Archives Photos of the Day: Pacific Central

Comments 2 by Rebecca Bollwitt

It was announced yesterday that the Pacific Central train station on Main Street will receive $5 million in federal funding for a ‘facelift’.

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Photo credit: DutchAstrid on Flickr

Opening in 1919, it was the western terminus for the Canadian Northern Railway (now the terminus for VIA Rail) and was one of the first major structures completed while they were filling in False Creek. As such, I thought it would be a great focus for the Archive Photos of the Day series.


Year: 1917
In this photo: Construction of Canadian Northern Railway depot
Vancouver Archives Item #: Bu N540.042


Year: 1918
In this photo: CNR Station under construction (right) and completed GNR (Union) Station (left)
Photographer: Canadian Photo Co
Vancouver Archives Item #: PAN N178


Year: 1918 – January
In this photo: Final stages of construction before fill of False Creek completed
Vancouver Archives Item #: Bu N540.077


Year: 1918 – March
In this photo: Final stages of construction before fill of False Creek completed
Vancouver Archives Item #: Bu N540.085


Year: 1932
In this photo: Exterior of the Canadian National Railway station on Main Street
Vancouver Archives Item #: Can P23.1

Support the City of Vancouver Archives by attending a fundraising event November 14th.

Movember 2010 in Vancouver

Comments 5 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The annual Movember campaign is in full swing as many moustached “Mo Bros” continue to grow their facial hair and fundraising totals.

Last year I had the chance to speak with one of Movember’s founders, Adam Garone of Melbourne, to learn more about this campaign that is taking the world (and internet world) by storm.

“Growing a mustache is a lot like doing a run or a walk for charity,” said Adam who said they then created the tag line “changing the face of men’s health”. “So we literally challenge men to change their appearance with that commitment and by doing that they became a walking billboard for 30 days talking about prostate cancer, their health, and raising funds along the way.”

So far Canadian Movember campaigns have raised over $5,000,000 thanks to over 90,000 participants. In Vancouver, over 5,600 men are participating – many with the loving support of partners, children, and the women in their lives.

Gus Fosarolli has shaved off his “Mo” to re-grow it during Movember for several years now. “I’m at that age now where I have to start to be tested for prostate cancer yearly. As men we are brought up to be strong and this sometimes could lead us to not get tested as a matter of pride and keeping our manhood,” Fosarolli told me. “I want to help raise awareness that it’s ok and that every man over 40 should be tested. With early detection, we can live stronger and longer lives.”

You can browse the Movember site to find an individual or team to support by way of online donation. This year’s local Movember campaign will end with a gala at the Fortune Sound Club December 2nd, 2010.

North Vancouver Then and Now

Comments 1 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Several cities around the region are putting their archive collections online, including thousands of historical photographs – and North Vancouver is no exception. By way of a photo contest, they have enlisted the public’s help in promoting not only the use of their online database, but the history of North Vancouver.

The North Vancouver Museum and Archives have come up with a “Then and Now” contest, which is along the lines of one of my most popular series. The idea is to combine a modern-day photo of North Vancouver with an image from the archives database.

There are three ways to do so for the contest:

  • Submit the archive photo along with your modern photo to the North Vancouver Archives Flickr group
  • 1/2 Queens Road and Lonsdale Avenue, 2010 2/2 Queens Road and Lonsdale Avenue, 1927
    Photo credit: NVMA on Flickr
  • Take a printed copy of an historic photo with you when you take your new photo, including it in the shot
  • The Bank of Hamilton Then & Now
    Photo credit: NVMA on Flickr
  • Strategically edit (Photoshop) the archive photo into your new photo
  • 100 Block of Lonsdale Avenue Then & Now (1925 and 2010)
    Photo credit: NVMA on Flickr

    All entries must be received by way of the North Vancouver Archives Flickr group on Flickr before December 15th.

    The winner will receive a new camera (estimated value of $500), a copy of “Time Travel in North Vancouver: A Peek into the Past” by Sharon J. Proctor, membership to the North Vancouver Museum and Archives, and admission to a variety of local attractions.

    For inspiration, you can check out the current North Vancouver THEN & NOW: From Lonsdale Avenue to Deep Cove at Presentation House Museum (209 West 4th Street) until December 30th, 2010.

    Visit the archives in person at the Community History Centre – Archives and NVMA offices (3203 Institute Road, Lynn Valley) or online on Twitter, Facebook or Flickr.

    Canon’s Other Side of the Lens with Tamara Taggart

    Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

    Canon Canada recently recruited a dozen of the nation’s top television weather personalities and meteorologists for their annual “Other Side of the Lens” contest.

    Armed with a Canon Powershot SX200 IS, the reporters were asked to capture climate-based images with the theme “The View from Here” — last year’s theme involved chefs and Canadian culinary masters who captured “Food for Thought”. Five images from each participant are then showcased in an online vote. On behalf of all participants, Canon Canada will make a $20,000 donation to the David Suzuki Foundation and the winner will also get $5,000 for the cause of their choice.

    Representing Vancouver, CTV’s Tamara Taggart submitted photos to the challenge and will be supporting Ocean Wise should she get the most votes online.

    Taking time out from her busy schedule as a working mom of three, I had the chance to ask Tamara some questions about her participation in this campaign:

    What was your motivation for participating in the Canon photo competition?
    Tamara: “When they presented me with the challenge of this photo competition I thought it would be fun – and easy….it wasn’t easy! I love taking photos but when tasked with a subject it’s tough.”

    Do you enjoy photography, is it a hobby of yours?
    Tamara: “I love it and I wish I was great at it. I truly admire the work of great photographers, it’s a talent. I keep taking photos hoping to capture perfect moments.”

    Did you have a theme? Did you spot the seal in Vancouver?
    Tamara: “The seal was at Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver, I was shooting a promo with the Vancouver Aquarium on their seal release program – I loved that seal!”

    “My intention was to tour the city and take shots but I was pregnant with my third baby (in three years) and was on partial bedrest so all of the photos, except the seal & the cactus (that was Palm Spring with my husband before bed rest was ordered), were taken in my yard! My favorite is the Himalayan Blue Poppy, she’s tough to grow and I did it!!”

    What is your favourite subject to photograph?
    Tamara: “My kids first and then my garden. I have a lot of photos of my babes, and number three will have just as many photos as number one and two!”

    How did you select Ocean Wise as your cause of choice?
    Tamara: “I like that they educate and empower people about the issues surrounding sustainable seafood. We need to be responsible when it comes to our food and we must to keep our oceans healthy.”

    You can vote for Tamara Taggart’s photos online before November 18th, 2010.

    Follow her on Twitter @tamarataggart as well as her cause of choice @ocean_wise.

    Autumn at VanDusen Botanical Garden

    Comments 1 by Rebecca Bollwitt

    The VanDusen Botanical Garden is known for its annual events that range from bonsai shows and bulb sales to the Festival of Lights. Before stormy autumn winds blew the remainder of the city’s fiery leaves into the gutters, I thought it would be a good time for a photowalk.

    VanDusen - Autumn

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    VanDusen - Autumn VanDusen - Autumn

    VanDusen - Autumn VanDusen - Autumn

    VanDusen - Autumn

    VanDusen - Autumn VanDusen - Autumn

    VanDusen - Autumn VanDusen - Autumn

    VanDusen - Autumn

    These 55 acres that were once the Shaughnessy Golf Course are home to a quarter-million plants and are currently managed by the Vancouver Park Board. Open year-round, it’s a spectacular place to explore in any season through tours, school or family programs, or a casual stroll. Find out more by browsing their events calendar or checking them out on Facebook.

    You may view the rest of my photowalk photos on Flickr.