Gastown Steam Clock Locksmith
Mr. Locksmith Downtown Vancouver Locksmith: (604) 262-1907
Mr. Locksmith East Vancouver (604) 239-0755
Mr. Locksmith Vancouver West (Kitsilano, UBC, Kerrisdale, etc.) : (604) 670-1188
Mr. Locksmith Automotive Locksmith Vancouver: (604) 259-7617
The clock is powered by steam from the city’s downtown centralized heating system, which drives a piston inside a miniature steam engine inside the clock.
That engine in turn drives a series of ball-weights, chains and gears, which in turn drive a conventional pendulum, which in turn powers the clock’s time-keeping mechanism that was custom-built in England based on an 1875 design.
But the clock is not entirely steam powered. It also has three small electric motors to help operate two internal fans, one of which blows the steam out the top, and another that controls the valves that play the tunes on the five steam whistles mounted atop the clock case.
The large central whistle, which was taken off the CPR steam tug Naramata, counts off the full hours while the four auxiliary whistles chime the Westminster Quarters every quarter hour. The number of chimes matches the number of quarter hours that have passed.
Lively Gastown is known for its whistling Steam Clock and mix of souvenir shops, indie art galleries and decor stores in Victorian buildings. A trendy food and drink scene includes chic cocktail lounges and restaurants serving everything from gourmet sandwiches to local seafood. Hip eateries also dot the neighboring Downtown Eastside area, while the up-and-coming Railtown district is home to edgy fashion studios.
Where is Gastown?
Gastown is at the northeastern edge of Downtown Vancouver, with the main street being Water Street. It is north of Chinatown and about 5 minutes walk east of the main Waterfront and Canada Place.
Why ‘Gastown’?
The name ‘Gastown’ doesn’t have anything to do with gas, but is actually named after a Yorkshireman, Jack Deighton. Jack was a very talkative man, giving him the nickname ‘Gassy’ and when he set foot on this piece of land which is now Vancouver, there wasn’t much here. He opened a pub and so started the development of Vancouver’s original downtown center.
Mr. Locksmith Downtown Vancouver Locksmith: (604) 262-1907
Mr. Locksmith Downtown Vancouver Locksmith: (604) 262-1907
Mr. Locksmith East Vancouver (604) 239-0755
Mr. Locksmith Vancouver West (Kitsilano, UBC, Kerrisdale, etc.) : (604) 670-1188
Mr. Locksmith Automotive Locksmith Vancouver: (604) 259-7617
Give Us a Call Today for Professional Locksmith & Security Services in Vancouver British Columbia
Give Us a Call Today for Professional Locksmith & Security Services in Downtown Vancouver British Columbia
