and from work by boat. The Company began construction of the Ioco Townsite – an abbreviation of Imperial Oil Company – in 1921, adjacent to the refinery. The remains of the townsite still offer a unique look at Ioco as it was originally laid out. In 2002, the City of Port Moody declared the townsite a Heritage Conservation Area. A festival – ‘Ioco Ghost Town Day’ – has been held annually on the first Sunday of October in commemoration. This exhibit explores the Ioco townsite from the 1920s to present day. Through photographs, artifacts and oral histories of past Ioco residents, visitors are able to enjoy a closer look into the daily lives of those that lived in a company town.