The City’s Growth and Expansion in the Early 20th Century, Including the Building of the Canadian Pacific Railway

The early 20th century saw Vancouver’s rapid expansion, driven by the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) which connected the city to the rest of Canada. The railroad not only brought in new trade and commerce opportunities but also led to an increase in immigration, particularly from Asia. However, this growth also had a dark side. The city’s expansion was done at the expense of the indigenous peoples and their traditional territories, and they were displaced from their ancestral lands. The CPR also brought in thousands of Asian laborers, who were subjected to racial discrimination and violence. The city’s expansion also led to the displacement of low-income communities and the fragmentation of neighborhoods, which still has an impact on the city’s social fabric today.