The Lions Gate Bridge is an outstanding landmark with important symbolic value to Canadians. It features an elegant design complemented by a spectacular setting. The suspension bridge is a remarkable engineering feat that incorporates the latest design developments of its day. It has been crucial to the development of Vancouver’s North Shore.
The concept of building a bridge across the narrowest part of Burrard Inlet, at the entrance to the port of Vancouver, had been considered since the late nineteenth century, but the project did not truly take shape until the early 1930s, at the instigation of businessman A.J.T. Taylor and the Guinness family, who had purchased 4,000 acres of what is now West Vancouver. At that time, Vancouver’s northern and western suburbs were beginning to develop and the economic crisis of the thirties meant there was a demand for projects that created jobs. The bridge was designed by the Montreal firm of Monsarrat and Pratley, together with Vancouver engineer W.G. Swan, and consulting engineers from New York. Construction began on July 7, 1937, and the bridge was officially opened on May 26, 1939.
The Lions Gate is a suspension bridge, with a 472-metre main span, two 187-metre side spans, and a 659-metre steel viaduct. The slender metal towers are 118 metres high, and are tapered from base to top. The two suspension cables supporting the bridge deck are 37 cm in diameter, and each one is made up of 61 strands of 47 prestressed wires. The use of prefabricated strands was an advanced technique at the time, which allowed the cables to be more easily installed. The suspension cables are loaded by hangers of about 45 mm in diameter, supporting the deck, and the suspension cable anchors are made of reinforced concrete. The southern entrance to the bridge is in Stanley Park and features two art-deco-inspired concrete lion sculptures by Vancouver sculptor Charles Marega.
With its tremendous size and openwork towers, the design of the Lions Gate Bridge complements the mountain landscape surrounding it. The slender profile of Lions Gate Bridge is representative of suspended bridges built in the 1920s and 1930s. From the time it was completed, it has been regarded as an outstanding example of structural engineering and a recognized Vancouver landmark. It has contributed greatly to the development of the city’s north shore, especially of West Vancouver.
At the turn of the twenty-first century, the bridge was modernized, including the construction of a new deck and stiffening trusses, improved anti-seismic protection, expansion of its vehicle and pedestrian lanes, construction of observation platforms, and installation of new signage and monitoring facilities. All this work was performed while preserving the bridge’s integrity, including its configuration, structure and materials, as well as its aesthetic design, its historical appearance and its symbolic value to Canadians.
The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
Created in 1919 and supported by Parks Canada, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada’s history. Parks Canada works to ensure that Canada’s historic and natural heritage is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education, appreciation and inspired discovery of all Canadians, today and in the future.
News Release associated with this Backgrounder.
The Government of Canada Honours Lions Gate Bridge
