It's a new soundtrack: A Vancouver icon is whistling a new tune.
The Gastown steam clock, which has been playing the "Westminster Chime Melody" since it was built in 1977, is playing notes from a more contemporary song.
As of Thursday, Dec. 5, it has started tooting out "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift, as the pop star's Eras Tour is set to take over BC Place and Vancouver this weekend.
The clock plays a longer snippet of the song on the hour (ending at 11 p.m.) and a short bit on the 15-minute mark. It will keep doing this until Dec. 13 (Swift's birthday).
“What started as an April Fools’ Day joke we did this year with Destination Vancouver has turned into reality,” says Gastown BIA executive director Walley Wargolet, in a press release.
The idea for the change in tune was run by Ray Saunders, the clock's maker.
“He was absolutely charmed with the challenge. Ray loved to go out to the clock and introduce himself to visitors, answer questions and tell his wonderful stories. More than anything, everyone who worked with Ray wanted to do this for him and to thank him,” says Wargolet.
Saunders passed away Nov. 23, 2024.
@vancouverisawesome Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off is now being played on Vancouver’s iconic steamclock in Gastown. #taylorswift #erastour #vancouver #shakeitoff #gastown #swifttok #swifties ♬ original sound - Vancouver Is Awesome
