The Lions Gate Bridge

An important feature of Vancouver's landscape is the Lions Gate Bridge connecting downtown with the North Shore. The Bridge is also refereed to the Second narrows. The existence of the bridge can be credited to the works of Alfred Taylor, his drive, and his vision of decreasing the commuting time to West Vancouver. The process of building the bridge was hard fought however as Taylor was opposed by the Canadian Pacific Railway. In 1927 it was put to vote and Taylor lost due to Vancouverites not wanting to put a road through Stanley Park, a very important feature of the Geography of Vancouver. It was not until 1933 when Vancouver was facing a depression that they accepted the creation of the Bridge to ensure some work prospects. Due to legal matters and political hoo-ha the building of the Bridge did not start until 1937! Stanley park remained untouched and a year later the Bridge was open. 

The Lions Gate Bridge is an important feature of Vancouver Geography because it allowed  increase access to the North Shore and West Vancouver. Having the bridge allowed more individual to work down town yet live in West Vancouver property increasing the development of Vancouver's landscape and changing the geography of Vancouver as well. It also has significant value for being the the largest suspension bridge in Western Canada spanning 1517 meters. It is also valued for its outstanding landmark, elegant design, and innovative engineering achievements. 

The Bridge often reappears in many movies because of its stunning appearance. Below is an image of the bridge being used in Hollywood's Production of Final Destination (animation of course was used to make the bridge appear as if were breaking). The repeated use of the Lions Gate bridge in cinema represent how it is internationally renown for its stunning appearance of emerging from beautiful BC forestry of the Stanley Park and overlooking the Burrard Inlet. 

The Lions Gate Bridge is one of Vancouver's great innovative prides and a beautiful landmark that drastically changes the landscape of Vancouver. The Bridge would not exist if it was not for Mr. Taylor and his drive and vision. Alfred Taylor died in 1945 and according to his wishes he was cremated and his ashed were scattered from his beloved, beautiful, and hard fought creation of the Lions Gate Bridge.