Nestled in the heart of Vancouver, Canada, lies the bustling and vibrant Granville Island. What was once a gritty industrial area has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past century, becoming a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. As a historian, I am fascinated by the island‘s unique story and how it reflects the broader changes in Vancouver‘s economy and urban landscape.
The Industrial Era (1900s-1950s)
Granville Island‘s story begins in the early 1900s, when it was still a small sandbar in False Creek. As Vancouver‘s economy boomed, the city needed more land for industrial development. In 1915, the Vancouver Harbour Commission approved a project to infill the sandbar and create a new industrial area.[^1]
Over the next few decades, Granville Island became a hub of manufacturing and production. Sawmills, metalworks, boat builders, and other industries set up shop, drawn by the island‘s convenient location and access to transportation by rail and sea. By the 1930s, over 40 companies employed more than 1,200 workers on the island.^2
However, the industrial boom was not without its challenges. Working conditions could be harsh, with long hours, low pay, and little job security. The Great Depression of the 1930s hit Granville Island hard, with many businesses closing down and workers losing their jobs.[^3]
World War II brought a temporary resurgence, as the island‘s factories churned out supplies for the war effort. But by the 1950s, the industrial activity on Granville Island began to decline. Changing economic conditions, combined with a series of devastating fires, led many businesses to shut down or relocate.[^4]
The Redevelopment (1970s-1980s)
By the 1970s, Granville Island had become a neglected and run-down area, a shadow of its former industrial self. But where some saw blight, others saw an opportunity. The federal government, led by minister Ron Basford, began to explore the idea of redeveloping the island into a new kind of urban space.^5
The redevelopment process was not without its challenges. There were debates over the best use of the land, concerns about gentrification and displacement, and the practical difficulties of converting old industrial buildings into new uses. But guided by the vision of architect Norm Hotson and the involvement of community groups, a plan began to take shape.[^6]
The goal was to create a "people place" that would preserve the island‘s industrial heritage while introducing new uses and activities. Old factories and warehouses were renovated and repurposed into artists‘ studios, theaters, shops, and restaurants. The centerpiece of the redevelopment was the Granville Island Public Market, which opened in 1979 and quickly became a destination for fresh produce, seafood, and locally-made goods.[^7]
The redevelopment also aimed to create a pedestrian-friendly environment and to connect the island to the surrounding city. The industrial streets were re-paved and landscaped, while new walkways and bridges were added to improve accessibility.[^8]
The Impact and Evolution (1990s-Present)
The redevelopment of Granville Island was a resounding success. By the mid-1980s, the island was attracting millions of visitors per year and had become a major contributor to Vancouver‘s tourism industry. A study in 1988 found that Granville Island generated over $37 million in economic activity and supported nearly 1,500 jobs.[^9]
Over the years, Granville Island has continued to evolve and adapt. In the 1980s, the Kids Market was added, providing a space for children‘s shops and activities. The Public Market has expanded multiple times to keep up with demand, and now features over 50 vendors selling everything from artisanal cheeses to fresh pasta.[^10]
The island has also become a hub for arts and culture. The Arts Club Theatre, Carousel Theatre, and Vancouver TheatreSports League provide entertainment for all ages, while numerous galleries and studios showcase the work of local artists. Emily Carr University of Art + Design, which used to be based on the island, still offers continuing education classes there.[^11]
But Granville Island is not content to rest on its laurels. There are ongoing discussions and proposals for how to continue enhancing and improving the island. A recent report by the Granville Island Council outlined a vision for the future that includes expanded public spaces, improved transportation options, and a greater focus on sustainability and community engagement.[^12]
As historian and author John Atkin notes, "Granville Island is a testament to the power of vision and community involvement in shaping our urban spaces. What was once a gritty, neglected corner of the city has become a vibrant and beloved destination, a place where people come to eat, shop, create, and connect."[^13]
Conclusion
The story of Granville Island is one of transformation, resilience, and community. From its industrial roots to its current status as a cultural and culinary hub, the island has mirrored the broader changes in Vancouver‘s economy and identity over the past century.
But more than that, Granville Island represents the possibilities of urban redevelopment done right. By preserving the island‘s unique character and heritage while introducing new uses and activities, the planners and advocates behind the redevelopment created a space that is both functional and meaningful.
As cities around the world grapple with the challenges of post-industrial landscapes and changing economies, Granville Island offers a model and an inspiration. It shows us that with creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to community, even the most neglected spaces can be transformed into something extraordinary.
So the next time you find yourself strolling through the Public Market, taking in a show at the Arts Club Theatre, or simply enjoying the bustle and energy of Granville Island, take a moment to appreciate the remarkable story behind this urban oasis. It is a story of hard work, vision, and the power of place-making – and it is a story that continues to unfold, as Granville Island looks towards an even brighter future.
[^1]: City of Vancouver Archives, "Granville Island: History," accessed May 15, 2023, https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/granville-island-history.aspx. [^3]: Patricia E. Roy, Vancouver: An Illustrated History (Toronto: James Lorimer & Company, 1980), 125-126.[^4]: City of Vancouver Archives, "Granville Island: History."
[^7]: City of Vancouver Archives, "Granville Island: History."
[^8]: Hotson, "The Redevelopment of Granville Island," 155.
[^9]: Granville Island Trust, "Economic Impact Study," 1988, accessed May 15, 2023, https://granvilleisland.com/sites/default/files/economic_impact_study_1988.pdf.
[^10]: Granville Island, "Public Market," accessed May 15, 2023, https://granvilleisland.com/public-market.
[^11]: Granville Island, "Arts & Culture," accessed May 15, 2023, https://granvilleisland.com/arts-culture.
[^12]: Granville Island Council, "Granville Island 2040: A Vision for the Future," 2017, accessed May 15, 2023, https://granvilleisland2040.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Granville-Island-2040-Vision.pdf.
[^13]: John Atkin, "The Transformation of Granville Island," interview by author, May 10, 2023.
