Looking into whether the City “can compel the owners” of the lots in the low lands on the North side of Water Street in the Old Granville Townsite to “fill them up to high water mark to abate the disagreeable stench therefrom”. Lengthy list of estimates for street improvements for the year 1890 was reviewed by Finance Committee, then adopted.
This transcript was made in 2015 by Transcribimus volunteers Margaret Sutherland
and Joy Marie Vasquez
and sponsored by Arnold Silber
original handwritten minutes here
City of Vancouver Archives
Series 23-A Volume 3 pages 365-385
[volume 3 page 365]
Vancouver April 28th 1890
The Council met on Monday April 28th 1890.
Present His Worship, Mayor Oppenheimer and Aldermen Browning, Carroll, Garden, Horne, Fox, Sentell, Costello, McLeod, and Doering.
The Minutes of last regular and special meetings were read and adopted.
Communications
From W. D. Haywood asking for the balance of his salary due. Referred to the Finance Committee.
From H. T. Keefer and Sansom and Dawson in reference to the contract for the construction of the Market. Referred to Board of Works.
From R. Mackay Fripp in reference to the lines on Dougall House corner. Clerk instructed to reply.
From the Pound Keeper asking for an increase of salary. Referred to Finance Committee.
From W. Bailey in reference to a nuisance on Thurlow Street. Referred to the Health Inspector.
From Chas. H. Strutt asking for exemption from taxation for his tannery. Referred to Finance Committee.
From J. H. Quigley Secretary of the Lacrosse Club asking Council to put the Recreation Grounds in order. Referred to the Board of Works.
[volume 3 page 366]
From James Allen et al asking Council to improve lane in Block 11, 196. Referred to Board of Works.
From Malcolm McIntyre et al requesting Council to open up 13th Av from Quebec to Manitoba Sts. Referred to the Board of Works.
From A. M. Robertson, Secy of the Medical Board furnishing a list of instruments urgently required at the hospital. Referred to Board of Health.
Reports
F. W. & L. No 6
The F. W. & L. Committee met on Wednesday April 23rd 1890. Present Aldermen Fox, Carroll, and Doering.
We beg to recommend:
1. That T. Tilley be appointed ball man in place of J. Harvey resigned.
2. That the large team of horses be transferred to Fire Hall No 2 with the teamster and that the necessary alterations be made for their accommodation.
3. That the following accounts be paid:
Vancouver City Foundry $8.43
Creighton & Fraser 1.65
Middler & Powe 1.50
P. P. Gendrean 2.50
Van Electric Mill Co. 296.45
Van Water Works Co. 47.05
John Scuitto 18.03
Thos. Dunn & Co. 141.25
H. McDowell & Co. 1.62
[volume 3 page 367]
R. Rutherford $75.00
Royal City Planing Mills Coy 4.69
C. G. Johnson 25.00
Tye & Co. 10.56
C. M. Hawley 19.40
Crowder & Penzer 106.25
E. S. Scoullar & Co. 20.70
Sgd. J. M. Fox, Chairman
Moved by Alderman Browning, seconded by Alderman Doering. That the Report of the F. W & L. Committee be adopted. Carried.
The Sugar Refinery Site Committee met on Friday April 25, 1890.
Present Alderman Garden, Costello and Browning.
Tenders were received and considered for the construction of a wharf at the Sugar Refinery Site.
It was resolved that when the Committee is in a position to proceed with the contract that it will be awarded to Messrs Leatherdale & McDonald, generally in accordance with the plans and specifications of the City Engineer.
Sgd. James T. Garden, Chairman
Moved by Alderman Costello, seconded by Alderman Fox. That the Report of the Sugar Refinery Site Committee be adopted. Carried.
Police No 6
The Police Committee met on Tuesday at 1890.
[volume 3 page 368]
Present Aldermen Costello, Carroll, Sentell and Mason.
We beg to recommend:
1. That the following accounts be paid:
San Juan Lime Co. Lime $1.60
John Scuitto, Bread 51.50
Mr. Green, Interpreter 2.50
Tye & Co. Supplies 5.10
S. T. Tilley, Stationery 5.50
Thomson Bros Stationery 5.00
VanVolkenburgh Meat 17.60
Wm. Murphy, Police Clothes 484.85
D. McRae, Labor 37.05
2. That Thomas Shirley be appointed Special Police Officer at a salary of $1.00 per year.
3. That a reward of $200.00 be offered for the apprehension and conviction of the party or parties who murdered Henry T. Sunbury.
4. That the Chief of Police be instructed to have three cells in the lock up put in proper condition so that prisoners confined therein can be securely held; two inch diagonal planking to be used and the work to be let by tender.
5. That a uniform be ordered for Officer Eligh.
Sgd. M. Costello, Chairman
Moved by Alderman Horne, seconded by Alderman Doering. That the Report of the Police Committee be adopted. Carried.
Health No 7
The Health Committee met on Tuesday
[volume 3 page 369]
April 22nd 1890
Present Aldermen Mason, Carroll, Fox and McLeod.
We beg to recommend:
1. That the following accounts be paid:
G. I. Wilson $2.10
Yick Lung 9.40
VanVolkenburgh & Bro. 43.33
John Scuitto 70.78
H. McDonald & Co. 28.77
L. McFarland 6.00
Mrs. Alcock 23.00
Van Wfg. Co. 7.50
Scoullar & Co. 6.25
Dr. McGuigan 35.00
Dr. Bell-Irving 15.00
Crowder & Penzer 27.00
W. J. Taylor 70.00
R. I. Winch 15.89
2. That the Health Inspector be instructed to make the necessary corrections as contemplated under the Public Health By-Law and amending By-Laws after due notice in writing has been given under said By-Laws, all such connections to be made by licensed plumbers upon tenders given the lowest tender in all cases to be accepted.
3. That Messrs O. Toole & Ralph be awarded the contract for the necessary plumbing in connection with the outbuildings at the City Hall for the sum of $173.00
Sgd. Malcolm McLeod for Chairman
Moved by Alderman Costello, seconded by Alderman Doering. That the Report of the Health Committee be adopted. Carried.
[volume 3 page 370]
Works No 11
The Board of Works met on Wednesday April 23rd and Thursday April 24, 1890.
We beg to recommend:
1. That the matter of filling in the low lands of the North side of Water Street in the Old Granville Townsite be referred to the City Solicitor in order to ascertain if the Corporation can compel the owners of said lots to fill them up to high water mark to abate the disagreeable stench therefrom.
2. That the drain on the west side of Abbott Street crossing Water Street be carried out by a box culvert across the Railway Track.
3. That Oppenheimer and Hastings Streets be filled up and levelled by the material excavated from the basement under the Dougall House at the corner of Abbott & Cordova Streets.
4. That tenders be called for the improvement of the following streets
(a) Filling up Princess Street between Westminster Avenue and Gore Avenue with material obtained from cutting down the hill between Gore & Dunlevy Avs.
(b) Filling up to grade Westminster Avenue between Hastings and Prior Streets on the East side.
(c) Grading and filling Oppenheimer Street between Westminster & Gore Avs. with the material obtained by putting Oppenheimer Street on grade between Gore & Dunlevy Avs.
(d) That tenders be invited for gravelling and repairing Streets and lane for the ensuing year.
[volume 3 page 371]
5. That the following tenders for street works be accepted:
Powell Street John Costello
Sophia Street D. Gibbons
Scotia St & 9th Av. W. C. Muir
6. The Estimates for Street improvements for the year 1890 have been finally prepared and referred to the Finance Committee for consideration.
7. That the following accounts be paid:
Jacob Eligh, Cutting down trees $5.00
Robt Law, connection pipes 127.50
H. A. Burke, Salary 75.00
McDonald & Barton, Eastern Park 900.00
D. Gibbons, Lane in B40 34.08
D. B. Murray, Lane in B15, 196 66.00
Do Lane in B18, 196 66.00
Sgd. J. W. Horne, Chairman
Moved by Alderman Sentell, seconded by Alderman Costello. That the Report of the Board of Works be adopted. Carried.
Finance No 11
The Finance Committee met on Friday April 25th 1890.
Present His Worship the Mayor and Aldermen Browning Fox, Garden and Costello.
We beg to recommend:
1. That the City Treasurer be instructed to refund to Napoleon Authier through L. R. Authier the sum of ten dollars paid into his hands in July last as an application fee accompanying an ap
[volume 3 page 372]
plication for license, which application was refused and no inspection of the premises having been made.
2. That the accounts of the Board of Works, Police and Fire, Water & Light Committee be passed for payment.
Alderman Browning, Chairman of the Finance Committee brought down the estimates for the year 1890 which were laid before the Committee for consideration.
After discussing them in detail it was resolved that they be submitted to Council for adoption and that a By-Law be introduced at next meeting of Council empowering the Council to raise by way of debentures a loan of $125,000 for public improvements.
It was further resolved that the rate be struck at 1 ¼ cents with a rebate of 20 percent if taxes were paid within 30 days after being declared due and that a By-Law be prepared in accordance therewith.
Sgd. J. M. Browning, Chairman
Moved by Alderman Browning, seconded by Alderman Costello. That the Report of the Finance Committee be adopted. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Garden, seconded by Alderman Horne. That the Council do now go into Committee of the Whole for the consideration of the Estimates for the year 1890. Alderman Garden in the Chair. Carried.
[volume 3 page 373]
The Clerk then read the following Estimates of receipts and expenditure:
Finance Department $62,447.12
Board of Works Department 169,321.83
Police Department 12,711.33
Fire, Water & Light Department 34,529.51
Health Department 19,010.63
Interest ½ years Interest on 1890 Loan ….. 3,125.00
Total $301,145.42
8,149.97
Balance $309,295.39
[volume 3 page 374]
Estimated Expenditure for 1890
Finance Committee
Sinking Fund & Interest $35,595.12
Commission & Exchange 200 Salaries 4, 840
Revision of Voter’s List 100
Stationery 3,000
Telephones 96
Light City Hall 300
Fuel City Hall 350
Insurance 200
Election Expenses 200
School Tax 35.70
Reading Room 1,000
Grant to Mayor 2,000
Contingent Account 10,000
Legal Expenses 1,000
Total $62,447.12
Board of Health $3,340
2,500
Salaries 3,240
Hospital Supplies 2,500
Lighting 400
Fuel 200
Water 100
Telephone 48
Inquests & Examination 300
Garbage Destroyer 8,000
Contingent Expenses 1,500
$16,288
Unexpended Appropriations 1889
Instruments $1,110.25
Hospt Furniture 1,412.21 2,522.46
$18,810.46
Expensed in excess of Appropriation
Hospital Lots 200.17
Total $19,010.63
[volume 3 page 375]
Estimated Expenditures 1890 (continued)
Police Committee
Salaries 8,025.33
Police Magistrate 1,250
Interpreter 100
Telephone 36
Uniforms 1,000
Clothing of Prisoners 100
Board 1,000
Transport 200
Contingent 1,000
Total $12,711.33
Fire, Water & Light
Salaries $10,740
Telephone 96
Horses & Harness 1,800
Feed & Shoeing of horses 1,000
Fuel, Oil & Waste 700
Repairs Tools 500
Fire Hose 1,000
Water Supply, flushing & sprinkling 1,076
Hydrants 3,000
Fire Alarm System extra 500
Street Lighting 8,700
Contingent a/c 1,000
$30,112.00
Unexpended Appropriations 1889
Fire Alarm System $2,275.25
Hose Houses 317.41
2,592.41
Expensed in excess of Appropriation
Fire Hall Lots 66.40
Fire Hose 1,370.70
Horses & Harness 388 1,825.10
Total $34,529.51
[volume 3 page 376]
Estimated Expenditure 1890 (continued)
Board of Works
Salaries $7,068.00
Stationery 250.00
Street Improvements Box Drains & sidewalks Absolutely necessary 75,000.00
Probable additional St Improvements 15,000.00
Street & Sidewalk Repairs 3,000
Sewerage 10,000
Parks 5,000
False Creek proposed Bridge & approaches estimated ½ cost 6,000
New North Arm Road 3,000
$124,318.00
Unexpended Appropriation 1889
Sewerage 14,437.87
Surface drains 3,789.57
Street & Sidewalk repairs 416.57
Market & Scales 12,724.80
Pound Site & Buildings 214.00
Shade trees 515.74
West Park 136.31
East Park 5,218.45
Rock Crusher 4,000.00 41,453.31
Expended in excess of Appropriation since 1889
Street Improvements 3,348.22
Street & Sidewalk Repairs 202.30 3,550.52
Total $169,312.83
[volume 3 page 377]
Proposed Street Improvements in detail
Street Description of Work Length Rate Amount
Hastings Box Drains Burrard to Howe 800 354 $280.00
Hastings Gravel Burrard to Richards 900 80 720.00
Hastings Repairs 150.00
Thurlow Grade Seaton to Haro & Culvert 1,950 75 1,482.00
Thurlow Box drain from Bank to Haro 2,000 30 600.00
Eveleigh Box drains 600 30 180.00
Eveleigh Crossings for sidewalks 60.00
Pender Box drains 2,000 32 640.00
Lane Block 2, South of Eveleigh 660 30 198.00
Burrard Grade Georgia to Nelson full width 1,600 70 1,120.00
Burrard Gravel & Crowning 1,400 80 1,220.00
Hornby Grade Georgia to Drake 3,200 74 2,368.00
Hornby 6 ft sidewalk 3,200 20 640.00
Hornby Box drains 3,200 30 960.00
Howe 6 ft sidewalk Georgia to Drake 3,200 20 640.00
Howe Gravel 1,200 80 960.00
Alberni Box drains, Agreed to another
$225.00 drain
Robson Grade Richard to Burrard Culverts 1,600 65 1,060.00
Robson Grave 1,600 80 1,280.00
Robson 6 ft sidewalk 1,600 20 320.00
Robson Box drain Burrard West 1,800 30 540.00
Robson 6 ft sidewalk North side of
Burrard West 1,800 30 200.00
Bute Grade Georgia to Pender 600 65 390.00
Bute 6 ft sidewalk 600 20 120.00
Bute Box drains 500 30 150.00
Bute Grade Nelson to Pender 700 70 490.00
Jervis Grade Georgia & Pender 400 80 320.00
Jervis 6 ft sidewalk 400 20 80.00
Jervis Box drain 300 30 90.00
Smythe Burrard to Richard 1,600 70 1,120.00
Smythe 6 ft sidewalk & crossings 1,600 20 330.00
Smythe Box drains 1,000 400.00
Haro Grade full width Burrard to Bute 1,300 55 715.00
Haro
Box drains 700 30 210.00
[volume 3 page 378]
Proposed Street Improvements in detail (continued)
Street Description of Work Length Rate Amount
Cambie Basement Drain 338 90 $304.00
Cambie Box drain & repairs 375.00
Lane in 356 Grade 500 25 125.00
Nelson 3 ft sidewalk Richards East 300 33.00
Nelson Gravel & Repairs 640.00
Georgia 8 ft sidewalk Richards to Homer 300 90.00
Cordova Basement Drain 650 90 585.00
Carrall Box drain 900 30 270.00
Carrall Move Ry fence, for foundation
& grade 500.00
Hastings Gravel Seymour to Cambie 1,340 1,072.00
Georgia 8 ft sidewalk Homer to Hamilton 310 96.00
Cambie 6 ft sidewalk Georgia to Smyth 1,100 20 220.00
Davie Grade Richards to Homer 376 238.00
Helmcken Grade Richards to Homer 231.00
Cambie Basement drain 294.97
Oppenheimer Grade Westminster to Dunlevy 1,000 800.00
Hastings Fill & gravel Carrall to Westminster 1,050 1,500.00
Alexander Box Drains 2,600 780.00
Alexander Repairs & Gravel 300.00
Powell St Box drain 2,600 780.00
Hastings Box drain 1,100 330.00
Hawks Box drain 900 270.00
Hastings Gravel Healthy East 1,000 80 800.00
Hastings Box drain 700 30 210.00
Seymour Grade Powell to Hastings 629 70 460.00
Seymour 6 ft sidewalk 20 120.00
Lane in B10 Running North & South 264 66.00
Oppenheimer Grade to Boundary Av. & Culverts 900 690.00
Carrall Basement Drain 693 623.00
[volume 3 page 380]
Proposed Street Improvements in detail (continued)
Street Description of Work Length Rate Amount
Clark’s Park Grade Westminster Road to Park 5,800 $1,740.00 Road with culverts
6th Av Grade one Block with culverts 500 135.00
6th Av 3 ft sidewalk 500 55.00
Streets Between Lots 106 & 119 (2604A)
South to 9th Av, 7th to 9th 430.00 then East 2 Blocks
7th Av 3 ft sidewalk Prince Edward
St East 1,200 144.00
Widen to 3 ft 1,200 53.00
Westminster Box drain Bridge to Harris 1,300 40 520.00
Westminster Grade & fill one side water to water 3,000 1,080.00
Westminster Gravel Hastings to Keefer &
Prior to Bridge 1,600 1,325.00
Prior Grade 2 Blocks East 900 500.00
Prior 6 ft sidewalk 900 180.00
Barnard Grade to Dunlevy & Drains 300 75 280.00
Barnard 6 ft sidewalk 300 20 60.00
Harris Grade 3 Blocks Gore to Carl 1,300 65 845.00
Keefer Grading & sidewalks
Princess Cut down the hill from 2,000.00
Princess Westminster Av to Dunlevy 2,400.00
Princess 6 ft sidewalk 420.00
Raymur Grade Hastings to Harris 1,000 75 750.00
Box drains Hastings 1,000 Prior 700, 2,700 810.00
Gore 1,000
Lane B15 Grade & Round up 264 66.00
Lane B15 do 264 66.00
Powell St Grade Boundary Av to Vernon 550 385.00
Westminster Grade full width Front St to 7th Av 2,000 Dufferin Grade 22 ft wide from 125 2,500.00
Dufferin Westminster to Prince Edward 1,500 35 525.00
Dufferin 3 ft sidewalk 1,500 175.00
[volume 3 page 381]
Proposed Street Improvements in detail (continued)
Street Description of Work
Length Rate Amount
Westminster 6 ft sidewalk Bridge to 6th Av 2,300 460.00
Westminster Gravel & Repair 7th to 13th 1,900 1,000.00
Westminster Grade 14th to City Boundary 700 175.00
Quebec Grade 14th Av to Boundary 1,000 250.00
Quebec Gravel & Repairs 600.00
13th Grade Ontario to Westminster 2,200 460.00
13th 3 ft sidewalk 248.00
12th Av Quebec to Sophia 1,150 345.00
Westminster 8 ft sidewalk 7th to 10th 1,000 300.00
11th Grade Quebec to Westminster 1,200 360.00
11th 3 ft sidewalk 144.00
Sophia Grade 9th to 14th Av 1,600 480.00
Sophia 3 ft sidewalk 192.00
Prince Edward Grade 5th to 15th
Grade Westminster Rd to P. 3,300 990.00
Edward & Bridge 592.00
9th Repairs to Centre of Street 1,000.00
6th Bridge Creek South of Brewery 640.00
Lansdowne Grade Westminster East 1 Blk 450 180.00
Total $74,490.98
Moved by Alderman Fox, seconded by Alderman Sentell. “That the sum of $2,500 be appropriated out of the Estimates for the opening up of a street commencing on 14th Avenue one block east of the South Park and running North to connect with Powell Street.” Carried.
Moved by Alderman Browning, seconded by Alderman Fox. That the Estimates as
[volume 3 page 382]
amended be now adopted. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Fox, seconded by Alderman Browning. That the Committee do now rise and report. Carried.
The Committee accordingly rose and the Mayor resumed the Chair.
The Estimates were reported as Complete with Amendments.
Moved by Alderman Horne, seconded by Alderman Browning. That the Estimates of Receipts and Expenditures for the year 1890 as adopted in Committee of the Whole be confirmed by Council. Carried.
Introduction of By-Laws
Moved by Alderman Browning, seconded by Alderman Fox. That the following By-Laws be introduced and read a first time:
(a) A By-Law to strike the rate for 1890
(b) A By-Law to raise a loan of $125,000
(c) A By-Law to fix the polling places etc for the election of Park Commissioners and for holding an election on the $125,000 loan By-Law. Carried.
The By-Laws were accordingly read a 1st time.
Motions
Moved by Alderman Carroll, seconded by Alderman McLeod. That the Solicitor be instructed to furnish this Council at its next meeting with a written opinion on the validity of the contract between
[volume 3 page 383]
The Vancouver Electric Illuminating Company and the Corporation stating whether it is binding on both parties. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Carroll, seconded by Alderman Fox. That a Committee consisting of His Worship, the Mayor and Aldermen Browning and Horne be appointed to prepare an address to their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Connaught on their arrival at this park. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Horne, seconded by Alderman Browning. That the following labor account be paid:
P. Atkinson et al $136.05 Carried.
Moved by Alderman Browning, seconded by Alderman Costello. That the Government be humbly requested to grant to the Police Magistrate of this City, the same powers, authority and jurisdiction as conferred upon stipendiary Magistrates, to enable him to deal with any cases outside of the City Limits which may be brought before him. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Browning, seconded by Alderman Doering. “That the Proprietor of the Lot on the corner of Abbott & Cordova Sts known as the Dougall House, be notified at once, that in the event of any part of the public street being built upon or taken possession of, that he or they do so at their own risk and that
[volume 3 page 384]
the City will hold them liable for any damage or for encroachment upon the public streets.”
Carried.
Consideration of By-Laws
Moved by Alderman Browning, seconded by Alderman Fox. That the rules be suspended and the following By-Laws read a second time:
(a) A By-Law to strike a rate for A. D. 1890
(b) A By-Law to raise $125,000
(c) A By-Law to appoint polling places etc for the election of Park Commissioners and for holding an election on $125,000 By-Law. Carried.
The By-Laws were accordingly read a second time.
The Council went into Committee of the Whole for the consideration of the above By-Laws with Alderman Browning in the Chair.
In Committee the By-Laws were considered clause by clause and reported back to Council as complete.
Moved by Alderman Browning, seconded by Alderman Garden. That the following By-Laws be read a third time:
(a) A By-Law to strike the rate for 1890
(b) A By-Law to appoint Returning Officers etc for holding an election for Park Commissioners and on the By-Law to raise $125,000. Carried
The By-Laws were accordingly read and signed.
[volume 3 page 385]
The Council went into Committee of the Whole to resume the reading of the Park By-Law with Alderman Horne in the Chair.
In Committee the By-Law was considered clause by clause and reported back to Council as complete with Amendments.
Moved by Alderman Horne, seconded by Alderman Garden. That the By-Law be now read a third time. Carried.
The By-Law was accordingly read and signed.
The Council then adjourned.
D. Oppenheimer, Mayor
Thos. F. McGuigan, City Clerk
