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Blow Off Some Steam
Beneath Vancouver runs a series of steam pipes. They provide
heat to more than 200 buildings in the downtown’s core.
The super-heated system is also responsible for the whistles
of the city’s famed Gastown Steam Clock.
EACH SPRING, A TRIP OF goats is
relocated to the market’s roof. The
hungry creatures are given free range
of the grassy canopy for a few months
while they help keep the elevated field
in check.
The sod-roof was inspired by Kris-
tian’s roots. He was originally from the
small community of Lillehammer in
Norway. Structures there were routinely
built into the hillside. This ‘green roof ’
practice provides insulation during the
winter and promotes evaporation to
cools a space during the summer.
The use of sod was an exciting design
for this BC market, but what Kristian
didn’t initially plan for was the roof ’s
eventual need for a haircut. As the tale
goes, after a few glasses of wine, it was
suggested that the market ‘borrow’
some goats to help with the conun-
drum. The visiting tenants were such a
hit they’ve been welcomed back spring
after spring to ‘mow’ the roof. In fact,
more than a million visitors arrive each
year to catch sight of the goats overhead
who are happily munching away.
Old Country Market
2326 Alberni Hwy.
Coombs, BC V0R 1M0
oldcountrymarket.com
GOATS ON THE ROOF In 1973,
Kristian Graaten opened a
roadside fruit stand on the
Alberni Highway near the
Eastern edge of Vancouver
Island. Today, the ‘stand’ is
known as the Old Country
Market. While the charming
shop is filled with everything
from groceries and gelato to
pottery and libre masks — it’s
best known for the goats on
its roof.
LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF Water
Street and Cambie Street in Vancouver’s
“Gastown” neighborhood, the famous
clock is more than 40 years old. It was
built in 1977 by horologist Raymond
Saunders and metalwork specialist Doug
Smith.
Every quarter-hour, the two-ton
clock shows off a bit. Steam is released
through its five whistles, offering its
version of the Westminster Chime.
But to say the clock is “steam-pow-
ered” is a stretch. The mini steam engine
at its base is actually connected by a
rubber belt to an electric motor that’s
hidden from view. A substantially more
reliable source of power, this helps keep
the clock on time.
Commissioned by local shop owners,
the clock’s construction cost roughly
$58,000. It was intended to be a monu-
ment, drawing visitors to the neighbor-
hood — an intent for which it succeed-
ed. It had an additional purpose, too. By
being placed over a steam grate, shop
owners hoped the clock would keep
local homeless from calling the warm
spot home for the night.
Once you’ve blown off some steam
with a Steam Clock Selfie, take some
time to explore the rest of the brick-cob-
bled Water Street where heritage
buildings, art galleries, and trendy bars
abound.
kenmoreair.com
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