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 to elect an Alderman for Ward No 2 and two School Trustees to fill the vacancies caused by the resignations…
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Categories 1893, 1894
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 recommendation to write off 240.00 in back taxes.

Categories 1893, 1894
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.

Categories 1893, 1894
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. McCraney (Ward 3) William Brown (Ward 4) J. L. Franklin (Ward 4) Alexander Bethune (Ward 5) C. L. Brown (Ward…
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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 handwritten minutes here City of Vancouver Archives COV S 31 Volume 5 pages 663 – 664 [volume 5 page 663]…
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Categories 1894
Vancouver needs to borrow $50,000 – January 22, 1894
Vancouver needs to borrow $50,000 – January 22, 1894

Letter received from J. Buntzen, Business Manager of the Van Elec. Ry & L Co, stating that a light was to be erected on Granville Street Bridge. The City Clerk was to write to Toronto and Montreal to inquire about the budget for milk testing. Following the precedent set by…
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Vancouver officially requests “tide lands of False Creek” from BC – January 29th, 1894
Vancouver officially requests “tide lands of False Creek” from BC – January 29th, 1894

Motion that Council request the Provincial Government to deed the tide lands of False Creek east of Westminster Av to the City in accordance with the motion introduced into the Legislature by Mr. J. W. Horne. The City Solicitor gave his legal opinion that the Street Ry. Co. have made…
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Future Vancouver street lights to be powered with hydro electricity – February 5, 1894
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…
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Categories 1894
$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 debentures was introduced. Decision was delayed on a public request request to fix the term of alderman at one year.…
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Categories 1894
Relief street work to begin on Friday – February 12, 1894
Relief street work to begin on Friday – February 12, 1894

Relief funding allotted at $1,000 to each of the five Wards; Aldermen to decide what street work in their ward is needed most, and hire foreman. Work to begin next Friday morning. City treasurer to ensure street gang workers will be paid twice a week. Vancouver opposes the amalgamation of…
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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 abstaining. The Fire Water and Light Committee’s request for a Silsby heater at $275 was overturned. This transcript was made…
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Champion & White ousted from city crematory – February 26, 1894
Champion & White ousted from city crematory – February 26, 1894

Champion and White were given one month’s notice that their services (operating the city garbage burning crematory) were no longer required. Aldermen Brown, Bethune, Queen, Shaw and McFaiden appointed as a committee to manage the water works. The Police Magistrate granted two weeks leave. The City Band was given the…
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Council empowered to borrow $100,000 – March 5, 1894
Council empowered to borrow $100,000 – March 5, 1894

Council completed a by-law allowing the City to borrow $100,000 against the current year’s anticipated income. The Provincial Jail in New Westminster charged $462 for board of Vancouver prisoners. The Finance Committee allowed the City Band $480 for the current year.

Vancouver asks BC to incorporate High Schools, build University here – March 8, 1894
Vancouver asks BC to incorporate High Schools, build University here – March 8, 1894

The meeting formed an official resolution to incorporate High Schools in British Columbia and to situate the Provincial University in Vancouver. This transcript was made in 2019 by Transcribimus volunteer Sharon Mowat Illustration: Vancouver Archives Item AM54-S4-: Mil P111 [1905, Military parade at the Cambie Street Grounds, houses in the…
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Crushed rock confined to Powell Street – March 12, 1894
Crushed rock confined to Powell Street – March 12, 1894

Tenders to be invited for rock suitable for crushing. Rock to be delivered to the crusher near the wharf at the end of Gore Avenue. Mr. Thynne had applied to build a greenhouse at the corner of Pender and Granville Street. The Water Committee approved a payment of $23.00 to…
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Categories 1894
East End race track closed except by special permission – March 19, 1894
1889 photograph of horse "Forfarshire"

Council ordered the East End [Hastings] race track to be closed and locked, only to be used by prior arrangement with Council. S.H. Holmes complained of dirty water coming from a nearby dye works. George E. Trorey offered two tame deer for [Stanley] Park.  A nine hour day clause to…
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New Women’s Ward in hospital will cost $10,000 – March 27, 1894
Vancouver Hospital 1902

$10,000 was set aside for a Women’s Ward in the hospital. Mr Giguere, who had two poll tax receipts, was directed that if he made an affadavit, he would not be charged for them. The issue of appropriating the Vancouver Electric Railway and Light Co.’s tracks and wires was postponed…
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City takeover of Vancouver’s streetlights moves forward – April 2, 1894
photo of building with street light in foreground

John Potter was appointed Inspector of the Reservoir at $3.00 per day. Mr R. Hughes was allowed to take out a temporary three month license in the absence of his business partner. The takeover of the Vancouver Illuminating Company’s assets by the City to include “the whole of the plant…
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Council supports petition for East End post office – April 9, 1894
Granville Street post office (now Sinclair Center) under construction, 1891

Council supports petition for free postal delivery and branch post office and savings bank in the East End. Cemetery caretaker allowed two weeks’ leave to recuperate from illness. The Oppenheimer brothers complained of surface water flooding a property on St. George Street. Decision postponed regarding a supplier of crushed rock…
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Categories 1894Tags , ,
Health Committee reviews costs – April 16, 1894
Vancouver Hospital staff 1893

The CPR asked Vancouver to take charge of 74 Chinese lepers. Meanwhile, the Health Committee compared rates for hospital care for mariners, women, children and lepers. Victoria was receiving a subsidy of $330 per year from Ottawa for care of each of their three lepers. City Solicitor recommended $1,000 be…
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Street Railway Company must repair its tracks – April 19, 1894
workers laying street railway tracks Vancouver 1893

A special meeting decided that instead of removing its tracks from Vancouver streets, the Street Railway Company be instructed to upgrade its tracks to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. The Mayor was not present at this meeting, and Alderman Salsbury did not vote. This transcript was made in 2019…
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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 to test the scales. If the scales were in fact correct, the Welsh Brothers would be charged for the inspection.…
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City Reviews Estimates of Costs and Revenues – April 30, 1894
St. Paul's hospital on Burrard St., Vancouver ca. 1898

Two firemen fined $5.00 each for being intoxicated on duty. The Sisters of Charity, who operated St. Paul’s hospital, given the grade for Pendrell Street. Council appointed a Committee who would look into allegations against the City Engineer. This meeting extended into Consideration of Estimates after usual business concluded. Continue…
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Fire Department to buy new Team – May 7, 1894
Fire Department to buy new Team – May 7, 1894

The Board of Works accepted A.E.E. Clark’s offer to supply the City with crushed rock at $1.22 per cubic yard for a term of five years. Alderman Queen and the Fire Department Chief were appointed to sell the current team of horses and replace them within the agreed budget. The…
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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 2019 by Transcribimus volunteer Sharon Mowat Original handwritten minutes here: City of Vancouver Archives COV S 31 Volume 6 pages…
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Categories 1894
Cemetery needs draining, fence repair – May 14, 1894
Cemetery needs draining, fence repair – May 14, 1894

Cemetery caretaker Alexander McDonald reported cemetery needed both drainage and repair of the north fence. Miss R. McDowell hired as a nurse at only $10 per month. The Vancouver Electric Railway and Light Company advised it may not put up any more electric light poles without prior permission from Council.…
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Categories 1894
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…
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Finance Committee regrets no funds available to provide public parks – May 28, 1894
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…
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More street railway tracks to be built on Granville Street – June 4, 1894
More street railway tracks to be built on Granville Street – June 4, 1894

D. McGillivray to lay another street railway track on Granville Street between Robson and Hastings. C.O. Wickenden complained of damage to his property by a city contractor during blasting. Seventeen straw mattresses were purchased for the jail. The grade on Sixth Avenue at Quebec Street needed to be changed so…
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Categories 1894
Dupont Street sewer request under review – June 11, 1894
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…
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Arcade Building plans sent back – June 18, 1894
Arcade Building plans sent back – June 18, 1894

C.O. Wickenden, Architect submitted plans & specifications for Arcade building to be erected at the corner of Hastings & Cambie Streets. The were referred back to the Architect to comply with the provisions of the Fire Limit By-Law. Meanwhile, the contractor for the Arcade, W.A. Mace, was granted permission to…
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Street Railway By-Law to “Take its Course” – June 25, 1894
Sentell home on Grove Crescent

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…
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Street Railway Purchase By-law overturned – July 9, 1894
market hall and auction shed 1895

By-law proposals for both the street railway purchase and the $60,000 were defeated. All City work in progress which is not strictly within the original Estimates must be stopped as quickly as safety allows. Dr. Kendall has not delivered the rock crushing plant to the new contractor. J.W. Bond complained…
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Columbia Avenue lowlands must be drained – July 16, 1894
Columbia Avenue lowlands must be drained – July 16, 1894

The Medical Health Officer reported on the unsanitary condition of Dupont Street and urged the draining of the low lying lands south of Dupont Street and east and west of Columbia Avenue. The Provincial government requested $200 to cover the cost of smallpox vaccine administered by Dr. McGuigan in August…
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Alexandra Hospital needs better drainage – July 30, 1894
Alexandra Hospital needs better drainage – July 30, 1894

Council received a request for the chain gang to dig drains around the Alexandra Hospital (pictured). In light of a local epidemic of bovine tuberculosis, Dr. Thomas advised that all milk be scalded before using. Council also passed a new By-law to license and regulate milk vendors was adopted.

All Vancouver Fire Halls to Hear Every Fire Alarm – August 6, 1894
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…
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$100,000 for Vancouver Street Lighting? – August 13, 1894
$100,000 for Vancouver Street Lighting? – August 13, 1894

Federal Government was “not inclined to bear any cost” in piling under First Narrows. Race track insurance was renewed for both the Grand Stand and the stables. The Union Steam Ship company requests City water connection at the wharf. The Van Elec. Railway & Light Co’s account of $1,735.19 was…
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Wilfred Laurier to Receive Official Welcome to Vancouver – August 20, 1894
Wilfred Laurier to Receive Official Welcome to Vancouver – August 20, 1894

A reception was arranged for Hon. Wilfred Laurier (not yet Prime Minister of Canada) who was due to visit Vancouver soon. Lomas and Sheridan’s tender of $65 was accepted for replanking the Granville Street Bridge. Other tenders ran as high as $225. Several requests for grading and sidewalk improvements had…
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Iron & Steel bonus decision delayed – August 27, 1894
1890s Livestock Show at Hastings Park, Vancouver

A detailed proposal to provide a bonus for a future iron and steel factory to settle in Vancouver was overturned, as no proposal had been received. Milk Vendors invited to meet with Health Committee.

$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…
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Injunction Forbids Vancouver to Pay for Street Rails – September 10, 1894
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…
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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 this interval. In the absence any patients, the caretaker of the Isolation Hospital allowed $35 per month. This transcript was…
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Categories 1894
New City Assessor Appointed – September 24, 1894
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…
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Categories 1894
“Fire Escape Act” mandatory for all new buildings – October 1, 1894
Bailey Photo Studio exterior, Vancouver BC, 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…
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$100,000 raised for Electric Light – October 4, 1894
photo of building with street light in foreground

Electric lighting by-law passed with a majority; five Aldermen appointed to search out best price for lighting. K. Silverman claimed damages against the City for injuries received on Cordova Street.

Electric Lighting By-Law to Go Ahead – October 8, 1894
Electric Lighting By-Law to Go Ahead – October 8, 1894

The By-Law $100,000 for electric lighting purposes was signed, sealed and gazetted, in spite of opposition from Davis, Marshall & MacNeill . Aldermen Bethune, Franklin, C.L. Brown, McPhaiden & McCraney  were appointed to look into reasons for the delay of construction of the Burrard Inlet & Fraser Valley Railway.  Aldermen…
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Categories 1894Tags
Sumas-Vancouver Railway Report Filed, But Not Adopted – October 15, 1894
Sumas-Vancouver Railway Report Filed, But Not Adopted – October 15, 1894

The Special Committee tasked to investigate delay in building the Sumas-Vancouver Railway gave its report. Though the Committee recommended its adoption; however Council agreed only to file the report. Vancouver to reimburse the City of Victoria $41.59 toward its share of the keep of the lepers on Darcy Island. Continue…
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Granville Street to be Paved Between Hastings & Cordova – October 22, 1894
Granville Street to be Paved Between Hastings & Cordova – October 22, 1894

A By-law was drafted to pave Granville Street between Hastings Street and Cordova Street for $4,000. The position of Street Inspector was eliminated. The Fire & Light Committee held off decisions on hiring an electrical engineer and on buying a site for a power house. A number of taxpayers allowed…
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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 abandoned three month old child was referred to the Health Committee.  Tenders were advertised to finance $4,000 for Civic Improvements…
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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.

Categories 1894
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 the shingles used in roofing the grand stand at Hastings Park, claiming them as his property. Amendments to the Milk…
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Robson Street railway permission repealed – November 19, 1894
Robson Street railway permission repealed – November 19, 1894

Permission given in 1893 for the Street Railway company to lay tracks on Robson Street was repealed*. Council was invited to attend the opening ceremonies for St. Paul’s Hospital. A three plank walk wanted by the Board of Works was disallowed by the rest of Council. The walk would have…
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Categories 1894
Lands for CPR, Street Railway Identified – November 26, 1894
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…
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Categories 1894
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 Police and Fire Committees merge, as do the Light and Water Committees. Better ventilation to be provided for the Operating…
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Categories 1894
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 year only; the Ward system to remain unchanged. A proposal, however, that Ward representatives must live within the same Ward…
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Categories 1894
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 Treasurer was authorized to send $200.00 to Victoria to cover the House fee required for the amendments to the City…
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Categories 1894
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 refuted these accusations and called them “a slander”. Shown above are the first purpose-built Legislative Buildings in Victoria, the “Birdcages,”…
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Categories 1894
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 been raised for Williams, a “shackite” (person living in a shack). All remaining debts incurred by this Council to be…
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Categories 1894
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.

Categories 1894, 1895