profile - west end community profile 2012
TRANSCRIPT
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West End:Exploring the Community
Table of Contents
The Community Profile highlights key aspects of the West End and its residents. This background information is intended to help inform discussions about the various planning issues that will be addressed through the community planning process.
The structure of the document is based on the five key theme areas outlined in the West End Community Plan Terms of Reference.
2011 Statistics Canada census data are used where available; otherwise 2006 census data are the most recent. Additional 2011 census data will continue to be released throughout 2012 and 2013. Periodic updates to the Profile will be made as these data are received.
Throughout the Profile comparisons are made to 1986 census data as this year was the last census taken prior to the last community plans and zoning changes being implemented in the West End.
Introduction
1
2
3
4
5
6
Introduction & Context
Demographics
Housing
Neighbourhood Character
Heritage
Transportation
Local Economy 7
Built Form p.43 | Public Spaces p.55 | Community Facilities p.65
Davie p.93 | Denman p.97 | Robson p.101| Alberni p.105
PAGE 5
PAGE 17
PAGE 29
PAGE 41
PAGE 69
PAGE 75
PAGE 83
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 4
Introduction & Context 1
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 6
The West End is a vibrant, diverse, walkable, and densely populated community surrounded by world-class parks and beaches, as well as Vancouver’s downtown and Central Business District.
The West End includes the Davie Village—traditionally a hub for the city’s LGBTQ community—and Denman Street, which together provide local shopping, services and restaurants. This area also has high-end retail on Robson and Alberni Streets.
The green, leafy residential streets and the diversity of building forms and architectural styles are defining elements of the West End’s unique character.
Introduction
Welcome to the West End! 1860 1870 1880 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
City of Vancouver
incorporated
English Bay beach sand is pumped in & streetcars are
introduced
St. Paul’sHospital opens
Lord RobertsSchool opens
Policy caps buildings to 6
storeys max
6 storeys cap islifted; rental
highrises built
Residentialareas down
zoned
First Symphonyof Fire held at
English Bay
Lions Gate Bridge opens
The West End is largely built
“New Liverpool” subdivision - Burrard
to Stanley Park
District Lot 185 is purchased for $550.75
Constructionbegins on the
seawall
Commercial and Residential Area
Policy Plans
Barclay HeritageSquare officiallyopens
Central AreaPlan approved
Mini-parks begin being built to
calm traffic 1862
1886
1890s
1887
1894
1907
1917
1927
1930s
1938
1978
1990
1973 1985
1986
1973
1969
Mole Hillredevelopmentapproved and “Davie Village” is named
1999
1991
1957Rate of Change Policy adopted to protect rental housing1996
2013West EndCommunity Plan
1987
First Pride Parade
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 7
1860 1870 1880 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
City of Vancouver
incorporated
English Bay beach sand is pumped in & streetcars are
introduced
St. Paul’sHospital opens
Lord RobertsSchool opens
Policy caps buildings to 6
storeys max
6 storeys cap islifted; rental
highrises built
Residentialareas down
zoned
First Symphonyof Fire held at
English Bay
Lions Gate Bridge opens
The West End is largely built
“New Liverpool” subdivision - Burrard
to Stanley Park
District Lot 185 is purchased for $550.75
Constructionbegins on the
seawall
Commercial and Residential Area
Policy Plans
Barclay HeritageSquare officiallyopens
Central AreaPlan approved
Mini-parks begin being built to
calm traffic 1862
1886
1890s
1887
1894
1907
1917
1927
1930s
1938
1978
1990
1973 1985
1986
1973
1969
Mole Hillredevelopmentapproved and “Davie Village” is named
1999
1991
1957Rate of Change Policy adopted to protect rental housing1996
2013West EndCommunity Plan
1987
First Pride Parade
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 8
0 250
meters
500
West End Boundary
Stanley Park
English Bay
Burrard Inlet
False Creek
West Georgia Street
Burrard
Street
Burrard Bridge
Cam
bie
Brid
ge
Granville
Bridge
Community Plan Area
Comments:
The West End Local Area was established in 1969 as one of the City of Vancouver Local Areas.
The West End is situated between West Georgia Street, Burrard Street, Stanley Park and English Bay. It comprises 204 hectares, making up 35% of the downtown peninsula (not including Stanley Park).
There are 112 blocks in the West End.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 9
0 250
meters
500
Streets
West End
Coal Harbout
Central Business District
Gastown
Downtown South
False Creek North
Yaletown
Northeast False Creek
Chinatown
Parks
Stanley Park
English Bay
Burrard Inlet
False Creek
Burrard Bridge
Cam
bie
Brid
ge
West Georgia Street
Burrard
Street
Granville
Bridge
Robson St
West Georgia St
Dunsmuir St
West Hastings St
Water St
Smithe StNelson StPacific St
Pacific Blvd
Queb
ec S
t
2nd Ave
Mai
n St
Mai
n St
Pacific Blvd
Davie St
Beach Ave
Cornwall Ave
West 4th Ave
Thurlow St
Granvil
le St
Denman St
West End
Coal Harbour
Central Business District Gastown
Chinatown
Northeast False Creek
False Creek North
Yaletown
Downtown South
Downtown Character Areas
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 10
0 250
meters
500
Ceremonial Streets
Parks
Arterials
All other streets
Bike Lanes
Proposed Comox-Helmcken Greenway
Streets
Regional Transit
West End Boundary
Canada Line
Expo / Millenium Line
Canada Line Station
Expo / Millenium Line Station
Seabus
West Coast Express
Seabus Station
West Coast Express Station
Stanley Park
English Bay
Burrard Inlet
False Creek
Burrard Bridge
Granville
Bridge
Cam
bie
Brid
ge
West Georgia Street
Burrard
Street
Robson St
West Georgia St
Dunsmuir St
West Hastings St
Water St
Smithe StNelson StPacific St
Pacific Blvd
Queb
ec S
t
2nd Ave
Mai
n St
Mai
n St
Pacific Blvd
Davie St
Beach Ave
Cornwall Ave
West 4th Ave
Thurlow St
Granvil
le St
Denman St
Downtown Transportation
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 11
0 250
meters
500
Streets
Parks
Rest of Downtown
West End
Shopping / Entertainment Streets
West End Boundary
Stanley Park
English Bay
Burrard Inlet
False Creek
Burrard Bridge
Granville
Bridge
Cam
bie
Brid
ge
West Georgia Street
Burrard
Street
Robson St
West Georgia St
Dunsmuir St
West Hastings St
Water St
Smithe StNelson StPacific St
Pacific Blvd
Queb
ec S
t
2nd Ave
Mai
n St
Mai
n St
Pacific Blvd
Davie St
Beach Ave
Cornwall Ave
West 4th Ave
Thurlow St
Granvil
le St
Denman St
Denman
Lower Davie Alberni
DavieVillage
LowerRobson
Robson Slopes
Robson Village
Robson
Square
Granville
Yaletown
Granville Island
Gastown
Chinatown
Shopping and Entertainment Streets
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 12
Neighbourhood Sub Areas (est. 1986-87)*
Residential Neighbourhoods
The West End Residential Areas Policy Plan (1987) identified four distinct residential neighbourhoods, with special study required for the Georgia-Alberni sub-area. These five areas were distinguished based on their physical and social characteristics. This Plan provided the basis for five new RM (multi-family residential) zoning districts in the West End.
Commercial Areas
The West End Commercial Areas Policy Plan (1986) identified four distinct commercial areas based on their character and role in the community. This Plan provided the basis for the new C5 and C6 commercial zoning districts in the West End, with additional planning work required for the Georgia-Alberni sub-area.
*Note: To be reviewed through discussion with the community and staff.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 13
4000 200
metres
Primarily Commercial
Primarily Residential
Mixed Use
Central Business District
Streets
Parks
West End Boundary
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL STHELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
DAVIE ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Coal Harbour
Central Business District
Downtown South
Triangle West
Generalized Land Use (2012)
Comments:
The West End is a primarily residential neighbourhood, with three primarily commercial shopping streets serving the community.
Along the north and east ‘fringes’ is higher density mixed use development.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 14
Streets
West End Boundary
Zoning
C-5C-6CD-1DD
RM-5RM-5ARM-5BRM-5CRM-6
RS-1
4000 200
metres
DRAKE ST
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Zoning (2012)
Comments:
There are 30 CD-1 Zones in the West End.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 15
Multiple Dwelling Districts
RM-5, RM-5A, RM-5B & RM-5C
The intent is to permit a variety of residential developments and some compatible retail, office, service and institutional uses. Emphasis is placed on achieving development which is compatible with neighbouring development with respect to streetscape character, open spaces, view retention, sunlight access and privacy. The RM-5A, RM-5B and RM-5C Districts permit greater densities than RM-5.
The additional intent of the RM-5 District is to require developments suited to families with children. The additional intent of the RM-5C District is to permit a greater range of uses.
RM-6
The intent is to permit high density residential development and some compatible retail, cultural, recreational, service and institutional uses. Emphasis is placed on achieving development which recognizes the formal character of Georgia Street and is compatible with the West End residential character along Alberni Street.
Commercial Districts
C-5 & C-6
The intent is to provide for retail and services uses and forms of development which are compatible with the primarily residential character of the West End, and to provide for dwelling units designed compatibly with commercial uses.
Emphasis is placed on requiring the external design of buildings to be oriented to the pedestrian in terms of scale and functional considerations. The C-6 District provides a transition between Downtown and the West End by permitting a greater density and scale and range of uses than C-5.
Comprehensive Development Districts
DD (Downtown)
The intent of this District and accompanying official development plan is to ensure that all buildings and developments in the Downtown District meet the highest standards of design and amenity for the benefit of all users who live, work, shop or visit the Downtown.
CD-1
A separate CD-1 bylaw exists for each area or site zoned CD-1, tailor-made to the intended form of development.
Parks
RS-1
The original intent of the RS-1 zone is to maintain single-family residential character, however this zone only exists in the West End as the de facto zoning of the City’s larger parks.
Zoning Descriptions
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 16
Demographics 2
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 18
Population Growth
The census population was 44,543 in 2011. This is actually a small decline from 44,556 in 2006.
From 1971 to 2011 the West End’s population increased by 19%, while in the city overall it increased by 42%. In 2011, the West End contained 7.4% of the city’s total population.
0
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
600,000
700,000
1971 1976 1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2011
Popu
latio
n
West EndCity of Vancouver
603,502
426,260 414,280
471,844
545,671
44,54337,515 36,950 38,408 42,103
City of VancouverWest End
Source: Statistics Canada census data
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 19
Population Density
From the 1970s to the 1990s, the West End had the highest population density of any neighbourhood in the city. However, in the 2000s this began to change as other downtown neighbourhoods redeveloped with high-rise residential towers.
The West End is now the fourth most densely populated neighbourhood with an average of 217 persons per hectare.
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
Triangle West
Citygate
Downtown South
West EndWest End
Granville Slopes
Coal Harbour
False Creek North
Yaletown
Downtown Eastside
Bridgehead
Central Business District
Population Density by Downtown Neighbourhood
47.8
Persons/hectare
p/ha
62.7
129.9
130.6
155.1
159.2
200.2
216.9
304.9
335.0
352.2
Stanley Park
English Bay
Burrard Inlet
False Creek
West End
Coal Harbour
TriangleWest
Central Business District
Downtown Eastside
False Creek North Citygate
Downtown South
Bridge-headGranville
SlopesYaletown
West End
Coal Harbour
TriangleWest
Central Business District
Downtown Eastside
False Creek North Citygate
Downtown South
Bridge-headGranville
SlopesYaletown
Source: 2011 Statistics Canada census data
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 20
2011 West End City of VancouverAge Groups
19 and under 6% 17%20-39 48% 34%40-64 34% 36%65 and over 13% 14%
Age Profile
Source: 1986 & 2011 Statistics Canada census data
The 20-39 age group is consistently the largest, and is a much higher proportion compared to the city overall.
There has been some decrease in the proportion of seniors; however, with the aging of the 40-64 age group the proportion of seniors may increase.
Age 20-39Age 40-64
Age 65+Age 0-19
5%
28%
17%
50%
1986
6%
33%
11%
Age 20-39
Age 40-64
Age 65+ Age 0-19
50%
6%
48%34%
13%
2011
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 21
Age Profile Over Time
Source: Statistics Canada census data*Note: Twenty-five years (six censuses) of West End age data (five year age ranges).
A unique aspect of the West End’s age profile is that the structure changes very little over time (unlike anywhere else in the city).* This, interestingly, means the population changes a lot. Every five years a group of people leaves to be replaced with a group of new people exactly the same ages as the previous group.
In the chart the wave of “baby boomers” can be seen moving across, but this shows up much less in the West End than anywhere else in the city.
There is no increase in seniors (actually fewer) and just a slight increase in young children, but no more older children.
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
1986
1991
1996
2001
2006
2011
Popu
latio
n
Age
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 22
Children
Source: 2011 Statistics Canada census data
Population & Density
There are 1,745 children (ages 0-14) in the West End. The proportion of children in the population (3.9%) is much lower compared to the city overall (11.8%). However, the West End contains the fourth highest density of children of any Local Area in the city, with an average of 8.8 children per hectare. This compares to 10.0/ha in Sunset, 9.7/ha in Kensington-Cedar Cottage, and 9.1/ha in Downtown. The city overall has an average of 6.4 children per hectare.
Schools
All three schools in the West End (Lord Roberts Elementary, Lord Roberts Annex, and King George Secondary) have capacity utilization at greater than 100%. Approximately 1,090 students are enrolled in these schools.
Local Area Children/HectareSunset 10.0Kensington-Cedar Cottage 9.7Downtown 9.1West End 8.8Renfrew-Collingwood 8.7City of Vancouver 6.4
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 23
West End1.5
Average size of household
City of Vancouver2.2
0
0.5
1
West End City of VancouverHousehold Size
Average household size is lower in the West End (1.5 persons) than in the city overall (2.2).
Of note, one person households comprise 59.1% of West End households, compared to 38.6% in the city overall.
Looking at household size by dwelling type, rowhouses/townhouses have the highest average household size at 1.9 persons. All other dwelling types (low/mid/high-rise apartments and detached houses) have average household sizes around 1.5 persons.
Source: 2006 Statistics Canada census data
1.4
1.9
1.5 1.5
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2
Single Family Detached
Semi-detached,Duplex, Rowhome
Apartment under 5 Storeys
Apartment over5 storeys
Hous
ehol
d Si
ze
Household Size by Unit Type
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 24
Mother Tongue
English, 61.3%
French, 3.4%
Chinese, 5.2%
Japanese, 4.2%
Korean, 3.8%
Spanish, 2.9%
Other, 19.2%
Mother TongueWest EndCity of Vancouver
English, 49.1%
French, 1.7%
Chinese, 25.3%
Japanese, 1.2%Korean, 1.4%Spanish, 1.5%
Other, 19.8%
City of VancouverResidents whose mother tongue is English are much more predominant in the West End (61%) compared to the city overall (49%).
The West End has a much lower proportion of residents whose mother tongue is Chinese (5%) compared to the city overall (25%).
Source: 2006 Statistics Canada census data
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 25
West End City of VancouverAge
Median Age 37.4 38.6
Language – Mother TongueEnglish 61.3% 49.1%French 3.4% 1.7%Chinese 5.2% 25.3%Japanese 4.2% 1.2%Korean 3.8% 1.4%Spanish 2.9% 1.5%Other 19.2% 19.8%
MobilityPopulation who moved since last census
66.4% 50.2%
HouseholdsNumber of private households 28,995 253,210One-person households 59.1% 38.6%Average size of household 1.5 2.2Median household income* $38,581 $47,299 Population in low income households
32.8% 26.6%
FamiliesNumber of families 8,710 145,605Children living at home 3,535 148,545Single parent families 10.0% 16.2%
Key Demographic Facts
*Note: “Median” indicates half of all responses were greater than this figure and half were less.Source: 2006 Statistics Canada census data
Nearly two thirds of residents (66.4%) moved since the last census, which is a much higher proportion than in the city overall (50.2%).
The West End serves as the “landing pad” for many newcomers. Thus, while it contains 7.4% of the city’s population, it received 14% of new Vancouverites in the 2001-2006 period.
Median household income ($38,581) is lower than in the city overall ($47,299).
The percentage of the population in low income households (32.8%) is higher than in the city overall (26.6%).
*
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 26
Employment
Approximately 28,000 West End residents are in the employed labour force. They are primarily employed in sales and service; business, finance and administration; management; natural and applied sciences; and social science, education, government service and religion.
Compared to the city overall, a much lower proportion of West End residents are employed in trades, transport and equipment operation; primary industry; and processing, manufacturing and utilities.
The unemployment rate of West End residents was 5.7% in 2006, which was slightly lower than in the city overall (6.0%).
Source: 2006 Statistics Canada census data
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
West End
City of Vancouver
National Occupational Classification
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 27
Location of Employment
More than half of employed West End residents work in the downtown peninsula (52%), and nearly two thirds work in Vancouver’s central area (64%). This proximity to employment encourages sustainable transportation choices for the journey to work.
About 9.7% of West End residents work from home, compared to 8.6% in the city overall.
22%
5%2%
Rest of Vancouver 7%
Outside Vancouver 29%
22%30%
2%
2% 5% 3%
Source: 2006 Statistics Canada census data
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 28
Housing 3
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 30
Housing Stock
Apartment under 5 storeys
Other (1%
)
Apartment 5 or more storeys
24%
75%
Other (1%
)
Apartment under 5 storeys
Apartment 5 or more storeys
22%
77%
Source: 1986 & 2006 Statistics Canada census data
The vast majority of West End dwellings are in mid-rise or high-rise apartment buildings.
The percentage of dwellings in low-rise buildings (under five storeys) went down slightly from 1986 to 2006.
Since 2006 there have been several large residential completions in the West End ‘fringe areas’, including the 61-storey Shangri-La (2008) on West Georgia Street and the 42-storey Patina (2010) on Burrard Street.
1986 2006
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 31
Tenure*
Owned
Rented
9%
91%
Owned
Rented
19%
81%
*Note: “Tenure” refers to whether the household owns or rents their private dwelling.**Note: “Rented dwellings” include market rental units, non-market units, and secondary rental market units such as rented condos.
Source: 1986 & 2006 Statistics Canada census data
The percentage of rented dwellings** is decreasing (from 91% in 1986 to 81% in 2006); however, this is still much higher than in the city overall, where 52% of dwellings are rented.
The median income of renters ($34,922) is lower than owners ($57,171).
1986 2006
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 32
Market rental and non-market units comprise 69% of the total housing units in the West End, which is much higher than in the city overall (32%).
The West End plays a major role in providing market rental units in the city, with 30% of the citywide total.
A portion of All Other Housing Units, which are primarily condominiums, are part of the secondary rental market.
Overall Housing Mix*
Housing Type West End % of Total City of Vancouver % of Total West End as % of CityNon-Market Units 1,973 6.2% 24,160 8.4% 8.2%Market Rental Units 19,984 62.8% 66,966 23.3% 29.8%All Other Housing Units* 9,848 31.0% 196,059 68.3% 5.0%TOTAL 31,805 100.0% 287,185 100.0% 11.1%
*Note: “Market rental” is purpose-built rental housing, renting at market rates. “Non-market” housing is subsidized rental housing, and includes public housing, non-profit housing, and co-operative housing. “All Other Housing Units” include owner occupied units and secondary rental
market units such as rented condos.Sources: Coriolis Consulting Corp. - Purpose Built Rental Housing Inventory and Risk Analysis
City of Vancouver Non-Market Housing Inventory2011 Statistics Canada census data
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 33
4000 200
metres
DRAKE ST
Properties WithoutHousing Units
Non-Market
All Other Housing
Properties With Housing Units
Market Rental
Rate of Change Areas(RM Zones)
Streets
West End Boundary
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Housing Types - Location
Comments:
Rate of Change regulations are intended to maintain rental housing by requiring one-for-one replacement of demolished rental units in redevelopment projects involving six or more dwelling units. This applies to all RM zones in the West End.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 34
Unit Size
Source: 2006 Statistics Canada census data
441 788
403 402 434
4,563
11,207
6,095
3,023 3,209
1,517
701
807
747
701
746 700
659 659
703
969
1,069 1,049 1,049
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
Num
ber o
f Uni
ts C
onst
ruct
ed
Aver
age
Uni
t Size
(ft²)
Decade of Construction
0
Number ofUnits Constructed
AverageUnit Size (ft²)
Square Footage Over Time
Since 1900, over 31,000 housing units have been constructed in the West End. The vast majority (92%) of construction has occurred since 1950, with a major spike in the number of units constructed in the 1960s.
There is a misconception that the average size of units constructed has gradually decreased over time, however the data indicate otherwise.
From 1900 to the 1970s, the average size of new units remained fairly consistent, fluctuating mostly between 700 and 800 square feet.
Since the 1980s, the average size of new units has increased dramatically to over 1,000 square feet across the West End. This indicates an increasing share of two and three bedroom units are being constructed. These units are primarily in condominiums.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 35
10
10
10
20
10
30
70
350
10
125
1,315
3,665
0
30
3,940
13,655
0
10
1,120
4,585
Number of Bedrooms
Detached
Semi-detached, Duplex, Rowhome
Apartment under 5 storeys
Apartment 5 or more
storeys
4+321Studio
Build
ing
Type
s
*Note: The chart shows total dwelling units by number of bedrooms and building type.Source: 2006 Statistics Canada census data
Bedrooms by Building Type
Nearly half (47%) of all occupied dwellings in the West End are one bedroom units in mid- or high-rise apartments.*
Studio units in mid- or high-rise apartments are the next most common dwelling type (16% of total).
Housing appropriate for families with children is considered to be units with two or more bedrooms. In the West End, 19% of all units have two or more bedrooms. However, only 2% of all units have three or more bedrooms.
Most units (72%) with two or more bedrooms are in mid- or high-rise apartments.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 36
Rented dwellings are the predominant form of tenure in the city’s downtown peninsula and inner neighbourhoods.
Overall, 18% of the city’s rental housing stock is located in the West End (23,315 units).
The downtown peninsula, including the West End, contains 29% of the city’s rental housing stock.
Rental Housing in the City
Source: 2006 Statistics Canada census data
1986 2006Rented Dwellings By Local Area
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 37
Market Rental Housing
Age of Stock
Most of the purpose-built rental housing in the West End was built from the 1950s to the 1970s. In fact, 94% of the market rental housing stock was built before 1980 (approximately 18,850 out of 19,980 total units).
Consequently, the stock of purpose-built rental housing in the West End is aging; very little rental housing has been built in recent decades.
New Units Since 1986
Three buildings with purpose-built rental housing have been completed in the West End since 1986, providing 208 market rental units.
No new purpose-built rental buildings have been completed in the RM residential zones since 1986.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
1900
s19
10s
1920
s19
30s
1940
s19
50s
1960
s19
70s
1980
s19
90s
2000
s
Rental units - year of construction
Zoning Address Name Storeys Year Completed UnitsC-5 760 Denman St 2 1990 4C-5 1106 Davie St 3 1995 5DD 1016 Nelson St Wesley Place 22 2002 199
Sources: 2009 Canada Mortage and Housing Corporation dataCoriolis Consulting Corp. - Purpose Built Rental Housing Inventory and Risk Analysis
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 38
Market Rental Vacancy Rate
In 2011, the West End market rental vacancy rate was 0.6%. From 1997 to 2011 the vacancy rate averaged 0.7%, which was lower than in Metro Vancouver overall (1.5%).
The West End market rental vacancy rate was as low as 0.2% from 2006 to 2008.
A vacancy rate below 1% indicates most rental units in an area are being occupied shortly after becoming vacant. This typically means that households have greater difficulty finding a place to rent.
Metro Overall
0.0%
0.5%
1.0%
1.5%
2.0%
2.5%
3.0%
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
West EndVaca
ncy
Rate
Source: Canada Mortage and Housing Corporation Rental Market Surveys
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 39
For all dwellings, the proportion of households spending over 30% of income on housing is 43% in the West End, compared to 37% in the city overall.*
For rented dwellings, the proportion of households spending over 30% of income on housing is 47% in the West End, compared to 45% in the city overall.
The average rent for a West End one bedroom apartment
is $1,151 (the citywide average is $1,045). For a renter
household with the median income this is considered
unaffordable, as approximately 35% of income would be
devoted to rent.
Affordability
*Note: According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the cost of adequate shelter should not exceed 30% of household income.Sources: Statistics Canada 2006 census data
2011 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation data
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 40
Key Housing Facts
West End City of VancouverDwellings Occupied private dwellings 28,955 253,385 Dwellings per hectare 141.9 22.1
Type of dwelling Single-detached house 0.1% 19.1% Semi-detached house 0.0% 1.5% Detached duplex 0.1% 16.9% Row house 0.5% 3.3% Apartment, under 5 storeys 22.2% 34.8% Apartment, 5 or more storeys 76.9% 24.2%
Tenure Rental 80.5% 51.9% Owner 19.5% 48.1%
Source: 2006 Statistics Canada census data
Neighbourhood Character 4
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 42
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 43
Built Form
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 44
Evolution of Built Form in the West End
The West End has a diverse built form resulting from the different phases of development that occured as the community continually evolved.
Starting in the 1890s, the West End forest was logged and gradually replaced with a mix of modest and grand Victorian homes. In the 1910s, the community’s second stage of development began. Apartments were built, homes along Robson, Denman and Davie Streets (which carried streetcar lines) were redeveloped as shops, and larger homes were converted into rooming houses. City building regulations, which lasted until 1956, restricted these early masonry buildings to a maximum of six storeys, and wood frame buildings to a maximum of three storeys.
During the 1930s and 40s, development of low-rise apartments occurred throughout the community. The late 1950s brought the fourth stage of redevelopment to the West End. These changes were mainly in response to zoning changes and technological advancements which allowed for cheaper and higher quality multi-storey construction. The majority of high-rise apartment development occurred between 1962 and 1975 when more than 220 high-rises were built. In 1969 and 1973 the residential areas were down-zoned to help address residents’ concerns about changes in their community.
In the 1980s, City Council initiated local area planning programs in the West End. The Commercial and Residential Area Policy Plans were completed in 1986 and 1987 respectively, and led to new zoning for these areas. Since 1989, most major new residential developments have occured in the Burrard and Georgia-Alberni ‘fringe areas’.
1880 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
150+
Ty
pic
al
He
igh
t (f
t)
what’snext?
Late 1880’s - WWI
1900 - 20’s
50’s & 60’s
Late 50’s - Early 70’s
30’s, 40’s & 50’s
Mid 70’s - today
Gabriola
1531 Davie St1901
Kensington
1386 Nicola St.1912
Queen Anne Gardens
1235 Nelson St.1931
Parkwood Apartments
1122 Pendrell St1955
Beach Towers
1600 Beach Ave
1965 / 1968
1403 Beach
1403 Beach Ave1993
Example Buildings:
1887New Liverpool
Subdivision
1929Zoning caps buildings
to 6 storeys max
19576-storey Cap is lifted: Rental highrises built
1969 & 1973Residential areas are down-zoned
1986 & 1987Commercial and Residential Area Policy Plans
2014West End
Community Plan
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 45
1880 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
150+
Ty
pic
al
He
igh
t (f
t)
what’snext?
Late 1880’s - WWI
1900 - 20’s
50’s & 60’s
Late 50’s - Early 70’s
30’s, 40’s & 50’s
Mid 70’s - today
Gabriola
1531 Davie St1901
Kensington
1386 Nicola St.1912
Queen Anne Gardens
1235 Nelson St.1931
Parkwood Apartments
1122 Pendrell St1955
Beach Towers
1600 Beach Ave
1965 / 1968
1403 Beach
1403 Beach Ave1993
Example Buildings:
1887New Liverpool
Subdivision
1929Zoning caps buildings
to 6 storeys max
19576-storey Cap is lifted: Rental highrises built
1969 & 1973Residential areas are down-zoned
1986 & 1987Commercial and Residential Area Policy Plans
2014West End
Community Plan
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 46
Streets
West End Boundary
Fringe Area
Commercial Area
Residential Area
4000 200
metres
DRAKE ST
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Rate of Development
The overall rate of development in the West End has been declining since the 1960s, which was the peak of the high-rise apartment building boom in the residential zones.
An increasing share of new development has been in the ‘fringe areas’ along Burrard Street and the Georgia-Alberni corridor. Zoning in these areas is primarly Downtown District (DD) or CD-1.
Development in the commercial zones peaked in the 1970s and declined significantly thereafter.
Streets
West End Boundary
Fringe Area
Commercial Area
Residential Area
4000 200
metres
DRAKE ST
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Streets
West End Boundary
Fringe Area
Commercial Area
Residential Area
4000 200
metres
DRAKE ST
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Streets
West End Boundary
Fringe Area
Commercial Area
Residential Area
4000 200
metres
DRAKE ST
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 47
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
Mill
ions
of S
quar
e Fe
et
726,000
57,000
49,000
105,000
386,000
92,000
249,000
21,000
167,000
15,000
303,000
37,000
97,000
165,000
30,000
Total: ~440,000 ft2/yr
Total: ~210,000 ft2/yr
Total: ~580,000 ft2/yr
Total: ~830,000 ft2/yr
Streets
West End Boundary
Fringe Area
Commercial Area
Residential Area
4000 200
metres
DRAKE ST
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 48
Major Residential constructed after 1988 (>11 storeys)
Streets
Parks
West End Boundary
4000 200
metres
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
DRAKE ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Comments:
Approximately 4,100 net additional residential units were added to the West End since the 1989 zoning change in the RM (multi-family residential) zones. However, over three quarters (77%) of these net additional units were built north of Robson Street or along the west side of Burrard Street, where zoning is DD (Downtown District) or CD-1 (Comprehensive Development District).
Where Has Growth Occurred Since 1988?
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 49
Streets
West End Boundary
4000 200
metres
DRAKE ST
Land UseCultural or RecreationalPark or Playing Field
Single Family DwellingSingle Family Dwelling with SuiteDuplex or Rowhouse
Apartment - HighriseApartment - Lowrise
Mixed Use - Res. and Comm.
Office
Social or Public ServiceSchool
Parking / Vacant
Utility and Communications
CommercialHotel
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Detailed Land Use & Built Form
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 50
Streets
Parks
Mini-parks
West End Boundary
Year Built by Policy Era1996 to 20131989 to 19951973 to 19881957 to 19721927Before
to 19561927
4000 200
metres
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
DRAKE ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Year of Construction - By Policy Era
Comments:
See pp. 6-7 and 44-45 for the development policy and regulation changes over time.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 51
Streets
Parks
Mini-parks
West End Boundary
Year Built by 20 year period2000 to 20131980 to 19991960 to 19791940 to 19591920 to 1939
1920Before
4000 200
metres
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
DRAKE ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Year of Construction - By 20 Year Period
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 52
Streets
Park
Open Space
West End Boundary
FSR by parcel7 to 204 to 72.75 to 42.2 to 2.751.5 to 2.20.75 to 1.50 to 0.75
4000 200
metres
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
DRAKE ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Built Form Density - FSR* by BlockIn general, the highest overall densities are found along Burrard Street and the Georgia-Alberni corridor.
The West of Denman and English Bay-Beach Avenue neighbourhoods have the next highest overall densities.
The lowest overall densities are found along Davie Street, Lower Robson, and in the Nelson Slopes neighbourhood.
*Note: Floor Space Ratio (FSR) is a way of measuring the density of a developed site or area. For a site, FSR is calculated by dividing the gross floor area of the building by the total area of the lot. Thus, an FSR of 2.0 indicates that the total floor area of a building is two times the area of the lot on which it is constructed, as would be the case with a multiple-storey building.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 53
Streets
Parks
Mini-parks
West End Boundary
FSR by parcel7 to 204 to 72.75 to 42.2 to 2.751.5 to 2.20.75 to 1.50 to 0.75
4000 200
metres
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
DRAKE ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Built Form Density - FSR by Parcel
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 54
Streets
Parks
Mini-parks
West End Boundary
4000 200
metres
Building Height (storeys)20 to 6112 to 197 to 115 to 64321
4000 200
metres
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
DRAKE ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Building Heights
Comments:
Building height ranges correspond to the height limits established through regulations and the predominant forms of development that occurred during different periods (see pp. 44-45).
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 55
Public Spaces
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 56
4000 200
metres
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
DRAKE ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Streets
Public Art
Parks
Mini-parks
Beach
West End Boundary
Stanley Park
Nelson Park
Barclay Heritage Square
AlexandraPark
Sunset Beach Park
English Bay Beach Park
Morton Park
Public Spaces
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 57
Parks
Nelson ParkAlexandra Park
Stanley Park* English Bay Beach Park
Morton ParkSunset Beach Park
Mini-Parks
Barclay Heritage Square
Chilco and Comox Gilford and Haro - North Gilford and Haro - South
Cardero and Comox Cardero and Burnaby Nicola and Pendrell
Broughton and Nelson Jervis and Burnaby Bute and Haro
*Note: Stanley Park is outside the West End Local Area boundary, but it is an important public space and amenity for West End residents because of its proximity to the community.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 58
The West End has a variety of parks, which provide space for both active and passive recreation. The total area of park space is 15.93 hectares.
West End parks include Nelson Park, Barclay Heritage Square, Alexandra Park, Morton Park, and the major waterfront parks along the beaches: Sunset Beach Park and English Bay Beach Park. The popular Seaside Greenway passes through the beach parks.
The parks have unique elements that contribute to the community’s character. For example, Nelson Park, redesigned in 2007, contains an off-leash dog park, community garden space, and water features. Barclay Square and Alexandra Park both have Class A heritage buildings. Morton Park has palm trees and the prominent “A-Maze-Ing Laughter” public art installation.
Nearby Stanley Park (405 hectares)—a major attraction for residents and visitors alike—lies at the western edge of the community.
Parks
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 59
Mini-parks are cherished elements of the West End’s residential streetscapes. The community has a total of nine mini-parks: three west of Denman and six east of Denman.
The first mini-parks were constructed west of Denman in 1973, along with other barriers, as part of a pioneering traffic calming program intended to reduce non-local vehicular traffic cutting through residential streets. Mini-parks were created by closing street segments to motor vehicles and converting them to public space.
Building on the success of the initial program, traffic-calming was implemented east of Denman in the 1980s. Along with mini-parks, other traffic-calming devices, including diverters, traffic circles and one-way segments, were installed throughout the West End.
Today, mini-parks provide public space, seating, trees and gardens, public art, and other elements for the enjoyment of West End residents. All mini-parks are on north-south streets and are half a block long.
Mini-Parks
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 60
Residential Streets
Green, leafy residential streets are a key aspect of the West End’s unique character. Various elements contribute to the streetscapes and walking experience in the community’s residential areas.
Abundant, mature street trees are a defining feature of the West End. Most residential blocks have a continuous street tree canopy. Various species of deciduous trees provide shade during the summer and allow sunlight penetration during the winter.
Building setbacks create space for display gardens, shrubs, hedges, and other landscaping elements in front of residential buildings, adding to the green character of the streets. The variety of building forms and architectural styles provides additional visual interest.
Traffic calming devices, such as traffic circles, mini-parks, and diverters help reduce traffic volumes on residential streets, making for a more pleasant walking experience.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 61
The West End has four commercial streets: Robson, Denman, Davie and Alberni Streets. These streets are important public spaces for walking, socializing, shopping, sitting on patios, people-watching, and other activities.
Differences in built form, retail mix, commercial uses, streetscape elements and neighbourhood demographics give each street and their sub-areas a unique character.
Sidewalk widths on commercial streets are typically 1.8 to 2.4 metres (6 to 8 feet). On Robson Street, sections with building setbacks have sidewalk widths of 4.5 metres (15 feet). A utility strip of 1.3 metres (4 feet), including curb, typically contains street trees, parking meters, light poles, newspaper boxes, and other street furniture.
Most sections of the commercial streets have continuous street trees.
Commercial Streets
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 62
Residential Lanes
A distinctive feature of the West End is its network of wider than normal lanes. All lane rights-of-way in the community are 10 metres (33 feet) wide, making them unique in Vancouver. The typical lane width in the city is 6 metres (20 feet).
While residential lanes primarily function as service corridors for parking, parkade access, garbage storage and collection, and utilities, they also serve as key secondary walking routes. For some walking trips or access to certain buildings, lanes provide the most direct connection.
Residential lanes are fronted by surface parking in many locations, while trees and landscaping help enhance the lanescape in other sections.
Rear setbacks vary: low-rise residential buildings tend to be built closer to the lane, while mid-rise and high-rise buildings tend to have greater setbacks (surface parking and/or landscaping).
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 63
Commercial Lanes
Like all lanes in the West End, commercial lanes are 10 metres (33 feet) wide.
Along Robson and Davie Streets, commercial lanes have commercial uses on one side and residential uses on the other. On Denman Street, the lanes intersect the street at right angles, rather than running parallel to the street behind the commercial properties. This creates loading and access challenges for some of the properties along Denman without lane frontage.
Commercial lanes are important for business operations, providing access for loading, parking, and garbage storage and collection.
These lanes also serve as secondary walking routes, and provide pedestrians with access to businesses and mid-block connections in certain locations.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 64
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 65
Community Facilities
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 66
W
V
G
B
W West End Community Centre
V Vancouver Aquatic Centre
Robert Lee YMCA
Qmunity Centre
Preschools and Daycares
St. Paul’s Hospital
Joe Fortes Library
GGordon Neighbourhood House
B Barclay Manor
West End Boundary
Beach
Mini-parks
Schools
Parks
Streets
Church4000 200
metres
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL STHELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
DAVIE ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Community Facilities
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 67
St. Paul’s Hospital
Robert Lee YMCA
Joe Fortes Library
Qmunity Centre
West End Community Centre
Gordon Neighbourhood House
Vancouver Aquatic Centre
Barclay Manor
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 68
Heritage 5
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 70
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 71
4000 200
metres
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
DRAKE ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Heritage Buildings by ClassABC
Streets
Parks
West End Boundary
Heritage Buildings
Comments:
A: Primary SignificanceRepresents the best examples of a style or type of building.
B: SignificantRepresents good examples of a particular style or type, either individually or collectively.
C: Contextual or CharacterRepresents those buildings that contribute to the historic character of an area or streetscape.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 72
Description
Date
Address
Style
Gabriola Mansion
The Rogers Family had thismansion built by Vancouver’s first home grown architect: Samuel Maclure. It was built with local materials such as stone from Gabriola Island, and has nine fire places, stained glass windows, and a large staircase. It is the last of the community’s grand mansions.
1901
1531 Davie Street
Arts and Crafts
Vancouver’s first accountant, Charles Tetley, built this elaborate elite home with a wrap-around porch. After being sold it was used as a private hospital, a home for Catholic working girls, a boarding house, and it is now a senior’s centre and part of Barclay Heritage Square.
1890
1447 Barclay Street
Georgian Revival
Barclay Manor
This modest Queen Annemansion was built forVancouver grocer GeorgeWeeks. It is situated on acorner lot and has aunique asymmetricaldesign with two fronts,two pitched roofs,shingled columns and awrap-around porch.
1895
1459 Barclay Street
Queen Anne
Weeks House
The Roedde House wasbuild for Vancouver’s first book binders, the Roedde Family. It was designed by Francis Rattenbury with Victorian themes and his trademark turret. In 1990, it opened as a home museum after being restored to its original colours.
1893
1415 Barclay Street
Queen Anne
Roedde House
The Mole Hill heritage housing community is made up of many heritage Queen Anne houses that collectively have 170 rental units. This area was namedafter two of its first residents: Henry andElizabeth Mole.
1888-1910
Between Bute & Thurlow, and Pendrell & Comox
Queen Anne
Mole Hill
Heritage Highlights
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 73
Manhattan Apartments
At six storeys tall, the Manhattan was the city’s first “skyscraper” made of brick. It was saved and restored by residents in the 1970s. The light-welled courtyard includes original stained glass, oriel windows, doric columns, and an exaggerated cornice line.
1907
784 Thurlow Street
2nd Renaissance Revival
A historic hotel on English Bay, the Sylvia was originally an apartment building before being converted during the Second World War to house merchant marine crews. It was the tallest building in the West End until the late 1950s, and the location of the first cocktail bar in the city.
1912
1154 Gilford Street
Georgian
Sylvia Hotel
The cornerstone was laid on by John Morton, a Baptist layman and one of the “Three Greenhorns”. A serious fire gutted the interior in 1931. Restoration was carried out by Charles Bentall, a church member, and his company Dominion Construction.
1910
969 Burrard Street
Gothic Revival
First Baptist Church
The church is built entirely of materials from British Columbia and was constructed after the union of the Methodist & Presbyterian churches to form the United Church of Canada.
1933
1012 Nelson Street
Gothic Revival
St Andrew’s Wesley Church
The Haywood Bandstand is situated in triangular-shaped Alexandra Park, bordered by Beach Avenue, Burnaby Street and Bidwell Street, overlooking English Bay.
1915
Alexandra Park, 1755 Beach Avenue
Haywood Bandstand
The Queen Charlotte Apartments were built in 1928 by Charles Bentall’s Dominion Construction Company. It has a two storey front entrance, clay tile roof, symmetrical massing, and art-deco and arts nouveau finishing.
1928
1101 Nicola Street
Edwardian/Classical
Queen Charlotte Apartments
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 74
Transportation 6
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 76
Walking
Journey to Work Mode Share
Pleasant streetscapes, diverse local shopping, services and amenities, and proximity to the downtown and Central Business District contribute to the West End’s walkability.
The West End has the highest walk to work mode share of any neighbourhood in the city at 40%. Only 31% of residents travel to work by car (compared to 58% citywide).
Key walking routes in the West End include Robson, Denman and Davie Streets, as well as Bute Street and the Seaside Greenway.
The Comox-Helmcken Greenway, which will provide an enhanced active transportation* route between Stanley Park and False Creek, is currently in the design phase. Section 1, Comox and Helmcken Streets between Stanley Park and Hornby Street, is expected to be constructed in early 2013. Section 2 will connect through Downtown South and Yaletown to False Creek.
*Note: “Active transportation” includes walking, wheeling by bicycle, wheelchair or stroller, in-line skating and skateboarding .Source: 2006 Statistics Canada census data
Car, as driver52%
Car, as passenger6%
Public Transit25%
Walked12%
Bicycle4%
Other1%
Car, as driver28%
Car, as passenger3%
Public Transit24%
Walked40%
Bicycle3%
Other2%
Journey to Work Mode Share
West End
City of Vancouver
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 77
Commercial streets in the West End have some of the busiest sidewalks in Vancouver.
According to the City’s 2008 Pedestrian Study*, the 1000 block of Robson (Thurlow to Burrard) had the highest pedestrian volumes of any location in the city, with 25,411 pedestrians. The 1100 block of Robson (Bute to Thurlow) had the third highest volumes. Sections of narrow sidewalk cause walking challenges in the Robson Village during busy periods.
In the Davie Village, approximately 8,500 pedestrians were counted on each block of Davie between Bute and Burrard. Sections of narrow sidewalk (accounting for benches, bus shelters, etc.) cause walking challenges during busy periods.
On Denman Street, approximately 8,800 pedestrians were counted on each block between Haro and Nelson.
*Note: Pedestrian counts are for a seven hour period. Counts were conducted from 10 am to 6 pm on a weekday, with a break from 2 to 3 pm for lunch.Pedestrian volumes are for both sides of the street.
Busy sidewalk on Robson Street between Bute and Thurlow.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 78
Cycling
Traffic-calmed residential streets and an established bikeway/greenway network support cycling as a way of getting around the West End.
The journey to work mode share for cycling is 3% (compared to 4% citywide).
Key cycling routes in the West End include Haro, Chilco, Alberni and Cardero Streets. The Seaside Greenway is a popular recreational cycling route for residents and visitors alike.
Once complete, the Comox-Helmcken Greenway will provide a cycling connection for all ages and abilities through the West End from Stanley Park to False Creek.
Source: 2006 Statistics Canada census data
Bike lanes on Alberni Street between Gilford and Denman.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 79
*Note: The 5 Downtown/Robson bus is being temporarily re-routed along Burrard and Pender Streets due to the continued closure of 800 Robson Street to motor vehicles.
Source: 2006 Statistics Canada census data
5/6 trolley bus layover, westbound Davie Street east of Denman.
Transit
The West End has frequent transit bus service both within and along the edges of the community. Transit helps enhance walkability, especially for seniors.
The journey to work mode share for transit is 24% (compared to 25% citywide).
The 5 and 6 trolley bus routes provide transit access along Robson, Denman and Davie Streets, and connect to the Central Business District and downtown Canada Line and SkyTrain rapid transit stations*. The C21 and C23 community shuttle routes provide transit access along Davie Street and Beach Avenue, and connect to Yaletown, Chinatown, and Citygate, including the rapid transit stations in these areas.
Bus routes on Burrard Street connect to destinations in Vancouver West Side/UBC and East Vancouver. Bus routes on Georgia Street connect to destinations in North and West Vancouver.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 80
4000 200
metres
Streets
Parks
Mini-parks
West End Boundary
CyclingBike Routes and Greenways
Walking
Seawall
Key Walking Streets
Proposed Comox-Helmcken Greenway
Traffic Circle
Vehicle Traffic Diverter(Pedestrian and Bicycle Through-traffic Only)
Bus Route 6
Bus Route 5
Transit
Community Shuttle C21
Canada Line
Expo / Millenium Line
Station
Station
Community Shuttle C23
Bus Route 5 detour
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Key Walking, Cycling and Transit Routes
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 81
Arterial Streets & Goods Movement
The West End is bounded on the north and east by the two downtown ‘ceremonial’ streets: Burrard Street and West Georgia Street. These arterial streets carry very high traffic volumes, ranging from approximately 35,000 (Burrard) to 65,000 (Georgia) vehicles per day. Burrard and Georgia are part of the City’s truck route network.
Robson, Denman and Davie Streets function as key walking, transit and traffic circulation streets within the West End. Traffic volumes on these arterial streets are moderate to high, ranging from approximately 15,000 (Robson and Davie) to 25,000 (Denman) vehicles per day. Denman and Davie are part of the City’s truck route network.
Other arterials in the West End include Alberni Street, Nelson Street, Thurlow Street, Pacific Street, and Beach Avenue.
Source: City of Vancouver 24 Hour Traffic Counts
Delivery truck on Denman Street.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 82
Local Economy 7
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 84
Local Business & Commercial Streets
The West End has many businesses along four unique commercial streets and other locations within the community. These businesses serve the needs of West End residents, people from throughout the city and region, and visitors from around the world. They also contribute to the West End being a vibrant, walkable, and complete community.
Robson, Denman, Davie and Alberni Streets have a variety of restaurants and cafés, retail, entertainment, personal services, and community amenities. The small, local independent businesses along these commercial streets and within the residential areas are highly valued by residents and contribute to the character of the West End.
Retail and personal services comprise 54% of ground floor units on the commercial streets overall. Restaurants and cafés comprise 38% of ground floor units. These uses help contribute to activity and vibrancy along the streets.
Davie Street
Overall
0
20
40
60
10001700 1600 1200 1100
Denman Street
0
10
20
30
1100900800a800b700600 1000a1000b
Robson Street
0
20
40
60
1700 1400 1300 1200 1100 10001600 1500
Alberni Street
0
10
20
30
1100 1000
41%
38%
13%
2% 4%
3%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
52%
35%
2%
1% 3%
6%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
38%
55%
2%
3%
2%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
NeighbourhoodServices
Vacancies
35%
31%
24%
3% 5%
1%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
31%
29%
34%
3% 3%
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
West End Ground Floor Retail Mix: All Commercial Streets
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 85
4000 200
metres
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL STHELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
DAVIE ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Commercial Areas
Alberni Street
Robson Street
Denman Street
Davie Street
Commercial Streets
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 86
Commercial Areas
Alberni Street
Robson Street
Denman Street
Davie Street
FSR by parcel7 to 204 to 72.75 to 42.2 to 2.751.5 to 2.20.75 to 1.50 to 0.75
4000 200
metres
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
DRAKE ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Commercial Streets - FSR* by Parcel
*Note: Floor Space Ratio (FSR) is a way of measuring the density of a developed site or area. For a site, FSR is calculated by dividing the gross floor area of the building by the total area of the lot. Thus, an FSR of 2.0 indicates that the total floor area of a building is two times the area of the lot on which it is constructed, as would be the case with a multiple-storey building.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 87
Commercial Areas
Alberni Street
Robson Street
Denman Street
Davie Street
0 200
metres
Building Height (storeys)20 to 6112 to 197 to 115 to 64321
4000 200
metres
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
DRAKE ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Commercial Streets - Building Heights
Comments:
Buildings in the Davie and Robson Villages and on Denman Street are generally low-rise (one to three storeys). Thus, sidewalks on at least one side of the street receive sunlight year-round.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 88
Awning Coverage by Block
Inadequate/No Coverage
Desired Coverage
Partial Coverage
Empty Lot/No Commercial Frontage
4000 200
metres
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Weather ProtectionWeather protection, such as awnings, overhangs and canopies, is a key element of pedestrian comfort in a city with a wet climate. Adequate weather protection allows for all-weather, all-season use of sidewalks, which supports local business.
To be effective, awnings need to extend far enough over the sidewalk and be at the right height to ensure pedestrians can stay dry in the rain, even with some wind. Sandwich boards and other sidewalk elements can take up valuable pedestrian space under awnings.
Most blocks along the commercial streets in the West End have desired or partial awning coverage.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 89
Awning Coverage by Block
Inadequate/No Coverage
Desired Coverage
Partial Coverage
Empty Lot/No Commercial Frontage
4000 200
metres
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Awning Coverage by Block
Inadequate/No Coverage
Desired Coverage
Partial Coverage
Empty Lot/No Commercial Frontage
4000 200
metres
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 90
Streets
West End Boundary
Commercial ZonesC-5C-6
DD
4000 200
metres
DRAKE ST
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Commercial Zones
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 91
West End Community Centre
V Vancouver Aquatic Centre
Robert Lee YMCA
Qmunity Centre
Preschools and Daycares
St. Paul’s Hospital
Joe Fortes Library
GGordon Neighbourhood House
B Barclay Manor
West End Boundary
Beach
Mini-parks
Schools
Parks
Streets
Grocery Store
5-minute walking shed
Church
GG
G
G
G
G
G
GG
G
G
G
G
4000 200
metres
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL STHELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
DAVIE ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Grocery Stores
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 92
Nightlife
4000 200
metres
HARO STSMITHE ST
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
HELMCKEN ST
BARCLAY ST
NELSON ST
COMOX ST
PENDRELL ST
DRAKE STBURNABY ST
HARWOOD ST
PACIFIC ST
DAVIE ST
BEACH AV
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTHURLO
W ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
JERVIS ST
NICOLA ST
BIDWELL
ST
CARDERO ST
DENMAN ST
GILFORD ST
CHILCO ST
Nightlife Clusters
Denman Street& Lower Davie
Robson Street
Liquor Primary
Alberni Street & Fringe Areas
Davie Village
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 93
Davie Street
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 94
Davie Street
Davie Street
Overall
0
20
40
60
10001700 1600 1200 1100
Denman Street
0
10
20
30
1100900800a800b700600 1000a1000b
Robson Street
0
20
40
60
1700 1400 1300 1200 1100 10001600 1500
Alberni Street
0
10
20
30
1100 1000
41%
38%
13%
2% 4%
3%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
52%
35%
2%
1% 3%
6%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
38%
55%
2%
3%
2%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
NeighbourhoodServices
Vacancies
35%
31%
24%
3% 5%
1%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
31%
29%
34%
3% 3%
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
Davie Street
Overall
0
20
40
60
10001700 1600 1200 1100
Denman Street
0
10
20
30
1100900800a800b700600 1000a1000b
Robson Street
0
20
40
60
1700 1400 1300 1200 1100 10001600 1500
Alberni Street
0
10
20
30
1100 1000
41%
38%
13%
2% 4%
3%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
52%
35%
2%
1% 3%
6%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
38%
55%
2%
3%
2%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
NeighbourhoodServices
Vacancies
35%
31%
24%
3% 5%
1%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
31%
29%
34%
3% 3%
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
Ground Floor Retail Mix
Ground Floor Retail Units by Block
The Davie Street commercial areas, Davie Village (Burrard to Jervis) and Lower Davie (Cardero to Denman), are almost entirely within C-5 commercial zoning. Davie Street from Bidwell to Jervis is primarily residential, except for the commercial uses on the south side of Davie between Jervis and Broughton.
The Davie Village functions as an important entertainment hub for the LGBTQ community as well as a local commercial street for nearby residents. It has a diverse range of pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants, hotels and local shops. The Davie Village also acts as a ‘gateway’ into the West End from the east and south.
The Lower Davie area includes a mix of residential, a hotel, local shops, restaurants and bars.
Most buildings within the Davie Street commercial areas are one or two storeys high, and many were constructed during the 1950s and 1960s. The typical lot depth is 40 metres (131 feet).
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 95
400
HARO ST
DENMAN ST
Commercial Areas
Davie Street
Anchor Store
1600 Block
1700 Block
1200 Block
1100 Block
1000 Block
1500 1400 1300 10001700 1600 1200 1100
Ground Floor Retail Mix
Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafes
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
Vacancies
Hotels
Davie Street: Retail Composition
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 96
400
Commercial Areas
Davie Street
Nightlife Cluster
Liquor Primary
Davie Village
Davie Street: Nightlife
Moxie’s - 1160 Davie St.23 Storey Commercial (Hotel)
Oasis Ultra Lounge - 1240 Thurlow St.2 Storey Commercial
The Junction - 1138 Davie St2 Storey Commercial
Fountainhead Pub - 1025 Davie St2 Storey Commercial
Celebrities - 1022 Davie St4 Storey Commercial
Numbers - 1042 Davie St.2 Storey Commercial
Pumpjack Pub - 1167 Davie St.1 Storey Commercial
Tight Lounge - 1181 Davie St.1 Storey Commercial
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 97
Denman Street
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 98
Denman Street
Davie Street
Overall
0
20
40
60
10001700 1600 1200 1100
Denman Street
0
10
20
30
1100900800a800b700600 1000a1000b
Robson Street
0
20
40
60
1700 1400 1300 1200 1100 10001600 1500
Alberni Street
0
10
20
30
1100 1000
41%
38%
13%
2% 4%
3%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
52%
35%
2%
1% 3%
6%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
38%
55%
2%
3%
2%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
NeighbourhoodServices
Vacancies
35%
31%
24%
3% 5%
1%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
31%
29%
34%
3% 3%
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
Davie Street
Overall
0
20
40
60
10001700 1600 1200 1100
Denman Street
0
10
20
30
1100900800a800b700600 1000a1000b
Robson Street
0
20
40
60
1700 1400 1300 1200 1100 10001600 1500
Alberni Street
0
10
20
30
1100 1000
41%
38%
13%
2% 4%
3%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
52%
35%
2%
1% 3%
6%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
38%
55%
2%
3%
2%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
NeighbourhoodServices
Vacancies
35%
31%
24%
3% 5%
1%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
31%
29%
34%
3% 3%
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
Ground Floor Retail Mix
Ground Floor Retail Units by Block
Denman Street’s commercial area is continuous from West Georgia Street to Beach Avenue, and is almost entirely within C-5 commercial zoning.
Denman Street has local shops, restaurants, the West End Community Centre, Joe Fortes Library, King George High School, and other community serving amenities. It also provides a key pedestrian link between the north and south sides of the downtown peninsula and acts as a ‘gateway’ into the West End from the north and west.
Most buildings on Denman are one or two storeys high. On the west side are primarily one-storey commercial buildings, while the east side has more of a mix, including two-storey buildings with commercial on the ground floor and residential above.
Building ages along Denman Street vary considerably. Most buildings were constructed between the 1920s and 1970s. A unique aspect of the street is the shallow lot depths, with 20 metres (66 feet) being common.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 99
Denman Street: Retail Composition
DENMAN ST
DAVIE ST
ROBSON ST
1100
1000a
1000b
900
800a
800b
700
600
1100 Block
1000 Block
1000 Block
800 Block
900 Block
700 Block
800 Block
600 Block
Commercial Areas
Denman Street
Anchor Store
Ground Floor Retail Mix
Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafes
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
Vacancies
Hotels
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 100
Denman Street: Nightlife
Commercial Areas
Denman Street
Nightlife Cluster
Liquor Primary
Denman
Bayside Lounge - 1755 Davie6 Storey Mixed-use (Hotel/Condos)
Sylvia Hotel - 1154 Gilford St.8 Storey Commercial (Hotel)
Comox Bar & Grill - 1763 Comox St.3 Storey Commercial
The Calling - 1780 Davie St.15 Storey Mixed-use (Rental)
Dover Arms - 961 Denman St2 Storey Commercial
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 101
Robson Street
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 102
Davie Street
Overall
0
20
40
60
10001700 1600 1200 1100
Denman Street
0
10
20
30
1100900800a800b700600 1000a1000b
Robson Street
0
20
40
60
1700 1400 1300 1200 1100 10001600 1500
Alberni Street
0
10
20
30
1100 1000
41%
38%
13%
2% 4%
3%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
52%
35%
2%
1% 3%
6%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
38%
55%
2%
3%
2%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
NeighbourhoodServices
Vacancies
35%
31%
24%
3% 5%
1%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
31%
29%
34%
3% 3%
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
Davie Street
Overall
0
20
40
60
10001700 1600 1200 1100
Denman Street
0
10
20
30
1100900800a800b700600 1000a1000b
Robson Street
0
20
40
60
1700 1400 1300 1200 1100 10001600 1500
Alberni Street
0
10
20
30
1100 1000
41%
38%
13%
2% 4%
3%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
52%
35%
2%
1% 3%
6%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
38%
55%
2%
3%
2%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
NeighbourhoodServices
Vacancies
35%
31%
24%
3% 5%
1%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
31%
29%
34%
3% 3%
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
Ground Floor Retail Mix
Ground Floor Retail Units by Block
Robson Street
The Robson Street commercial areas, Robson Village (Burrard to Jervis), Robson Slopes (Jervis to Cardero), and Lower Robson (Cardero to Denman) are within DD (downtown district) and C-5 and C-6 commercial zoning.
Robson Street serves as a major regional shopping and entertainment district (Robson Village) as well as a place for local commercial services, restaurants, bars, hotels and residential (Robson Slopes and Lower Robson). The retail mix changes significantly from west to east. In Lower Robson, it is similar to that of Davie or Denman, with many restaurants, cafés and local shops and services. Between Burrard and Bute, Robson is primarily a shopping street with many chain retail stores; it also acts as downtown’s ‘gateway’ to the West End.
Buildings in the Robson Village are generally one or two storeys high. West of Bute there is more variation in height, with more mid- and high-rise buildings. Most buildings along Robson Street were constructed between the 1960s and 1990s. Lot depths are typically either 40 metres (131 feet) or 38 metres (124 feet) where there are setbacks.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 103
Robson Street: Retail Composition
DENMAN ST
1700 1600 1500 1400 1300 1200 1100 1000
1700 Block
1600 Block
1500 Block
1400 Block
1300 Block
1200 Block 1000 Block
1100 Block
Commercial Areas
Robson Street
Anchor Store
Ground Floor Retail Mix
Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafes
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
Vacancies
Hotels
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 104
Robson Street: Nightlife
Nightlife Cluster
Liquor Primary
Denman
Commercial Areas
Robson Street
Empire Landmark Hotel - 1400 Robson St.34 Storey Commercial (Hotel)
Barclay Hotel- 1348 Robson St.3 Storey Commercial (Hotel)
Listel Hotel - 1300 Robson St.6 Storey Commercial (Hotel)
Shenanigans - 1225 Robson St.29 Storey Commercial (Hotel)
Inlets Bistro & Lounge - 1225 Robson St.29 Storey Commercial (Hotel)
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 105
Alberni Street
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 106
Davie Street
Overall
0
20
40
60
10001700 1600 1200 1100
Denman Street
0
10
20
30
1100900800a800b700600 1000a1000b
Robson Street
0
20
40
60
1700 1400 1300 1200 1100 10001600 1500
Alberni Street
0
10
20
30
1100 1000
41%
38%
13%
2% 4%
3%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
52%
35%
2%
1% 3%
6%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
38%
55%
2%
3%
2%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
NeighbourhoodServices
Vacancies
35%
31%
24%
3% 5%
1%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
31%
29%
34%
3% 3%
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
Davie Street
Overall
0
20
40
60
10001700 1600 1200 1100
Denman Street
0
10
20
30
1100900800a800b700600 1000a1000b
Robson Street
0
20
40
60
1700 1400 1300 1200 1100 10001600 1500
Alberni Street
0
10
20
30
1100 1000
41%
38%
13%
2% 4%
3%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
52%
35%
2%
1% 3%
6%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
38%
55%
2%
3%
2%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
NeighbourhoodServices
Vacancies
35%
31%
24%
3% 5%
1%Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
31%
29%
34%
3% 3%
Restaurants & Cafés
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
VacanciesHotels
Ground Floor Retail Mix
Ground Floor Retail Units by Block
Alberni Street
The Alberni Street commercial area (Burrard to Bute) is mostly within DD (downtown district) zoning, and is located partly in the Central Business District.
Alberni Street serves as an emerging luxury retail and restaurant area. It includes a mix of shops, local services, bars, hotels and offices. The retail mix is similar to the blocks of Robson Street directly to the south. The Shangri-La Hotel and Residences, which is currently Vancouver’s tallest building, is located at Alberni and Thurlow.
Most buildings on Alberni are mid-rises or high-rises and were constructed between the 1960s and 2000s. All lots are 40 metres (131 feet) deep.
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 107
Alberni Street: Retail Composition
ROBSON ST
ALBERNI ST
BURRARD ST
W GEORGIA STTH
URLOW
ST
BROUGHTON ST
BUTE ST
CARDERO ST
MAN ST
Commercial Areas
Alberni Street
Anchor Store
DAVIE ST
10001100
1100 Block 1000 Block
Ground Floor Retail Mix
Bars & Nightclubs
Restaurants & Cafes
Clothing & Accessories
Neighbourhood Services
Vacancies
Hotels
West End Community Profile 2012
Page 108
Alberni Street and Fringe: Nightlife
MAN STCommercial Areas
Alberni Street
Nightlife Cluster
Liquor Primary
Alberni Street & Fringe
Beyond Restaurant & Lounge - 1015 Burrard St.28 Storey Commercial (Hotel)
Comedy Mix - 1015 Burrard St.28 Storey Commercial (Hotel)
Studeo 55 (Private Club)- 1114 Alberni St.5 Storey Commercial/Parkade
Gerard Lounge - 845 Burrard St.21 Storey Commercial (Hotel)
Lobby Lounge - 1128 W Georgia St.61 Storey Mixed-use (Hotel/Condos)