Downtown in Victoria in Capital, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)

Waddington Alley

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

1. Waddington Alley Marker

Inscription. Built by B.C. pioneer Alfred Waddington, this alley was intended to maximize access to, and use of, three privately-owned lots during the Fraser River gold rush of 1858.

Initially, “a number of cheap shops” were erected which, by 1863, included a fishmarket, a bakery, a blacksmith, a bowling saloon, the Sacramento Restaurant and the Pioneer Wholesale and Retail Variety Store.

Alfred Waddington retained private ownership of the alley until his death of smallpox in 1872. Both before and after his death the paving of the alley was of public concern. In 1866 dangerous potholes covered with iron plates were evident and in 1878 complaints referred to the sidewalk being in a sad state of repair.

Finally in 1908 a pavement of creosoted wood (Douglas fir) blocks was laid in the alley, along with a sidewalk incorporating a metal carriage curb at a total cost of just under $1000.

In 1992, the alley was restored by the City of Victoria with the assistance of the Victoria Hoo Hoo Club, the Cowichan Valley Hoo Hoo Club, the British Columbia Forest Museum Society and the British Columbia Heritage Trust.

[Photo caption]
Alfred Waddington, (1801-1872)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 48° 25.616′

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N, 123° 22.177′ W. Marker is in Victoria, British Columbia, in Capital. It is in Downtown. It is at the intersection of Yates Street and Waddington Alley on Yates Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 524 Yates Street, Victoria BC V8W 1K8, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Inside Passage,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Leiser Building (here, next to this marker); S.J. Pitts, Importer (a few steps from this marker); Thomas Earle Warehouse (a few steps from this marker); The Oriental Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Victoria, B.C. (within shouting distance of this marker); Shop/Warehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Amor De Cosmos, 1825-1897 (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Mizzen Mast – H.M.S. Algerine (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Victoria.

Detail from the Waddington Alley Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

2. Detail from the Waddington Alley Marker

Map based on the fire insurance plan of 1885

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

3. Waddington Alley Marker

Of the two markers the Waddington Alley marker is on the left.

Waddington Alley image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

4. Waddington Alley

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,146 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 3, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.