This YouTube video was published by the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Area (BIA), and presents a rather eclectic look at the development of the downtown section of Granville Street, and how it came to be.
The video portrays its iterations from vaudeville row to neon “White Way”, including its rather eclectic mix of bars and retail today.
Local heritage supporter and ardent Vancouverite Anthony Norfolk provides colour commentary throughout. Anthony (and you pronounce the “T” if you are talking to him) spills some sidebar facts about the settlement that was variously known as Granville, Gastown, and then Vancouver, as well as the reasoning found in the Downtown South Plan for all those clubs and bars to be located on Granville Street.
It’s well worth four minutes of your time for a quick history lesson.
