Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
With the promise of access to a new national railway network, BC joins the Cana-
dian Confederation. Sixteen years later, the railway rolls into the region.
1886
The fledgling town is incorporated as the City of Vancouver. Within weeks, the
new city burns to the ground in just 45 minutes. No one is pleased.
1887
Locomotive 374 pulls the first transcontinental passenger train into a rebuilt Van-
couver, and the town is back in business.
1901
First Nations communities, who have lived here for thousands of years, are dis-
placed from their settlements in the Vanier Park area, as colonials fell forests.
1949
The region's Chinese, Japanese and First Nations peoples eventually gain the
right to vote in provincial elections.
1956
The West End is rezoned for greater population density. Hundreds of wooden
homes are bulldozed for apartment blocks.
1964
Canada's gay-rights movement begins when feminists and academics create the
Association for Social Knowledge, the country's first gay and lesbian discussion
group.
1979
Granville Island is developed from an industrial wasteland into one of Vancouver's
most popular hangouts. A cement factory remains to keep the faith.
1983
BC Place Stadium polishes its roof and opens for business, and the old court-
house building is transformed into the Vancouver Art Gallery.
1985
