The history of the Vancouver Police Pipe Band reveals a local pipe band which has been in continuous existence since 1914. The pipe band which is the “Official Band of Vancouver”, and its many individual members, have had a distinguished past and shows no sign of letting past tradition fall by the wayside.

 

The Vancouver Police Pipe Band is the oldest non-military pipe band in British Columbia and ranks amongst the most senior police pipe bands in the world. Like the band of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada formed only a few years previously, theVancouver Police Pipe Band has during its long history occupied a special place in the hearts of Vancouverites. Its stalwart, strapping members have long been regarded in the city with great pride and affection.

 

The band’s humble beginning occurred in 1914 at the opening of the “new” police station on Cordova Street. A handful of pipers within the department had organized themselves to play for the opening ceremonies. Chief Constable Malcolm MacLennan was so impressed with this performance that he authorized the formation of a departmental pipe band.