Sponsorship for the 1896 Vancouver City Council minutes is still available.

The transcriptions were made by volunteers Anonymous, Cathy Harmer, Darrin Pezer/Proactive Building Maintenance, Gerald Soon, Hal Bell-Irving, Joanne McCormick, Rachel Amanda Hennessy, Susan Willows, YVR Mike & Janny P.

Special Meeting Yields No Results – January 2, 1896

Council met with Elliot + Cowan representing Western Heat + Power co., with an electrician from New Westminster, and with the City Solicitor.

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Second Special Meeting Also Unsuccessful – January 3, 1896

Once again, no amendments were made to the Electric Light agreement.

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Hamersley Must Return All Commissions – January 6, 1896
1896 photo of Vancouver firemen responding to alarm

City Solicitor Hamersley was ordered to return all commissions he made on city investments during 1893, 94 and 95. Policemen authorized to enter any room in any Fire Hall at any time. “As the City does not furnish free medical attendance on firemen”, Dr. Thomas’ bill of $5.00 for treatment…
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Special Meeting Wraps Up Business from 1895 – January 13, 1896 – 11 am

Council heard the final report of the Water and Light Committee and read the C. P. R. Conveyance bylaw for the third time.

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Vancouver City Council 1896

Mayor: Henry Collins Aldermen: H. J. Painter (Ward 1) H. P. Shaw (Ward 1) J. J. Banfield (Ward 2) N. C. Schon (Ward 2) James Clandenning (Ward 3) D. McPhaiden (Ward 3) William Brown (Ward 4) W. S. Macdonald (Ward 4) Alexander Bethune (Ward 5) C. A. Coldwell (Ward 5)…
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Council for 1896 establishes Committees – January 13, 1896
Mayor Henry Collins

Pictured is Mayor Henry Collins, Mayor of Vancouver 1895-1896.  First meeting of Council for 1896 — membership for the Board of Works, the Finance, Health, Fire & Police, Water & Market, and the Light Railways & Tramways Committee were established. Applications invited for the position of City Solicitor.

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Library Board, City Solicitor appointed – January 20, 1896
Library Board, City Solicitor appointed – January 20, 1896

The Board of Works recommended that plans for the new Oriental Hotel on Cambie Street be approved. The new hotel never materialized, but pictured above is the “old” or “original” Oriental Hotel at 308 Water Street.  Appointed to the Library Board for 1896 were J.M. Duval, Ald. Wm Brown, Geo.…
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$150,000 Loan By-Law debated – January 27, 1896
$150,000 Loan By-Law debated – January 27, 1896

A motion was planned to select in Stanley Park a site suitable for recreation grounds and have it surveyed and an approximate estimate of the cost of clearing and putting it in proper condition. Pictured above is Brockton Oval in 1896.Most of the evening was spent reviewing the proposed by-law…
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Council wrangles over John Grady’s hire – January 29, 1896

The Fire and Police Committee resolved that John H. Grady be appointed in response to the Chief of Police’s letter saying that an extra officer was needed. Alderman Brown, Bethune, Clandenning and McDonald objected to the Committee specifically naming Grady, and thought any new officer should be appointed in the…
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Vancouver moves to “protect its interests” against railway expropriation – February 3, 1896

The Consolidated Railway and Light Company had applied to the BC Legislature “to give said Company power to enter upon and expropriate lands and to open and break up the soil and pavement of theupon” even within BC towns and cities. Council empowered the Finance Committee and City Clerk to…
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All requests for street improvements on hold – February 10, 1896

All petitions for street improvements were put off until the preparation of the Estimates. Alex MacDonald resigned as Cemetery keeper, while Miss Logan, the housekeeper at the City Hospital was given a raise of $5 per month. The Health Committee wrote to the BC Government for funds for a women’s…
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Mayor to oppose Railway & Light Bill in Victoria – February 17, 1896
electrical-poles-1900s

Mr. Angus MacDonald was appointed an electrical inspector (see illustration ). G. W. Thomas was appointed Cemetery Caretaker at the same salary as the previous caretaker. Delegation to attend the Private Bills Committee in Victoria with representatives from Richmond, Burnaby and South Vancouver to oppose the passage of the proposed…
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Sunday Shop Opening Remains in Question – February 24, 1896
Looking wet on Hastings Street from Cambie Street, 1896

Council received several requests both for and against opening stores on Sunday. Aldermen Brown and Banfield suggest a detailed map of Stanley Park be made, so future improvements can prioritized.

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Properties to be sold for back taxes – March 2, 1896
Exterior of Mainland Feed Store 929 Westminster Ave., 1896

A by-law was introduced to sell properties on which the taxes are two years in arrears. Council replied to a letter from New Westminster City Council saying Vancouver supported a bridge across the Fraser River, provided it was to be a passenger as well as a railway bridge. The manager…
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No bridge to be built across the Fraser River at present – March 9, 1896
No bridge to be built across the Fraser River at present – March 9, 1896

The Consolidated Railway and Lighting Company at 163 Cordova Street (head office pictured here in 1896) submitted a proposal for lighting the City of Vancouver. A six foot sidewalk approved for Quebec Street from 6th Avenue to Front Street (now First Avenue). The Provincial Government advised Council that it would…
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Friday 13th Council Meeting Overturns Sunday Closing By-Law – March 13, 1896
Vancouver fire officials 1896

The controversial Sunday Closing By-law was defeated in Council, but progress was reported on the Fire Limits and Plumbing Inspection by-laws, as well as the by-law to partly exempt tax on building improvements. This transcript was made in 2021 by Transcribimus volunteer Darrin Pezer /Proactive Building Maintenance Illustration: City of…
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Recreation area planned for Stanley Park – March 16, 1896
exterior of Winch and Bower fruit, fish and gamer merchants - 52 Cordova Street

Council appointed a committee to review Consolidated Railway and Light Co’s plan to develop ten acres in Stanley Park in exchange for being allowed to run tracks to the site. They also wrote to several British publications opposing the proposed British Pacific Railway. This transcript was made in 2021 by…
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City Lighting Contract Cancelled – March 23, 1896
Mount Pleasant School, Vancouver, 1896

This transcript was made in 2021 by Transcribimus volunteerDarrin Pezer / Proactive Building Maintenance The Sanitary Inspector reported on the condition of Mount Pleasant School (pictured here). The Health Committee reported the urgent necessity for a Women’s Ward. A Mrs. Smith was injured falling off a sidewalk at 10th and…
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Vancouver Seeks Authority to Make Grants – March 30, 1896

Council contacted the Provincial Government asking that the Municipal Act be amended so that “authority may be given to Municipalities to make a grant in aid of the celebration of Dominion Day and such other public gatherings as may be from time to time considered in the interests of a…
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Vancouver Seeks Market Day Steamship Service – April 7, 1896
Vancouver Seeks Market Day Steamship Service – April 7, 1896

The City cannot offer a bonus or a subsidy to a steamship for regular market day service unless the subsidy is first approved by the electors. The City will pay Sister Francis $4.00 a week for the care of Mrs. Richardson, $4.00 being the same rate as St. Paul’s Hospital.…
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Estimates Reviewed – April 10, 1896

This transcript was made in 2021 by Transcribimus volunteer  Gerald Soon Manuscript: City of Vancouver ArchivesCOV S 31 Volume page 123 onlyto see original handwritten minutes — click here [Volume 7 page] 123 Vancouver April 10th 1896. The Council met on Monday Friday April 10th 1896. Present – His Worship the…
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False Creek Bridge “In A Dangerous State” – April 13, 1896
False Creek Bridge “In A Dangerous State” – April 13, 1896

The City Engineer reported the bridge across False Creek was “in a dangerous state”. The Board of Works received permission to have the “old shack” near the entrance to [Stanley] Park torn down. Two By-Laws were drafted – to bonus a steamer between Chilliwack and Vancouver, and to convey to…
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Liquor License Fees Reduced – April 17, 1896

This transcript was made in 2021 by Transcribimus volunteer Anonymous Original handwritten minutes: City of Vancouver ArchivesCOV S31 Volume 6 page 133 onlyto see photographs of the original handwritten minutes, click here [Volume 6 page] 133 The Council met on Friday April 17th 1896. Present His Worship the Mayor and full…
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Vancouver Budget totals $362,138 – April 20, 1896
Vancouver Budget totals $362,138 – April 20, 1896

A total budget of $362,138 for the year 1896 was approved by Council. Teachers’ salaries for the Central School totalled $6,485 for the year. If divided evenly among the eight teachers shown in this 1896 group studio portrait, each teacher would have received about $800 per year. Central School teachers…
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Compensation of Mayor & Aldermen Now A Reality – April 27, 1896

The By-Law to pay City Council was finalized after deleting a clause about potential fines to be deducted. Ashes were ordered to be hauled to Ward 5 to top the crushed rock surface of both Quebec Street and Westminster Ave. (now Main Street). Citizens requested both Birch and Ontario streets…
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Vancouver Council “Cannot Refuse” Laundry License – May 4, 1896
Vancouver Council “Cannot Refuse” Laundry License – May 4, 1896

The City Solicitor advised that Council “cannot refuse a laundry license to anyone has complied with all the requirements of the By Laws relating to the Laundries“. The Board of Works asked for tenders to build on Cordova Street a “single dressed walk north side from Abbott to Cambie”, pictured…
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Repairs to Bridges, Ditches Needed – May 11, 1896

The ditches between Westminster Av (Main Street) and Scotia Street to be cleaned out before 5th Avenue was graded. J Ironside to repair the False Creek Bridge, S. Sheridan to repair the sidewalk on Georgia Street. Hospital matron Miss MacFie asked that all the mattresses be recovered, and complained that…
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Bicycling By-Law Gets First Reading – May 18, 1896
Terminal City Bicycle Club ca. 1896

Pictured are the Terminal City Bicycling Club, ca. 1896, left to right: (back row): William F. Finlay, Mr. McAlpine, Charles A. Ross, Mark Cusner; (middle row): Frank Little, George Haddon, Dan Martin; (front row): H. Jones and Richard Tossell. Council received a letter from one W. J. Anderson of Salt…
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Steamers Unavailable for Twice A Week Market Service – June 1, 1896
Men and women on Captain William Watts' gasoline launch "Ruth" at bank of Lynn Creek, ca. 1896

The Water and Market Committee reported continuing problems finding a steamer to willing to deliver crops and animals to the City Market at the prices the Committee is willing to pay. The City Engineer was asked to look into the cost for adding separate accommodation for women prisoners at the…
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July 1 Celebration in Question – June 8, 1896
July 1 Celebration in Question  – June 8, 1896

Council directed the Organizing Committee for the Dominion Day Celebration to report to them before Thursday as to whether the Celebration would include the regatta originally promised. Resolved that the R.C.P. Mills Co. be notified that unless they put up a fence, as agreed, round the pond where the boy…
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Dominion Day Celebration Funds Reduced by $1,000 – June 15th 1896
Dominion Day Celebration Funds Reduced by $1,000 – June 15th 1896

A recommendation from the Police Committee that ex Chief McLean receive his regular salary for the period he was under investigation was challenged by two Aldermen but was eventually supported. The Police committee also approved $150 for jail facilities for female prisoners. This transcript was made in 2021 by Transcribimus…
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$1,000 restored to Dominion Day grant – June 22, 1896
$1,000 restored to Dominion Day grant – June 22, 1896

City Council granted an additional $1,000 toward the Dominion Day regatta and sports carnival, restoring the total grant amount to the original $5,000. This document was transcribed in 2021 by Transcribimus volunteer Gerald Soon Illustration: COV Archives Item Bo P109.1Dominion Day yacht regatta in Coal Harbour(British warships in the background)…
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Telephone Switchboard worth $2,000 – June 29, 1896
Telephone Switchboard worth $2,000 – June 29, 1896

In talks with the Telephone + Telephone Company, Finance Committee allowed a value of $2,000 for the switchboard. In another matter, former Market manager Mr. Beattie owed the City $873.95 in rent for the Market and the value of buildings built by Beattie was about the same, Council proposed an…
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Police Magistrate’s Salary Reduced – July 6, 1896

The Police Magistrate’s Salary was reduced from $1800 to $1500 per annum. City Accountant C. Tetley resigned. Aldermen Brown and Schou gave notice of a motion to build a canal from the Pitt River to “some point on Burrard Inlet at or near to Port Moody to cope with future…
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Proposal to prevent flooding along the Fraser River – July 13, 1896
Proposal to prevent flooding along the Fraser River – July 13, 1896

Council sent a resolution to the federal Minister of Railways and Canals with a proposal to prevent future flooding along the Fraser Valley. Meanwhile the Police Committee was asked to see that horses and cattle not be allowed to roam on the grounds at Fairview School (Granville & 7th). This…
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Champion Sculling Race Cancelled – July 20, 1896

A communication was read from Geo Bach by Secretary of the Carnival Committee stating that it was impossible to arrange a World’s champion sculling race between Messrs Grandau and Stanbury. Plans were made to have a week of sports and regatta instead. Council received a letter from Robert Barker complaining…
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Water Committee’s Agreement Overturned – July 27, 1896

The Board of Works initially agreed to a proposal from Tait & Sons that they furnish lumber to the City as partial payment of their water rates, but this agreements was overturned by Council. Mr. C. W. Robson and a few neighbours requested water service to Denman Street, but the…
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Cowderoy appointed City Accountant – August 3, 1896

William Cowderoy and H. M. Henderson were both promoted in the City Accountants’ office upon the resignation of C. M. Tetley. William Ralph retained the contract for the Market roof, in spite of objections in favour of Mr. Desrosier. Council ‘did not see its way clear” to offer the sum…
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Granville St. Grading Obstructs Several Doorways – August 10, 1896
Granville St. Grading Obstructs Several Doorways – August 10, 1896

The City Engineer was asked to supervise the repair of doorways to several buildings which had been affected by the recent grading of Granville Street. Alderman McPhaiden proposed a bylaw that if the owners of derelict properties do not repair them within a certain time, that the City “shall destroy…
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Carnival Liquor Sales Get Green Light – August 17, 1896

Several Temperance and church organizations protested against a license being granted to sell liquor at Brockton Point in Stanley Park during the Carnival Week. The City Solicitor said they had no power to prevent it. The Jockey Club requested that they not pay 10 per cent of their takings during…
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Vancouver Favours Kootenay Railway, Fraser River Flood Protection – August 24, 1896

City Council passed a motion of support to be sent to both the Dominion and Provincial Parliaments in favour of building a railway to “the great mining districts of Similkeem, Rock Creek, Battle River, Boundary Creek and Kootenay.” Two more motions asked the Dominion (federal) Parliament to hire a “competent…
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Water Will Be Cut Off If Bill Not Paid – Sept 8, 1896

Water Works Department directed to cut off water to customers who are behind six months in payment, but sprinkling to be done as needed during Carnival. Licensed hack men asked Council to prevent outside hack men working during Carnival. This document was transcribed in 2022 by Transcribimus volunteer Gerald Soon.…
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Sun Life Water Rebate Turned Down – September 14, 1896
Vermilyea Block, 869 Granville St. Vancouver

The Sun Life Assurance Company asked for a water rebate for Vermilyea Blocks Granville St. {869 and 927 Granville, pictured here}. They didn’t get the rebate. The Chief of Police was asked to investigate after Alex C. Webster complained of a case of “light bread” (the city standard was 1.5…
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“Nuisance Shacks” To Be Demolished – September 21, 1896
“Nuisance Shacks” To Be Demolished – September 21, 1896

Location of the “Nuisance Shacks” are shown in red here in this illustration. Mr. J.D. Langlois complained that the police had “miscounted” the effects of Mr. Atcheson, whose heirs had received only $30 of the $35 they should have done. Miss Macfie reported she was “annoyed by chickens at the…
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Rae appointed Pound Keeper – September 28, 1896
Rae appointed Pound Keeper – September 28, 1896

Matthew Rae (pictured) was appointed pound keeper at a salary of $50 per month. The Oppenheimer Brothers asked that their cabins not be torn down, as they were making them sanitarity as quickly as possible. The Foreman for Ward Two was instructed to put in a crossing and a hitching…
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Wiffin Denies His Cabins Unsanitary – October 5, 1896
Wiffin Denies His Cabins Unsanitary – October 5, 1896

Thursday October 8 was proclaimed a public holiday so Vancouverites could visit the Exhibition in New Westminster. A number of condemned buildings on Dupont Street were ordered torn down.

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Council to Regulate Stables Within City Limits – October 12, 1896
Council to Regulate Stables Within City Limits – October 12, 1896

The City Solicitor advised that the fare from one part of Vancouver to another should not exceed five cents. The Health Department paid Mrs. Frizzel $4.50 for making shirts, while Dr. Poole received $10 for a post-mortem examination. The Police Committee empowered to select an interim Police Chief until a…
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Four Prisoners Break Out – Oct 19, 1896
Gaoler's Mews, Vancouver, BC

Four prisoners escaped from the city lock up, which was said to be “most insecure, badly constructed”. Prisoners apparently used a saw to cut their way out during “boisterous” Salvation Army services when the noise would not be noticed. Two or three “paupers” boarding at the jail (!) were blamed…
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John Devine Appointed City Assessor – October 26, 1896

John Devine appointed as City Assessor Much work was done on By-Laws regardings Cows, The Poun, Fire Limits and Polling. Mr McLusky ordered to pull down his present structure within 24 hours, and his application to build a lunch counter at Hastings and Carroll was referred to the City Solicitor…
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J. M. Stewart Appointed Chief of Police – November 2, 1896
J. M. Stewart Appointed Chief of Police – November 2, 1896

J. M. Stewart was appointed Chief of Police at a salary of $100 per month. Illustration is Stewart taken in 1911. This transcript was made in 2022 by Transcribimus volunteer Leah Minuk Original handwritten minutes: City of Vancouver ArchivesSeries 31 Volume 7 pages 335-360 To see or download images of…
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New City Hall in Market Building? – November 9, 1896
New City Hall in Market Building? – November 9, 1896

The City Engineer was asked to survey the Market Hall with a view of having same fitted up for Council Chambers and Civic Offices . The Health Committee recommended that anyone found selling “filthy” or diluted milk be prosecuted.

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Vancouver Police Men Need New Raincoats – November 16, 1896

J. W. Johnstone Acting Chief of Police reported the the force were in need of raincoats. The ex Chief of Police was asked to turn in all City property still in his position. J. Irvine was allowed to rent the shed beside the public market for $1.00 per night, plus…
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Brush By-law Will be Enforced – November 23, 1896

City Council will at once enforce the Brush By-Law by doing the work itself where necessary, and charge the same to taxes on the property. Northern Pacific Railway advised Council that it would not be adopting the former Burrard Inlet and Fraser Valley contract with the City of Vancouver. This…
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Fire Department Needs A New Team – November 30, 1896
Fire Department Needs A New Team – November 30, 1896

The Police and Fire Department to go and see a team of horses Mr. Stuart offered for sale to the Fire Department. John McAllister appointed Special Constable at $60. per month. Letter read from Mr. Thos M. Tyson etal questioning the right of the Mayor and Alderman Shaw to their…
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McAllister & Fulton Appointed to the Police Force – December 7, 1896

John McAllister and Keeler Fulton were appointed as policemen at $60 per month each. Six locations in Mount Pleasant were designated for sidewalks. From teamsters Champion & White, stating that since Cassady’s Mill had closed down, they had to haul the sawdust for Crematory use from the Royal City Mills…
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Additional Cemetery Needed – December 14, 1896
Additional Cemetery Needed – December 14, 1896

The City Engineer was asked to find an additional 30 – 40 acres for cemetery use. Plans showing potential Civic Offices in the Market Building were received, but laid over for the next Council to decide upon. A By-Law was formed to enable an upcoming Civic Election.

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City Salaries Will Be Paid Before Christmas – December 21, 1896

Salaries of all City employees due on January 1 to be paid before the Christmas Holidays. Mr. J. Johnson on Keefer St. was allowed to keep the timber from two trees if he would cut them down. Three-plank sidewalks to be laid on 11th and 12th Avenues between Quebec and…
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Detective Added to Police Force – December 28, 1896

Many projects were referred to the incoming Council; however they approved a 6 ft walk be laid on the South Side of Seaton Street (Hastings) from Burrard St to Jervis St, “to give the work to the most needy man in the Ward able to do the work.” Council established…
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