1888 Vancouver City Council Minutes

Mayor: David Oppenheimer (bio) Aldermen: Sam Brighouse (Ward 1) John M. Lefevre (Ward 1) Joseph Humphries (Ward 2) John Dougall (Ward 2) Henry Bell-Irving (Ward 3, resigned) Robert Clark Charles A. Coldwell (Ward 3, elected in byelection) Richard H. Alexander (Ward 4) Joseph Mannion (Ward 4, resigned) G. S. McConnell (Ward 4,elected in byelection) Robert Couth (Ward 5) Isaac Oppenheimer (Ward 5) MADDEN, W. D., 2003, Elected Officials of Vancouver, [online], Internet Archive, https://archive.org/details/PAM200372/mode/2up, April 1, 2020 Oppenheimer (b. 1832, Bleiskastel, Germany, d. 1897) was one of early Vancouver’s biggest landowners and businessmen. He was elected by acclamation for two of his four one-year terms. During Oppenheimer’s tenure, the city’s first water main was laid from the North Shore, a streetcar system was established, and electric streetlights were introduced. He also helped persuade the Canadian Pacific Railway to move its terminus to Vancouver, and helped secure Stanley Park for the city from the federal government.

Reports from the Committees established the previous week. Appointment of Council Committee under Mayor Oppenheimer to purchase team of horses for fire engine. Letter from F Munro noting that Keefer has hired Chinese, letter from Keefer explaining. Discussion about precautions regarding smallpox. This transcript was made in 2014 by Transcribimus volunteer Margaret Sutherland and sponsored by The Oppenheimer Group original handwritten minutes here City of Vancouver Archives Series 23-A Volume 2 pages 155-163 [vol 2 page 155] Vancouver January 9th 1888 The Council met on Monday January 9th 1888 at 7.30 P.M. Present His Worship Mayor Oppenheimer, Aldermen Alexander, Bell-Irving, Brighouse, Couth, Clark, Dougall, Humphries, Lefevre, Mannion and Oppenheimer. The Minutes of last meeting were read and adopted. Communications From W.L. McDonald, re the Park Road; Referred to the Board of Works with power to act. From Thos. Dunn re increased Candle Power for the Electric Lights; Referred to F. L & W Committee. Item No. 3 From J.W. McFarland Secretary of Vancouver Water Works Co. asking for permission to take a tracing from Map shewing the Sewerage pipes of the City. Permission granted. From Phillip Fewster re the establishment of a Mill in Vancouver. Filed. From James B. Babington applying for a civic position. Filed. [page 156] From Jas Cooper Keith acknowleding receipt of resolution of Council. Filed. From F. Munro and others drawing the attention of Council to the employment of Chinese by H. F. Keefer. Referred to City Solicitor. From H.F. Keefer explaining the circumstances under which the Chinese were employed. Referred to City Solicitor. From William Ellison applying for the position of Sexton. Filed. From Secretary of Fire Brigade giving list of New officers elected and the names of the Firemen. Referred to F. W. & L. Committee. From L.L. Black re Hawkins, The Solicitor was instructed to give his final decision as soon as possible. From John. P. Lawson giving estimate of the cost of constructing a bank on Water Street. Item No. 4 Moved by Alderman Humphries seconded by Alderman Lefevre That the Board of Works be instructed to call for tenders for the construction of the bank mentioned. Carried. [Vol 2 page 157] From John. P. Lawson re the grading of Georgia Street. Referred to the Board of Works. From John. P. Lawson re condition of Streets and Sidewalks. Referred to the Board of Works with power to act. From J.M. Boswell, Collector of Customs re precautions against Small pox. Filed. From H.A. Mellon and others re the grading of Nicola Street. Referred to Board of Works. Accounts The following accounts were read and referred to their proper Committees. L. W. Haywood, Railway Fares, $16.00 McLennan and McFeely Stoves etc. 28.75 W. Ashford, Milk 35.50 Vancouver Electric Light Co. 180.00 Office rent for Mr. McLean 28.00 Thomson Bros. Stationery 5.65 Telegraph Co. 1.45 Jos McDonald, Shed 6.00 Robert Couth, Coal 21.00 Vancouver Bazaar 2.25 John Scuitto, Bread 12.86 Leamey & Kyle, Lumber 77.00 K. Rutherford, Teaming 2.00 [Vol 2 page 158] Vancouver Wine

Committee appointed to meet with Richmond Committee regarding constructing bridges from Lulu Island and Sea Island. Map submitted with streets with sewers and plans for additional. Alexander and Oppenheimer recommend street trees be planted. Request to Province for 64 acres of land in Hastings Townsite for public park for recreation. Request to the Post Office that Vancouver has 6000 people and is growing; it needs letterboxes stationed in various parts of the city. Bylaws for regulating storage of gunpowder and firing of guns in the city. This transcript was made in 2014 by Transcribimus volunteer Margaret Sutherland and sponsored by The Oppenheimer Group original handwritten minutes here City of Vancouver Archives Series 23-A Volume 2 pages 173-180 [volume 2 page 173] Vancouver January 23rd 1888 The Council met on Monday January 23rd 1888 at 7:30 P.M. Present His Worship Mayor Oppenheimer, Aldermen Alexander, Bell-Irving, Clark, Couth, Dougall, Humphries, Mannion, Lefevre and Oppenheimer. The Minutes of last meeting were read and adopted. Communications. From H. Abbott Esq. offering Block 48 District Lot 541 for $20,000.00 Referred to the Board of Works From City Solicitor advising City adversely in the matter of the petition of William Soule. Referred to the Board of Works From E.M. Murphy, Manager and E.A. Gray, Editor of the Journal of Commerce re the British Columbia Edition of Said Journal. Referred to the Finance Committee From O.W. Sweet and L.A. Hamilton notifying Council of the appointment of a Committee from the Municipality of Richmond to confer with a Committee of the City [volume 2 page 174] Council of Vancouver with a view of interviewing the Government regards to the Construction of Bridges from Lulu Island and Sea Island to the Mainland etc. No. 24 His Worship appointed Aldermen Mannion, Clark, Couth, and Bell-Irving to meet the Committee, for the purpose. From Fire Inspector re the enforcing of the Fire By-Law in respect to the Terra Cotta Flues. No action taken From M.G. Blanshard V.S. giving report of Glanders cases in the City and the City Solicitors opinion in connection therewith. Action deferred pending instructions from Government. From E. Mohun submitting plan of blocks sewered and of those which require to be sewered. Referred to the Board of Works From City Auditor submitting report for A.D. 1887. Referred to the Finance Committee From E. Mohun reporting that the Sewers had been tapped. No. 25 Aldexander – Bell-Irving That the Chief of Police be instructed to proceed against the offenders at once. Carried [vol 2 page 175] Telegram from N.P. Stead, Editor of the Pall Mall Gazette, in reply to a telegram of Congratulation sent by his Worship the Mayor. Filed Reports Works No. 3. No. 26 The Board of Works met on Friday January 20th 1888 and beg to report that the petition of Messrs' Leomy and Kyle has been considered and would recommend that the matter be allowed to stand over until after the estimates are compiled for the year. We have instructed the City Engineer to prepare

Two requests to federal government: (1) to build lighthouse at First Narrows (now Lions Gate) because of large increase in vessels, and  (2)  for permission to build Granville Bridge to ultimately connect to North Arm of the Fraser River. This transcript was made in 2014 by Transcribimus volunteer Margaret Sutherland and sponsored by The Oppenheimer Group original handwritten minutes here City of Vancouver Archives Series 23-A Volume 2 pages 189-198 [vol 2 page 189] Vancouver Feb 6th 1888, The Council met on Monday February 6th 1888 at 7:30 P.M. Present His Worship Mayor Oppenheimer, Aldermen Alexander, Bell-Irving, Clark, Dougall, Humphries, Mannion and Oppenheimer. The Minutes of last meeting were read and adopted. Communications From L.A. Hamilton asking Council to take steps towards fixing permanent boundaries for lots in old Granville Townsite. Referred to the Board of Works and City Solicitor with power to act; From L.A. Hamilton informing Council that it was the intention of the property owners along Beach Avenue to have same cleared at once and asking them to carry out the plans of the Park Road as laid down by the last Council. Referred to the Board of Works. From D McCallum asking Council to reconsider Scavenger tenders. Referred to Board of Health. From Robert Barker and others asking for the reinforcement [vol2 page 190] of Drake Street between Granville and Homer Streets. Referred to the Board of Works. From L.L. Black, City Solicitor re Cole's Building. Laid over for one week. From E. Mohun, Submitting cost of increased Sewerage. Referred to the Board of Works. From Messrs Drake, Jackson & Helmcken asking for a list of moneys paid Messrs Dunn & Ferguson on account of Wm Harkins. Referred to the City Solicitor to instruct treasurer in the matter. From Hospital Steward complaining of being sick. Filed From H. I. Scurry et al , praying Council to pass a By-Law Compelling a Strict observance of the Sabbath. Referred to the Finance Committee. From Geo Baldwin, Assessment Commissioner, Submitting Assessment Roll for 1888. Accounts The following accounts were read and referred to their proper committees. [vol 2 page 191] Wm. Hamilton $2.50 Wm Beavis $3.70 Kenneth Campbell & Co. $11.06 L. W. Haywood $13.50 Royal City Mills $2.12 Thos Allen $22.00 W. G Alcock $29.00r News Advertiser $25.20 J. H. Carlisle $22.50 H. McDonnell & Co $7.80 A. C. Thicke $3.50 Woodaman & Edgar $2.10 W. K. Williamson $30.00 Hayes & McIntosh $9.54 B. B. Skinner $28.00 F. X. Martin $44.80 Canadian Pacific Tel. Co. $1.90 Thomson Bros $12.85 Vancouver Wine Co. $3.00 John Clough $4.50 Charles Nelson $10.05 Lye & Co $4.55 John Scuitto $14.54 C. P. Telegraph Co. $2.65 Campbell & Martin $5.30 J. Miller $8.17 J. J. Alexander $10.00 Chinese Interpreter $.50 S. L. Lilley $49.45 W. L. Milross $116.22 Jas Tretheway $10.00 Owen Hughes $4.00 John Donahue $6.00 Henderson Bros.$41.47 Ths Dunn & Co. $18.90 E. S. Scoullar & Co. 43.94 [vol 2 page 192] B.B. Skinner $22.00 J.W. Palmer $16.00 Reports. F. W

Special Meeting to review the agreement with Claude Gauthier to have a smelting works within the City of Vancouver.Continue Reading

Five dollar reward to report those dumping on city streets. Approved $20 to man whose team of horses had been destroyed after being infected by glanders. Approval to raise $125,000 by way of debentures for general improvements. Request to provincial government to sell lands for settlement. Note that in these times every individual payment needed to be approved by the Council so most meetings had extensive lists of costs. This transcript was made in 2014 by Transcribimus volunteer Margaret Sutherland and sponsored by The Oppenheimer Group original handwritten minutes here City of Vancouver Archives Series 23-A Volume 2 pages 220-234 [vol 2 page 220] Vancouver March 5th 1888 The Council met on Monday March 5th 1888 at 7:30 P.M. Present His Worship Mayor Oppenheimer, Aldermen Alexander, Bell-Irving, Couth, Dougall, Humphries, Mannion and Oppenheimer. The Minutes of last meeting were read and adopted. Communications. From T. Elwyn, Deputy Provincial Secretary acknowledging receipt of Communication re Public Cemetery. Filed. From H. L. Gulline & Co re Teredo Proof Paint. Referred to Finance Committee. From Jos Huntly furnishing his monthly report. Referred to Health & F. W & L. From Murdoch, Dickson & Co. offering to act us Commissioners for the City in Toronto. Filed. From D. McCallum asking for a Scavenger's License. Referred to Health Committee. From Geo Williams asking for the improvements of Hastings Street [vol 2page 221] from the west end thereof to Spratt's Wharf. Referred to the Board of Works. From E. Cook, asking for a Pipe Layer's License. Referred to the Board of Works. From Thos. H. Coudell re the Street Lines on Homer Street. Referred to the Board of Works. From T. D. Boucher and others re the improvement of Heatley Ave and Alexander Street. Referred to the Board of Works. The following accounts were read and referred to the proper Committees:- F. W. Hart $48.25 Works etc Wm Dufour & Co. $ 2.00 Police George Williams $ 7.50 Health R. G Tatlow & Co $14.00 Works Fares to New Westminster $10.00 Police B. B. Skinner $11.50 F. W. & L. R. W. Armstrong $12.34 Finance W. K. Williamson $.25 Finance W. H. Phillips $17.00 Finance Herman Draxdorf $ 1.25 F. W. & L. Weekly Herald $67.50 Finance Patrick Carey $ 4.00 Health Owen Hughes $ 4.50 Health W. Ashford $13.85 Health Geo. L. Wilson $ .89 Health Cowderoy Bro. $ 1.10 Health Hayes & Mc Intosh $23.55 Health [vol 2 page 222] Thomson Bros. $34.25 Finance Royal City Planning Mills $ 2.31 Works News Advertiser $25.40 Finance S. T. Tillery $35.60 Finance C. M. Hanley $26.05 F. W. & L. H. A. Berry & Co. $ 5.50 F. W. & L. W. Beaver's $ 5.58 Health F. C. McCartney $ 6.05 Finance C.P. Telegraph Co. $ .25 Finance Andrew R. Reid $21.50 Finance Henry Arkell $10.40 F. W. & L. Vancouver Wine Co $1.50 Health David Evans $120.00 Police Electric Illuminating Co $184.00 F. W. & L. John McAllister $93.25 F. W. & L. John Abrams

Henry Abbott in support of Granville Bridge over False Creek. Ferguson et al. in support of road to connect Lorne Street with proposed road to North Arm. City Scavenger to furnish bond, pay license fee. Refused to permit construction of glass and wood structure behind Cordova Street. Ald. Humphries moved to re divide the city into new wards. This transcript was made in 2014 by Transcribimus volunteer Margaret Sutherland and sponsored by The Oppenheimer Group original handwritten minutes here City of Vancouver Archives Series 23-A Volume 2 pages 244-254 [vol2 page 244] Vancouver March 19th 1888 The Council met on Monday March 19th 1888 at 7:30 P. M. Present His Worship Mayor Oppenheimer, Aldermen Alexander, Bell-Irving, Clark, Couth, Dougall, Humphries, Lefevre, Mannion and Oppenheimer. The minutes of last meeting were read and adopted. Communications From A. Gobeil, Secretary to the Minister of Public Works, acknowledging receipt of communication re bridging the North Arm of the Fraser River. Filed. From H. Abbott and others asking Council to place a sum in the estimates for the construction of a bridge across False Creek from the foot of Granville Street. Laid over. From R. C. Ferguson and others asking Council to place a sum in the estimates for the current year for the construction of a road to connect Lorne Street with the proposed Road to the North Arm. Laid over. [vol2 page 245] Reports Health No. 6 The Health Committee met on Friday March 16th 1888 and would recommend that Section 57 of By-Law No 7 be amended by inserting the word “water tight” instead of “air tight” and that a clause be inserted in the By-Law to regulate the fees of Day Scavengers. Also that the City Clerk notify the Scavenger to furnish a bond as required by By-Law and pay the license fee upon the Inspector's certificate that he has the necessary requirements. Sgd., J. M. Lefevre, Chairman Moved by Alderman Clark seconded by Alderman Bell-Irving. That the report be adopted. Carried. Finance No. 9 The Finance Committee met on Friday 16th March 1888 and beg to report that the communication of Mr. A. T. Williams asking the Council to purchase 200 copies of his Vancouver Directory has been duly considered and we would recommend that no action be taken towards the purchase of copies of the said Directory beyond those required for the city offices. Mr. Pitt's communication [vol2 page 246] has been again taken into consideration and under the circumstances we cannot see our way clear to recommend any remuneration for him. We recommend that a Telephone be placed in the City Hall. Sgd., Rich H. Alexander, Chairman Moved by Alderman Mannion seconded by Alderman Clark. That the report of the Finance Committee be adopted. Carried. Works No. 11 The Board of Works met on Friday 16th March 1888 and beg to report that the following tenders have been received for Street work: Pender Street Bridge, H. S. McDermott, Bridge Timber $19.75 per m. Earth filling $190.00 Boyd

Licensing Committee notes that Provincial Legislature is considering liquor issues; these should be left to municipalities. Mr. Abbott of CPR to be notified city has let contract certain improvements. Mr. Abbott to be asked to place a draw in their bridge across False Creek. Thanks given to people who organized concert for hospital fundraising. This transcript was made in 2014 by Transcribimus volunteer Margaret Sutherland and sponsored by The Oppenheimer Group original handwritten minutes here City of Vancouver Archives Series 23-A Volume 2 pages 256-264 [vol2 page 256] Vancouver March 26th 1888 The Council met on Monday March 26th 1888 at 7:30 P. M. Present His Worship Mayor Oppenheimer, Aldermen Alexander, Bell-Irving, Clark, Couth, Dougall, Humphries, Lefevre, Mannion, and Oppenheimer. The minutes of last regular and special meetings were read and adopted. Communications From Jennest Gillis asking that a sidewalk be laid on the West side of Westminster Avenue on Burrard Street South Side. Referred to the Board of Works. From Messrs Drake, Jackson and Helmcken informing Council that Mr. T. T. Black does not admit the legality of his discharge. Referred to City Solicitor. From G. W. Phipps asking Council to remit taxes on Y. M. C. A. building. Referred to City Solicitor. From Secretary of Board of Trade asking that a sum be placed in the general loan By-Law for building a Bridge across False Creek. Filed. [vol2 page 257] From James Struthers et al asking for the improvement of Georgia Street East of Granville Street. Referred to Board of Works. From S. T. Tilley et al asking the Mayor to call a public meeting to discuss the bridge question. Filed. Reports License Committee The Licensing Board of the City at its usual and regular monthly meeting March 20th 1888, after duly considering the provisions of the Act respecting the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors and the issuance of Licenses therefor now before the Legislature most respectfully report that in their opinion the regulation of such matters should be left in the hands of the Councils of the Cities and Municipalities, giving them full powers to impose such License fees as they may deem sufficient. It was also further resolved that the Clerk of the Licensing Board transmit copies of the above resolution to the members of Parliament from this District at Victoria, which has been done. Sgd., Oppenheimer, Chairman [vol2 page 258] Moved by Alderman Humphries seconded by Alderman Dougall. That the report be adopted. Carried. Works No. The Board of Works met on Friday March 23rd 1888 and beg to report that the following tenders have been received for Street improvements: Alexander Street and Heatley Av., Eldon & Lovalt. Alexander St, Grading per ft 60 cts Heatley Av, Grading per ft 75 cts Culverts per m. $16.00 E. McCoskrie Grading per ft. 80 cts Sidewalks per ft. 37 cts Plank per m ft. $15.00 Boyd and Clandening Grading per ft. 52 cts Box Culverts per m ft. $16.00 Angus McLellan Grading per ft. 76 cts Box Culverts

City recommends purchase of a second fire engine. City Auditor John Devine's salary increased. Assistant City Engineer J. Romang's raise denied. CPR to build Heatley Street crossing over railway. Contracts for street improvements for Hastings, Dunlevy, Westminster [Main Street].Continue Reading

Order in Council has been passed permitting bridges across False Creek and Coal Harbour. Bank of Montréal to purchase debentures of $150,000. Shows confidence in the future prospects of the city. H Buster to receive license for day and night scavenger. Space between City Wharf and railway to be a temporary dump. Meeting with sports groups to discuss a proper field. Mayor to appoint a committee to consider a bylaw for street railway.Continue Reading

The Health Inspector authorized to tear down the old building on the Hospital Lots and that the chain gang be utilized for that purpose. Carried. Alderman Bell-Irving resigns. Communication to H.P. Caron, Minister of Defense in Ottawa asking him to take some provisions for the defense of Vancouver before the departure of the Royal Engineers by having the necessary surveys and plans of fortifications made by them before leaving the Pacific Coast.Continue Reading

Great number of tenders for road work reviewed and recommended by Board of Works.  Special Engineer to be employed to review plans for bridge across False Creek at Granville Street, surface drains, and laying of water and gas pipes. This transcript was made in 2014 by Transcribimus volunteer Margaret Sutherland and sponsored by The Oppenheimer Group original handwritten minutes here City of Vancouver Archives Series 23-A Volume 2 pages 356-365 [Volume 2 page 356] Vancouver June 11th 1888, The Council met on Monday June 11th 1888 at 7:30 P. M. Present His Worship Mayor Oppenheimer, Aldermen Alexander, Clark, Couth, Dougall, Brighouse, Humphries, Lefevre, and Oppenheimer. The Minutes of last meeting were read and adopted. Communications From H. J. Cambie et al praying that a Sidewalk be laid on Georgia Street. Referred to the Board of Works. From Mrs. E. Gold et al praying that the Fire Limits be extended from Water Street North. From G. L. Boyd et al praying that Westminster Avenue be graded to 13th Avenue. Referred to the Board of Works. From Wm. Webster asking that the Council inspect his Agency on Hastings Street. Filed. From Mrs. Thain on behalf of the W. C. T. U. asking to be allowed to have a stand on the Streets on the 2nd of July for the Sale of refreshments etc. [Volume 2 page 357] Reports Works No. 20 The Board of Works met on Friday June 8th 1888 and beg to report that the following tenders have been received: Fifth Avenue H. Connacher Grading etc per ft 39 cts Logs per ft 7 cts Culverts per m ft 17.00 Tierney & McDonald Grading etc per ft 24 cts Logs per ft 50 cts Bridges per m ft 17.50 McDonald & Cameron Grading etc per ft 32 cts Bridges per m ft 18.00 Culverts per m ft 16.00 J. H. McKay Grading etc per ft 30 cts Bridges & Culverts per m ft 17.00 Sixth Avenue, West F. Foubert Grading etc per ft 40 cts Logs per ft 7 cts Bridges & Culverts per m ft 17.00 Boyd & Clandening Grading etc per ft 42 cts Logs per ft 8 cts Bridges & Culverts per m ft 16.00 H. Connacher Grading etc per ft 43 cts Culverts per m ft 17.00 Bridges per m ft 18.00 [page 358] Frank Cerra & Co. East & West Grading etc per ft 24 cts Culverts each 8.50 Tierney & McDonald, East & West Grading per ft 26 cts Logs per ft 50 cts Bridging per m ft 17.50 McDonald & Cameron Grading etc per ft 45 cts Bridges & Culverts per m ft 17.00 Sixth Avenue, East F. Foubert Grading etc per ft 40 cts Logs per ft 7 cts Bridges & Culverts per m ft 17.00 McDonald & Cameron Grading etc per ft 25 cts Bridges per m ft 18.00 Culverts per m ft 16.00 J. H. McKay Grading etc per ft 22 cts Bridges & Culverts per m ft 17.00 R.

Every recommendation for opening streets or laying sidewalk or other work shall state the estimated cost of the same and that before any contract is signed such estimate shall be passed upon and reported on by the Finance Committee. Applications shall be called for the position of caretaker at the Public Cemetery, the applicant to state salary required and whether he is a man with a family.Continue Reading

Mr. James Hartney requests reimbursement for goods destroyed in quarantine. Board of School Trustees to meet at City Hall any evening except Mondays. Board of Works received four plans for the Bridge across False Creek which we have referred to Mr. Cambie.Continue Reading

Mr. H. Abbott offered to give a site for Immigrant sheds North of the Company's Offices on Cordova Street. Many tenders received for sewerage. Contractors will be notified to cover up the Sewer pipe on the lane running between Hastings Street and Pender Street…and to put lanes and sidewalks in good repair as before. Continue Reading

Communication from John D. Ronald acknowledging receipt of money for Engine No 2. A telephone, a bell and pump to be purchased for the new Fire Hall and sufficient lumber for the erection of water closets, fences etc. Vancouver Cricket Club strongly objects to the idea that a circus be allowed to use the cricket ground.Continue Reading

Former Vancouver Mayor M.A. McLean appointed Police Magistrate at a salary of $1,000 per year. City Officials given an annual ten-day holiday. Fri Oct 12, 1888 set aside as Arbour Day, "for the purpose of planting trees and shrubs, and as a public holiday."Continue Reading

Doctors Bell-Irving, Langis, Lefevre, McGuigan and Robertson appointed to medical staff for City Hospital. Board of Works has decided to have electric lighting in the new hospital. Request from John H. McMillan et al asking that the Corporation remove the (newly-built) Morgue from present location. Continue Reading

Ward 1's budget exhausted: instituted separate accounts for each city ward. Work on False Creek Bridge, False Creek School House, and City Hospital continues. Brush, stumps, boulders and debris along the road to (Stanley) park not disposed of according to contract.Continue Reading

City hospital informally opened Sept 22 with only one ward operative. Visiting hours Wednesdays and Sundays only between 3:00 and 4:00 pm. Citizens object to council's "irregular" election of hospital medical staff. James Hartney to be compensated $280 for his property destroyed while he was quarantined.Continue Reading

Presbyterian Ladies' Aid donates all linens and equipment for eight hospital beds. City accepts E.J. Clark's offer of donation of lot for an athletic field. "Responsible parties" may apply for trees purchased by city.Continue Reading

Three part-time constables added to police force for the remainder of the year. James Stanford paid $790 for work to date on City Hall.Continue Reading

Special meeting to commemorate death of Alderman Humphries; City Hall to be closed the day of his funeral; his desk to be draped for the remainder of the year.Continue Reading

Tenders called for food supplies to city hospital. Mayor may spend up to $125 per month to subsidize steamer service to Nanaimo 3 times per week. Alderman Brighouse to purchase a horse to flush out the sewers regularly. A.E. McCarney to be paid $75 for drawing plans for hospital, morgue.Continue Reading

At the end of December, 1888 the "Vancouver Daily World" newspaper published biographies of Mayor-Elect David Oppenheimer and the Aldermen who would form the Council for 1889. [table id=01 /]

Final reports from the Fire Brigade and the Board of Health were received. Aldermen Coldwell and Clark tendered thanks to Mayor David Oppenheimer for the "phenomenal progress" Vancouver has made under his leadership. This transcript was made in 2015 by Transcribimus volunteers Margaret Sutherland and Joy Marie Vasquez original handwritten minutes here City of Vancouver Archives Series 23-A Volume 3 pages 626-628 [volume 2 page 626] Vancouver Jan 7th 1889 The Council of 1888 met on Monday January 7th 1889 at 11:30 A. M. Present His Worship Mayor Oppenheimer, Aldermen Alexander, Brighouse, Clark, Coldwell, Dougall, Lefevre, McConnell and Oppenheimer. The Minutes of last meeting were read and adopted. Reports A report was received and read from J. H. Carlisle, late Chief of the Fire Brigade which was filed on motion of Alderman Oppenheimer seconded by Alderman Clark. Alderman Lefevre furnished the Annual Report of the Board of Health in conjunction with one from Dr. Robertson Health Officer which was received and filed on motion of Alderman Alexander seconded by Alderman Oppenheimer. Motions Moved by Alderman Coldwell seconded by Alderman Clark. Whereas in reviewing at our last meeting the phenomenal progress Vancouver continues to make as shown by the various Committees reports, we feel it a duty before retiring from office to place among the records of this Council a testimony of our hearty appreciation of the [volume page 627] valuable services rendered to the City by the Mayor and to inform him and the citizens generally, that we consider our present prosperous position due in a great part to the wisdom and energy of his administration not only has Mayor Oppenheimer devoted himself most assiduously to the performance of the numerous duties devolving upon him as Chief Magistrate of the City but matters of very great importance to Vancouver although not coming within the scope of his duties have engaged his attention with decided benefit to our City. The erection here of Smelting works on a large scale, the collection of our fine exhibit of Provincial productions for the industrial Fairs of Toronto and London, the compilation of the latest missing information throughout the Province for circulation amongst the Capitalists of the World; the effort to establish the Beet Sugar Industry in British Columbia and many other subjects were taken up by him vigorously and brought to a successful conclusion, which will be of great financial benefit to our interests and bring the name, resources and prospects of Vancouver conspicuously before the world. And, whereas, though these services so beneficial to us as citizens engaged the whole of Mayor Oppenheimer's time he has refused to accept any remuneration [volume page 628] And whereas, in addition to the loss of time a large expenditure of money is necessary to entertain in a manner suitable to the City's position, those distinguished visitors who from time to time come amongst us and in procuring assistance in carrying on the necessary correspondence involved which it seems have hitherto been borne by the Mayor himself.