Vancouver: An Overview

I actually lived in Vancouver for a time - although that was almost 20 years ago. That being said, I've been back to visit enough that I feel I know the town. As often is the case, I fall into the belief that since I know Vancouver, you all do as well. Of course, I imagine most of you don't know the place at all. So, from time to time I will present facts about Vancouver in the hopes you will get to know the 2010 Olympic city a little better!

Population/ Climate

Vancouver is the third largest city in Canada with a population of approximately 580,000 and has one of the mildest climates in Canada with temperatures averaging around 3 degrees celsius in January and 18 degrees celsius in July.

Business/ Economy

Vancouver has Canada's largest and most diversified port, trading $75 billion in goods annually. It is home to a variety of different industries, including the mining, forest, biotech, film and software industries.

History

Archaeological evidence shows that the Coast Salish people had settled the Vancouver area by 500 BC. In the 1870s, Vancouver was founded as a sawmill settlement called Granville. And in 1886, the city was incorporated and renamed Vancouver after Captain George Vancouver, a British naval captain who explored the area in 1792.

City Government

The City of Vancouver is governed by Mayor Gregor Robertson and 10 Councillors, all who serve a three-year term. In the province of British Columbia, the City of Vancouver is governed by a provincial statute called the Vancouver Charter.

Vancouver's sister cities include Los Angeles, Guangzhou, Yokohama, Edinburgh and Odessa.

Its a wonderful city - more details to follow!

Source: City of Vancouver