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Vancouver City Council 1892
Mayor: Fred Cope Aldermen: R. A. Anderson (Ward 1) H. E. Connon (Ward 1) Henry Collins (Ward 2) A. W. Scoullar (Ward 2)* H. R. McCraney (Ward 3) W. J. McGuigan (Ward 3) J. L. Franklin (Ward 4) Edward Odlum
Last Year’s Civic Overspending Tops $66,000 – Jan 18, 1892
Newly-elected Mayor Fred Cope gave address. The Finance Committee, Standing Committee on Works, Board of Health, the Fire, Water & Light Committee, and the Market & Police Committee were established. Last year’s Council and Committees overspent $66,000; $45,000 of which
Bell-Irving and Paterson get Water Works contract – Feb 2, 1892
The Council granted the Water Works contract for cast iron pipes, lead pipes, and lead to Bell-Irving and Paterson, commerical merchants at 436 Cordova Street. Use of the hall at the City Market was granted free for a hospital fund-raiser.
Alderman Scoullar’s Seat on Council declared vacant – Feb 22, 1892
A by-election was established for Ward 2 to replace Alderman Scoullar. Plumbing for the hospital addition and 34 new Lawson-Tait hospital beds were ordered for the hospital. All requests for street work to be laid over until estimates can be
Special meeting of Council to arrange funding for water works purchase – February 24, 1892
Present staff of Capilano Water Works to be kept on when the purchase by the City is complete. Temporary financing arranged with the Bank of British Columbia while debentures sold in London. This transcript was made in 2018 by Transcribimus
Vancouver asks Canadian government to establish steamship postal service as far north as Comox– Mar 14, 1892
The Finance Committee recommended the purchase of two sea lions that were currently on display at a price of $115. Aldermen Franklin, Connon and Gavin appointed to meet with the Jockey Club about Hastings Park. Council also sent a request
Joseph Huntly appointed Health Inspector: M. G. MacLeod both License Inspector & Gaoler – Mar 21, 1892
Arthur Cecil Green appointed night nurse at the hospital; monthly salary $30.00 E. G. McGarrigle and others petitioned that Oppenheimer Street be renamed Cordova St. The Lacrosse Club granted the use of City Hall for April 24, and the Brockton
Nothing Decided on Railway Bonus Question – Mar 24, 1892
Council met with representatives of the Burrard Inlet and Fraser River Valley Railway Company, who were requesting a bonus of $300,000 and explained how they intended to expend that sum. Council decided to grant that sum by purchasing stock in
Council goes over draft contract with the railway – March 29, 1892
Council reviewed and amended a draft agreement with the Burrard Inlet and Fraser River Valley Railway Company. City Solicitor to prepare amended draft to take to Council on Monday April 4, 1892.
Liquor license by-law amended – April 4, 1892
The C. P. R. will be asked to donate land for a Fairview recreation ground. The W. C. T. U. and the Barbers press for greater enforcement of the Sunday closing by-law. The City needs to acquire a triangular piece
Council will meet again on Thursday to consider 1892 budget – May 9, 1892
Lawyer J.J. Blake informed council that his client Mrs. Mary Winch had a $300 mortgage on the Hose Wagon. Officer O’Grady was granted $15.00 for a suit of clothing, and (cemetery groundskeeper) Mr. Alex McDonald’s salary was raised by $10.00
Rates for 1892 will be 2 1/4 percent with 20% off – May 12, 1892
The estimates of income and expenses for 1892 were presented to a Committee of the Whole. Totals estimated to be $360,865.55 A number of adjustments were proposed and carried. Rates this year will be 2 1/4 percent with 20% off.
Board of Works to find a new quarantine site – June 6, 1892
The location for the new Pest House (quarantine facility) to be determined by the Board of Works. Cabins behind the Market Hall to be burned, as recommended by the Health Inspector. Vancouver Council writes letter of concern and protest to
Reward for Conviction of Tree Vandals Increased to $300.00 – June 20, 1892
Council will attend July 4th celebrations in Seattle. Westminster and Vancouver Tramway officials complain of cows “running at large” on their tracks. W. S. Westcott awarded the contract for laying flexible water main across the Second Narrows. This transcript was
Vancouver and New Westminster Councils urge formation of Provincial Board of Health – July 9, 1892
Joint meeting of New Westminster and Vancouver City Councils to prevent the spread of smallpox from Victoria and other suspected ports. Provincial Government urged to form a Provincial Board of Health to coordinate vaccinations.
No quarantine laid on Victoria steamers, at least for now – July 11, 1892
Vancouver decided to defer quarantine of vessels from Victoria until “more definite information” could be obtained. Several clergymen addressed Council, urging them to enforce prostitution laws. Several people whose clothes were destroyed by health officials request compensation. This transcript was
Council unanimously backs smallpox quarantine against Victoria – July 22, 1892
Council unanimously backs Mayor Fred Cope’s announced smallpox quarantine. Mayors of other municipalities to be contacted to join the quarantine formed by Vancouver and New Westminster. This transcript was made in 2017 by Transcribimus volunteer Christine Cathcart and sponsored by
New Westminster to lift smallpox quarantine on Monday – July 23, 1892
Mayor Townsend of New Westminster announced he would raise a quarantine on New Westminster Monday July 25 if other municipalities would do the same. John Brenton appointed temporary Health Inspector, Alderman Anderson as Acting Mayor. This transcript was made in
Vancouver will crack down on prostitution at once – July 25, 1892
In an effort to curb prostitution, the allowable area for brothels will be made as small as possible. Drinking in open vehicles, “sauntering” around on foot, smoking at open windows, and other ways of attracting attention to be “wholly restrained”.
Quarantine decision delayed until tomorrow – July 27, 1892
This transcript was made in 2017 by Transcribimus volunteer Christine Cathcart and sponsored by the Woodward family original handwritten minutes here City of Vancouver Archives Series 23-A Volume 5 page 97 only [vol 5, pg 97] Vancouver July 27th 1892
Smallpox quarantine lifted – July 28, 1892
This transcript was made in 2017 by Transcribimus volunteer Christine Cathcart and sponsored by the Woodward family original handwritten minutes here City of Vancouver Archives Series 23-A Volume 5 pages 97 only [vol 5 pg 97] Vancouver July 28th 1892
Additional quarantine buildings needed within the week – August 8, 1892
Vancouver quarantine hospital upgrade to include a kitchen and nurses’ quarters, and an observation facility, plus a well and a brick-lined cesspit.
Council proposes $300,000 bonus to Burrard Inlet & Fraser Valley Railway Co. – August 10, 1892
Informal discussion of the proposed $300,000 bonus to the Burrard Inlet & Fraser Valley Railway Co.
Steamer Sunbury given a $25 weekly bonus – August 15, 1892
The steamer Sunbury to be subsidized $25 per week. The City Engineer was to number streets in Fairview and Mount Pleasant consistent with the numbering north of False Creek. A plan to set aside 10 acres in Stanley Park for
Vancouver objects to paying salary for trains health inspector – August 22, 1892
Because of the continuing smallpox epidemic, the B.C. Government has appointed a health inspector to examine train passengers arriving and leaving Vancouver. The City of Vancouver objects to paying that health inspector’s salary. One more case of smallpox reported. Miss
Vancouver & North Vancouver co-operate to build a road along Capilano water works pipeline – August 29, 1892
The sum of $10,000 was placed in the School Board’s bank account. The City of Vancouver and the Municipality of North Vancouver will cooperate in building a road beside the Capilano Creek pipeline. The Finance Committee recommended W. B. Fisher
Water Works Superintendent Nickson dismissed – September 5, 1892
J. J. Nickson was dismissed as superintendent of the Water Works with one month’s salary in lieu of notice. The Police Committee’s recommendation that J. M. Beattie be allowed to build a shed on the Market grounds was overturned. This
$2,000 bonus granted to the B. C. Iron Works Company – September 7, 1892
The bonus of $2,000 was granted in 4 per cent debentures. Council also agreed to pay for fences etc. for the Jockey Club grounds.
B.C. Iron Works bonus question delayed for one week – September 12, 1892
Leatherdale + Smith claims damages to a horse and “rig” while it was rented by the City. Mr. R.D. Pitt is also claiming damages for the loss of his leg, while Mrs. Staff is claiming compensation for her salary while
Lots at the foot of Main Street to be expropriated for street expansion – September 19, 1892
Michael Costello was appointed arbitrator to determine the value of the lots to be expropriated by the City of Vancouver for street use. Compensation was made to several parties for loss of time and property during the recent smallpox quarantine.
New Local Improvement By-Law Passed- October 3, 1892
“Crushed rock” (gravel) will be used to repair Westminster Avenue (now Main Street) and to surface the basement of the City Market. The Telephone company gives notice that they will have to raise the price for telephone service out to
Costello and Munro give up Water Mains contract – October 5, 1892
Council directed the Fire, Water and Light Committee to proceed with another company once a settlement was made with Costello and Munro for work done to date. This transcript was made in July of 2018 by Transcribimus volunteer Anonymous original
Westminster Ave. purchase delayed six months – October 10, 1892
Immediate fire by-law enacted to eliminate standing rubbish in back yards. The chain gang was assigned to level a lane way behind Beach Avenue. Street lights were approved for fifteen intersections. This transcript was made in July of 2018 by
Cemetery road must be repaired, Vancouver & South Vancouver tell Victoria – October 17, 1892
Mr. Abbott of the C. P. R. allowed 180 cubic yards of rock at the same prices as City. Thomas Allen to be paid $450.00 for purchase of a team of horses for the Fire Department.
City to hire Building Assessor – October 24, 1892
Aldermen Anderson, Franklin and McGuigan to meet with the Library Board regarding the size of the current library. B.C. Government reports that $400 has been set aside for the North Arm (cemetery) road. Police officers’ uniforms will cost $30 each,
Dry dock needed in Vancouver, says Board of Trade – October 31, 1892
The Opera House to gain an awning or covered walkway. Oppenheimer Brothers must clear their lots in Mount Pleasant. Mr. St. Armand granted permission to build his house over running water, provided he does not hold the City liable for
Taxpayers will soon vote on $300,000 Railway Bonus – November 3, 1892
Two by-laws were finalized: one granting a bonus of $300,000 to the Burrard Inlet and Fraser Valley Railway Co, and the other setting a polling time, places, etc for the Railway By-Law to be “elected” [ratified] by the taxpayers.
Vancouver Council to look into City staff cuts – November 8, 1892
A special committee was formed to see if any reduction of City staff is possible. A telephone will be installed in the Mount Pleasant Fire Hall. The Mayor of Seattle reported seven cases of smallpox in that city. A six
No additional City layoffs needed, Committee finds – November 14, 1892
A meeting of all the standing committee chairs found that no additional staff can be reduced past the three Engineering department employees already laid off. A new City Solicitor will be hired in the new year at a fixed yearly
Vancouver Library and Reading Room to move to larger quarters – November 21, 1892
Dr. McGuigan (who was also an Alderman) was appointed City Health Officer at no salary. Council agreed with the Library Board that the present Reading Room and Library was far too small. Request from the B. C. Cooperage and Jute
Vancouver Fire Hydrants to be made locally – November 28, 1892
Vancouver Council agreed to buy fire hydrants and valves from the B. C. Iron Works. R. A. Muskett requested a road be built to his house on Fairview. Former Mayor and current policeman Malcolm MacLean to be furnished with an
Huntly cleared of charges – December 5, 1892
Mr. Huntly was cleared regarding the overpayment of Mr. Larwill. Huntly was also asked to inspect the rear portion of a certain stables. Resolution from a recent Public Meeting regarding a Dry Dock was received. Mayor and Council entertained aboard
G. A. Stevenson to buy Local Improvement Debentures – December 12, 1892
Mr. G. A. Stevenson bought $110,000 worth of Local Improvement Debentures. Awning allowed for Vancouver Opera House. Terms of employment and salary ($2,000 per year) fixed for City Solicitor. Mrs. Watmough appointed as a hospital nurse at a salary of
Election set for Mayor and Council of 1893 – December 19, 1892
Election date and places set for election of Mayor, Aldermen, School Board, and Licensing Board. The Capilano Water Works is almost finished; the Fire Water + Light’s proposal for Assistant Superintendent Lawson to take over day to day operations was
Mr. Pitt not to be compensated for loss of his leg – December 27, 1892
The Fire Brigade to take over inspection and maintenance of Vancouver fire hydrants, beginning in the new year. Mr. Pitt, who had been writing to council weekly regarding the loss of his leg, was denied $50 compensation. The city’s insurance