Where Vancouver June 2018 | Page 19
Gastown Steam Clock
raymond Saunders
water Street at caMbIe
one of the city’s most-photographed
attractions, Gastown’s famed steam
clock (page 71) charms visitors with
its steam-and-whistle display. it was
created by Canadian clockmaker
Raymond Saunders, and is one of the
first of its kind ever built. Designed to
match the historic surroundings, the
clock’s antiquated appearance belies
its youth—it was only in 1977 when
it was first revealed to a (polyester-
clad) crowd of onlookers. And there’s
another trick up its sleeve: electric
motors help keep the time, though
steam still powers the chimes. But
it’s more than bells and whistles. The
clock marks a powerful turning point
in the neighbourhood’s history and
subsequent revival.
PhoTo ©SSuNi/iSToCk.Com
June 2018
where.ca
19