Vancouver's steam clock plays new tune for the first time ever
- The Gastown steam clock has started playing Taylor Swift's 'Shake it Off' every 15 minutes from December 5 to December 13, 2024.
- Traffic slowdowns are expected in downtown Vancouver due to Swift's concerts and other local events this weekend.
- The initiative to retune the clock began as a joke but became a way to celebrate Taylor Swift's significant impact on the city.
In Vancouver, Canada, a significant change has taken place at the iconic Gastown steam clock. Starting on December 5, 2024, the clock, which has historically only whistled the Westminster Chimes for over 46 years, began to play Taylor Swift's hit song 'Shake It Off' every 15 minutes. This initiative coincides with the bustling atmosphere created by the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, which has brought thousands of fans into the downtown area. The clock's musical change is set to continue until December 13, 2024, the date of Swift's 35th birthday, offering an additional layer of excitement for visitors during her concert run. The City of Vancouver issued a warning about expected traffic slowdowns in the downtown core for the weekend of the concerts. In addition to Swift's three performances, various other events and celebrations are planned, which have contributed to the anticipated congestion. Major streets surrounding the BC Place venue, such as West Georgia and Robson streets, will face full closures between noon and midnight from Friday to Sunday. Local authorities have encouraged people to take alternative methods of transportation, such as walking, biking, or utilizing public transit. The decision to retune the steam clock was initially conceived as an April Fools’ Day joke. However, the idea gained traction when members of the Gastown Businesses Improvement Society decided it would be a unique and joyful way to honor the massive influx of Swift's fans and her impact on Vancouver. Walley Wargolet, the Executive Director of the Gastown Business Improvement Society, announced the initiative, stating that everyone involved wanted to embrace the fun surrounding the concerts in a distinctly Gastown manner. Ray Saunders, the esteemed maker of the clock, who passed away recently, was supportive of the idea. His agreement played a crucial role in securing the city's approval for this festive implementation. The emotional sentiment underscoring this change reflects a collective effort to commemorate Swift's performances and contribute to a celebratory atmosphere in the city. The clock’s chime will add a unique auditory experience for fans and onlookers alike, blending Swift's music into the historical fabric of one of Vancouver's treasured landmarks.