Walking The Grand Boulevard

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inAutumn, LadyBudd, North Vancouver, Storytelling, Sunday Evening ReflectionTags:, , ,

The autumn season has arrived, and the vibrant colours surround me as I walk the Grand Boulevard in North Vancouver, once known as “The Broadest City Avenue in America”.  

This story begins in 1908, when the North Vancouver Land and Improvement Company cleared a 1.5km x 100 meter ribbon of woods to create the boulevard with an area the size of 30 football fields.   Plans were to create a prestigious residential area that would offer all the modern conveniences, magnificent views, open spaces with electric railway cars running the whole length of the Boulevard.

In the early days, sales of lots along the Grand Boulevard were sluggish, but time moved on. The houses were built, and the community grew. One hundred years have passed and those who envisioned the Grand Boulevard have left a legacy without knowing the end of the story.  They contributed to future generations as if putting a stamp on the potential of tomorrow.

Now, it is our turn!

Leaving a legacy means that our life matters today, that the future is possible, and that the next generation will build upon our hopes and efforts.  That gives me great comfort.

Until next time we meet, dear friends, take care and be well.

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

65 thoughts on “Walking The Grand Boulevard”

    1. Jack Frost made his appearance a few days after these photos were taken, Jean-Jacques so I’m delighted that I happened to be in North Vancouver just when the rain stopped for a few hours and the wind hadn’t yet arrived to blow away the leaves. Timing is everything, as they say. Thank you for heading over to our side of the world virtually!

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    1. I am so glad that you travelled to my side of the world, Margaret. “Legacy” is a interesting word because of the emotional depth contained within it and the notion that legacies are usually grand and costly. I have benefited from the legacy of wisdom and encouragement of family as well as benefiting from the legacy of community endeavours and work projects. Many thanks for your lovely comments – very much appreciated.

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    1. Thank you so much for joining me in North Vancouver. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share our locations via photography. I loved your fungi basics – 3 post. The rains have come back! What I appreciate most about photography is its ability to crystallize a moment and stop time.

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  8. Dear Rebecca, this has become a beautiful documentary with intoxicating video about a feel-good oasis in the middle of the city. Accompanied by a pleasant voice, reminiscent of a therapy session. So beautifully soothing…a resting place in our too hectic times with the wonderful images of maple leaves in fantastic colors. One envies you for this place on earth….
    very dear greetings …Werner

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I am delighted that we have connected, Werner. Thank you for travelling to my side of the world to join me on the Grand Boulevard. Most of us will live in cities, which will require us to consider how to create an environment where nature can be felt and enjoyed. Vancouver has limited space to grow. Metro Vancouver is projected to add more than 1 million residents by 2050. We live in interesting times!

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  9. This was wonderful. Firstly autumn is the best time to show off how scenic this is because its coat is of the finest colors but I bet it is gorgeous here in each passing season. Such a lovely place and as you say quite a legacy. So far sighted for its day.

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    1. I love Autumn the very best of all because it is the season of tea and books. I’m hoping that we have a snowfall sometime this winter so that I can capture the evergreens against a snowfall. Alas, the rain seems to be more likely. BUT!!! We have had some excitement yesterday. Vancouver experience a tornado, a rare occurrence. https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/how-vancouver-bc-pulled-off-the-tornado-upset-of-the-century. Never a dull moment in life, is there?!!!

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    1. I am delighted that you walked with me under the red maples! In spring, the tulips are out and in summer brings out the day lilies. In winter, the evergreens against the snow have a dramatic flair. We do not have much snow in Vancouver, but North Vancouver is at a higher elevation. I am glad that North Vancouver is committed to keeping this pristine green space. Many thanks for your visit and comments.

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    1. Thank you, Martina for your heartening words. Legacy is an interesting word because it assumes something “big” and costly. I believe that legacy is much broader in scope. My father left me a legacy of his wisdom, a work mentor encouraged me to take risk and accept a difficult position. And all those writers, poets, musicians, philosophers have given me a legacy to live now, to make a difference now.

      When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love …
      Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

      Sending hugs across the ocean.

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    1. Thank you for joining me on the Grand Boulevard, which is a testament to North Vancouver’s commitment to provide green spaces to residents. This is a huge park area positioned in the middle of a busy city. And yet, the walkway in the centre, where the railway cars traveled in the past, seems to be far away from the business of city life.

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    1. I love looking back into history to find the background story of places that seem to have been there forever. What was interesting and heartening is that this large area of land continues to exist when there is land scarcity in our city. We are limited by the ocean and mountains. Consider that the construction of Lions Gate Bridge started in 1937, this was quite far away from amenities so I can see why it took time to grow this area. Love those marketers!!!

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  18. Thank you for this beautiful video, from one end to the other and all the beautiful autumn colored trees and grass along pathways. This was especially designed originally at the beginnings of 1900s and has developed through the years. At first a huge area (described by football fields) and now the home of many beautiful trees that line curved, cement constructed walkways that many use for quiet walks. The quiet and unpopulated streets that surrounded this large “park” are now filled with beautiful and expensive homes, the treasures of there owners. I always enjoy the view as I ride by in a car–sometime on a warm summer day I will arrange to enjoy a quiet time sitting on a bench under one of the green trees! !

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    1. I am delighted that you enjoyed the video. It is fun to ride by and see the changes that seasons bring to this garden. I am still amazed that the Grand Boulevard remains as a green space, especially when our land area is limited by the ocean and mountains. The latest upgrades that separated the walking and cycling paths have added so much to the enjoyment to our visits. I will be joining you on the bench when the warm weather comes again. Sending hugs!

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    1. I am delighted that you enjoyed our walk together, Linda. The latest innovation introduced by North Vancouver was to create separate lanes for walkers and cyclists, which has made it much safer for all concerned. The walking lane is through the middle of the park which allows more connection to the garden. Many thanks for your comments and visit.

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  20. We visited Vancouver, B.C. on our 50th wedding anniversary. (Note: I was a child bride!) I do remember the Grand Boulevard canopied in trees of green, not autumn. Thanks for visiting my blog today! 😀

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    1. I am so glad to know that you walked the Grand Boulevard. And congratulations on your 50th wedding anniversary. What better place that to celebrate in our fair city. I loved your “child bride” comment. I am glad that we connected and look forward to an ongoing dialogue. The adventures continue….

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    1. Red has a powerful draw, doesn’t it? I was reading a Live Science article the other day to find the symbolic of ‘red’ as it has always been my favouite colour. “Red has a range of symbolic meanings, including life, health, vigor, war, courage, anger, love and religious fervor. The common thread is that all these require passion, and the “life force” that drives passion blood is red. This is an excellent article that features 8 colours. I continue to learn, Julie. ’https://www.livescience.com/amp/33523-color-symbolism-meanings.html. I agree there’s nothing like an autumn walk. Hugs!

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  22. Thank you for the history behind the Grand Boulevard and the stunning photos of fall colors Rebecca. I just don’t get fall here in the south like I used to in Chicago and I do miss that. I also really like that you remind us that there is a straight line from the past to the future which is an insight I will carry with me. Thank you!

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    1. Thank you so much for your profound thoughts, Melanie! Your thought “straight line from the past to the future” is so well said – it will be what I take forward this week, especially today as we commemorate Remembrance Day in Canada. Grateful that we connected!

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      1. Thank you for such a kind response Rebecca! I appreciate it very much. And we have to thank Sally Cronin (again) for how she connects writers. I saw your story about the haunted B & B, complete with an impressive Vimeo, and was hooked. I’m grateful too. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend.

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  23. Grand is an understatement! Spectacular … grand spectacular.
    You captured some brilliant footage, Rebecca! Love the history, and how you pull the generations together in the future spirit.
    Now, what will we leave for posterity?
    {{hugs}}

    Liked by 3 people

    1. My dear Resa – you are creating an outstanding legacy in your creations (love letters to earth), your photography, your words of wisdom, your glorious stories, your commitment to building a compassionate community. You continue to inspire!

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Beautiful colors along the Grand Boulevard, Rebecca. I love it when city designers think ahead and create or preserve beautiful places – parks, waterfront, forests, and walkable boulevards. Sounds like you had a glorious stroll.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I’m delighted you travelled virtually to meet up with me on the Grand Boulevard, Diana. That was one of the few days when it wasn’t raining. We have had day after day of weather rain warnings. Right now, total rainfall up to 120 to 160 mm for our fair city. These are perfect days for tea or hot chocolate with a great book.

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