Written by: Elliot Funt, Real Estate Advisor, Engel & Völkers Vancouver
Lions Gate Bridge Turns 81 Years Old
Lions Gate Bridge officially opened to traffic on this day 81 years ago (November 14, 1938).
Interesting facts:
- The Guinness family financed the construction of Lions Gate after purchasing 4000 acres of land in West Vancouver.
- The bridge was essentially paid for twice. Tolls were charged by the Guinness Family from 1938 until 1955, by 1952 the tolls had recouped the cost of construction. Then when the bridge got sold to the provincial government in 1955, the tolls continued until 1963.
- The beautiful lights on the bridge were gifted to the city for Expo 86 by the Guinness Family.
Photos:
1) Toll photo dated 1947, source: West Vancouver Memorial Library.
2) Stanley Park is ‘reconfigured’ to include the Causeway, 1937. VPL: 19129.
3) Unknown source, taken 1937.
4) The Lions Gate bridge in 1940. CVA 586-462.
5) Union steamship passing under the Lions Gate Bridge under construction, 1938. CVA 260-863.
