Construction workers below old Connaught Bridge, Vancouver, 1983

I brought this photograph back from one of the many bicycle commutes and explorations around Vancouver, as the city prepared for Expo 86 and the replacement of the old swing-span Connaught Bridge across False Creek. The photo was made, in fact, from its wooden boardwalk.

A year later, friend and fellow photographer Brian Hay and I climbed the structure to the deck of its control tower. From that perch, we documented the fast-changing urban landscape and disappearing industrial infrastructure along the inlet, lit by the rising sun. The area remains undeveloped (unredeveloped?) to this day, though condos are springing up along W. 1st. Avenue. The warehouse buildings at top right are still standing at this writing.  The north side of the “new” (over 30-year-old) bridge, now clear of industry, is a busy, densified neighbourhood of parks and high-rises.

On this day, I imagine, a city engineer or contracting boss discusses the next phase of transformation with a construction foreman.

More from the Eighties Vancouver 35mm series.