| 2005
Top Ten Endangered Sites
Top 10 2005 |
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(Updated)
2004 saw no resolution to the status of the Burrard Bridge, and it continues to be
of primary concern to HV. Completed in 1932 to provide a high-level crossing to the
western neighbourhoods, the bridge is a triumph of civic architecture and a key
gateway structure.
Architects Sharp and Thompson, conscious of
the bridge's ceremonial 'gateway' function, embellished the
utilitarian steel superstructure with imposing concrete towers,
torch-like entrance-pylons, and art deco sculptural details.
Unifying the parts are heavy concrete railings, originally
topped by decorative street lamps.
Fast forward to 2002: in order to facilitate
and encourage cyclist and pedestrian use, the previous City
Council considered - at a projected cost of $10 million -
demolition of the concrete railings and the addition of 'outrigger'
sidewalks. HV was dismayed at the possibility: without the
original railings, the bridge would lose its strong edges,
its architectural features would be isolated, and the proposed
outrigger structures would radically alter its external appearance.
After a 2-year hiatus in discussion, punctuated by a municipal
election, Burrard Bridge reappeared on the radar screen in
spring 2004.
First, the present Council approved the City's
participation in the Canada-BC Infrastructure Program Seismic
Upgrading Project, thereby adding $2.5 million to the $2 million
already committed to seismic work. Also, in a potentially
positive move, Council directed staff to return in fall 2004
with up to four options for improving the bridge for pedestrians
and cyclists. Somewhat encouraging were Council's instructions
to give a higher priority to heritage. The new options have
yet to be made public.
For HV, the issues remain the same: how to accommodate
increased numbers of cyclists and pedestrians without compromising
the heritage architecture and iconic status of the bridge.
One potential solution - which HV has supported
- might be closing two lanes of traffic, as this would halve
costs and affect heritage less. Other solutions, we believe,
also merit consideration - e.g., a new dedicated crossing
for pedestrians and cyclists, or dedicated structures retrofitted
underneath Granville and/or Burrard bridges.
Updates:
View the ongoing updates for the Burrard Bridge here (opens
in a pop-up window).
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| July
6, 1932; Northside approaches to bridge, Burrard
& Pacific Streets; Photo courtesy the Vancouver
Public Library |
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June
27, 1932; View from NE Granville St & Pacific
St looking NW; Photo courtesy the Vancouver Public
Library |
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| Aug
1, 1932; Looking NE. Note the original lamp standards
to the left of the photo, which once lined the bridge;
Photo courtesy the Vancouver Public Library |
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1932;
View looking towards English Bay; Photo courtesy the
Vancouver Public Library |
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| 1932;
Looking NE towards downtown. Note the original lamp standards,
which once lined the bridge, helping to visually tie in
the entrance torches/pillars with the centre massing;
Photo courtesy the Vancouver Public Library |
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Jan
30, 1932; Bridge under construction, looking
towards English Bay; Photo courtesy the Vancouver
Public Library |
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