the mud flat that became Granville Island was initially a centre of business...beginning in the 1970s leases were cancelled or bought out, most heavy industry turfed, and a process of 'gentrification' set in motion....however the shrewd owners of Ocean Cement negotiated a deal to stay here until 2046...they do add a strong presence, of an imposing nature, to the otherwise relaxed and visitor-friendly location...their relatively freshly-painted silos bring some character too