The unexpected story behind Vancouver's 'Hurly's Corner' street sign
Daytime passersby and people out for a night of festivities in the Granville Entertainment District were recently greeted with the return of a tribute street sign that had been gone for nearly two years.
If you look up at the corner of Granville and Nelson, you’ll see a sign perched on the lamppost with the Ambulance Paramedics Of BC logo and the British Columbia Ambulance Service.
And the name of the spot — Hurly’s Corner — is emblazoned proudly on it, and the sign is brighter and bolder than ever.
Al Pruden/BCEHS
According to a news post written by Al Pruden, Paramedic Supervisor at BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS), the new Hurly’s Corner sign was designed in honour of BCEHS’s 50th anniversary as well as a fondly-remembered paramedic.
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“The northwest corner of Nelson and Granville in downtown Vancouver was a familiar spot for Robert (Bob) Hurly,” wrote Pruden. “As Paramedic Supervisor on C-Platoon, Bob would often ‘stand by’ there on busy nights.
“Over time, that corner became a natural meeting point. Between calls, crews would often park there, drawn by the nearby coffee, food, and the ever-changing show of nightlife. It also created a chance for the public to connect with paramedics. People would ask for directions, or even inquire how to become a paramedic themselves.”
Bob Hurly/Vintage EMS
Hurly passed away in 2008, and several colleagues wanted to memorialize him by honouring his special corner in downtown Vancouver. After brainstorming, planning and designing, Hurly’s Corner sign was unveiled to the public in June of the next year.
The long-time paramedic, beloved husband, and doting grandfather was also highlighted in the Knowledge Network series Paramedics: Life on the Streets.
The sign remained in place until 2023, when the City of Vancouver replaced commemorative signs that resembled standard street signs, as they were causing confusion and potential safety issues.
Pruden reached out to the city to request a new sign in Hurly’s honour, and while the new version was created in 2024, the refreshed version was reinstalled in April 2025.
“A fitting tribute to a man who left a lasting mark on the streets and people of Vancouver,” added Pruden in his news post.
On a social media post made by BCEHS, Bob’s daughter commented with thanks to the organization for the memorial.
“Bob was my Dad and I’m very thankful for this BCAS memorial in honour of such a great man,” wrote Kimberley Kuypers. “Our family has enjoyed taking pics with his sign over the years and remembering his amazing career. He truly loved being a paramedic in BC and always had the best stories.”