Gastown Steam Clock

Raymond Saunders' first steam clock was built in 1977 to solve the issue of a steam vent in a popular sidewalk for the renovated Gastown - Vancouver. Incorporating a steam engine and electric motors, the clock displays the time on four faces and announces the quarter hours with a whistle chime that plays the Westminster Quarters.

Gastown Steam Clock

As the 10:00pm hour approached, people begin to gather around the steam clock to listen to the chimes, whistle and view the release of steam from atop the clock.

Gastown Steam Clock

10:00pm whistle and steam

Corner of Cambie & Water Streets

Colourful lights and light-trails created by the movement of cars up Water St., looking west towards the Harbour Centre building topped with a revolving restaurant which provides great views over Vancouver. All the old building in this area have been refurbished and lit with colour-changing lights. That's the Gastown Steam Clock across the street.

Lighting is the Difference

This building and the next share many architectural features as the next shot depicts, but the lighting makes a huge difference.

More Light-Coloured Buildings

This photo is from the same intersection as the previous. I've simply moved across the street to grab a full shot of this lovely building.

Hotel Europe

This uniquly shaped building is in the historic Gastown area and its shape is the result of the intersection formed by meeting point of Alexander, Powell, Carall, and Water Streets. This intersection is known as Maple Street Square due to the large maple tree located there.

Hotel Europe

Light trails are created by the headlights of cars moving through the frame during a time exposure.

Photo by: dpb photos (www.dpb-photos.com)

Maple Tree Square

Gastown was designated a national historic site in 2010, in the main because of this area. Stocked with historic buildings completed a few years after the 1886 Great Fire, Carrall St has some handsome historic architecture. Images from Vancouver's early days (just after it was renamed from the original moniker of 'Granville') show that the first 'city hall' was actually a sagging tent with a handwritten sign on it.

Street Musicians - "The Gypsy Things"

Busking is a common way for street musicians to earn some coin during the warm summer evenings. Regardless the talent on display, I doubt that any collection amounted to much when divided five ways.

Photo by: dpb photos (www.dpb-photos.com)