Introduction to Oakridge

Oakridge is known is for its Oakridge Shopping Centre. It was Vancouver's first shopping centre built in Vancouver. It opened in 1959 at the corner of 41st Avenue and Cambie Street. It is a mature, stable residential community known for its large lots. Oakridge got its name from the nearby Oak Street and sits on the ridge of land that slopes down to the Fraser River.

After WWII, the Jewish community moved from Strathcona and settled along Oak Street, particularly on the west blocks. A Jewish Community Centre was later built at the corner of 41st Avenue and Oak Street

History & Heritage

Oakridge remained as a forested area until the 1950's when the Canadian Pacific Railway developed the land for residential and commercial use. Single-family homes were constructed and Vancouver's first shopping center, Oakridge, was built on a 32-acre land at 41st Avenue and Cambie Street. In the 1960's, large number of young families moved into the area. Schools and hospitals were built and facilities such as the Jewish Community Center and the Home for the Aged were built.

Oakridge is a fairly young community and no heritage houses or building really exists except for a few churches along Oak Street. Two churches built in 1964 are the unusual Unity Church, at 5840 Oak Street, and the Unitarian Church, at 49th Avenue, both built in 1964. The houses of Oakridge are of bungalow design.