Lions Gate Bridge

The Lions Gate Bridge, officially known as the First Narrows Bridge, was born from the vision of the Guinness brewing family in the mid-1930s. Seeking to provide access to their massive land holdings in West Vancouver, known as the British Properties, they financed the construction of the bridge during the height of the Great Depression. Construction began in 1937 and provided much-needed employment for hundreds of local workers, eventually costing roughly $5.8 million at the time. When it opened in 1938, it stood as the longest suspension bridge in the British Empire, serving as a vital link between the city and the North Shore. The bridge's grand opening was further solidified in history when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth traversed it during their 1939 royal tour of Canada. For the first 25 years of its operation, the bridge was a toll bridge, with the Guinness family eventually selling it to the Province of British Columbia in 1955 for the same price it cost to build. Tolls were officially removed in 1963, making it a free public thoroughfare. Throughout the late 20th century, the bridge faced numerous debates regarding its capacity and structural integrity. Instead of being replaced, it underwent a miraculous engineering feat in 2000 and 2001. Engineers replaced the entire main span, lane by lane, during nighttime closures, ensuring the bridge remained open for commuters during the day. This preservation effort allowed the bridge to be designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2005, honoring its status as a masterpiece of engineering and a symbol of Vancouver's growth.