by Al Pruden
The northwest corner of Nelson and Granville in downtown Vancouver was a familiar spot for Robert (Bob) Hurly. As Paramedic Supervisor on C-Platoon, Bob would often “stand by” there on busy nights. Positioned at the heart of the Granville Entertainment District, it was a strategic location—offering quick access north and south along Granville, a direct route to the Cambie Bridge, and easy passage to Vancouver General Hospital.
Bob Hurly
It wasn’t uncommon for Bob to invite paramedic crews to swing by for a quick chat if he needed to discuss something. Over time, that corner became a natural meeting point. Between calls, crews would often park there—drawn by the nearby coffee, food, and the ever-changing show of nightlife. It also created a chance for the public to connect with paramedics: people would ask for directions, or even inquire how to become a paramedic themselves.
During major events like the 2010 Winter Olympics and Canucks playoff runs, Nelson and Granville became a staging area for police, fire, and ambulance services, especially with thousands of pedestrians filling the car-free Granville Strip.
Bob passed away on December 3, 2008. After his passing, many paramedics felt a strong desire to memorialize the spot known affectionately as “Hurly’s Corner.”
Paramedics Randy Reinhold and Al Pruden began brainstorming ideas. Randy created some “HURLY’S CORNER – Bob was here” stickers and placed them on the light pole at the northwest corner. It was a sweet gesture, but they knew Bob deserved a more lasting tribute.
Vancouver Police Sergeant Wally Argent suggested a more official approach—requesting a proper city-made sign from the Vancouver sign shop. He and Al brought the idea to the shop’s foreman, but the initial response was lukewarm. Undeterred, Wally pointed out that the foreman was nearing retirement, and a more receptive replacement might come along soon. A few months later, with a new foreman in place, they tried again. This time, the response was enthusiastic. The foreman asked for a design idea.
They quickly reached out to BC Ambulance Service (now BCEHS) and the Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia (APBC), the union representing paramedics and dispatchers. With blessings from both, the final design included the two organizations’ logos—marking the first public appearance of the new APBC logo.
A few months later, on a rainy afternoon in June, a small group of paramedics, friends, and family gathered for a quiet ceremony. After a few heartfelt words from Al, Bob’s wife Patti unveiled the sign marking Hurly’s Corner.
But Patti had one final tribute in mind. From her purse, she pulled a small mason jar, uncapped it, and gently poured a portion of Bob’s ashes under the sign. In the pouring rain, Bob was symbolically given a “Viking’s funeral,” as his ashes washed down Nelson Street.
The sign stood proudly for years, until 2023, when it mysteriously disappeared. Word spread quickly through the paramedic community—texts and emails flew as people tried to find out what had happened. Al was surprised and began making inquiries with the City of Vancouver.
It turned out the city was replacing commemorative signs that looked too similar to standard street signs, as they were causing confusion and potential safety issues during emergencies.
Unfazed, Al requested a new sign. The city agreed—and in 2024, they designed a new version of the Hurly’s Corner sign. This one was clearly distinct: blue instead of black and white, and designed in honour of BCEHS’s 50th anniversary.
Al Pruden by the newly installed Hurly's Corner sign
In April 2025, the new sign was installed on the northwest corner of Nelson and Granville, restoring Hurly’s Corner for all to see—a fitting tribute to a man who left a lasting mark on the streets and people of Vancouver.
Hurly's Corner was also featured on the Knowledge Network documentary series Paramedics: Life on the Line. Stream full series on Knowledge Network.
