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What are the key historical events that shaped Vancouver?

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Walking around Vancouver, with its busy streets and quiet parks, I always think about the stories that make this city special. From dramatic sports events to ambitious eco-friendly initiatives, Vancouver’s story is as diverse as its landscape. 

If you’re intrigued, here are the cool historical events that have made Vancouver what it is today.

What historical events happened in Vancouver, Canada?

Indigenous Settlement

indigenous-settlement
Image by David on Adobe Stock

Year/s: From 40,000 to 15,000 BC

In the old days, the ancestors of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, Musqueam, Tsawwassen, Coquitlam, Katzie, and Semiahmoo peoples, journeyed to what is now Vancouver. 

They came from faraway lands, perhaps Siberia, and settled near English Bay, calling it “Ayyulshun,” meaning ‘soft under feet.’ 

They lived closely with the land and used the trees for shelter, clothes, and tools. They also relied on fishing, hunting, and gathering to sustain their communities.

Today, these members of the Coast Salish people continue to contribute to the diverse heritage of the region while maintaining their unique identities.

Spanish Exploration

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Image by Bird Photographer TH on Adobe Stock

Year: 1791-1792

Spanish explorers, particularly led by Dionisio Alcala Galiano and Cayetano Valdes, and Jose Maria Narvaez, in two separate instances, came to the place that would later be called Vancouver. 

This was an important journey because the Spanish explorers were trying to learn more about the land and draw maps. They were some of the first Europeans to visit this part of the world. 

This event marked the beginning of interactions between European explorers and the Indigenous peoples in the Vancouver area, and it was a step toward the changes that would happen in the years ahead.

Both explorations, however, did not get to reach the entire Vancouver area. They were mostly following waterways and coasts.

British Exploration

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Image by Rob on Adobe Stock

Year: 1792

British explorers also journeyed to the area in 1792. Captain George Vancouver led a comprehensive expedition that further charted the region, including Burrard Inlet, Point Grey, and other landmarks.

What’s interesting is, George Vancouver and Dionisio Alcala Galiano actually met and collaborated in what is now Point Grey in 1792. 

This encounter played a big part in further negotiations and mapping collaborations.

Establishment of Fort Vancouver

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Image by EWY Media on Adobe Stock

Year: 1827

A British company called the Hudson’s Bay Company set up a place called Fort Vancouver. They did this because they wanted to trade furs with the people who lived in the area. 

Fort Vancouver became like a central point for trading furs and was important for the economy of the region. The people at the fort traded with the Indigenous peoples and also started farming around the fort. 

This was one of the first places where Europeans settled in the Vancouver area, and it played a big role in the history of trade in the Pacific Northwest.

British Columbia Joining Confederation

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Image by Bruce Leighty on Adobe Stock

Year: 1871

British Columbia officially became part of Canada. After discussions between leaders from British Columbia and the Canadian government, they agreed that it was a good idea for British Columbia to join the larger nation of Canada. 

This decision made British Columbia the sixth province in the Dominion of Canada

A big reason for this decision was the promise of a railway, the Canadian Pacific Railway, that would connect British Columbia to the rest of Canada. 

The railway was important because it made it easier to travel and helped the economy by making it simpler to sell things like wood and other resources.

Incorporation of Vancouver

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Image by Matthew on Adobe Stock

Year: 1886

Vancouver officially became a city on April 6, 1886. This meant from being a small sawmilling settlement in the Town of Granville, it came to have its own local government and became more attractive to settlers and businesses.

The change in name was deliberate. It was aimed to capitalize on the fame of Captain George Vancouver who explored the coast in 1792.

Vancouver grew quickly around this time, driven in part by the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway. With CPR’s first train arriving in Port Moody in 1886, the railway attracted more people to the area around Burrard Inlet.

And when CPR recalled their initial plan to establish its initial terminus in Port Moody and announced its transfer to Vancouver, the city gained more traction.

You could say that becoming a city was an important step for Vancouver, showing that it was no longer just a small town but a proper place with its own government. This laid the groundwork for Vancouver to become the city we know today.

Great Vancouver Fire

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Image by Aram on Adobe Stock

Year: 1886

The Great Vancouver Fire swept through the city, causing destruction particularly in the business district in about 25 minutes. This happened just two months after the city was incorporated.

The fire started on June 13 in a small cottage and quickly spread due to strong winds and the many wooden structures of the time. 

Despite efforts by the fire department and citizens, the flames rapidly spread and approximately 1,000 structures, including businesses and homes, were consumed by the fire. 

Even though there were no reported fatalities, the fire caused a lot of problems, especially for the economy. 

After the Great Vancouver Fire, the city changed the rules about how buildings could be made and improved the ways they put out fires to prevent such disasters in the future.

First Transcontinental Passenger Train in Canada

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Image by Fevrier on Shutterstock

Year: 1887

The much-awaited CPR trains finally chugged into the city on May 23, 1887. It was the Engine No. 374 that pulled the special train making the big journey, a year after Engine No. 371 had brought the first train to cross Canada to Port Moody.

Engine No. 374 worked hard until 1945 when it was retired. Now you can see it at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown, where it’s on display.

Opening of Stanley Park

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Image by bansol on Adobe Stock

Year: 1888

On September 27, 1888, Stanley Park opened its gates to the public, becoming Vancouver’s first and largest public park. 

Named after Lord Stanley, then Governor General of Canada, the park is situated on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples. 

Covering a vast area, it quickly became a beloved recreational space for Vancouverites, offering a scenic escape from urban life. 

The park’s official opening was a grand event, drawing crowds to explore its natural beauty, which included dense forests, and waterfront views. The first four Totem Poles were added in the 1920s and the rest, over the years until the 1960s.

Dominion Trust Building

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Image by Wangkun Jia on Adobe Stock

Year: 1909

The Dominion Trust Building was built in Vancouver, making it an important part of the city’s history. 

This special building, located downtown, had a grand and fancy style known as Beaux-Arts. 

It wasn’t just pretty; it was also a hub for money matters, home to the Dominion Trust Company. Back then, it showed off Vancouver’s success and growth. 

Even though it’s not a bank anymore and it’s not the tallest building in the area, the Dominion Trust Building still stands today, reminding us of Vancouver’s past and its beautiful architecture.

Komagata Maru Incident

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Image by Creative Touch Imaging on  Shutterstock

Year: 1914

In 1914, a ship called the Komagata Maru brought 376 passengers, mostly Sikh immigrants, to Vancouver, Canada. But when they arrived, they were met by rules that prevented them from leaving the ship.

There was a long discussion and lobbying from the South Asian Canadians led by Husain Rahim, Muhammad Akbar, and Sohan Lal Pathak. 

After a little over a month of waiting, the passengers of Komagata Maru became restless from their plight and mounted an attack on the policemen by the shore.

A few days later, the ship was sent back to India, and only 20 passengers got into Canada. The return to Budge Budge (in present-day Kolkata) was also troubled — 19 passengers were killed in gunfire, and the Budge Budge riot ensued.

Spanish Flu Pandemic

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Image by Rawpixel.com on Adobe Stock

Year: 1918

Vancouver, like many other cities around the world, was hit hard by the Spanish Flu pandemic. This flu came to Vancouver around autumn that year and quickly made a lot of people sick. 

The city tried to stop the flu from spreading by closing places like schools and movie theaters where people gather. 

But even with these steps, there were too many sick people and not enough room or supplies in the hospitals to take care of everyone. A lot of people in Vancouver died reflecting the high mortality rate globally.

This situation was really tough for the city, and it showed that Vancouver needed to be better prepared for big health problems like this in the future.

First Polar Bear Swim

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Image by DARRYL DYCK on  Alamy Stock

Year: 1920

The very first Polar Bear Swim started with a small group of people who decided to begin the new year by taking a chilly dip in the icy waters of English Bay on New Year’s Day.

Even though it was incredibly cold, this act of courage became a tradition.

At first, only a few folks joined in, but as the years went by, more and more people took part. Today, the Polar Bear Swim is a massive event where thousands of people from different backgrounds gather to jump into the cold water together. 

It’s a fun way to welcome the new year and shows how Vancouverites love to embrace the outdoors, even if it means getting a little cold.

University of British Columbia Opens in Point Grey

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Image by jonas on Adobe Stock

Year: 1925

The University of British Columbia (UBC) opened a new campus in Point Grey. This was a big deal because it gave UBC a permanent home with beautiful views of the ocean and mountains. 

Before that, UBC classes met in the Fairview neighborhood, where the students endured overcrowding because of the halted construction of the Point Grey campus during the First World War.

These conditions pushed the students to organize the “Build the University” campaign. The following year, the Science building, the Auditorium, the Library, and a few other buildings still functional today started construction.

The new Point Grey campus played a key role in making UBC a top university in Canada, known for its research and teaching. Since then, it has been an important hub for education and learning in British Columbia.

Vancouver’s City Hall Opens

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Image by maxdigi on Adobe Stock

Year: 1936

Vancouver’s City Hall officially opened its doors. This building was designed to be a hub for city activities, where the mayor, city council, and other departments could work together.

Located in Mount Pleasant, specifically at 12th and Cambie, the new building had a unique style called Art Deco, which was popular at that time. All in all, the building’s construction cost a million.

The opening of City Hall represented a significant step in the city’s development, providing a central and functional space for civic affairs and symbolizing Vancouver’s growth as an urban center.

Lions Gate Bridge is Opened for Passage

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Image by SvetlanaSF on Adobe Stock

Year: 1938

The Lions Gate Bridge opened to traffic in 1938, with the official ceremony in 1939. The bridge got its name from the nearby mountain peaks called the “lions” seen from the bridge itself. 

Making the bridge was a big deal during a time when jobs were needed because of the tough Great Depression. 

Once it was finished in 1939, it helped folks travel between Vancouver and the North Shore more easily, becoming a symbol of the city’s growth and modern style.

Japanese Internment 

japanese-internment
Image by Bettmann on Getty Images

Year: 1942

During the Second World War, in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbour, Japanese-Canadians were forcefully taken from their homes and moved by the government to internment camps in Hastings Park.

This action, taken to prevent a Japanese attack on Canada, led to significant hardships. Families lost their homes and businesses, causing profound sorrow within the Japanese-Canadian community in Vancouver. 

In 1988, the Government of Canada gave a formal apology to the survivors of the Japanese internment and their families.

5th British Empire and Commonwealth Games

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Image by AP Wirephoto / Sydney Morning Herald on Alamy Stock

Year: 1954

Vancouver hosted a major sports event known as the 5th British Empire and Commonwealth Games. Athletes from various Commonwealth countries came to compete, showcasing their talents and skills. 

It was in these games that Roger Bannister became famous by winning the mile run in just under four minutes.

Vancouver’s successful hosting of these Games not only demonstrated its capability to organize international sports events but also fueled a growing interest in sports among the local community.

First Vancouver Gay Pride

first-vancouver-gay-pride
Image by Spencer Grant on Getty Images

Year: 1978

Vancouver’s first official Pride Parade was held in 1981. But the protest march through Davie Village in 1971, unofficial and authentic, is really the grandfather of all pride parades in the city.

It was a big deal because it was the first time the gay community gathered to celebrate and talk about their rights. The event happened on August 6, 1978, with hundreds of people marching through downtown Vancouver. 

This first Pride laid the groundwork for more celebrations in the city, making the LGBTQ+ community feel more connected and supported. 

Since then, Vancouver’s Pride events have become even bigger, turning into an important part of the city’s culture and bringing people together.

Start of the SkyTrain 

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Image by Elena_Alex on Adobe Stock

Year: 1985

Vancouver’s SkyTrain was one of the world’s first fully automated, driverless rapid transit system. 

The construction of the SkyTrain started in 1982, and the people’s reaction was divided. Back then, it wasn’t realistic if it wasn’t a tram on the ground.

The initial Expo Line, which first ran from Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver to New Westminster, on December 11, 1985 covered a distance of approximately 21 kilometers. 

The innovative design and technology of the SkyTrain system set it apart and became a model for automated transit systems worldwide. 

Over the years, the SkyTrain network expanded, with subsequent lines like the Millennium Line and the Canada Line connecting more parts of the Greater Vancouver area.

Greenpeace Foundation

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Image by nmann77 on Adobe Stock

Year: 1971

The Greenpeace Foundation was established in Vancouver, marking the birth of a globally influential environmental organization. 

A group of activists, including Irving Stowe, Dorothy Stowe, Ben Metcalfe, Marie Bohlen, Bob Hunter, Ben Metcalfe, and others, came together with the mission of protecting the environment, especially from things like nuclear weapons testing.

One big moment for Greenpeace was in 1975 when they sailed a ship into a nuclear test zone to protest the U.S. government’s plans. 

After that, Greenpeace worked on many environmental issues, like deforestation and climate change. They became well-known for their peaceful ways of speaking up for the environment and are still an important group in global environmental efforts.

Expo 86

expo-86
Image by edb3_16 on Adobe Stock

Year: 1986

Vancouver hosted Expo 86, a world exposition that left a profound impact on the city’s development and global recognition. 

The event was held from May 2 to October 13, 1986, and it celebrated Vancouver’s centennial as well as Canada’s 100th birthday. 

Expo 86 showcased innovations in technology, culture, and the environment from countries around the world. It played a crucial role in transforming Vancouver into a modern metropolis, spurring urban development and revitalizing the city’s waterfront.

The fair’s symbol, the Expo Centre (now Science World), became an iconic landmark. The history of B.C. Place, Canada Place, Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, SkyTrain, and Plaza of Nations are all meshed with the history of this event.

Vancouver Public Library

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Image by Jeff Whyte on Adobe Stock

Year: 1995

The Vancouver Public Library (VPL) itself was officially established on March 26, 1869, making it one of the oldest public library systems in Canada. The library began as a subscription-based library, but it transitioned into a free public library in 1887. 

Over the years, the VPL has grown and evolved, serving as a vital resource for the residents of Vancouver.

It has expanded its services and facilities, including the iconic Central Branch, which opened in 1995. Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, the Central Branch is eye-catching, with its striking geometric design and glass-and-steel grid structure.

Inside, the Central Branch offers a spacious and modern interior, with soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and open spaces that encourage community engagement and learning.

Until today, the Central Branch serves not only as a functional library but also an architectural landmark in downtown Vancouver.

Pacific Salmon Treaty

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Image by JRamon Cliff on Adobe Stock

Year: 1997

The Pacific Salmon Treaty is an international agreement negotiated between Canada and the United States. This treaty had a practical aim: to ensure the long-term survival of salmon, a crucial resource for the region.

The treaty addressed important issues such as how salmon catches were shared between the two countries, preserving the habitats where salmon live, and efforts to boost salmon populations.

For Vancouver and the surrounding areas, this treaty was a big deal because salmon are not just a part of the ecosystem; they also support the local economy and provide food for many people.

Winter Olympics 2010

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Image by Morenovel on Adobe Stock

Year: 2010

Vancouver hosted the Winter Olympics from February 12 to February 28. Athletes from all over the world came to compete in sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice hockey. 

Vancouver’s iconic venues, like the Vancouver Olympic Centre and BC Place Stadium, hosted these thrilling competitions.

These Olympics weren’t just about sports. They also focused on being environmentally friendly, which fits with Vancouver’s commitment to being green. 

The games left a lasting impact on the city. They led to better things like the Canada Line rapid transit system and the Richmond Olympic Oval. More tourists came to visit, and Vancouverites felt a stronger sense of community pride.

Stanley Cup Riot

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Image by Bruce Bennett on Getty Images


Year: 2011

Vancouver experienced the Stanley Cup Riot on June 15th, following the Vancouver Canucks’ loss to the Boston Bruins in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. 

The riot began in the downtown area, particularly around West Georgia and Hamilton streets. It quickly escalated, with some people setting cars on fire, smashing windows, and looting stores. 

The police and emergency services were deployed to manage the situation, which resulted in over 100 injuries and significant property damage. 

The city’s response included a massive cleanup effort and a subsequent legal process, where individuals involved in the riot were identified and charged. 

This event marked a dark day in Vancouver’s history, especially given the city’s reputation for being peaceful and orderly.

Greenest City 2020 Action Plan

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Image by EduardSV on Adobe Stock

Year: 2011

Vancouver launched a big project called the Greenest City 2020 Action Plan. The goal was to make Vancouver the most environmentally friendly city in the world by 2020. 

The plan focused on things like cutting down on pollution from cars and buildings, creating more jobs that are good for the environment, and making it easier for people to walk, bike, and use public transport. 

They also worked on having more parks and places to grow food in the city. Everyone in the city, including people who live there and businesses, were encouraged to help out. 

By 2020, Vancouver had improved a lot in areas like recycling and saving energy, and the efforts to make Vancouver the greenest city are ongoing. This plan made Vancouver known around the world for caring about the environment.

Opioid Crisis Measures

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Image by Your Hand Please on Adobe Stock

Year: 2018

Vancouver was dealing with a big problem because many people were using opioids unsafely, and this was causing a lot of harm and deaths. To help with this, the city did a few important things. 

First, they set up more places where people could use these drugs but with doctors around to make sure they were safe. This helped prevent overdoses. 

They also gave out more naloxone kits – these are special kits that can quickly stop the bad effects of opioids if someone takes too much. 

On top of that, Vancouver focused on helping people with addiction and mental health issues by providing more treatment and support. These actions were part of a larger plan that was happening all over Canada to deal with this serious health issue.

Climate Strike with Greta Thunberg

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Image by Puffin on Alamy Stock 

Year: 2019

Vancouver was a focal point for a major global environmental movement when it hosted a Climate Strike featuring Swedish activist Greta Thunberg

This event took place on October 25, 2019, drawing a massive crowd of around 15,000 people, according to local police estimates. 

Thunberg, known worldwide for her candid and powerful advocacy on climate change, led the rally which began at Vancouver Art Gallery and included a march across downtown Vancouver. 

The strike was part of the global “Fridays for Future” movement, which Thunberg had started by skipping school on Fridays to protest outside the Swedish parliament. 

This Vancouver event was significant not only for its size but also for the attention it brought to climate issues in Canada. It highlighted the growing concern among young people about climate change and the urgency of taking action to address the crisis.

Covid-19 Pandemic

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Image by Halfpoint on Adobe Stock

Year: 2020

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vancouver faced unique challenges specific to its context. Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer, led a swift response, including early school closures and restrictions on large gatherings. 

Vancouver’s status as a major travel hub meant the pandemic severely impacted its international airport and tourism sector. Local industries, particularly retail and hospitality, were hit hard, with many businesses shifting to delivery models or closing. 

The pandemic exacerbated existing issues in areas like the Downtown Eastside, where the homelessness and opioid crises intensified. 

Additionally, Vancouver’s emphasis on outdoor activities was evident during the pandemic, as residents turned to parks and beaches for safe, socially-distanced recreation, underlining the city’s unique relationship with its natural surroundings.

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