Union Bank of Canada

Gastown is the historic core of Vancouver, and is the city's earliest, most historic area of commercial buildings and warehouses. The Union Bank of Canada building is representative of the importance of Gastown as the trans-shipment point between the terminus of the railway and Pacific shipping routes, and the consequent expansion of Vancouver into western Canada's predominant commercial centre in the early twentieth century. The construction of this bank is significant as an indication of the speculation and wealth in Gastown during the pre-World War One boom era. Referred to as the 'pioneer bank' of western Canada, the Union Bank followed the railway across the prairies to the West Coast. The Union Bank was the first to provide an extensive branch system throughout the prairies. While it expanded and prospered prior to World War One, the bank suffered during the post-war depression, and in 1925 was absorbed by Royal Bank, reinforcing that bank's western presence.

A handsome example of Edwardian era design, the Union Bank of Canada building is significant for its association with architect Arthur Julius Bird (1875-1967), who established his practice in Vancouver in 1908 and later served as Vancouver City Architect. The prominent contracting firm of Adkison and Dill was responsible for the construction of the bank in 1910-11.