AboutGeoff Wickens Expertise I have a fairly vast knowledge of the history of The City of Vancouver, BC. All my knowledge has been learned through on-hands experience. I am apt to answer most any question in regards to the history of the city, the construction of its bridges and the history behind some of its buildings.
Experience I drove cab for 5 years and in that time gave numerous city tours with full historical backgrounds. I have a thirst for history and an appetite for knowledge.
Expert: Geoff Wickens Date: 10/4/2006 Subject: Burrard Street Bridge
Question Hi Geoff,
It's nice to know someone knows and enjoys the history of Vancouver. Love your trivia tips. You should write a book or create a game about Vancouver Trivia.
I have several questions pertaining to the Burrard Street Bridge. Do the flags on the bridge change often, who creates the flags and why? Are the flags a reflection of what's going on in the city at the time, to commemorate someone or to celebrate an event and when did all this start?
Thank you so much for you knowledge.
Best
Sophie McGarry
Answer Thanks for the kind words. I am a simple man who enjoys history - and the history of this town is facinating and full of surprises. I am always finding out something new about this city - even though I have lived here nearly 40 years!
The Burrard Street Bridge was opened by Mayor Louis D Taylor on July 1, 1932. It was built to connect Burrard Street to Cedar Street in Kitsilano. After a while, Cedar became Burrard St - up to 16th Ave. Cedar Cresent still lives on south of 16th Ave.
As for the flags .... the flags that adorn the bridge change about once every 6 months. If there is a big event happening that involves the city, the flags will change to reflect that event. The flags are created by a number of people ... mostly city staff.
Thanks for asking and if you have any more questions about my town, let me know - I will be happy to answer them for you!
