History of Vancouver Streetcars, Granville Bridge, South Granville Neighbourhood

It took only a century to grow from our humble beginnings as a place where vacationers pitched their tents to becoming one of Vancouver's premier shopping and cultural destinations. Join Civic Historian and Author John Atkin as he takes us on a tour of South Granville, a unique neighbourhood with a rich, historical past that plays an important role in Vancouver's beginnings as a city.

For more on John Atkin visit johnatkin.com

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The Great Vancouver Fire

Vancouver was oppressively hot on 13 June 1886, a condition only made worse by the clearing fires on the CPR lands. A strong breeze provided some relief from the heat. The trees on the CPR townsite had all been felled in the 2-month old “city” and now fires were being used to clear away the stumps and the brush.

The young settlement had only been built up to about Cambie Street on the west. What exactly caught fire first depends on the source telling the story. Somewhere between Hamilton and Granville streets, according to one eyewitness. Another report said it was first discovered at the Ferguson Block at Powell and Carrall, while still others say it originated in a brush heap near the store of Messrs. Hayden & Co. or in the shed of the Colonial Hotel. Most likely, the sudden burst of strong wind that allowed the fire to obliterate the city in less than an hour showered embers on several locations.

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East Vancouver Darkness - Carnegie Drugmart

The Servants of Hope Society servantsofhope.ca/

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B.C. Government Revises Police Complaints Process

B.C. municipal police officers facing investigations by the complaint commissioner would no longer be able to escape discipline by simply retiring or resigning from the force, under proposed changes in the province's Police Act.

The officers will also be required to promptly co-operate with investigating officers or they can be charged with neglect of duty.

On Wednesday, Solicitor General John van Dongen introduced the legislation intended to strengthen the independent supervision of the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner and make it easier for the public to file complaints against police.

Among the new measures are stiffer penalties: the maximum suspension will increase to 30 working days without pay, from five days.

Officers cannot be compelled to testify at hearings into their own conduct, but they will have to provide statements and submit to interviews by investigating officers within five days of a request, or risk being charged with neglect of duty.

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