The Guinness family in the 1930's wanted to invest in West Vancouver by purchasing many acres of land. But in order for this territory to succeed, they needed a bridge to connect it to the the heart of Vancouver.
The bridge originally was designed for two lanes, but as the Guiness family predicted the two towns grew in population and eventually needed three lanes. Toll booths were in place to help fund maintenance up until 1963. Later the Guinness family added lights to the bridge for Expo86.
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| Guinness funding the bridge |
When the bridge was built it was recognized as the longest suspension bridge in the British Empire and most complex project in Canada during the 1930s. Vancouver owe's much thanks to Sir Arthur Guinness who helped fund this project through a syndicate company called British Pacific Properties Ltd. Another person to recognize is the architect Alfred Taylor, who sought the Guinness Family to help fund this bridge.
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| Walking along the bridge in the 40's |
Today, the Lions gate bridge is recognized across Canada as a heritage landmark of Vancouver. It represents the European influences that settlers in the early 1900's helped pave with construction projects that formed Vancouver's structures. Prior to the bridge being built West Vancouver was an unwanted isolated forest area, but thank's to the vision's of these men, West Vancouver is now one of the most affluent cities in the west.
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| Earliest pictures of completed bridge |
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| Two pillars that hold the bridge |
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| Construction of Bridge |
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