Iconic Bitcoin Hackerspace Closes Downtown Location After 12 Years Due To Zoning Changes
DCTRL, a renowned Bitcoin hub and hacker space based in Vancouver, has recently announced the closure of its iconic downtown basement location after 12 years of operation. This move comes as a result of zoning changes in the area, prompting the community to transition to a new location in the near future. Despite the closure of its original space, DCTRL remains a vital part of the Canadian Bitcoin and Crypto scene, with plans to relaunch in a new venue and updates to its vision.
The history of DCTRL dates back to its inception at Waves cafe on Howe Street in Vancouver. The Bitcoiniacs, a group of early Bitcoin adopters who operated a Bitcoin brokerage, set up the first Bitcoin ATM in the world at this location in October 2013. The launch event was a significant milestone in the adoption of Bitcoin as a digital currency, attracting national and international attention.
Over the years, DCTRL became a hub for Bitcoin engineers, founders, and enthusiasts, hosting a variety of events and welcoming influential figures from the industry. Notable visitors included Vitalik Buterin, the founder of Ethereum, and representatives from CaVirtex, the first Canadian Bitcoin exchange. The space also saw its fair share of controversy during the fork wars, with co-founder Cameron Gray taking a stance on the ‘big block’ side of the debate.
One of the highlights of DCTRL’s history was the creation of the Bepsi, a modified Pepsi machine that accepted Bitcoin payments. This quirky project became a symbol of the local community, with funds collected from the machine supporting the operation of the hacker space. The Bepsi also served as a testing ground for cutting-edge Bitcoin technology, attracting visitors from around the world.
As DCTRL prepares to move to a new location, the community is gearing up for the transition with record attendance at recent events. The hub, operated entirely by volunteers and sustained through public donations, has been a cornerstone of the Canadian Bitcoin scene for over a decade. While the original location may be closing, the future of DCTRL looks brighter than ever, with plans for a brand update and continued community engagement.
For those interested in being a part of the next chapter of DCTRL, more information can be found on their website at www.DCTRL.wtf. The legacy of DCTRL as a pioneering Bitcoin hub and hacker space in Vancouver will undoubtedly continue to shape the industry for years to come.
