The water under Chinatown

Today’s Chinatown was settled by early Chinese immigrants between 1890-1920, and its history is as long as the city’s as a whole (Vancouver was established in 1886).

The water mains that run below Pender Street were installed in these early years of Chinatown, and are now nearly 100 years old and are some of the oldest pipes in the city. Over time, underground pipes deteriorate, and each year around 6,500 metres of water main are replaced in Vancouver to ensure that places like Chinatown’s great restaurants and businesses can continue to enjoy Vancouver’s great quality water.

The pipes have been with Chinatown as the neighbourhood has grown and changed over the last 100 years: from the early industry of Chinese merchants and workers, to the rise and fall of some of the city’s most interesting neon signs (such as the Ho Ho sign which showed a rice bowl and chopsticks), the creation of the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Garden for Expo 86, and a movement since the 1979 to add the red dragon streetlamps and specially paved sidewalks reminiscent of China.

But now it’s time for these historic pipes to be replaced. If you go down to enjoy the restaurants, shops and attractions in Canada’s largest Chinatown you’ll notice construction along Pender Street. Have no fear! All businesses are open.

Replacing water mains in a historic area like Chinatown is no easy task. Crews have to be mindful of history of the street and ensure that design elements are returned after new pipes are installed and the street is repaved. In particular, next summer the crew will be replacing the water main beneath the Millenium Gate, a beautiful arch that was donated to Vancouver by the Government of the People’s Republic of China following the Expo 86 world’s fair.

So where does our water come from that runs through these pipes? Look to your north and you’ll see the mountains that create Vancouver’s three watersheds – the Capilano, Seymour, and Coquitlam watersheds. Watersheds are areas that drain into the same body of water – in this case, protected water reservoirs. Water from the reservoirs is then distributed to the Metro Vancouver region through a series of water mains.

Vancouver’s water and sewer system is a network of pipes that delivers 360 million litres of fresh, drinkable water into Vancouver homes and businesses, and removes excess water and sewage for treatment. We have some of the best drinking water in the world, so enjoy it from a fountain, at a restaurant, or while you’re walking around Chinatown during your visit!

City crews will be replacing water mains on blocks between Gore Street and Seymour Street from fall 2015 through fall 2016. Learn more at vancouver.ca/penderstreetwatermain. Businesses are open.

Article source: http://www.insidevancouver.ca/2015/09/04/the-water-under-chinatown/