1889 Vancouver City Council Minutes

Click on any headline to see the full transcript of that day’s meeting, and pictures of the original handwritten minutes.

1888

Election results for Vancouver City Council of 1889

This document was transcribed in July of 2018 by volunteer Gerald Soon. These election results were published in the “Vancouver Daily World” on December 10, 1888. The winners took office in January of 1889 for a term of one year. ..
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James Whetham biography

is biography of James Whetham was transcribed in June of 2018 by Transcribimus volunteer Chris Mizzoni. JAMES WHETHAM One of the newly elected representatives for Ward 2, is a comparatively young man, having been born in the year 1854, in..
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1889

Council of 1888 wraps up – January 7, 1889, 11:30 am

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..
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Vancouver Mayor & Aldermen for 1889

Mayor: David Oppenheimer Aldermen: Ward 1: Sam Brighouse, J.F. Salsbury Ward 2: J.W. Horne, James Whetham Ward 3: M.J. Brower, Robert Clark Ward 4: Michael Costello, G.S. McConnell Ward 5: John M. Lefevre (resigned), Isaac Oppenheimer, Hamilton Mason (elected in..
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Council for 1889 begins its work – January 7, 1889, 12:00 noon

Council requests city departments to submit budgets for upcoming year. Request to federal government for contribution to upkeep and improvement of Stanley Park, as “said Park is to be used by the [city of Vancouver] only until the Government of..
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Readjustment of Council Committees overturned – January 14, 1889, 3:00 pm

Special meeting to change composition of committees for 1889. Motion defeated, committees remained the same. 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..
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Portuguese Joe to get $150 compensation – January 14, 1889

Ex-Alderman Alexander and Mr. McKay made Park commissioners. Extra police payroll of $142 was paid to enforce the quarantine. Portuguese Joe (José Gonsalves) will get $150 for destruction of personal property in quarantine facility at Brockton Point. Fire, Water and..
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Vancouver Water Works Company given last chance – January 21, 1889

Last chance for Vancouver Water Works Company to fulfill its contract with city: water supply originally promised to city in early part of 1888. This transcript was made in 2015 by Transcribimus volunteers Margaret Sutherland and Joy Marie Vasquez original..
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Council wants $15,000 more for Court House building – January 28, 1889

Council to ask province for $15,000 more for Court House, $5,00 grant in aid of Hospital, and $2,000 in aid of the Police. Aldermen Clark, Howe and Whetham to meet with Vancouver Water Works company to arrange for a Guarantee..
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“Fraudulent absconders” must be stopped, say merchants – February 4, 1889

Vancouver merchants continually cheated by “fraudulent absconders” who charge goods and then escape on the Steamers without paying. Lawyers Davie & Pooley offer to represent the city in in the pending suit with the CPR for $1,000. Vancouver’s three elementary..
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Mount Pleasant streets to be named and registered – February 11, 1889

All streets in Ward No. 4 south of False Creek must be named and registered.City Treasurer authorized to hire an Accountant to assist him. Thos. Stephenson appointed Street Superintendent at a salary of $120 per month. This transcript was made..
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Business suspended while Councillors wrangle – February 18, 1889

In-depth procedural debate, no other business accomplished. 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 2 page 708 only [volume 2 page..
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$50 Exhibit fund granted to Mayor Oppenheimer – February 20, 1889

$50 granted to Mayor David Oppenheimer “to organize a Provincial Commission for the purpose of preparing a full Exhibit of the Mineral, Forest and Agricultural Resources of our Province with exhibits of its Fisheries, Manufactories and other Industries.” This transcript..
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Aldermen’s absence cancels meeting – February 25, 1889

The meeting adjourned due to lack of quorum. 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 2 page 711 only [volume 2..
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Legal opinion needed re: Mayor’s vote – March 1, 1889

Council requests a legal opinion on whether the Mayor, an ex-officio member of every civic Committee, has the right to vote in each Committee This transcript was made in 2015 by Transcribimus volunteers Margaret Sutherland and Joy Marie Vasquez ..
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Stanley Park lodge to be built, deadwood removed – March 4, 1889

Stanley Park to have lodge and outbuildings, twenty seats built, and dead wood cleared or burned – total cost about $800. Claim of $3760.00 damages from J. D. Schmidt for injuries sustained by falling into an open ditch. Fire Inspector..
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Continual damage to fire engines intentional? – March 11, 1889

Repeated damage to fire engines may be the result of tampering by “person or persons unknown”; fire department to check condition of engines twice daily. This transcript was made in 2015 by Transcribimus volunteers Margaret Sutherland and Joy Marie Vasquez..
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Council opposes draining of Burnaby Lake – March 18, 1889

Resolution against the draining of Burnaby Lake to be sent to Victoria, following similar petition by residents of New Westminster. Another to “earnestly petition” the Legislative Assembly to hasten the completion of the railway to the Okanagan. This transcript was..
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Mayor to take Charter of Amendments to Victoria – March 23, 1889

Special meeting; Mayor Oppenheimer, Aldermen Salsbury and Lefevre and Dr. McGuigan appointed to go to Victoria with a view of having the Charter of Amendments passed. This transcript was made in 2015 by Transcribimus volunteers Margaret Sutherland and Joy Marie..
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Alderman J.M. Lefevre resigns – April 1, 1889

J.M. Lefevre resigned his seat on Council. Letter from the Vancouver Typographical Union No. 226 protests against the City printing being done outside the City This transcript was made in 2015 by Transcribimus volunteers Margaret Sutherland and Joy Marie Vasquez..
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Vancouver accountant and street superintendent hired – April 8, 1889

Estimates of income and expenses for the year received from all City departments. City Accountant and Superintendent of Streets hired. This transcript was made in 2015 by Transcribimus volunteers Margaret Sutherland and Joy Marie Vasquez original handwritten minutes here City..
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Post office boxes needed in Mount Pleasant, West End “suburbs” – April 15, 1889

Urgent need for more Post Office boxes for the “suburbs” in Mount Pleasant and west of Granville Street. Municipality of Richmond’s agreed contribution toward the Granville Street Bridge has not been received. Bridge agreement had been made among Vancouver, Richmond..
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Electric lights for Fire Hall No. 1 – April 23, 1889

8 electric lights to be installed in Fire Hall No. 1 at a monthly cost of $16.50 This transcript was made in 2015 by Transcribimus volunteers Margaret Sutherland and Joy Marie Vasquez original handwritten minutes here City of Vancouver Archives..
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Stray cattle and horses to be curbed, verandah damaged by runaway team – April 29, 1889

Z. G. Goldberg permitted to re-construct his veranda damaged by runaway team. City Pound enlarged to suppress “nuisance of stray cattle and horses along our streets.” This transcript was made in 2015 by Transcribimus volunteers Margaret Sutherland and Joy Marie..
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Vancouver police get uniforms, batons, handcuffs, and whistles – May 6, 1889

Council approved purchase of uniforms for police chief, sergeant, 5 officers and caretaker at a cost of $282.50. Police department also authorized to buy “2 Batons, 3 Sets of Handcuffs, 1 Staff Badge, 2 Sets Chain Nippers & 2 Whistles”..
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Race Course planned for Hastings Park – May 13, 1889

Council “to arrange with the British Columbia Jockey Club for the lease of a site under the control of the club in the eastern park near Hastings sufficiently large for the construction of a Race Course.” This transcript was made..
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Future of City Wharf uncertain – May 20, 1889

Committee formed to either settle with Vancouver Wharfage and Storage re: purchase of wharf as previously agreed or that “the right to purchase same should be abandoned.” Cost of installing phone line from City Hall to cemetery quoted at $70.00..
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Aldermen to meet with Vancouver Wharfage and Storage Co. – May 27, 1889

Aldermen Horne, Whetham, Oppenheimer, McConnell and Brewer were appointed to meet with the wharf owners to work out the next step in the acquisition of city wharf. Plan to have 25,000 copies published of a twenty-page pamphlet about Vancouver was..
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Chinese residents to be evicted from Stanley Park – June 3, 1889

Health inspector to remove “nuisances” along the Park Road, “particularly the Chinese in the vicinity of the Lodge”. [Stanley] Park ranger instructed to impound dogs without license tags. Call for tenders to supply fire alarms to city. This transcript was..
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Vancouver sends $1,000 to relieve Seattle fire victims – June 7, 1889

Mayor authorized to send “up to one thousand dollars to relieve sufferers in Seattle” – referring to the Great Seattle Fire of June 6, 1889. Recently adopted liquor by-law to be reviewed in six months’ time. This transcript was made..
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Richmond hedges on its bridge contribution – June 10, 1889

Municipality of Richmond’s position regarding its financial responsibility toward the construction of a bridge between Vancouver and Richmond “is noted with much surprise and regret by this Board” (see minutes from April 15, 1889). City purchased one horse at a..
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Market plans take shape, Board of Works budget exhausted – June 17, 1889

City Market committee recommends “a brick building 63 feet x 100 with basement; ground floor to be divided into stalls with arcades … and hall on second storey, total cost …$16,000.” Board of Works reports its annual budget is emptied..
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Vancouver street improvements approved for each ward – July 15, 1889

List of street improvements for each of five city wards itemized and approved, at a total cost of $41,990.00. Leading Chinese citizen J. Cumyow receives permission to exhume Chinese dead in cemetery. City receives a donation of fountain from Vancouver..
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Sansom & Dawson win City Market contract – July 22, 1889

Sansom and Dawson’s plan for the City Market selected. Committees established to deal with the Reading Room and to meet with the Street Railway Company. Water service must be extended to Mount Pleasant for “fire and household purposes.” Council agrees..
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Stanley Brothers may put a photo studio on the roof of London House – July 29, 1889

Permission was given to the Stanley Bros. to erect a photo studio on the roof of the building known as the London House. The proposition of James M. Holland to move a building from Lot 2 Block 3 was refused...
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Knights of Labour want nine hour day – August 5, 1889

Request received from the Knights of Labour to reduce the workday of City labourers to 9 hours. agreed to call for tender for clearing, close cutting and burning of about 23 acres of land at Hastings for Exhibition grounds. This..
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Time limits for smelting company, street railway both extended – August 12, 1889

Council authorizes $65 monthly support for Free Reading Room and Library. Time limit for contract between city and smelting company has expired, and will have to be re-negotiated. Time limit for contract with Street Railway company to be extended, “in..
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Wanted: one Fire Chief, two Engineers, two Drivers, and two Stokers – August 19, 1889

Purchase of “another patent collar and harness” for the fire department was approved, as was was the placing of job advertisements for the first paid Fire Department employees, “one Chief, two Engineers, two Drivers, and two Stokers”, plus ten on-call..
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Mr. Clark donates park to Vancouver – August 26, 1889

Architects Sansom and Danson win $100 prize for their plan for the City Market. After a presentation from Mr. Sansom, it was agreed to situate the market 16 ft. back from Westminster Ave (now Main Street). The Deed of Conveyance..
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Salaries set for firemen, nurses – September 02, 1889

Establishment of professional fire department. Chief engineer J. H. Carlyle’s salary was set at $75 per month; firemen, stokers and drivers were paid $40; and additional on-call men were paid $15. At the same time, Miss Swan as matron of..
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Special audit of Vancouver Police Court Accounts called – September 09, 1889

A Special Audit of the Police Court accounts and of the Police Books to be made immediately and a full report brought before the Police Board. A By-Law was introduced borrow a sum of money to improve Brockton Point in..
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Chain gang set to work on police officer’s private property, report alleges – September 16th, 1889

Police chief suspended without pay while reports of police misconduct and breach of trust investigated by “Justices of Her Majesty’s Supreme Court of British Columbia or a Judge of the County Court”. Certain officers ordered to turn in “all monies..
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Vancouver to acquire Water Works, electric street lights – September 23, 1889

Geo. MacKay resigned as Parks Board chairman: W.J. Horne appointed to Chair. City to negotiate with Vancouver Water Works Company to acquire its system of Water Works. City signs agreement with Vancouver Electric Illuminating Company for street lights. This transcript..
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Street railway construction will close Westminster Bridge for 15 days – September 30, 1889

Vancouver Street Railway allowed to close the Westminster Av. (Main Street) bridge for 15 days to install track. City Engineer instructed to notify the contractor(s) that they (and not the City) are responsible for damage done to others’ property while..
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Westminster Ave. to be repaired, bridge closure still pending – October 7, 1889

City Engineer must repair Westminster Ave. between the bridge and Prior Street. $13.50 in extra police wages approved. This transcript was made in 2014 by Transcribimus volunteers Margaret Sutherland and Joy Marie Vasquez. original handwritten minutes here City of Vancouver..
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All building materials and debris to be removed from Vancouver streets – October 14, 1889

Ongoing investigation of police department by Mr. Justice Drake extended to include officials of police court. Street inspector given five days to notify all parties to remove building materials and refuse from city streets. This transcript was made in 2014..
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Fire department gets new team of horses – October 21, 1889

Alderman McConnell to select a team of horses to be purchased for the Fire Department. An electric light to be installed in the Fire Inspector’s office. This transcript was made in 2014 by Transcribimus volunteers Margaret Sutherland and Joy Marie..
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Constable accepted bribes from prostitutes, night policemen dine on the job – November 2, 1889

Policemen regularly met in a restaurant when they were supposed to be on their beats. Chief Stewart cleared of intentional wrong-doing in some charges, but not all. His “total want of order and system” to blame for many irregularities. Constable..
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Park leases to Athletic Club, Jockey Club finalized – November 4, 1889

Brockton Oval lease to Athletic Club and Eastern (Hastings Park) lease to Jockey Club both to be completed and signed. James MacDonald appointed pound keeper at a monthly salary of $35; he had to supply his own horse. Cost of..
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John Devine resigns as City Auditor – November 11, 1889

$7,000 in total granted for public works to streets and sidewalks; projects grouped according to city ward. John Devine resigns as city auditor. Date, time and place for election of 1890 Mayor and Council determined. This transcript was made in..
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Board of Works, Finance Committee debate fountain purchase – November 18, 1889

Board of Works recommends (and Finance Committee opposes) purchase of a fountain from New York at a cost of $763.00 Fire Brigade staff to be fined $2.50 for a first offense, $5.00 for a second offense, and dismissed for a..
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Sewer contract decision postponed – November 21, 1889

Special meeting to reconsider the awarding of the sewer contract. Decision postponed until a meeting with the sanitary engineer. This transcript was made in 2014 by Transcribimus volunteers Margaret Sutherland and Joy Marie Vasquez original handwritten minutes here City of..
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City solicitor, two police officers resign – December 11, 1889

City slaughter houses given six months’ notice to re-locate outside city boundaries. J. T. Abray & W. D. Haywood resign as police officers. J.J. Blake resigns as city solicitor. All vacant lots to be fenced by owner; otherwise city will..
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Vancouver volunteer militia approved – December 16, 1889

Formation of a Battalion of Volunteer Militia and one or two Batteries of Garrison Artillery in the City of Vancouver was approved. Decision of last Council meeting to pay former City Solicitor John Devine’s final account was reversed. This transcript..
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Former city solicitor Devine files charges against Vancouver Mayor and Aldermen – December 23, 1889

Mayor and Aldermen called to County Court in New Westminster to answer charges filed by Mr. John Devine, former City Auditor. Finance Committee deplores Mr. Devine’s breach of confidentiality in bringing financial irregularities before the public. This transcript was made..
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Smelting works contract forfeit – December 30, 1889

City’s 1888 arrangement with Mr. Claude Vautin to build a smelting works had not been completed. Mr. Vautin’s deposit of $5,000 was declared forfeit and property of the City. This transcript was made in 2014 by Transcribimus volunteers Margaret Sutherland..
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1890

Council of 1889 concludes; John Clough awarded $50 – January 6, 1890

Final reports received, Council for 1889 retires. This transcript was made in 2015 by Transcribimus volunteers Margaret Sutherland and Joy Marie Vasquez and sponsored by Arnold Silber original handwritten minutes here City of Vancouver Archives Series 23-A Volume 3 pages..
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