Bitcoin News
By Pankaj K
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DCTRL is bowing out. The iconic Vancouver hackerspace is closing its downtown doors after twelve years, falling victim to changes in municipal zoning laws.
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The place has left a mark on Canadian crypto history. Figures like Vitalik Buterin, Roger Ver, and Andreas Antonopoulos have walked its floors.
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It all started with a bang. October 2013.
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The Bitcoiniacs installed their ATM at the Waves café on Howe Street. Heartline still remembers that launch night.
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They quickly found a basement downtown. The place soon became a haven for Bitcoin engineers, crypto startup founders, and budding developers.
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The "Bepsi" machine changed everything. For more details, see SEC Chairman Pushes Hard for Crypto.
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It became a testing ground for the most innovative Bitcoin protocols. Developers tested their codes on it, and visitors enjoyed buying sodas with their cryptos.
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Years passed, and DCTRL established itself as a must-visit. Heartline sometimes had to set up a tent on the roof when finances tightened with Bitcoin market fluctuations.
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Mayor Ken Sim recently visited the space. He discovered the famous Bepsi and marveled at the cultural impact of the place.
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Several local startups owe their existence to meetings organized at DCTRL. In 2015, a project with MintGreen emerged, aiming to develop sustainable energy solutions for Bitcoin…
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Now comes the big leap. Members meet regularly to plan the transition. Gray insists: "We want to take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen our network.
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The exact date of the move remains unclear. Negotiations for the new premises are dragging on, and municipal permits are taking time.
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DCTRL's economic impact extends far beyond its walls. A 2019 study by the Vancouver Economic Commission estimates that tech hackerspaces generate an average of $2.
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The closure comes as Vancouver aims to become a major blockchain hub. The city council recently approved a $15 million digital strategy over five years, including a section…
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