Floating cabins and other “public nuisances” built along English Bay, Burrard Inlet, Coal Harbour and False Creek to be removed. Council to establish a “crematory” for burning garbage and a “pest house” to quarantine those with infectious diseases, and to acquire the Water Works.
This transcript was made in 2016 by Transcribimus volunteer Anonymous
and sponsored by Arnold Silber
original handwritten minutes here
City of Vancouver Archives
Series 23-A Volume 4 pages 388 – 394
[volume 3 page 240]
Vancouver Jan 6th 1890
The Council for 1890 met in the City Hall on Monday January 6th 1890.
Present His Worship Mayor David Oppenheimer and Aldermen John M. Browning, Dr. J. T. Carroll, Michael Costello, Charles Doering, J. M. Fox, James F. Garden, J. W. Horne, Hamilton Mason, Malcolm McLeod and F. W. Sentell.
The proceedings were opened by an Address from His Worship, the Mayor after which it was moved by Alderman Horne. Seconded by Alderman Costello. That a Vote of Thanks be tendered to His Worship, the Mayor for his able and exhaustive address. Carried.
Communications
From the Bank of B. C. in reference to deposit of Claude Vautin. Referred to Finance Committee.
From J. J. Blake on the subject of the transfer of Wm. Clements License. Referred to the License Committee.
From the Governor of Westminster Gaol submitting an account for boarding Vancouver prisoners. Referred to Finance Committee.
From the Provincial Auditor asking payment of the City’s share of the Teacher’s Salaries. Referred to Finance Committee.
From John Combs and others praying that a police officer be appointed for that
[volume 3 page 241]
portion of the City known as Yale Town. Referred to the Police Committee.
From the Secretary of the Vancouver Free Reading Room submitting his monthly report. Filed.
From H. Reid More applying for the position of Chief of Police. Referred to the Police Committee.
Motions
Moved by Alderman Browning, seconded by Alderman Doering. That the following Aldermen compose the Standing Committee on Finance:
Aldermen Browning, Garden, Fox Costello and Mason. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Fox, seconded by Alderman Costello. That the following Aldermen compose the standing committee on Works: Aldermen Browning, Horne, Sentell, Costello and Doering.
Moved in Amendment by Aldermen Browning, seconded by Alderman Carroll. That Alderman Garden’s name be substituted for Alderman Horne. Amendment lost, motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Costello, seconded by Alderman Sentell. That the following Aldermen compose the standing committee on Fire, Water and Light:
Aldermen Carroll, Garden, Fox, McLeod and Doering. Carried.
[volume 3 page 242]
Moved by Alderman Horne, seconded by Alderman Carroll. That the following Aldermen compose the Standing Committee on Health, Aldermen Carroll, Horne, Fox, McLeod and Mason. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Mason, seconded by Alderman Costello. That the following Aldermen compose the Standing Committee on Police:
Aldermen Carroll, Horne, Sentell, Costello and Mason. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Browning, seconded by Alderman Fox. That statements be prepared and submitted to the next meeting of the Council giving the following information.
1. A Statement setting forth all work all work passed by the Council which has not been contracted for nor tenders asked.
2. A Statement of work passed by the council for which tenders have been received but not contracted for.
3. A Statement of work contracted for but either not commenced or if commenced, still unfinished.
The 2nd statement must state the nature of the work, date of tenders and names of parties tendering – and the 3rd statement must in addition to that information, give the date of contracts, names of contractors, amount of contract, how much has been paid and balance still due. Carried. [volume 3 page 243]
Moved by Alderman Browning, seconded by Alderman Sentell. That there be prepared and submitted to the next meeting of the Council a statement showing the number of each class of licenses now in force, the name and address of each party holding a license, when it was issued, under what by-law the license was granted, whether there has been any infraction of the by-law or by-laws under which any of the licenses are held and if any, what action has been taken in such cases. If any penalty was imposed, has it been enforced, the nature of the penalty and when settled.
In the case of licenses granted for livery stables, the number of the Vehicles & paid for by each party must be stated, showing the total amount paid by each party holding such licenses. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Browning, seconded by Alderman Carroll. That the Police Committee proceed at once to make a thorough investigation of the Police Department including the office of Police Magistrate and report to the Council at as early a date as possible, the result of their labor, making such suggestions as they may think advisable with a view to the reconstruction of the department and having it placed in a thoroughly efficient state. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Browning, seconded by Alderman McLeod. That it being necessary to ascertain the amount required for the current years expenses, in order that the rate of taxation may be struck as soon as possible, each standing Committee be requested to furnish without delay
[volume 3 page 244]
An estimate in detail showing the amount required by it. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Browning, seconded by Alderman Garden. That Aldermen Garden, Fox, Costello, Mason and the Mover be appointed a Committee to consider the advisability of acquiring from the Vancouver Water Works Company, the present system of water works, that they be empowered to procure such legal advice as they may think proper, and in the event of their deeming it, expedient that the City should purchase the property, they will state the price, which in their opinion should be offered for it, so that if approved by the Council the amount may be inserted in the by-law to be submitted to the ratepayers. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Fox, seconded by Alderman Docring. That the Medical Staff of the City Hospital be requested to send to His Council a report of work done during the year 1889 and furnish an estimate of the probable requirements for said Hospital for the year 1890. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Horne, seconded by Alderman Carroll. That the Sergeant of Police be authorized to continue the Services of Mr. Grady as Policeman for that portion of the City known as Yaletown, till the regular police force is enlarged. Carried.
Moved by Alderman McLeod, seconded by Alderman Sentell. Whereas certain parties have taken possession of the foreshore
[volume 3 page 245]
of Burrard Inlet; Coal Harbour, English Bay and False Creek and have erected floating cabins and other structures upon the same, and whereas such occupation is a menace to the health of the City and a public nuisance in every way.
Therefore be it resolved by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Vancouver in Council assembled that this Council take such steps as they may be advised to remove said buildings and abate the nuisance and that a committee be appointed to attend to same, such committee to consist of Aldermen Garden, Sentell, McLeod and Carroll. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Horne, seconded by Alderman Costello. Whereas the North Arm Road leading from the City of Vancouver to the public cemetery has been in a very bad state of repair during the past year.
And whereas the City of Vancouver has expended considerable money improving said road.
And whereas said road is outside of the City limits and in the District where the Government has the sole control of roads, bridges etc.
And whereas the Government collects all taxes and revenues from said District.
Therefore be it resolved by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Vancouver in Council assembled, that the Government be requested to place in their estimates for this year, a sufficient amount to put said road in a proper state of repair and repair and open up other main roads leading from this City to the said District. Carried.
[volume 3 page 246]
Moved by Alderman Mason, seconded by Alderman Garden. That a Committee composed of
Aldermen Browning, Horne and Costello be appointed for the consolidation of the Charter of the City of Vancouver and amendments thereto and for the consolidation of the By-Laws of said City with power to said Committee to engage such legal and other assistance as they may deem necessary to aid them in their work. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Sentell, seconded by Alderman Fox. That the annual address of His Worship the Mayor and the Annual reports of the Several committees of the Council of 1889 and with such other information as the Council may deem necessary and in the interests of the City be printed in pamphlet form for general circulation. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Doering, seconded by Alderman McLeod. That the Police Committee be instructed to require the police officers of the City to see to the enforcement of the cab by-law and that instructions be given to such officials to inform owners of all public conveyances that unless the provisions of the By-Laws of the City of Vancouver be strictly observed parties failing to comply with the regulations as to fares and otherwise be deprived of their licenses. Carried.
Moved by Alderman Costello, seconded by Alderman Mason. That the Board of Health at the next regular meeting of this Council report upon the advisability of providing
[volume 3 page 247]
a crematory for the burning of all garbage night soil and all other offensive matter within the City so as to protect the public health and also report upon the necessity of having a Pest House fully equipped for the reception of patients suffering from contagious or infectious diseases. Carried.
Notices of Motion
Alderman Garden gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would introduce a By-Law for regulating and enforcing the cutting down of trees, clearing and burning or removing trees, lumber, logs or bush from lots of blocks within the City limits as per sub section 54A, section 142 of our Charter.
Alderman Horne gave notice that at the next meeting of this Council he would introduce a By-Law for the election of Commissioners for entering into contracts for the construction of sewers and water works and for a Board of Park Commissioners for the maintenance and improvement of public parks and for managing said works when completed.
The Board then adjourned.
D. Oppenheimer, Mayor
Thos. F. McGuigan, City Clerk