East Vancouver, East Van, Eastside. This town with multiple nicknames has lived quite a colourful history, thanks to the diverse community that calls it home. Predominantly a working-class neighbourhood, residents in East Van come from various backgrounds. The result is a melting pot of cultures cultivating a vibrant, artistic, and outspoken personality, a community like you’ve never seen anywhere else.
East Van’s historic towns
East Van has been the first home of many non-British immigrants since the 1880s. It has many historic neighbourhoods, including Chinatown and Strathcona.
Immigrants began arriving from China in the late 1800s, with workers coming to help build the trans-Canada railway. Today, Vancouver’s Chinatown is the largest in the country. It is considered a national historic site and is home to century-old businesses like Modernize Tailors and Sai Woo Restaurant.
Strathcona is considered Vancouver’s oldest residential neighbourhood. It began as a camp of cabins built around Stamps Mill, and due to – you guessed it – industrialization, it became a hub for workers from all over the world, including China, the United States, and Europe.
The fight to save East Van
This tough working-class spirit would propel East Van into the strong, resilient community it is today. In the 1960s, East Van’s immigrant community came together to resist a destructive freeway plan that would have demolished many buildings and homes, including the legacies of Chinatown, Strathcona and Gastown.
Thankfully their voices were heard, and Vancouver’s unique combination of nature and cityscape made it one of the most livable cities in the world. Efficient urban planning helped preserve the town’s historical landmarks as well as revitalize Vancouver’s signature attractions.
The struggle of immigrant communities in East Van has also led to a rich art scene, with the most popular piece probably being Kenneth Lum’s Monument to East Vancouver, the East Van Cross. A symbol of East Van’s working-class community, the now-iconic design has become a symbol of pride for many.
East Van today
Today, East Van has an eclectic mix of neighbourhoods. Hastings-Sunrise is best known as the home of the Pacific National Exhibition at Hastings Park. Mainly residential, the area is known to be an ethnically diverse and working-class area that also attracts young professionals. People who live here are blessed with the impressive views of Burrard Inlet and the mountains up north.
Grandview-Woodland lies east of Chinatown and Strathcona and west of the PNE. Its most popular attraction is Commercial Drive or “The Drive,” a lively hub for shopping, dining and nightlife in the city. With over 22 blocks of over 300 merchants, The Drive highlights East Van’s multicultural character for everyone to see.
Heritage homes in East Van
If you want to immerse yourself even more in East Van’s history, why not invest in a heritage home? Homes with a heritage designation have high value, which continues to rise. According to BC Assessment data, 42% of designated heritage homes increased in value from 1999-2004. More heritage homes have increased in value compared to non-heritage dwellings, as well.
As East Van was able to preserve many of its historic neighbourhoods, you’ll be sure to find a lovely heritage home in the area of your choice. You can check out Vancouver’s Heritage Register or the Vancouver Heritage Foundation for more information.
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