In these series of Vancouver neighbourhood guides we're taking a look at each part, talking about its history, characteristics and future development. The first place in the series belongs to Cambie, once considered the heart of Vancouver.
South Cambie is considered one of the smallest neighboourhoods in Vancouver, housing just over 7000 people on 217 hectares of land. It's well known for it's characteristic villagey feel, attracting a young pool of active professionals with families. The neighbourhood was named after a CPR engineer Henry Cambie, who was in charge of the railway's wester division in the nineteenth century.
South Cambie is located between Queen Elizabeth park (a former pit mine) and Little Mountain. Its bordered by Oak Street on west, Cambie Street on the east and the West 16th & 41st Avenues on the north, respectively south.
The architectural style of the neighbourhood is varied. Most houses in the area are detached houses built before the seventies, heritage homes, divided houses with rental units, walk-up apartments and condominiums.
The first settler in this area was an experienced gold miner named William Mackie. He claimed himself over sixty hectares of land around a former elk pasture. The place in question today is known as Douglas Park on West 22nd Avenue. Jeremiah Rogers, the next known setller, is credited as one of the first users of mechanized loggin equipment and for building the road to the top of Little Mountain, the highest place in Vancouver offering a full 360 degree view on its surroundings. Complete development of the area finished in the early 1940's.
South Cambie is known for its abundance of medical facilities including Shaughnessy Hospital, BC Children's Hospital and the BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre. They are well known by having the reputation of being the best in the province.
The most notable recent event which influences both the future appearance and characteristics of the neighbourhood is the construction of the Canada Line rapid transportation system. The Canada Line will connect Vancouver with Richmond and runs through the entire lenght of Cambie street. The area will benefit from a complete reconstruction - amongst improved street geometry which will include corner bulges at key intersections and bike lanes for some portions of the street, there will be better sidewalks, new pedestrian lightning street, street furniture and there will be place for public art as well.
Jay Banks has been an accomplished Vancouver BC real estate expert since 1991. For more information on Cambie real estate and other great articles, visit his website http://www.jaybanks.ca