Vancouver changes tune under Swift spell, with Gastown clock to chime ‘Shake it Off’
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is making a big impact in Vancouver, with changes happening all over the city. From the iconic steam clock in Gastown to traffic patterns in the downtown core, Swift’s presence is being felt as thousands of fans flock to the city for her upcoming concerts.
The City of Vancouver is cautioning residents about potential traffic delays this weekend, not only due to Swift’s three shows at B.C. Place but also because of other events and activities taking place. Major roads around the concert venue will be fully closed between noon and midnight on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, including West Georgia and Robson streets, Pacific Boulevard, and the Cambie Bridge off-ramps near the site. The city is advising people to plan ahead for delays and consider alternative modes of transportation such as walking, biking, public transit, or ridesharing.
In a unique twist, the steam clock in Gastown has been reprogrammed to play Taylor Swift’s hit song “Shake it Off” every 15 minutes, with an extended sequence on the hour. This special feature will run from Thursday until December 13, which coincides with Swift’s 35th birthday. The idea originally started as an April Fools’ Day prank earlier this year but was embraced as a fun way to join in on the Taylor Swift craze sweeping through the city.
The clock’s creator, Ray Saunders, unfortunately passed away last month at the age of 83. Despite his absence, he was aware of the plan to incorporate a Taylor Swift tune into the clock’s musical repertoire and was reportedly enthusiastic about the idea. Walley Wargolet of the Gastown Business Improvement Society shared that once Saunders gave his approval, the city granted permission to proceed with the musical adjustments.
The integration of Taylor Swift’s music into the iconic steam clock adds an extra layer of excitement to the already buzzing atmosphere in Vancouver. As fans eagerly anticipate her concerts, the city is abuzz with energy and anticipation for a weekend filled with music, festivities, and a touch of Swift-inspired charm.
