The aerial view of Granville Island Marina with Vancouver Downtown in the background
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We are introducing a brand new series of Photo Essays! Have a look at amazing Photo Sets all shot by talented photographers. Explore the vibe of the city, its hidden treasures, explore Vancouver! This time, let's have a look at Vancouver through the lens of Kevin Eng!
The urban space right under the Burrard Bridge
Granville Island
An island in the middle of a city, Granville Island is the perfect example of a successful urban redevelopment. What was it before and how did it become the popular cultural and shopping district it is today?
Go all the way back to the 19th century, when the City of Vancouver was still called Granville, and there were only the two sandbars used for fishing under the smaller wooden Granville Street bridge. After a second Granville Street bridge was built and the creek under it was filled with cubic yards of fill from False Creek, a new project of industrial development started. It became the home of a great number of factories, employing hundreds of workers. The industrial boom was interrupted by the Great Depression (swarming the area with squatters) but continued during the World Wars, turning the surrounding area into a toxic sewer.
Luckily, the city recognized that this was not the right way to go. The area was slowly cleaned up and turned into what it is today — a thriving community space with a healthy ecosystem. But its industrial origins are still evident with each step you take. This has made it so popular for the arts world; today the area is home to Emily Carr University of Art and Design, a large number of art studios, galleries, craft shops, and performing arts theatres (Arts Club Theatre Company and Carousel Theatre).
You definitely need to visit its main attraction, the Granville Island Public Market — famous for the fresh and organic produce of its farmers market. Take a tour around the island with a guide on the funky Aquabus or visit the former Granville Island Brewing Company purchased by Molson’s Brewery for beer tastings. Seeing a lot of buskers on the streets is not unusual here. The city supports the many musicians, jugglers, and magicians as long as they play by the rules.
The main attraction is the Granville Island Public Market with fresh foods
The popular residence buildings near a beautiful pond
Would you like to live in one of these colourful houses in the sea village?
Take the Aquabus tour around the island!
Granville Island bridge restaurant patio
Boats of all shapes and sizes can be found in the marina
Under the Granville Street Bridge and into the night!
After sunset, Granville Island lights up and shines
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Meet the Photographer
Kevin Eng
Kevin's passion for photography has encouraged others to see the splendor and beauty of nature right at their doorstep, as he captures the sights of the day, and colors and mystery of world while it sleeps. Many of the subjects of his work are based locally in his hometown in Vancouver, B.C, where he first discovered his fascination with night photography. Kevin is a currently working as a music teacher, music director for his church, and landscape photographer.