THE GLOBAL CIVIC POLICY SOCIETYdocuments of early Vancouver and beyond
Vancouver City Council minutes from 1887, transcribed by community volunteers and made freely available to the public through Transcribimus, a community project founded by Sam Sullivan and the Global Civic Policy Society
Outgoing Mayor M. A. MacLean paid seven hundred fifty dollars, according to By-Law number 53. Fred Munro draws the attention of Council “to the employment of Chinese on the Gravel Contract.” The contractor will be called upon to explain.
James Hartney awarded contract to build Park Road. Alderman Alexander granted $50 “for the purpose of settling the claims of Indians on the line of the Park Road for bushes and fences destroyed.” City Engineer to estimate costs for building both a fixed bridge and a draw bridge across False Creek.
A number of complaints received about (street contractor) William Harkins’ granting of Power of Attorney to Dunn & Co. J. H Wert appreared before council on behalf of Harkins’ employees to report on the situation. Legal opinion requested from City Solicitor. A coal oil lamp to be placed at the corner of Hamilton and Dunsmuir streets, with the City supplying the oil and the residents in the vicinity to light the lamp. James Alexander appointed for 1888 to assist the Assistant Commissioner in the Assessment of the City.
City Clerk to find out from P. Fewster’s about the proposed capacity of the mill he intends to build. The Board of Works instructed the Chief of Police to have the Chain Gang improve a lane. E. Cook awarded contract for plastering and masonry of City Hospital, and the carpentry to James Stanford. Gas fitting and plumbing contracts not awarded as all tenders exceed available budget.
Council unable to grant the petition of A.W. Sullivan and others for the improvement of Trounce Alley, as the Works budget was exhausted. Among other accounts to be paid are subscriptions to the Leadville (Colorado) Herald, the Denver Republican, and the Alta California (California’s first daily newspaper, published in San Francisco until 1891.)
The Police Committee recommended the City immediately end the present system of boarding chain gang prisoners in private homes. Eleven pairs of blankets were purchased for the cells, and a stove for the jail corridor. Tenders were received for painting street signs; M. J. Milross was awarded the contract, at a price of 53 cents per sign on wood, but only 45 cents on tin.
A Special Meeting to organize the reception for Sir A. R. Caron, Minister of Militia & Defense (Government of Canada), and to hire enough taxicabs for the occasion.
Board of Works recommends street signs with 4 inch letters painted on wood or tin with white letters on black background. W. L. MacDonald appointed as cemetery keeper; a three room house to be built for him and his family at the cemetery gates. Lamplighter J. Mahoney presents a bill for $9.00.
Pawn brokers and second hand stores to be licensed pro-rata until the end of the year. Lamp lighter hired at $1.50 per day until electric lights are installed. Requests for a bonus for a shoe factory, and a rebate for theatrical license fee were overturned. Insurance to be purchased on City Hall and the Fire Hall.
A house to be built for the use of the caretaker and sexton of the public cemetery, and a salary of $40 per month be offered.City Council supports the establishment of a Government of Canada experimental farm in Coquitlam. The City to purchase Lots one to ten, Block 38 District Lot 541 from the CPR at $250.00 each in order to build a hospital. Hospital to be built on the plans drafted by A. E. McCartney.