In June of 1898, the steamship Laurada had caused considerable damage to Vancouver’s Water Works. Aldermen Grant, Gilmour, McQueen, McPhaiden and Foreman were in favour of an offer to settle “all proceedings and action against the steamship…upon payment of the said sum of $2000, … to be paid on the 18th of July 1899″. Aldermen Brown, Bruce, and Wood opposed the settlement. A few months later, the Province newspaper for Nov. 22 1899 reported the Laurada “had been pounded to pieces on the rocks, and nothing could be saved”.
Source: City of Vancouver Archives
COV S31 715-E-02 Volume 9
pages 197 – 207
This transcript was made in 2023 by Transcribimus volunteer Barbara Kearney-Copan.
Vancouver July 17th 1899
The Council met on Monday July 17th 1899. Present His Worship the Mayor and Aldermen Grant, Gilmour, McQueen, McPhaiden, Brown, Foreman, Bruce, and Wood.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and adopted.
Communications
From Messrs. Boyd and Clandenning withdrawing their tender of rock tunnel.
Moved by Alderman Gilmour
Seconded by Alderman Foreman
Messrs. Boyd and Clandenning having written withdrawing their tender for rock tunnel for water works, resolved that the deposit of the contractors accompanying their tender be forfeited in accordance with the provisions of the specifications and that new tenders be called for to drive a road tunnel . Said tenders to be received up to July 26th 1899 at 4 p.m.
Carried.
From the Police reporting on the electric lights.
Filed.
From Lee Yune Co. et al asking for the watering of Dupont Street.
Referred to the Board of Works.
From the City Solicitor advising that the Council had no power to pass a By-Law to compel barber shops to close on Sundays.
Filed.
From John Twigg asking if it was contemplated to do any work on Seaton St.
Referred to the Board of Works.
From McCusker & Simson asking for the opening up of a portion of Gilford St.
Referred to the Board of Works.
From John E. Sutherland et al asking for a sidewalk on Barclay St.
Referred to the Board of Works.
[volume 9 page] 198
From E. H. Heaps & Co. asking for the favorable consideration of their application for a hydrant and fire alarm box.
Referred to the City Engineers.
From the City Solicitor stating that the City would not be responsible for an accident on the street caused through overcrowding.
Filed.
From Geo. Stevens asking for improvements on Comox Street and a hydrant and fire alarm box.
Referred to the Water, Works & Fire Committee.
From J. C. Morton asking for the return of $11.00 advanced to Detective Butler for bring back one W.J. Greenfield from Victoria.
Referred to the Finance Committee and City Solicitor with power to act.
From A.K. H. Macfarlane Secretary of the Football Club asking for the remission of the taxes on the Powell Street grounds.
Referred to the Finance Committee.
From Geo. Le Roy asking for a sidewalk on 3rd Ave.
Referred to the Board of Works.
From A.L. Hawley, Vice President of the Seattle-Yukon Transportation Co. offering $2000 in full settlement of the claim against the S.S. Laurada for damages to the water mains in June 1898.
Moved by Alderman Foreman
Seconded by Alderman McQueen
That the offer to the present owners and charterers of the S.S. Laurada to pay $2000 in satisfaction of all claims of the City of Vancouver against the said steamship in connection with the damage caused to the water mains of the City of Vancouver be accepted and that all proceedings and action against the said steamship and the owners in connection therewith be withdrawn upon payment of the said sum of $2000, the said sum to be paid on the 18th of July 1899.
Carried.
Yeas Aldermen Grant, Gilmour, McQueen, McPhaiden and Foreman.
Nays Aldermen Brown, Bruce, and Wood.
[Volume 9 page] 199
From James Johnston that asking for grading on Fir Street.
Referred to the Board of Works
From W. F. Bullen asking for the use of the Fire Engine to flush under the tracks of the graving dock.
Moved by Alderman Gilmour
Seconded by Alderman Grant
That his request be granted.
Carried.
Reports
The following reports were received and read:
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee
The Finance Committee met on Friday, July 14th 1899.
Present the full Board.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:
| A.R. Miller | Hack | $5.00 |
| Rose Bros. | Hack | 6.50 |
| The Palace Stables | Hack | 10.00 |
| The World | Ads | 15.02 |
| The Province | Ads | 4.41 |
| The News Advertiser | Ads | 3.67 |
| G. Hodgson | Glazing | 9.00 |
| Lewis and Sills | Supplies | 8.40 |
| Tax Collector | Cards | 5.50 |
| City Treasurer | Cash | 5.00 |
| Clarke & Stewart | Supplies | 35.15 |
Sgd by Jas McQueen
Chairman
Moved by Alderman McQueen
Seconded by Alderman Gilmour
That the report be adopted.
Carried.
[Volume 9 page] 200
Water and Market Committee
The Water and Market Committee met on Wednesday, July 12th 1899.
Present Aldermen Brown, McQueen, McGuigan and Wood
Communications
From Thos. Keenan offering to pay one year’s water rates in advance if the Committee will have pipe laid to his lot on 6th Ave.
The Board cannot depart from the rule that enough water rates must be advanced to just chase the pipes.
From J.P. Nicolls asking to have water taken out of the Nelson Block and a quarterly rate substituted.
The Board cannot make any alterations in this rate.
From Kappler & Co. et al asking for a better water supply at the east end of Powell Street.
Referred to the City Engineer.
From J.H. McNab asking for the rebate to be allowed him on the arrears of water rates on his two houses on Howe Street.
His request was granted but this must not be considered as a precedent.
The following tenders for driving a road tunnel were received:
| A. McKinnon | $7,550 |
| Ironside & Campbell | 7,375 |
| W. J. Pace | 8,000 |
| Boyd & Clandenning | 4,750 |
Boyd and Clandenning tender was recommended for acceptance.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:
| Tho. Dunn & Co. | Supplies | $44.78 |
| A. Wilburn | Supplies | 27.50 |
| Robinson & Peppard | Training | 6.00 |
| C.S. Philp | Supplies | 71.85 |
| J. Dodson | Supplies | 15.20 |
| W.A. Cowderoy | Supplies | 2.50 |
| City Iron Works | Supplies | 114.37 |
[Volume 9 page] 201
| J. Carnahan | Scavengering | 2.25 |
| Portis & Sons | Supplies | 234.39 |
| Mackenzie Bros. | Supplies | 32.83 |
| McLennan & McFeely | Supplies | 217.68 |
| City Grocery Co. | Supplies | 348.35 |
| C. Casselman | Supplies | 18.75 |
| E.G. Prior & Co. | Supplies | 57.50 |
| McLeod & Cook | Supplies | .50 |
| Clarke & Stuart | Supplies | .95 |
| Water Works Pay Roll | Labor | 1473.38 |
Sgd Wm. Brown
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Brown
Seconded by Alderman McQueen
That the report be adopted.
Carried.
Fire and Police Committee
The Fire and Police Committee met on Friday July 14th 1899.
Present Aldermen Gilmour, McPhaiden, Brown and Bruce.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:
| Portis & Sons | Supplies | $24.25 |
| M. Rae | Collections | 3.20 |
| Fire Extinguisher Co. | Supplies | 25.00 |
| Can General Elec Co. | Supplies | 4.87 |
| Mackenzie Bros. | Supplies | 104.36 |
| P.A. Lee | Hack | 8.50 |
| Robt Clark | Supplies | 4.75 |
| James Stark | Supplies | 3.00 |
| J. Dodson | Supplies | 16.80 |
| Sun Ban | Supplies | 4.20 |
| City Grocery Co. | Supplies | 36.05 |
| McLennan & McFeely | Supplies | 19.50 |
| C.S. Philp | Supplies | 14.25 |
| C. Casselman | Supplies | 3.35 |
| J.H. Carlisle | Disbursements | 2.90 |
| McDowell & Co. | Supplies | 25.40 |
| Jas Carnahan | Scavengering | 3.50 |
| Pollock & Dickison | Supplies | 1.40 |
| Chas Woodward | Supplies | 5.65 |
| McLennan & McFeely | Supplies | 19.35 |
Communications
From E.A. Heaps & Co. asking for a hydrant and fire alarm box near their mills.
Hydrant recommended by Water Committee.
[Volume 9 page] 202
From the Chief of Police reporting that Constable Park was off duty through illness.
Filed.
From Nightwatchmen Colbrick and Purdy stating that their monthly collections from all sources averaged $52.50 and $57.00 respectively.
Resolved that each of them be supplied with a suit of plain clothing.
From J.H. Carlisle recommending the acceptance of the chemical engine.
Resolved that the Board recommends its acceptance by the Council.
From the Pound Keeper furnishing report:
Referred back.
From G.W. Hobson Secretary Fire Underwriters calling attention to a stove pipe at the Pavilion English Bay and asking for its removal.
Resolved that the Chief of Fire Brigade be instructed to have the objectionable pipe removed and strictly enforce the fire By-law, generally.
Resolved that the Poundkeeper be supplied with a receipt book with stubs and that he be required to give a receipt for all monies received by him. Also, that he be informed that the Committee is of the opinion that there are too many dogs running around without tags and that he make special efforts to have them licensed.
Resolved that the Fire Department turn over to the Board of works 200 feet of hose for flushing the sewers and that the Board of Works be charged with the cost of same
The Chief of the Fire Department was authorized to get one set of springs.
The applications for the vacant positions on the Fire Brigade were referred to the Council.
The Chief of Police received instructions to suppress gambling in the City.
Sgd HB. Gilmour.
Chairman.
The report was adopted on motion of Alderman Gilmour. Seconded by Alderman Foreman.
[Volume 9 page] 203
Board of Works
The Board of Works met on July 13th 1899.
Present Aldermen Bruce, McPhaiden, Grant and Foreman.
Communications
From C.A. Godson re open drain on Barclay Street.
To be notified that contractors are pushing work with all dispatch.
From W. Foster, G. Coleman & P.W. Evans complaining of slowness of work on west end service.
To be notified that contractors are pushing work with all dispatch.
From Norman de Beers asking for sidewalk on south side of Burnaby Street.
Included in estimates.
From R.H. Cooke applying for the position of Building Inspector.
Filed.
From Dr. Lefivas asking for the opening up of Guilford Street between Beach Avenue and Pendrell Street.
Referred to the Chain Gang.
From Bowser and Godfrey re delay in constructing swing in Granville St. Bridge.
It was resolved that the work on temporary bridge at Granville Street be proceeded with pending improvements on permanent structure.
From A St. G Hamersley re watering of streets by Street Railway Co.
The manager of the Street Railway Co. to be asked to attend the next meeting of the Railway and Light Committee.
From Wilson and Senkler re car tracks on Prior Street
Referred to the City Solicitor.
From Harris and Bull in opening info of Chilco Street and removing shack from road.
Laid over and owners of Shack to be notified to remove same.
[Volume 9 page] 204
From H.H. Spicer et al re opening and grading of part of Eight Ave.
Referred to the Chairman and Engineers to report.
From Chas. Woodward reporting for Committee on upper False Creek flats.
City Solicitor to be asked to attend next meeting.
From B.C. Electric Co. with plan of “Y” corner of Westminster and Ninth Ave for which permission was granted on Monday.
Approved.
The matter of hose required by workmen on sewers was referred to Fire & Police Committee.
Resolved that a sidewalk be laid on Carrall Street from Water Street north.
The request of Contractor McDonald for permission to take out sand on Heather Street.
Referred to the Engineers.
G.W. Grant asked for permit for addition to Walker Block on Hastings Street.
It was resolved that the permit be granted on condition that the present wall on top story be carried up to the full height and the sides carried up to the full of air shaft be covered with iron.
Mr. Malkin was heard re lane on Harwood St.
Referred to Chain gang.
G.W. Grant asked for permission to excavate under walk between Flack Block and Free Library.
Granted on same conditions as Flack Block.
Committee decided that poles for Denman Street be placed 8 feet 6 in from street line to centre of posts.
The following building plans were approved:
(1) Excavation and foundation plans for Warner Block subject to above resolution.
(2) Methodist Mission Carrall St. Parr and Fee Architects.
(3) Proposed Walker Block subject to above resolution re height of walls.
[Volume 9 page] 205
It was resolved to have all fences encroaching the streets be taken down.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:
| Clarke & Stuart | Supplies | $15.35 |
| Robertson & Hackett | Supplies | 1.42 |
| Western Cartage Co. | Supplies | 39.85 |
| Duke & Wallace | Supplies | 5.50 |
| Thp Dunn | Supplies | 5.50 |
| Thp A. Tracy | Disbursements | 10.00 |
| Hicks & Beatty | Hacks | 7.00 |
| Nelson Drug Co. | Supplies. | .55 |
| S. Elkins et al | Labor | 1,465.89 |
Sgd Alex Bruce,
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Bruce
Seconded by Alderman Grant
That the report be adopted.
Carried.
Unfinished Business
Under the head of unfinished business, the following applications were received for positions on the fire brigade:
Oliver Abercrombie, F.L. Barker, Wm. Brownlee, Geo. A. Chisholm, A. Desrosier, Wm. Dunmore, R.L. Frost, J.J. Gray, G.S. Hacking, Thp Hamm, Fred James, W.A. Kennedy, Wm. Lawton, Muston Ramsey, Jesse Stoth, Francis Townley, E. Stubley and Geo Wright.
The Council proceeded to ballot for a selection, two being required.
After a number of ballots was taken it was found that Wm. Brownlee and G.S. Hacking received a majority of votes.
They were declared elected.
Introduction of By-laws
Moved by Alderman Bruce
Seconded by Alderman McPhaiden
That the following by-laws be introduced and read a first time viz:
(1) A by-law to raise $12025 for block paving Cordova Street east from Carrall Street to Westminster Avenue and Westminster Avenue from Hastings Street to
[Volume 9 page] 206
Powell Street.
(2) a by-law to raise $17965 to macadamize, etc. Cordova Street east from Carrall to Westminster Avenue and Westminster Avenue from Hastings St to Powell St.
Carried.
These by-laws were accordingly read a first time.
Moved by Alderman Bruce
Seconded by Alderman Frank
That the following by-law be read a first time viz.
A by-law to authorize the opening up of Rogers Street.
Carried.
This by-law was accordingly read a first time.
Motions
Moved by Alderman Bruce
Seconded by Alderman McPhaiden
That the General Manager of the Street Railway Co. be asked to reduce the street car service on the day of the 26th inst being the 1st annual picnic of the employees to enable as many of the men as possible to have a holiday, as the majority of them work on each of the seven days of the week.
Carried.
Moved by Alderman Foreman
Seconded by Alderman Brown
That the City Clerk notify owners of Lots 33, 34 & 35 in Block 11, DL 196 to cut brush on same.
Carried.
Moved by Alderman Brown
Seconded by Alderman Foreman
That the owners of all buildings to be erected in the City within certain prescribed limits shall be required to obtain a permit from the City Engineer or other official appointed for that purpose and on making application for said permit shall state what the building is to be used for, the materials of which it is to be constructed and the estimated costs, also a cash deposit sufficient to repair any damage which may be done to the street or sidewalk and for the removal of any material which may be left on the street or sidewalk by the contractor or other parties connected with the erection of the building.
Laid over.
The council then adjourned until Friday at 8 pm.
James F. Gardner
Mayor
Thomas McGuigan
City Clerk
