“Fire in the hole!” That was a common warning shouted by Capitol Hill children long ago. It meant they should run for cover. Blasting tree stumps with dynamite was commonplace. This was before the 1930s. Today, we’re standing in Capitol Hill, a unique part of Burnaby.
Capitol Hill got its name from ancient Rome. The civic center there was built on Capitoline Hill. In 1909, the Scott Brokerage Company called Capitol Hill one of Vancouver’s swellest suburbs.
This area wasn’t always as developed as it is now. In 1912, North Burnaby was mostly wilderness. Settlement went hand in hand with logging. Loggers did their work mostly by hand. They sold the lumber to local mills for shingles. Unlike Vancouver Heights, many Capitol Hill property owners had to clear their own lots. That’s why they used dynamite.
Capitol Hill was subdivided in 1909. The planners didn’t consider the area’s geography. Many lots were unsuitable for building. These vacant lots eventually went back to the city. The city then redesigned the streets. They took geography into account this time. Twenty-two acres of these lots became Confederation Park.
Burnaby’s location helped it grow. It sits between Vancouver and New Westminster. Early transportation networks passed through Burnaby. Douglas Road linked Vancouver and New Westminster. Royal Engineers built it from 1862 to 1865. A streetcar line followed in 1891. This led to Burnaby’s incorporation.
Hastings Street was built in 1903. It was a plank road then. It brought power to Vancouver from Buntzen Lake. A streetcar line spurred development along Hastings. It was built in 1913.
Capitol Hill stands 203 meters high. It offers stunning views. You can see downtown Vancouver, the mountains, and the water.
Capitol Hill is known for its diverse communities. Italian, Portuguese, and Croatian expats live here. It’s also a student area because of Simon Fraser University.
Several notable Canadians have lived on Capitol Hill. Donald Lewes Hings, the inventor of the walkie-talkie, lived here. Jack Shadbolt, a celebrated artist, also called Capitol Hill home.
The Trans Canada Trail skirts the hill’s northern flank. A park near Hythe Avenue offers great views. You can see the Lions Gate Bridge, the Second Narrows Bridge, and more. It’s a great place to watch sunsets and fireworks.
Capitol Hill is more than just a neighborhood. It’s a place with a rich history. It’s a place where dynamite once echoed. Now, it’s a place for community, views, and connection. As we leave Capitol Hill, remember its journey. From wilderness to vibrant community, it continues to evolve.