Sponsorship for the 1894 Vancouver City Council minutes is still available.
The transcriptions were made by volunteers Gerald Soon, Krystyna Richards, Linda Evans, Sharon Mowat, Joanne McCormick, Michelle C., Rachel Amanda Hennessy, Chris Mizzoni, Cathy Harmer, Jane Edmonds and Darrin Pezer/Proactive Building Maintenance
Click on any headline to see the full transcript of that meeting.

Mass firing averted; referred to next Council – January 2, 1894
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…
No pay for injured water main worker – January 8, 1894
The Fire Water and Light Committee recommended William Aviy be allowed half time [pay] since his injury working on the water main – Council disallowed. Council approved the Finance committee’s…
Final meeting for Council for 1893 – January 15, 1894, 11:00 a.m.
Council for 1893 held its final meeting. John Johnstone to be paid $133.00 for election services.
Vancouver City Council 1894
Mayor: R. A. Anderson Aldermen: W. F. Salsbury (Ward 1) H. P. Shaw (Ward 1) Henry Collins (Ward 2) C. L. Queen (Ward 2) D. McPhaiden (Ward 3) H. R.…
Committees formed for 1894 – January 15, 1894, 12:00 p.m.
Five Committees established: the Finance Committee, Board of Works, Fire, Water & Light, Health Committee, and Police Committee. This transcript was made in 2019 by Transcribimus volunteer Krystyna Richards original…
Future Vancouver street lights to be powered with hydro electricity – February 5, 1894
Vancouver City Council directed the City Engineer to look into using hydro-electric energy from the Capilano Dam (pictured) to light streets. Martin Kelly awarded the contract for cutting stone for gutters and curbstones for Hastings and Granville Streets. James Dixon got the contract to build a basement drain for Granville Street.
$5,000 public works project created – February 6, 1894
$5,000 was set aside for public works to provide employment – married men to be paid $1.75 a day; singles $1.25. A by-law to finance Granville Street improvements by selling…
Job Layoffs, Salary Cuts for City Employees – February 19, 1894
Council laid off some Civic Employees and reduced salaries of those remaining by 10 – 50%, though the decision was not unanimous: the vote was 4 supporting, 2 opposed, 1…
Market scales’ measure called into question – April 23, 1894
Alderman Salsbury was allowed to withdraw his resignation. The Welsh Brothers contended that the scales at the City Market were incorrect: the Police Committee recommended that an inspector be hired…
Aldermen Shaw and William Brown added to the Street Railway purchase committee – May 10, 1894
Alderman Shaw and Wm. Brown were added to the Street Railway purchase committee. Several Firemen applied to be insured by the Manufacturers Accident Insurance company. This transcript was made in…
Kendal’s crushed rock no longer wanted – May 21, 1894
Some Ward 5 ratepayers objected to splitting the ward in two. Some cattle on Lulu Island were infected with Big Jaw. City Engineer Thomas Tracy gave an estimate of the value of the plant and property of the Vancouver Electric Railway & Light Co, which the City of Vancouver was thinking of taking over. Though Tracy estimated the value at $535,100, the city was only going to offer $380,000. The Board of Works and the Finance Committee were both dissatisfied with the gravel supplied by Mr. Kendal: he was asked to supply three more scows to the city wharf and then cease delivery.
Finance Committee regrets no funds available to provide public parks – May 28, 1894
D. McGillivray to lay a single street railway track on Hastings Street between Cambie & Carrall at $2.28 per foot. The Finance Committee reported the city budget did not permit more public parks for the citizens. The Board of Works recommended approval of W. Godfrey ‘s request that Burnaby Street be opened up one block south of Nicola Street provided the cost did not exceed $50.00. Bylaws for Polling and for Remuneration of the Mayor and Aldermen were finalized.
Dupont Street sewer request under review – June 11, 1894
From J.M. Holland asking to be allowed to {sewer} connect his building on Dupont Street {today’s East Pender Street} with a four-inch cast iron pipe. Referred to the Board of Health. Three ladies were prominent this week in city undertakings: Mrs. Margaret E. White to take over the management of the racetrack; she will be obliged to pay $125 per year and keep the track in good repair and the road leading to it. Mrs. AEE Clark had taken over the City contract to supply crushed rock. The contract had formerly been held by Dr. Kendall. Mrs. Hansel of Victoria had volunteered to nurse the lepers on D’arcy Island. Rev. E.D. McLaren and Mr. J. Balfour asked that the joint Councils of Vancouver and Victoria provide her with a house and furniture.
Street Railway By-Law to “Take its Course” – June 25, 1894
The City Engineer instructed to examine the “stability” of the Market Hall to accommodate large meetings. A motion to withdraw the Street Railway By-Law was overturned, and the By-Law allowed to “take its course”. Two bondsmen required at $250 each to guarantee the Race Course will be left in good repair at the end of the lease. Dr. Kendall refused to hand over the rock crushing plant “except under certain conditions” although his contract with the City had expired.
All Vancouver Fire Halls to Hear Every Fire Alarm – August 6, 1894
William McGirr given contract to re-roof the Grand Stand at the Jockey Club. The Hudson’s Bay Company asks for a “full” sidewalk in front of its new Water Street warehouse. The telephones of all fire halls to ring simultaneously when an alarm is given. Several complaints of improper drainage and the resulting “very offensive water” to be dealt with by the City Engineer - and the Chain Gang!
$100,000 Electric Light By-Law Given Second Reading – September 4, 1894
The Electric Lights By-Law was read a second time. After consultation with milk producers, the Milk By-Law was put into place. Council "will be prepared to give careful consideration to any reasonable proposition for financial aid submitted to it by the promoters of iron and steel works." The Police Committee investigated a dispute between local resident McGeer and City Pound Manager Mr. Reid.
Injunction Forbids Vancouver to Pay for Street Rails – September 10, 1894
E.L. Phillips served the City with an injunction against paying for street rails. Meanwhile the Finance Committee had proposed to use $2,500 allotted to legal expenses and $3,500 allotted to contagious diseases to pay for the street rails. Due to the injunction, that proposal was set aside. The Vancouver Trades and Labor Council alleged that D. McGillivray was working his men 10 hours a day in contravention of the contracted nine hours a day.
Street Railway Track Needs Improvements – September 17, 1894
The Street Railway Company was notified they needed to upgrade their track from False Creek Bridge to 9th Avenue [Broadway] to match the city’s upgrades to the road bed along…
New City Assessor Appointed – September 24, 1894
E. Kingcombe was appointed City Assessor at $200 per month salary. Former Mayor M. A. MacLean paid $140 for revision of Voters’ Lists. A quarter plot in the cemetery granted to the late Charles MacAulay free of charge. Water connection granted to the Union Steam Ship Company wharf, with the understanding that any damage be repaired by the Company.
“Fire Escape Act” mandatory for all new buildings – October 1, 1894
The Board of Works reviewed an application from the Bailey Brothers for a brick extension at the rear of their store (pictured here). The Fire Inspector to notify architects and building permit applicants that all new buildings must conform to the “Fire Escape Act 1894” passed at the last session of the [British Columbia] Legislature. Mayor R. A. Anderson appointed Aldermen Salsbury, McDowell, McCraney, Franklin and C.L. Brown to draft necessary changes to the Vancouver Charter.
City Staff to “Make Due Provision” against Sickness Or Death – October 29, 1894
Vancouver City Council required each number of the City’s staff to make “due provision in case of sickness or death” as it would not be responsible. The case of an…
West End Streets Not To Be Opened– November 5, 1894
Council overturned the Board of Works’ recommendation that streets west of Nicola be opened in the West End. $50 Secret Service fund granted to Mayor, the sum coming from the Police Contingent Fund.
North Vancouver Wants Three Years’ Road Tax – November 12, 1894
The Mayor of North Vancouver demanded retroactive road tax for all Vancouver employees working on the Water Works over the past three years. William Cargill asked to be paid for…
Lands for CPR, Street Railway Identified – November 26, 1894
Alderman Franklin granted leave of absence to the end of the year. Boundaries of the land given to the CPR to serve the sugar refinery were adjusted somewhat. Ends of certain lots required by the Street Railway Company were authorized to be sold for $900. The Water Committee to identify the lands it needs for the Dam, and the city will begin expropriating those lands.
Seized gambling funds to be used for Mayor’s social service fund – December 3, 1894
The City Engineer will examine what repairs are needed to the Market Hall and then lease holder Mr. Beattie must make the repairs within fourteen days of discovery. The City’s…
Future Council Members May Not Hold City Contracts – December 11, 1894
A number of amendments to the City Charter were passed: future Mayors and Aldermen may not have business dealings or contracts with the City; Aldermen to be elected for one…
Vancouver to insure against fire – December 17, 1894
A watering trough (for horses to drink from) was ordered for Westminster Avenue at the junction of Westminster Road and the other for Granville Street near Drake Street. The City…
Council Denies Secret Amendments to Charter – December 24, 1894
Several citizens complained to the Legislative Assembly in Victoria that Vancouver City Council had made hasty and secret amendments to the City Charter in a meeting without quorum. Council completely…
James McGeer new milk inspector – December 31, 1894
James McGeer appointed milk inspector at a salary of $50 per month. Miss Hewitt hired as a nurse at $10 per month. The Finance Committee reported that ten dollars had…
Incoming Council will have to provide relief – January 7, 1895
Vancouver City Council for 1894 recommends to incoming Council that a sum be set aside for the Salvation Army’s planned Food and Shelter Home. In the mean time, the number of men employed on the weekly [relief] payroll was to be reduced as soon as possible.