An Abbreviated History of Leg-In-Boot Square

Welcome to Leg-In-Boot Square (L.I.B.S). Most people know where it is, very few know what it’s called!

The story behind Leg-In-Boot Square’s name is a blend of mystery, macabre history, and urban whimsy that has fascinated Vancouverites for decades. Nestled within a neighbourhood full of industrial-themed street names, the name of this square stands out like a bizarre relic. The unsettling legend goes as follows:

Back in the summer of 1886, the newly incorporated City of Vancouver attempted to clear some land through two planned fires. Unfortunately, these fires spiraled out of their control, decimating the city. This became known as The Great Vancouver Fire. This macabre event had a high human toll. One example was the eerie discovery of a single knee-high boot, found along the marshy shores of False Creek. The boot contained a human leg from the knee-down, but the rest of the body was nowhere to be found. The newly formed Vancouver Police force was stationed at City Hall, which was now a temporary tent at the far end of False Creek. After coming into possession of the Leg-in-boot, they decided to display this grisly find on a pole, hoping the owner would come to claim it. A poor attempt at black humor… or perhaps just a fanciful story.

Fast-forward seven decades into the 1950s. Our site is situated among a decaying industry of sawmills, creosote plants, and shipbuilding factories. The output of this industry had contaminated False Creek to such an extent that is was considered biologically dead. But, strong political motivation over the next two decades pushed a Special Council and City Planners to develop a new vision. Revitalizing the Creek and the developing the areas to the south was the primary objective. The 1970s False Creek masterplan was a model of the New Urbanism movement. It features a range of living options and supporting amenities, good connections and walkability, narrow streets that limit car use, and a significant focus on parks and green infrastructure. Yet within this serene and future-forward master-plan, the Council reached back into a dark chapter of the past for a controversial naming of its central plaza: Leg-In-Boot Square (L.I.B.S.)! This quirkiness characterized the evolution of this hub over the next decades. L.I.B.S. was not intended by the original Planners to be a place that you rush-by on your way to somewhere else. But as the city expanded, the essential businesses and grocery stores that made this a commercial hub moved elsewhere. 

With that in mind, our SvN team was eager to take up the City’s challenge, and the neighbourhood’s persistent desire to bring L.I.B.S. to life. After several iterations, we honed our bigger ideas into one easy-to-execute element. It met two key goals:

(a) Promote “placemaking” by identifying the name and history of the place. If you are reading this, we hope that’s been a success; and

(b) Create a communication tool. Located along the busy seawall, this community board will allow any Vancouverite to post ads for events and opportunities happening throughout the City.  We hope you will post about places to LIVE, LEARN, DINE, SHOP, PLAY, MEET, and more.

Again, leaning into the ghostly echoes of the place, we’ve stacked two boots in front of False Creek hoping that someone will make use of them. May the legend live on in the heart of one of Vancouver’s most intriguing neighborhoods!