In 1907, the west side of Government Street held a collection of late-19th-century commercial buildings. Government Street was still the heart of the business district, although there had been some movement to Douglas Street.
The list of businesses illustrates the diversity of this portion of the street.
1244 Government – Royal Guarantee and Trust Co.
1242 Government – Northern Pacific Railway Co.
1240 Government – Robertson and Griffith – real estate
1238 Government – Glass & Mailing – real estate
1236 Government – F. Proctor – dentist
1236 Government – Ernest Hall – physician
1236 Government – William Blair – photographer
1234 Government – Swinerton and Oddy – insurance
1232 Government – Hall Goepel & Co – insurance
1232 Government – Hall & Walker – coal
1230 Government – Liberal Association Rooms
1230 Government – George H. Hayes – dentist
1228 Government – Cyrus H. Boyes – druggist
1226 Government – Arthur E. Bowers – tobacconist
1224 Government – McPherson & Fullerton Bros. – real estate
1222 Government – Pacific Coast Steam Ship Co. – ticket office
1220 Government – Standard Stationery Co. – stationery
1218 Government – Danes & Ruckhaber – barbers
1216 Government – E. Andernach – jeweller
1214 Government – Jens Sorensen – tailor
1214 Government – Grubb & Cayzer – real estate
1214 Government – Albert Toller – real estate
1214 Government – Joseph Peirson – auditor
1212 Government – George W. Dean – real estate
1212 Government – Great North West Telegraph Co.
1212 Government – Western Union Telegraph
1210 Government – B. C. Permanent Loan and Savings Co.
1208 Government – B. C. Permanent Block
– Week Publishing
– William C. E. Blakemore
– A. Maxwell Muir – architect
– Canadian North West Oil Co. Ltd.
– Mitchell’s Realty – real estate
– W. C. Sheldon – real estate
– YWCA
1206 Government – National Finance Co. Ltd.
1204 Government – Northern Bank
This entire block of buildings was replaced by the new federal Post Office (Percy Leonard James, James and James Architect, 1948-1952).
This five-storey complex was originally conceived as a make-work project in 1936 but was delayed due to depression and war. The project was not completed until 1952 due to its size and complexity. Ironically, this was also the site of the first post office and is the third at this location. The Post Office had previously been located at the corner of Government and Wharf Streets
The Post Office was diversified in the late 20th century and the building redeveloped to include offices and retail on the main level. It was renamed P. L. James Place to honor the architect who was responsible for the design.
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This Hallmark Heritage Society project was funded by the HBC Foundation and the BC150-Heritage Legacy Fund
Project manager and researcher: Helen Edwards
Principal Photography & Consultant: Ron Bukta, West Ventures Photography