DJL

The Panama Canal locks system, with each passing, lifts each ship up 85 feet (26 metres) to the main elevation of the Panama Canal and down again. It has a total of six steps (three up, three down for a ship’s passage). The total length of the lock structures, including the approach walls, is over 3 kilometres. It was one of the greatest engineering works ever to be undertaken at the time, when they opened in 1914.  No other concrete construction of comparable size was undertaken until the Hoover Dam in the 1930s.

Miraflores is the name of one of the three locks that form part of the Panama Canal.  It is the name of the small lake that separates these locks from the Pedro Miguel locks upstream.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation, a volunteer-based health charity, leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke and reducing their impact through: the advancement of research and its application, the promotion of healthy living and advocacy.

49° 17.109′ N, 123° 6.836′ W

Since 1907, generations of Vancouverites have arranged downtown rendezvous with one simple phrase ‘ Meet you under the Birks’ clock’.

Erected as a public convenience for the people of Vancouver this Stalwart timepiece has stood in front of the main Birks store in Vancouver for almost 90 years, requiring little more attention than a weekly winding of the original mechanical movement.  Originally placed at the northeast corner of Hasting & Granville, the clock moved with Birks in 1913 to Georgia & Granville where it remained until 1994.

The plaque was erected in 1994 by The Birks Family Foundation and the City of Vancouver Heritage Conservation and is dedicated to the enjoyment of past, present and future generations who meet under the Birks’ clock, including those in need of warm shelter!