Sponsorship for the 1893 Vancouver City Council minutes is still available.
The transcriptions were made by volunteers Gerald Soon, Mary-Ann Capistrano, Krystyna Richards, Joanne McCormick, Cathy Harner, Linda Evans, Leah Minuk & anonymous.
Click on any headline to see the full transcript of that meeting.
Fire, Water & Light Committee’s recommendation overturned; Street Railway Committee’s report adopted – January 3, 1892
The Fire Water & Light Committee proposed that the Capilano Waterworks upon its completion be overseen by Assistant Engineer J. P. Lawson, freeing up City Engineer to attend to other matters. This clause was struck out of their report: only Aldermen McGuigan and Franklin supported the original proposal. Another report of the Special Committee on Street Railways was adopted, although Aldermen Collins and Scoullar had moved to table the report with no recommendations.Continue Reading
Council for 1892 wraps up remaining business – January 16, 1893, 11:00 a.m.
The question of land for the Burrard Inlet and Fraser Valley Railway Co was referred to incoming Council. Final accounts from committees were approved, including an amount of $6314.73 for school teachers’ salaries. It was recommended that the annual reports of each Committee be printed.Continue Reading
School Board granted $1500 extra to hire “best” teachers – January 23, 1893
An extra $1500 was granted to the school board to allow them to hire “the best men” as secondary school teachers. Theo Hardiman was granted $150.00 in compensation for his daughter’s injuries, due to her falling off the sidewalk on Cordova Street. The City Solicitor was looking into whether one contractor with the City had sublet part of his contract.Continue Reading
Investigation Committee to Count Cost of running City Hall – January 30, 1893
An Investigation Committee to examine the cost of running the City Hall, Fire Brigade and Police Force: the number of employees, their salaries and duties. Doctor Thomas appointed Medical Health Officer at $50 per month; some of his duties were to "examine lunatics" and treat prisoners in jail. John P. Turner was unanimously elected Foreman of the Water Works. A. St. George Hamersley was appointed City Solicitor at $2,000 per year.
Heavy snow hampers Vancouver traffic and water supply – February 6, 1893
It must have been a snowy month: David Oppenheimer asked police to forbid drivers from using street railway tracks during heavy snows, and W.G. Elliott threatened he would hold the City liable unless the snow was cleared off Cambie and Hastings Street near his property. At the same time, a man was to be hired to see that properties connected to city water were properly protected against frost, and that no water would be wasted.Continue Reading
Council meets to consider Street Railway Company’s offer – March 11, 1893
Council members met with David and Isaac Oppenheimer, Thomas Dunn and William Farrell, the directors of the Vancouver Electric Railway and Light Company. Alderman Salsbury removed himself from the negotiations, as he was a shareholder of the company.
Street Railway Committee’s report adopted: Railway to go ahead – March 13, 1893
The final conditions for the Street Railway’s expansion into the City Streets were laid out. One thousand copies of health code violation notices to be printed, where the health inspector or the police can fill in the details of the violation. Quality of milk sold in the City to be tested from time to time.Continue Reading
Health officers to inspect every building in the city – March 20, 1893
A. W. Scoullar appointed temporary Health Inspector at $3.00 per day. The swing on the Granville Street bridge to be repaired at once. Burrard Street to be re-graded for paving with “bituminous rock”.
Street Railway by-law gets first reading – March 27, 1893
Messrs Gilbertson & Sharp to supply new police uniforms and helmets; $28 for policemen, $33 for sergeants, $38 for the Chief. Alderman Fowler and the Pounds Keeper be authorized to sell a colt belonging to the City. Prosecution of the Dupont Street women [prostitutes] to be done by the Police Magistrate and the Chief of Police. Council receives a request from the Stuart Map Co. to subscribe for a number of copies of their City map.Continue Reading
Vancouver City Council disapproves $600,000 cost for Victoria Parliament buildings – April 17, 1893
Vancouver City Council disapproves of the BC Government’s recent [April 1893] decision to set aside $600,000 for government buildings “when the money should be spent in opening up roads for the settlers, also their breach of faith with the Mainland in not bringing down a fair distribution bill.” Continue Reading
Lt. Gov. Dewdney to Open New Vancouver Y.M.C.A. – May 8, 1893
Lt. Governor Dewdney and wife to be received in Vancouver May 18 to open the new Y.M.C.A. Building; Mayor and Council invited. Miss Mcfie appointed hospital Matron at $50 per month, Mr. T. Martin hospital Cook at $30, and J. A. Gow appointed Call Man at the Mount Pleasant Fire Hall at $15. A reward of $25 offered for information leading to conviction of those breaking windows within the City.
Wash Houses locations to be strictly regulated – May 15, 1893
A petition from A. St. George and others “confirming wash houses within certain limits” led to a by-law being formed, read three times, and finalized during the meeting. Council “regrets the action” of the School Board’s criticism of Council’s decision not put forward a by-law for more school building, and insists the present accommodations “is ample.” Any City cheques payable to The Monitor printing and publishing company will be diverted to cover their overdue water rates (taxes).Continue Reading
Bath to be installed in Vancouver jail – May 22, 1893
Contract was awarded to install a bath in the jail for $62. In spite of requests from the hotel keepers not to raise the liquor licensing fee, a new By-Law was drafted and another to repeal the old one. Requests came in to connect the Market Building to the sewer lines. Officer Grady authorized to purchase a suit of working clothes, cost not to exceed $15.Continue Reading
Liquor, Trades Licenses By-Laws Amended – May 25, 1893
This transcript was made in 2020 by Transcribimus volunteer Joanne McCormick Illustration: City of Vancouver Archives photo CVA 99-3069 [Vancouver Brewery, 1936] to see original handwritten minutes - click here City of Vancouver Archives COV S 31 Volume 5 page 430 only [Volume 5, Page 430] Vancouver May 25th 1893 The Council met on Thursday May 25th 1893. Present: His Worship, the Mayor and full board of Aldermen with the exception of Alderman Towler. Consideration of By-Laws The Council went into Committee of the Whole for the consideration of the By-Law for fixing the fees for Liquor Licenses. Alderman Anderson in the Chair. {one matter – fixing a fee to sell liquor for one day; Collins, McCraney and Hackett were adverse to allowing whisky to be sold at the park at all.} The By-Law was read over clause by clause, and reported to Council as complete with amendment. The By-Law was then read a 3rd time on motion of Alderman McCraney, seconded by Alderman Brown. Moved by Alderman McCraney; seconded by Alderman Cargill That the By-Law to repeal the present Liquor License By-Law be read a second time. Carried. The Council went into Committee of the Whole for its consideration, Alderman Anderson in the Chair. The By-Law was read over clause by clause and reported to Council as complete. It was then read a 3rd time on motion of Alderman Salsbury, seconded by Alderman Brown. Moved by Alderman Collins; Seconded by Alderman Hobson That the By-Law to amend the Trades License By-Law be read a second time. Carried. The Council went into Committee of the Whole for its consideration, Alderman Collins in the Chair. The By-Law was read over clause by clause and reported to Council as complete. It was then read a 3rd time on motion of Alderman Collins, seconded by Alderman Anderson, the rules being suspended. F. Cope Thomas F. McGuigan Mayor City Clerk Note: Comments in parenthesis { } denote further illumination provided by the writer and from The Vancouver Daily World Newspaper; Catching up the By-Laws, May 26 1893, pg 3
“C” Battery Artillery to Relocate to Vancouver? – May 29, 1893
Mr. Beatty [Market superintendent] and the Health Inspector to discuss how to improve drainage at the City Market. Collectors to be paid ten cents for each new name they add to the Provincial Voters’ List. City Council urges Victoria to relocate C Battery of Canadian Artillery to Vancouver, rather than sending them to Ontario, citing lack of any other military presence in British Columbia. Sergeant Heywood resented Alderman Brown's insinuation that police sleep at the Gurney Stables overnight, rather than guarding Mount Pleasant’s chickens!
Dominion Day Celebration given $1,000 – June 5, 1893
$1,000 was granted toward upcoming Dominion Day celebration, if the committee could prove all of last year’s bills were paid. A separate plot set aside for the burial of firemen “who may die in the service of the City”. The question of under what authority Mr Beattie collected $1.50 for attendance at public meetings etc in the Market Hall, was referred to the City Solicitor for his opinion.Continue Reading
City closes out Sinking Funds – June 12, 1893
The Chief of the Fire Department authorized to purchase a hose wagon for $540.00. City Engineer be authorized to make arrangements with Chief Capilano for a stable for the horse at the north side of the Narrows, the cost not to exceed $20.00. City Sinking Funds were closed and the Committee retired from service. Fireman J. W. Campbell, who broke his leg in the service of the City, was awarded full salary for four months.Continue Reading
Epworth League objects to Stanley Park Liquor License – June 19, 1893
The Street Inspector be instructed to put down a “3 plank walk” along Nicola Street and Burnaby Street to the beach at English Bay. Mrs Griffin be appointed Cook at the City Hospital at a salary of $25.00 per month dating from June 15th and Miss Logan housekeeper at $20.00 per month. Meanwhile, tenders were being invited for construction of an operating room. Mr. William Club, on behalf of the Epworth League, condemned the License Commissioners for granting a License for the sale of liquors in Stanley Park.Continue Reading
Water Rate By-Law Finalized – June 26, 1893
The City Engineer will interview two applicants for the position of caretaker of the bathing sheds on English Bay. The Edison General Electric Company billed the City $140.50 for wiring the hospital. Continue Reading
English Bay bath houses ready for use – July 3, 1893
Charges for new English Bay bath house not to be more than 5 cents for supply of a towel and [bathing] suit. A minimum of 20 percent of the changing stalls to be left free of charge. Swimming hours to be “not less” than six am (!) to 8 pm. Sailors being admitted to the City Hospital to be examined to be “furnished with a certificate of admission” (i.e., they do not have syphilis or other venereal disease).Continue Reading
Fire, Water & Light Committee considers tunnelling “The Narrows” – July 10, 1893
The Fire, Water & Light Committee continues its research into tunnelling “the narrows”, and asked the City Engineer to examine the strata below the waters. A pair of horses was purchased for $500, and the Number Two Fire Hall was approved to have plumbing installed at a cost of $231.Continue Reading
Tax rebate deadline extended to September 1st – July 24, 1893
Letter from G. Griffith re the excavations at the corner of Pender & Seymour and Pender & Richards was referred to the Street Inspector. Illustration shows Pender & Seymour intersection at 1888.Continue Reading
Churches ask for tax deadline extension – July 31, 1893
Ratepayer asked that Grant Street be extended 100 feet east of Victoria Drive. Illustration shows Grant Street at Victoria Drive, clearing a lot for a blacksmith shop, 1905.Continue Reading
Vancouver Electric Railway purchase deferred six months – August 7, 1893
Letter asking Columbia Brewery be made to remove their troughs from the street. Illustration shows Columbia Brewery at north side of Powell Street at Wall Street and Victoria Drive.Continue Reading
City to participate in upcoming Labour Day Parade – August 14, 1893
The Council accepted an invitation to attend the Labour Day Parade, and allowed the Fire Brigade to participate. Council gives orders to the City Foremen to give preference in hiring men who can prove they pay Vancouver Municipal taxes. R. MacLeod to build a new Operating Room for the city hospital for $850.00 The Market By-Law was read but laid aside for further consideration. This transcript was made in 2019 by Transcribimus volunteer Cathy Harmer Illustration: Vancouver archives image AM54-S4-: Str P243 B.C., M.T. and T. Company, Hastings Mill Branch, Labor Day, 1898 Original handwritten minutes here: City of Vancouver Archives COV S 31 Volume 5 pages 512 - 516 [volume 5 page 512] Vancouver 14th August 1893. The Council met on Monday 14th August 1893. Present Alderman Anderson, Salsbury Hobson Cargill Hackett Franklin Fowler Collins McCraney T Brown. Mayor Cope being absent. Anderman Anderson was appointed to act pro tem. The Minutes of the last meeting were read and adopted. Communications Were read from John Devine, Asking for Street Improvements on 6th Avenue. Referred to Board of Works Baker Bros, referring to flooding their cellar in Brinsmead Block Referred to Board of Works Secretary of Trades & Labor Council, extending an official invitation to attend the Labor Day Celebration. Moved by Alderman Fowler Seconded by Alderman Brown That the Invitation be accepted Carried A.L. St. George, Announcing Telegram re Hose Wagon. Filed J. Bunsen et al. asking for improvements on 5th Avenue. Referred to Board of Works Robt Marrion, asking permission to remove a body in the Cemetery Moved by Alderman Collins Seconded by Alderman Fowler That the request be granted. Secretary of Trades & Labor Council, asking for permission to be granted Fire Brigade to take part in procession on Labor Day. Moved by Aldr Franklin Seconded by Aldr Fowler That the request be granted [volume 5 page 513] The following Reports were received and read. The Board of Works met on August 10th 1893 Present Ald McCraney in the Chair and Aldermen Hackett and Salsbury. Resolved 1. That Communication by J. H. Hallett re standing trees be referred to Alderman Brown to arrange with the owners of the property. 2. That permission be granted Messrs Major & Eldridge to put up Small Corrugated Iron addition to back of their premises on Water Street. 3. That the following accounts be paid D. Gibbons 10th Ave Grading 25.00 T. Clough Express Hire 5.50 Crowder & Penzer Coal 4.00 W. C. Marshall Express Hire 5.50 Market Hardware Store Nails .75 Evans Coleman & Evans Sewer pipe 73.44 “ “ 60.48 H. T. Adams 8th Ave Sidewalk 27.48 “ 7th “
South Vancouver wants road gravel extended – August 28 1893
South Vancouver notified that Vancouver will gravel South Granville St. within City limits (Sixteenth Avenue) but that the Westminster Road is well gravelled already as far as the City Limits extend.Continue Reading
Vancouver Sued over Fireman Smalley’s Death – September 4, 1893
Claims for compensation were brought against the City of Vancouver for the death of Fireman Smalley in June of 1893. Illustration shows Vancouver firemen responding to a night alarm 1890-95.Continue Reading
Ward 5 Review Overturned – September 11, 1893
Alderman Fowler asked for a review of taxes received and amounts spent on improvements in Ward 5 west of Center Street. Ward 5 in 1893 was roughly Mount Pleasant, Fairview, and Kitsilano but only as far south as 16th Avenue. Continue Reading
Plumbers, Board of Works will meet to amend the plumbing bylaw – September 18, 1893
The Board of Plumbing Inspectors, representatives from the plumbers’ union and Master Plumbers were invited to meet with the Board of Works to consult on the new bylaw. Continue Reading
Police to monitor bicycle riders on Vancouver streets – September 25, 1893
The Chief of Police was instructed to see that bicycle riders exercise more care to avoid accidents when riding on the public streets. Illustration shows a bicycle race at Brockton Oval July 1, 1893.Continue Reading
New Police Uniforms Needed – October 9, 1893
Tenders for new police uniforms invited. Request for street light at the corner of 13th and Ontario St. denied for the present. Finance Committee’s recommendation to appoint C. McRae as Assessor was overturned. A house for volunteer nurse Mrs. Hansell to the lepers on Darcy Island is proposed in co-operation with Victoria City Council.
Cabs available on Abbott Street – October 16, 1893
Cabs may stand on Abbott Street between Water and Hastings Streets. Continue Reading
Gravely Street to be opened up – October 23, 1893
John Mason wrote to request Graveley Street be opened up. [Photo shows the Mason home]. Continue Reading
Roaming cattle block tramway – October 30, 1893
Former Mayor David Oppenheimer complained of cows roaming on the tramway tracks within city limits. Continue Reading
Road from Squamish to Pemberton Meadows proposed – November 6, 1893
Council endorsed a petition for the B. C. Government to open up a road from “the Squamish” to Pemberton Meadows. Photo shows Squamish First Nations Brass Band about 1900.Continue Reading
Tax Deadline Extended Again – November 13, 1893
The Health Committee purchased a tent for $5.00.Continue Reading
No new railway tracks until paving by-law passed – November 20, 1893
Trustees for the Vancouver Tramway Co. will wait until By-Law is approved before going ahead with new tracks. City Clerk asked to look into cost for proper milk testing services. Entire Council to attend upcoming Vancouver Municipal Association meeting in New Westminster. This transcript was made in 2019 by Transcribimus volunteer Gerald Soon Illustration: City of Vancouver Archives photo AM54-S4-: Be P102 [English Bay Pier pilings and view of Beach Avenue] original handwritten minutes here City of Vancouver Archives COV S 31 Volume 5 pages 600 - 604 [volume 5 page 600] Vancouver November 20th 1893 The Council met on Monday November 20th 1893. Present – His Worship the Mayor, and Aldermen Anderson, Salsbury, Collins, Hackett, McCraney, Cargill, Franklin, Hobson, Brown & Towler. The Minutes of last meeting were read and adopted. Communications From Miss Macfie notifying the Council that she had appointed Wm Cross Cook at the City Hospital at a salary of $30.00 a month dating from the 1st inst. Moved by Alderman Collins Seconded by “ McCraney That the appointment be confirmed. Carried From the Deputy Registrar of the County Court stating that the County Court would meet on the 13th of Dec. Filed From D. Oppenheimer offering a collection of Australian wools etc to the Council for exhibition Moved by Alderman Towler Seconded by “ Hackett That Mr. Oppenheimer’s offer be accepted with thanks. Carried. From Arthur Hill applying for a position on the City Engineer’s staff. Filed From the Secretary of the Underwriters stating that the Board declined to send delegates to meet the Finance Committee re Licenses on Fire Insurance Companies. Referred to the Finance Committee & Solicitor From H. T. Ceperley Manager of the Vancouver Loan Trust, Savings & Guarantee Co. Trustees for the Vancouver Tramway Co. stating that the Trustees declined to take any action re new [volume 5 page 601] Rails on the streets proposed to be paved until the final passages of the by-law and the approval of the ratepayers. Laid over From Alex Philip, Secretary of the B.C. Municipal Association asking the Council to appoint delegates for a general meeting in New Westminster on the 5th of Dec at 2 P.M. Moved by Alderman Towler, Seconded by “ Anderson That the Whole Council be appointed as delegates. Carried. From Mrs. A. Creery asking for a sidewalk on Beach Av. Referred to the Board of Works From John W. Reid asking for a sidewalk on 7th Av. Fairview Referred to the Board of Works From E Shurgold asking that certain logs and stumps be burned near his house on 6th Av Referred to the Board of Works From C. Foley asking for some action to be taken in reference to the prevention of cigarette smoking Referred to the Police Committee The following Reports were received and read: Finance Committee The Finance Committee met on Friday November 17th 1893 Present – Aldermen Cargill (in the Chair) Collins & Brown It was recommended:- 1. That the following accounts be paid:- C.W. Robson
Militia Department Allows Reservoir in Stanley Park – November 27, 1893
Communication received from the Militia Department giving permission to construct a Reservoir in Stanley Park. Although D.V. MacDonald had been selected as the contractor to build the Reservoir at a meeting of the Fire Water and Light Committee on November 24, both MacDonald and George W. Fuller withdrew their tenders for work on the reservoir. The matter was referred back to the Committee. The Chief of Police was instructed to take steps to prevent the sale of cigarettes to boys. Mr. Oppenheimer was notified that the wandering cows he complained of were wandering mostly outside the limits of the City Pound's authority.
Repair to Stanley Park road will cost $700 – December 1, 1893
The road around Stanley Park needs repairs. Photo shows cyclers in Stanley Park, ca 1890.Continue Reading
Alderman Anderson wants elected Water Works officials – December 4, 1893
Council received a request for a sidewalk on Ontario St. at Ninth Avenue (Broadway). Photo shows Ontario at 11th. Continue Reading
Public works requested to reduce unemployment – December 11, 1893
City Council received a complaint of “loafers” at the corner of Carrall and Cordova Street. Photo shows men and a boy (not necessarily loafers!) standing outside the Boulder Saloon at that same corner, ca. 1900 Continue Reading