The MAN who loads the 9 O'CLOCK GUN in Stanley Park

[@regularberg8481]

Interestingly, the nine o’clock gun, which weighs about 1500 lbs was stolen in February, 1969 by UBC engineering students and a ransom note was sent to the mayor’s office, requesting that for the safe return of the gun, a photo of the mayor donating at least $100 to BC Children’s hospital must be printed in a local paper. The mayor refused to pay the ransom, but the students managed to raise about $1500 for the hospital and four days later, the gun was returned. At other times it was painted red, loaded with rocks, and now it sits in the cage. I’m a former tour guide, but I’m obsessed with strange history stories in Vancouver.

[@pixie3393]

Which douchey mayor refused to donate to the children ○.○

[@jens_le_benz]

UBC engineers are something of a marvel themselves

[@jadecool5565]

Every night I have to kindly tell my guests on the patio that we are not under attack

[@rootbeer1053]

On my first night visiting Dover England many years ago, I awoke to what I thought was a war breaking out. Turns out it was a local festival and they were firing off cannons in the harbour. It was pretty terrifying but we had a good laugh after!

[@Polo_CJR]

Must have a nice patio. 🤔

[@petemichael4512]

Mike, Can you imagine living in Stanley Park? After years of patience and waiting, this wonderful couple have lived in this beautiful home for 28 years. Raising their family in what I would consider a modern-day Garden of Eden. Your kindness and thoughtfulness always shows when dealing with anyone you come across. it is one of the reasons I look forward every week to seeing you. Thanks for the tip on CuriosityStream.

[@LeahandLevi]

David is an absolute legend. Can't believe he actually lives in Stanley Park... 😂

[@DownieLive]

The ONLY house in Stanley Park! And he's been there for 28 years! 😳😀. So cool.

[@pkzammy666]

Jealous!! I would live in Stanley Park

[@pkzammy666]

@Armando Jameson no one cares about your scam site.

[@DownieLive]

😂🤣👏🏼

[@pkzammy666]

@@philwhipple4557 ?

[@DenisRyan]

Hey Mike. I know you miss doing your usual travel vlogs, but I gotta say, I really appreciate these looks into our local areas. Seeing places around the world is great, but seeing something I could walk to today after watching this is really special! This past year has been tough, but these videos have inspired me and my family to go explore areas of Vancouver we'd never been to before, or re-explore areas we love, like Stanley Park.

[@nelmassachs]

“Roses are dead” “Violets are dying” “Outside Imsmiling” “But inside Im crying” I dont ask you anything, just if you want, give my GoProvids a chance and youll see...

[@DownieLive]

Thanks so much, Denis. It's my pleasure to make them, and I'm glad they're appreciated. Cheers!

[@GoesTo11]

My parents were born in Vancouver in the late 1920's and told me stories about their childhoods. They both grew up in similar areas (Mom in Knight Road & 29th, Dad near 41st & Fraser). They apparently could hear the 9 O'clock Gun go off every night, as there was not the construction of large buildings and loud traffic to block the sound. The sound from the canon would echo off the North Shore Mountains and carried for miles! My Mom said that it was their "reminder" as kids to be heading home in the Summertime. Pretty cool stuff that we no longer even hear any longer outside of the immediate area.

[@nelmassachs]

“Roses are dead” “Violets are dying” “Outside Imsmiling” “But inside Im crying” I dont ask you anything, just if you want, give my GoProvids a chance and youll see...

[@lorettahouben6565]

We live near the Joyce Station in Vancouver and can hear it when the wind is right. I just love that sound.

[@thecatdragon589]

finding a youtuber who lives in my city always feels so nice

[@GoesTo11]

There's lots of us! :)

[@Sprouht]

Yeah!!

[@alexanderbarnett4948]

Living in a medium size city that isn't walk friendly 😥😳😭. Why can't I have a dope youtuber man

[@timobrian6255]

Great story. Great to see Vancouver kept such a fine tradition. I remember as a kid cool jobs like lighthouse keepers, canal keepers and lock tenders. Sadly they have all been replaced by modernization. Thanks for spotlighting such a unique tradition.

[@DownieLive]

Very true. This is one of the last remaining unique jobs that hasn’t been automated.

[@gregkrekelberg4632]

"I don't know where I'm going next, but I know I want you there with me." [Had to be said...best tag on KZbin.]

[@DownieLive]

I think you were the first to notice I didn't say it 😄

[@brucetharpe762]

“I came to Stanley Park-- *BANG* “SH#^#! F%%}!”

[@cosmicedward5238]

As a new comer to Canada who decides to settle down in Vancouver, I really enjoy watching your videos. And this one is very special to me since today is also my Bday. Thank you Mike !

[@DownieLive]

Happy Birthday Edward!

[@AnthonyBarthelCurbside]

Some people are just so incredibly cool. I'm no longer in grade school and haven't been for decades and i still couldn't dream of building a cabinet like that. What a great look at some very neat people.

[@brianfraser2495]

Let's hope nobody sneaks a real cannonball into that gun.

[@kimbarudd]

Great video, Mike! As much as I like watching for the landscapes, it's the people involved that interests me most....I like that David dressed up to be on your video and even wore a tie for you. What a life he has led and what a front yard he has enjoyed for decades.

[@alijordan4141]

Fascinating! At last some info about one of my favourite things about my birth city. Been listening for nearly 70 years. Thanks to you for all your fabulous content!!

[@nelmassachs]

“Roses are dead” “Violets are dying” “Outside Imsmiling” “But inside Im crying” I dont ask you anything, just if you want, give my GoProvids a chance and youll see...

[@natatatt]

This is so cool. One of those famous local features in Vancouver, so nice to learn more about it. Amazing that the operator gets to live in Stanley Park.

[@trav4oilers]

Starting the Saturday off with a BANGGGGGGGG. See what I did

[@julie59595959]

Smart man

[@DownieLive]

Hehehe... cleverrrrr...

[@dianeboileau2026]

I've driven and walked past that house many times! So nice to meet the couple who live there! Another great video!

[@anitanorambuena]

He looks so happy, i enjoyed knowing this

[@debbydhill]

What a cool job! I have so enjoyed all the unique and special people you have introduced to your audience. How wonderful to live in a park!

[@christinafulton4360]

I don't here the gun any more cause I live in Burnaby now but I remember many a night hearing the gun when I lived in the DTES I also remember the musical bell at 12 noon...❤️

[@GoesTo11]

The "Oh Canada" horns that play everyday at noon were originally on top of the old B.C. Hydro building in downtown Vancouver. My Father was one of the men that installed them on the roof top! They got relocated to the new B.C. Hydro building downtown years ago.

[@stufromoz8164]

He is a real character, thanks Mike Cheers from Down Under.

[@nelmassachs]

“Roses are dead” “Violets are dying” “Outside Imsmiling” “But inside Im crying” I dont ask you anything, just if you want, give my GoProvids a chance and youll see...

[@anitascarr7982]

Was at the Westin Bayshore last night and heard the 9 o'clock gun! Cool to hear. Thanks for sharing this!

[@coconutpanda]

I can see the 9 o'clock gun from my balcony and it's interesting how the weather and temperature affects the volume of the cannon. On a very clear night, it can sound like the cannon is on my balcony and on a cloudy, overcast evening it's much quieter and more muffled.

[@michaeldowson6988]

Depending on weather conditions, I can hear the gun clearly in the Strathcona neighbourhood. Of course, sound carries well over water.

[@MsMpzee]

I watch all your videos, this is seriously one of my favorites. What an absolute character & gentleman David is. Thanks for sharing! I remember first hearing the cannon as a girl at my grandma's in the West End.

[@rhondareadman]

I remember when I was a teenager and staying at my grandparents house on Knight Street in Vancouver… you could hear the 9 o’clock gun from their house. I loved it.

[@AWWx2]

Great video ! Loved meeting David and seeing his home and seeing him discharge his daily responsibilities. I always love your weekly videos.

[@Brick-Life]

Never knew there were houses inside Stanley Park. Awesome house for an awesome man!

[@revolution1one]

I never knew there was a cannon in the park that was fired everyday. And I was born here!

[@billhanson7944]

Mike, that is so special, thanks for that. I just suggested a friend follow you. She is eager to visit as soon as we can cross the border. I said you gave me a list way beyond my other visits there,

[@verovancouver]

Super cool! Been hearing it for 38 years every night, couldn’t be luckier. Filmed the event a few times and shared the experience with a few people that never knew it existed. A must see. I ❤️ Vancouver.

[@michaelformaini7053]

Wow! What a great job David has! And not just loading the gun, of course. I simply loved the interior of his " forever home" in Stanley Park. I agree ya wouldn't want to leave except as a corpse in a casket. Funny about the weather. I'm watching and commenting on this on the coldest Melbourne Sunday we have had for months. My poor puss, Grizzlebum, lived up to her name this morning and she couldn't get inside the rear porch to get her food quickly enough, being chased indoors by a freak hail shower. Purring nicely now though! Thanks again for a wonderful insight into the hidden secrets of Vancouver life. David and his wife have such warm personalities and have one of the best homes in Vancouver, right there in the Park. Simply loved the workmanship on his cabinet amongst other homely features within the house. Hope he gets to live on there for many more years. Thank you again Mike for this great insight to how the 9 o'clock gun continues to be a unique feature of your city.

[@reelhappytravellers2691]

Your camera focus on what is important, capture the good times with amazing shots! Spectacular video.....

[@JscoLP]

Wow this was awesome. Thank you David for the tour!!

[@Sprouht]

This is awesome Mike! So epic to get a look inside David's life and to see how he runs the gun (no pun intended). Great video brother!

[@jessicadownie3080]

What a gorgeous, warm, cozy home! David, you are one lucky guy!

[@lindagoulder8934]

Night fire on a Cannon is spectacular

[@groofay]

Man, I wish I'd known about this when I visited Vancouver almost a decade ago. That would have been something to see. Oh well, maybe next time. Thanks for sharing this with us!

[@alexjohnson8209]

Downie thank you very much for showing us this amazing landmark of vancouver the great city in the world.

[@DownieLive]

It's my pleasure

[@heathertruskinger6214]

So cool ! I bet there is a line-up of people wanting that job when he finally does retire ! I can just imagine too just how hard it would be to do in the depths of a Vancouver winter with snow, storms and blizzards !!!

[@davidschick6951]

David does seem like a kindly gentleman. I hope he can do the job as long as he pleases.

[@Fongolia]

Thanks for this video. I've lived here 13 years and have yet to see this in action. I went two nights in a row this past November, but nothing happened the first night and the second night all the alarms went off... then nothing happened. I wasn't sure if they were on a pandemic break or something. Now I'll have to make an effort to try again!

[@cdani78]

Love your channel! I miss Vancouver so much especially since I now live in Ontario and we've been locked down for so long :-( Your channel brings a smile to many people!

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Dani! I'm so happy to hear that.

[@Obscurai]

Of course, there's also the noon horn from the roof of Canada Place, which originally on the roof the BC Hydro building.

[@phyllisogis129]

Loved this tour! I’m on a mission to get affordable and enjoyable train travel across Canada going again. Keep up the great work!

[@dwhite3977]

I reeeally wanna see you on the island , theres so much beauty. I love your channel and the way you speak and edit your videos

[@dwhite3977]

Btw I have 3 KZbin acts and I subbed on all of them it may be slightly different if I'm on my PC or phone or moms PC . D white or devon white =)

[@snaking5423]

He looks like Santa

[@benjaminyaong]

"...I wanted a red and blue..but they wouldn't give it me... "

[@WillEdmond]

Bring back memories Mike!

[@martinfartin85]

OMG I was thinking after your last video featuring the 9 o'clock gun, it would be cool if we could find out more, like who loads it, when, are they there when it goes off. Haven't watched yet, but so happy about this. Thanks dude!

[@martinfartin85]

The only thing that I had questions about was who does it when he is on holidays/sick? I assume there is a backup person.

[@DownieLive]

Yeah, I think he said it in when we were in the car. The other groundskeeper covers for him if he's away.

[@outdoor_kat]

Thank you for all these awesome Vancouver videos! They're really helping me cheer up. Maybe I'll see you around our beautiful city one day!

[@markricio8282]

Walked that trail two days in a row… thanks to you my family and I have explored Stanley park on some nice weathered days.

[@DownieLive]

Awesome Mark! Thanks for letting me know!

[@thegoodkid]

Your channel makes me miss Vancouver. Lived out there when they started building Canada Line, visited a few times sense then. Looking forward to taking a trip once everything opens back up.

[@candacejackson5044]

It must not be heard across the water. When we stayed near English Bay Beach in 2016, before a cruise, I don't recall hearing it. I know we didn't know anything about it then either, but what a cool thing to have seen if we had.

[@pacalvotan3380]

I remember the story from May 18, 1964 when someone someone was able to toss rocks from the beach below into the barrel of that canon, which when fired at 9 o'clock then perforated the 'O' in the word "Texaco" of the large illuminated sign above the gas station's barge LOL.

[@andrewkast4087]

Thank you for showing that awesome local tradition!

[@CarbonSickle]

My dude. It's only so long for this channel. You. Will. Skyrocket. Keep it up

[@johannes8644]

Really enjoyed the video Mike, thanks! Great to learn about kind David and wife, their home and lives, as well as the cannon and how it works. Thanks again Mike!

[@EdwardTravels]

I remember the first time we were in Vancouver, we heard that cannon and couldn’t figure out we heard. Then the front desk person told us. Ha ha

[@grayc3814]

The add roll went off right as the cannon fired 😅

[@alexinnewwest1860]

Way back in the day (probably late 50s) my late uncle and his friends (the we’re kids) filled that cannon with wet cardboard and aluminum bolts just before before 9:00 After that they put a cadge around it

[@Fx1240]

Awesome! I learned about the 9 o'clock gun in your videos and it's nice to learn even more about it like that! Great content as usual!

[@GerhardusDelport]

Great new video. Can't wait to see the Vancouver Cannon in action in person one day.

[@thecraftypreschooler8263]

another amazing Downie live i love Saturdays and Downielive.

[@justforsheba]

Being from the coast, naturally knew about the gun. Had NO IDEA someone lived in a house on Stanley Park Drive. VERY COOL!! Thanks!!

[@hollygwynn9233]

Love this! It’s nice to learn some of Canada’s traditions! Have a fabulous week 😊

[@spiffybb]

So many people don’t know about this! I love to go for this as an evening thing!

[@didisinclair3605]

Such a wonderful video. I can't wait to visit Vancouver!

[@RobertHouben]

Love it, Mike! One of your best so far!

[@DownieLive]

Wow, thanks!

[@Amm17ar]

Keep em coming!!!!! If you're ever in Ottawa, would love to show you around :p

[@keegswong]

WOW I'm impressed by this man who manages this gun! Great video idea!

[@itsnotme07]

Yes, meet me at 8:59 pm in Stanley Park....I have a BIG surprise for you... Hahahaha! Interesting way to "tell the time"....and gotta love it that it's usually the same guy each day. Great job David!! Thanks for your service!! As always Mike....great job!! Must be fun during the summer flying a float plane and that BIG GUN goes off on your takeoff or landing...especially if you don't know about that gun!!

[@smwca123]

It's probably included in NOTAMs - Notices to Airmen.

[@soulpowerful]

We love your channel so much!!! Thank you

[@DownieLive]

Thank you so much!

[@mattyred3973]

It always makes my day better when you post

[@abrooksdowty]

What a cool job and a neat couple! Also I have to say we are long-time homeschoolers and we LIVE on CuriosityStream! It’s incredible. The quality of the content is absolutely excellent!

[@DownieLive]

That is awesome!

[@julianakf]

Loved it!!!! David is lucky enough to live in Stanley Park, amazing! Thanks for the video :)

[@barbb]

How wonderful, had no idea who did this. Thank you for the info. What a cute little house he lives in.

[@DownieLive]

Thanks for watching!

[@andrewpayne6720]

You have made me want to visit Vancouver, but I hope you get on a train soon. I love your positive energy.

[@DownieLive]

I hope so too, Andrew! Thanks

[@cheriekreusel9453]

Downielive still making me smile with sweet stories ♡

[@lorettahouben6565]

THIS IS FANTASTIC!!!! The best video of Vancouver history EVER! Thanks so much for this; you've outdone yourself. I love the house and the showing of the gun's innards. Once in the early 1990's we took a friend to hear the gun, and nothing happened; it didn't go off. I don't know the exact date but it was very disappointing. Do you know WHY that would have happened? It was the strangest thing.

[@DownieLive]

It has happened a few times where it doesn’t go off. Sometimes it’s an electrical issue.

[@davebagley6499]

One of your Neatest videos, Michael. Thanks for showing us the "9 o'clock gun".

[@MetroElfren]

That smoke ring though ... wow!

[@petermladinic8249]

Living through a drought, I love the rain, among other things, in this video.

[@joevermillion9748]

Love the come up there to hear the cannon

[@geraldb9706]

Wow! That’s fantastic to learn about. David definitely has the job of a lifetime. Thanks for sharing this neat part of Vancouver Michael. 👍🏻😎🇨🇦

[@DownieLive]

Our pleasure!

[@cj4631]

Finds the things that all know of then explains them and gets access to how they work...this is what KZbin was made for! Cracking work

[@DownieLive]

YES! Thanks CJ!

[@cj4631]

@@DownieLive hoping that Canada is a possible summer adventure option this year. Haven’t been on a plane since Dec 19.

[@amitem7]

Love this. Thanks for walking us through this

[@DownieLive]

You bet!

[@AT-es5mw]

So awesome that I could consider that house my 2nd home his son and I have been friends for 30 years big papa Waine is a legend

[@DownieLive]

Oh wow! So cool!

[@Slingin_Mary_Alex]

I love your Van vlogs! I keep learning about Van in a new way 💙

[@DownieLive]

I'm so glad!

[@theresevh]

What a great video, thanks! I would love to hear more about the keeper of the cannon. What a great lifestyle to have!

[@DISCONNECTEDEXITSIGN]

feels like it should have been asked if the cannon has never gone off at 9pm due to a mistake or bad powder...something!?! LOL

[@joermnyc]

Near my parents house in Bensonhurst Brooklyn is an old church that dates back to the colonial period. Once a year they have a Revolutionary war festival with people in costume and they fire off a small portable cannon with only a 1/4 of the powder it would use to fire a cannonball. My parents live a few blocks away, and it still shakes their house. In fact it’s loud enough to be heard for quite a distance! We always would joke that the pharmacy across the street was under siege. 😂

[@genooj71]

Should showcase Fraser Foreshore Park an amazing walk from far west all the way east go from burnaby to New West I went other day I saw so many cranes, eagles, beavers, white doves .

[@qwincyq6412]

This reminds me of the noon canon in Majors Hill Park in Ottawa. Sadly it’s no longer fired so the tradition is lost. What’s the significance of firing the canon at nine pm?

[@hervehebert8684]

I knew about the 9 o’clock gun and I would hear it every night having lived at English bay for 12+ years and I would also walk by it everyday for a walk but I had no idea it had to be loaded every single day! That’s interesting. Thanks.

[@LROutdoors]

A few years ago while waiting for my flight back to Ontario I spend a day in Stanley Park and had no idea this was here!!

[@donaldswitzer6541]

What an exciting and interesting video! The man who loads the cannon is awesome...what an amazing job he has! Glad we got to see the cannon go off.

[@DownieLive]

Pretty spectacular, right? Especially at night!

[@baumansound]

One night I was filming a movie near stanley park. I was inside one of the cars with wireless units while the actors were near a path for a murder scene. Exactly at the same time the actor pulled the trigger and we saw powder FX and the other actor fell to the ground, was when the 9oclock gun fired nearby. We all panicked for a second!

[@bajlandia2025]

Interesting facts about Vancouver!

[@Andy1076]

Living at the park grounds and firing canon, I want! He's so friendly too 😄

[@dawoudjoufcaranguian5319]

The vid cannon actuallly exploded on my 9pm alarm hahaha kudos man.