1899

Council voted the City Solicitor “take the necessary steps to find out what position the foreshore in front of the Old Granville Townsite stands re claims by the Province or City before this agreement is handed over to the C.P.R. Co.
Carried. From the House Surgeon recommending the kalsomining [a kind of whitewashing] of the men’s ward in the old Hospital building.

The Health Committee reported Health Inspectors reporting a wild cow on Mount Pleasant afflicted with a very serious case of tuberculosis. A new by-law regarding sewage was contemplated. Local resident Philip Fewster, who was travelling to England, said he would look into the effectiveness of Septic Tanks.

All four quotes for crushed rock were found too high (the lowest was 65 cents per cubic foot) and the contractors’ deposits were ordered to be returned. A committee was formed to discuss a possible C. P. R. way station for the East End. Possible sites for a new library included Hastings and Abbott, or the southwest corner of Hastings and Westminster (Main Street), but nothing was settled.

Jockey Club asked for a grant of $250 for the purpose of making necessary improvements to the track at Hastings and the sum was granted. Some Vancouverites who have since become famous were not treated as well: Rogers’ Sugar Manager Mr. B. T. Rogers was notified that he must remove the fence which encroaches on Georgia Street at his premises as soon as the grass has grown and; R. G. Tatlow (who has a park named after him in Kitsilano) and others asked to be allowed to destroy crows, but no immediate action was taken.

The Lights, Railway and Tramway Committee reported they were inviting applications for the position of Wiring Inspector. The Inspector’s salary to be paid by fees collected by him for examining the wiring of buildings. E. Mckeating was appointed Fireman from among fifteen applicants.

…Be it resolved that the City’s portion of all penalties imposed…be paid over to the treasurer of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals. The City purchased a rock crusher from Hugh Cameron for $2,000. Police were instructed to report all cases where garbage is being dumped on the lanes and streets and prosecute under Clause 98 of the Health By-Law

The Board of Works resolved to carry out the street numbering on the system recommended by the City Engineer. The City’s contract for advertising will be split evenly among the News-Advertiser, Province and World for the next year. The Light, Railway and Tramway Committee planned to interview Wiring Inspector candidates, and Alderman McPhaiden had plans to amend the Electric Wiring By-Law.