6 weird Vancouver bylaws and facts you probably didn’t know
Vancouver has a reputation for being one of the world’s most beautiful cities, but tucked into its history are some weird Vancouver bylaws and quirky facts that might surprise you.
Here are six weird Vancouver bylaws and quirky facts you probably didn’t know.
1. Spitting in public is banned
SasaStock/Shutterstock
Vancouver’s Health Bylaw No. 9535 makes it clear, “A person must not expectorate, urinate, or defecate on or in any street or other public place, except in a facility provided specifically for such purpose.”
In other words, no casual sidewalk spitting (as it should be).
2. Doorknobs are basically banned in new builds
FOTO JOURNEY/Shutterstock
Since 2014, Vancouver’s building bylaw has required door hardware in new housing to be usable without requiring tight grasping or twisting. Traditional round doorknobs don’t meet this standard, so they’ve been effectively phased out in favour of levers and other accessible hardware.
3. Someone legally lives in Stanley Park
thelittlecactus/Shutterstock
It might sound like an urban legend, but it’s true: Stanley Park has a caretaker residence. A couple has lived there for decades in exchange for tending to parts of the park.
4. Stanley Park’s squirrels came from New York
Sam DCruz/Shutterstock
Every grey squirrel in the park is descended from eight pairs imported from New York City in 1909. The gift was a quirky civic experiment that still shapes Stanley Park’s ecosystem today.
5. The California Roll was invented here
The Image Party/Shutterstock
Chef Hidekazu Tojo created the now-world-famous California Roll in Vancouver during the 1970s. He’s since been recognized internationally and inducted into the Culinary Hall of Fame for his sushi innovation.
6. Greenpeace was founded in Vancouver
OLD VANCOUVER/Facebook
The world’s most visible environmental group started here in 1971. A small band of activists sailed from Vancouver to protest US nuclear testing in Alaska, sparking a global movement.
Vancouver may be world-famous for its mountains, ocean views, and vibrant culture, but its quirks are just as fascinating. The city’s history proves that “weird and wonderful” is part of its DNA.
- You might also like:
- 20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: Sept. 29 to Oct. 5
- Three B.C. parks named among Canada’s best spots for bear sightings
- For $7.5M, you could own a Vancouver home that looks like it’s 'floating over the Westside'
Want to stay on top of all things Vancouver? Follow us on X