Redwater Museum features Japanese settlers

By Brandie Majeau
Kimura Lake, located approximately eight kilometers west of Redwater, is a kettle
hole that has been around for hundreds of years. Until the mid-eighties, Kimura Lake
remained unnamed. Alberta’s Cultures Historic Site dedicated the name Kimura Lake in
honor of Toyomatsu Kimura who originally settled the area in the early 1900s.
In the early 1900s, Toyomatsu Kimura departed from Fukuoka-Ken, Japan to
Hawaii as part of a large labor force. In 1906, Kimura made the journey to Vancouver
and over the following three years, he toiled on the railway in British Columbia under
conditions resembling indentured servitude, as he was under a close contract with the
company.
Shortly thereafter, he was made aware of an opportunity to acquire land near
Redwater. After ensuring compliance with all laws governing land sales to individuals of
Asian descent, he proceeded with the purchase of a sizeable expanse of bushland in
the Maybridge District, situated to the west of Redwater.
In 1919 Toyomatsu Kimura purchased his first quarter section which bordered
south of the end of the lake and in the following year, purchased land on the west side
of the lake where he eventually built his first home. In 1927, Kimura sold his business in
Edmonton and moved to establish permanent residence in the Redwater area. That
same year, Toyomatsu Kimura in partnership with a Mr. Saito, purchased an entire
section designated School Land and two adjoining quarter that all encircled the lake.
When the partnership was dissolved Kimura retained the western half section of the
property.
Toyomatsu Kimura’s unwavering dedication to his adopted homeland exemplified
the pioneering spirit that defined his life. Despite facing unique challenges due to his
ancestry, he carried the weight of responsibility with grace and determination. The
decision to name Kimura Lake in honor of Toyomatsu Kimura stands as a poignant and
well-deserved tribute to his enduring legacy of commitment, resilience, and
perseverance in the face of adversity.
Take the opportunity to visit Redwater & District Museum for a chance to explore
the culture and heritage of a rich and vibrant community that helped to shape Redwater
and its surrounding areas.