Okay, I know this is the second bridge post in the A-Z of Metro Vancouver series but it sure adds a nice element of alliteration to my site.

Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

The Burrard Bridge was opened July 1, 1932 with an official ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Louis D. Taylor. “At a civic reception later, in the Hotel Vancouver, a replica of the bridge was unveiled. It was made of sugar.” [VancouverHistory]

Apparently up on the giant concrete arms (that mask all of the steel holding the structure) “the arms of the City of Vancouver are carved, flanked by windows which overlook the bridge deck. On the two piers which support the gallery are molded the prows of boats with figureheads to represent Captain George Vancouver and Captain Harry Burrard.” According to my favourite Vancouver History resource however, all the hubub about Mr. Burrard is slightly misplaced. “Harry Burrard never came within 5,000 kilometres of this area. He’d been an acting lieutenant with Vancouver on the Europa in the West Indies; George was just honoring an old chum.”

With about 65,000 people passing over the bridge daily, it’s a prominent landmark in Vancouver – and viewable any time of day on one of the city’s best webcams, the KatKam (from which you can see tonight’s fireworks display in English Bay).

For future plans involving the Burrard Bridge and its infamous bike lanes, check out this post on Urban Vancouver. I also recommend the following for Vancouverites and anyone visiting the area a) take a water taxi under the bridge, heading over to Granville Island or b) walk across the bridge if you can, it’s a pretty neat experience.

Kicking off the A-Z of Metro Vancouver I actually had a tough time getting started but I’m sure the rest will just come to me… right?. This is the first “A” name that came to mind and it’s a pretty good one – here’s a brief history of the Alex Fraser Bridge and the man behind the name.

Photo credit: Stephen Rees on Flickr

Opening in 1986, the bridge connects South Surrey and Delta to Richmond and New Westminster with Highway 91 spanning the Fraser River.

Alex Fraser himself was a Minister of Transportation in BC that died of throat cancer and he also has the Alex Fraser Research Forest in Quesnel and Williams Lake named after him as well.

I’m back home now sitting on my couch and reflecting on the last 48 hours. I’ll be starting my full (for real this time) live Blogathon now so if you would like to pledge to keep me going please fill out the contact form on the Blogathon page. You can also donate directly on the UGM website by choosing “Miss604 Blogathon” from the drop down.

My theme for the next 26 posts will be the “A to Z” of Vancouver… here’s hoping I can come up with something for each letter and please feel free to leave me a comment with any suggestions.

Colleen Vince – While attending a Vancouver Podcaster Meetup at the Edge Cafe on Commercial Drive, I first met Colleen and hung out with some of the fine people behind the Row Three Podcast. This year Colleen has decided to take on the Blogathon, writing for 24 hours on her site.

Colleen’s website: 353 Review
Colleen’s cause: CKNW Orphan’s Fund
Colleen’s Blogathon motivation: “My charity of choice is the CKNW’s Orphan’s fund. I swear I was listening to our local Talk radio station Inutero, and over the years have grown to admire this small charity for their work in helping special needs children every day of the year. more info at the end of this post.” [353 Review]

Danny Dang – “Danny Dang is a blogger, wannabe photographer, systems administrator, technophile, and a full time geek.” Twitter brought us together virtually and Fraser Valley WordCamp joined us in person… albeit again through Twitter while I was giving my presentation.

Danny’s website: DannyDang.com
Danny’s cause: BCSPCA Paws for a Cause
Danny’s Blogathon motivation: “My charity of choice is the BCSPCA Paws for a Cause which I had started fund raising earlier this year for the upcoming walk.”