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: 12/10/2004 Subject: What were the Burrard Street Bridge Towers intended to be used for?
Question What were the Burrard Street Bridge Towers intended to be used for? Where they ever used for anything such as counting traffic or letting people walk from one walkway to the other or perhaps to afford a better view?
Answer I am sorry to say that the towers were never used for any glorious purpose other than to hide the steel girders for the bridge. At one point in time, the staircase in the south tower (west side of the bridge (English Bay side)) was used for quick access to the Burrard Civic Marina and Vanier Park... but that was closed in the 50's for safety reasons. There is a motion before Vancouver City Council to reopen the staircase, but they want to study all the safety issues. As it stands right now, there is no way to see in the staircase from the outside... you can imagine the problems that could start there!).
