|
Footloose
at Lonsdale Quay Public Market
by
Jerry W. Bird
 Vancouver's
North Shore waterfront presents a carnival
atmosphere as a fleet of stubby black and orange
tugboats bob up and down like bumper cars, while
squadrons of sassy sea gulls dip and dive. Nearby
Burrard Dry-dock adds an industrial touch. Folks
bask on the boardwalk deck and harbor side tables;
others perch near the fountain. A troop of street
musicians performs a continuous show. It's a fun
scene. Last week when my son Ken and his
fiancé Fay joined us for breakfast the
Caribbean Days celebration was in full bloom, which
added to the excitement. But, as I've discovered
over many years, there's never really a dull moment
at this highly attractive people place. Creativity
blossoms in tempting food displays, arts and
crafts, costumes, sights, smells and colors.
Lonsdale Quay Public Market provides a spectacular
view of Vancouver's skyline, as the tricolor SeaBus
approaches. Recently removed from the area is one
of its attractions, the old North Vancouver Ferry
#5 , that was given a new life as a "The Seven
Seas, " seafood restaurant.
 Now
its just part of my memories along with the Houlden
Transfer office that stood where the entrance to
the Public Market is today. That's where I started
off many a Saturday, helping my uncles and
grandfather pick up and deliver goods from
warehouses in downtown Vancouver, mainly
Gastown
and Yaletown. Both are trendy rejuvinated
commercial and residential centres today. We would
like to hear from anyone who knew Stan
and Percy Houlden.
Lonsdale Quay is
midway between Vancouver's two harbor bridges;
Lions Gate to the west; Second Narrows to the east.
Every 10 minutes, a SeaBus takes you across the
inlet to Waterfront Station, where our elevated
"Pocket Tour" of Greater Vancouver begins with a
ten minute ride to Waterfront Stastion where yoiu
transfer to the SkyTrain elevated railway or a city
transit bus..
e www.skytrain.com/whatsnew.htm
With the old North
Van ferry removed, there's now a clear view of the
Burrard Dry Dock's antiquated tin buildings,
gateway to a greatly enhanced Waterfront project
slated for the North Shore of Burrard Inlet. We
will comment on that developemnt in great detail
soon. To the west of Lonsdale Quay is the North
Shore Marina, where myself and fellow Sea Cadets
from RCSC Lonsdale congregated for weekend rowing
and sailing exercises. I would like to hear from
anyone who was part of the RCSC
Lonsdale,
or who went to North
Van High School
(there's a book in progress).
Lonsdale Quay and
Public Market is midway between Vancouver's two
harbor bridges; Lions Gate to the west; Second
Narrows to the east. Every 10 minutes, a SeaBus
takes you across the inlet to Waterfront Station,
where our elevated "Pocket Tour" of Greater
Vancouver begins.
[Top
of page]
|
