27.02.18

Malcolm Lowry Dérive: Here he stands proudly on the rocky shore off Dollarton at a point that looks out towards Belcarra, a traditional camp of the Tsleil-waututh. It was a long tread to quench ones thirst but the trek was within reach as required to the Lynnwood Inn in North Vancouver (194-). One version of the Inn stood grandly with separate entrances for Ladies and Gents:

While another, later version of the Inn had a more mid-century design and aspect (BCA):

In any case Lowry found the roughly grim landscape of Hastings St and the bars, rooming houses, strip clubs and hard-done-by to be a tragic result of inaction (even then) on the part of those with the means to affect change. The North Shore became his refuge from this vision of hell.

"Christ Walks In This Internal District Too

Beneath the Malebolge lies Hastings Street,
The province of the pimp upon his beat,
Where each in his little world of drugs or crime
Moves helplessly or, hopeful, begs a dime
Wherewith to purchase half a pint of piss –
Although he will be cheated, even in this.
I hope, although I doubt it, God knows
This place where chancres blossom like the rose,
For on each face is such a hard despair
That nothing like a grief could enter there.
And on this scene from all excuse exempt,
The mountains gaze in absolute contempt,
Yet this is also Canada, my friend,
Yours to absolve of ruin, or make an end."

- from Collected Poetry by Malcolm Lowry