Preparations for Bicentenary:

Remodelling the Council Chamber, Cleaning City Hall and Improving the Grand Parade

In 1940, City Council had the architect Sydney Dumaresq design and oversee comprehensive interior space changes, including the mayor’s office and the Council Chamber. In preparation for the City’s bicentenary in 1949, Council had the building cleaned using acid and steam. Citizens were utterly amazed at the change and at the fine appearance of the cream and red sandstone, which for so many years had been covered with black grime. During the bicentenary, the Canadian Pacifi c Railway gave for the Grand Parade a massive wooden flagstaff, 225 feet high, and reputed to be the tallest in the British Commonwealth of Nations (later it was determined that a flagstaff at Kew, London was taller).

Next: New Coat of Arms and a Mace