1893 Vancouver City Council Minutes

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

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

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

200 copies of the Health, Liquor and Trades License By-laws to be printed in pamphlet form. The Chief of Police was instructed to enforce the clearing of snow from the sidewalks. The Edison General Electric Co Ltd City was notified

The press again brought up the issue of suitable chairs for them during council meetings. A motion requiring two thirds support was lost. The motion would have allowed the mayor to put an end to litigation regarding the Burrard Inlet

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.

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”.

In spite of a motion to put the matter off for six months, the Railway Bonus By-Law was completed, and the amount in question was raised from $350,000 to $400,000. Immediately afterward, arrangements were made for holding an “election” [referendum]

Vancouver’s estimated income for 1893 was $524,021.18 Expenditures were expected to be $408,941.78

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

$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

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

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.

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

A written agreement had been signed between the Council’s Committee and a deputation of the shareholders of the Vancouver Electric Railway + Light Co. Ltd. for the City to purchase the assets of company. However, Aldermen Collins and Hackett’s motion

The issue of the City’s Purchase of the Street Railway continued to be divisive: Aldermen Anderson, Collins, Hackett, Cargill, McCraney and Brown were prepared to hear first reading of the proposed by-law.

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.

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.

Fire limits by-law completed; progress made on water rates by-law.

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. 

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.

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 may stand on Abbott Street between Water and Hastings Streets.

Former Mayor David Oppenheimer complained of cows roaming on the tramway tracks within city limits.

The Health Committee purchased a tent for $5.00.

The road around Stanley Park needs repairs. Photo shows cyclers in Stanley Park, ca 1890.

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 

Hotel owners want to know why the Richmond Hotel was allowed to build a wooden structure, after they had been denied permission.  Alderman Collins resigned from as Alderman for Ward Two.  He and Alderman Brown also resigned as School Trustees. 

The Health Officer reported two cases of diptheria in December 1893. Council overturns its former decision to allow Oppenheimer Brothers to construct a railway siding to their premises. By-law established to elect an Alderman for Ward No 2 and two

Council for 1893 held its final meeting. John Johnstone to be paid $133.00 for election services.