Stanley Park cannon set to join Vancouver’s 7 p.m. salute to healthcare workers
Posted March 29, 2020 5:36 pm.
Last Updated March 30, 2020 6:53 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Vancouver’s nightly salute to healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic is set to get louder Monday evening.
The Park Board announced Sunday the Stanley Park cannon will begin firing at 7 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. and will continue to do so until April 30.
“Our city is experiencing unprecedented times of uncertainty and change,” said board chair Camil Dumont. “The 7 p.m. salute to health care workers has done much to bring people together and remind all of us of what’s really important. If we, at the Park Board, can help amplify that message of solidarity, we are more than happy to.”
In a release, the Park Board notes the move is unprecedented.
“The 9 o’clock gun has been silent just a handful of times through the century. The firing schedule has never been formally altered since it began firing at 9 p.m. Monday’s new schedule marks a landmark decision for the Park Board.”
The cannon has been sitting in Stanley Park since 1894, according to the Park Board. At first, it was used to warn fisherman of the 6 p.m. Sunday close of fishing, however, it later started firing three hours later to help ships coming to port to set their clocks to local time.
