Introduction to Arbutus Ridge

Arbutus Ridge is located where there are stunning views of English Bay and the North Shore Mountains. It extends from Mackenzie and Puget Drive to East Boulevard and Maple Crescent, and from 16th to 41st Avenue. It is a peaceful, established area of up-scale homes, condos and long-time residents. The low ridge running along Arbutus Street is not easily noticeable, so residents of Arbutus Ridge associate themselves with the nearby communities of Dunbar, Kitsilano, Kerrisdale or Shaughnessy.

History & Heritage

Development in this area was associated to the areas of Shaughnessy, Dunbar and Kerrisdale but developed differently due to the Canadian Pacific Railway and the "swampy" nature of the area. In its natural state, Arbutus Ridge was made up of uplands surround a low-lying marsh known as "Asthma Flats". In 1888, the Province turned over 2,100 hectares of land in the area to the CPR which included the large portion of what is now the Arbutus Ridge community. In 1929 Arbutus Ridge became part of the municipality of Vancouver.

The uplands area, known as MacKenzie Heights, was the first area developed for residential settlement. Middle-class homes were built between 1912 and the 1930's and became acknowledged as the adjacent communities of Dunbar and Kerrisdale. During the 1940's and 1950's sand was brought in from False Creek to fill the low areas. These low areas were developed with houses, schools and shops. In the late 1960's, a major housing and shopping development within the community called "Arbutus Village" was constructed.

Many homes from Vancouver's early settlement are still standing in Arbutus Ridge. Homes built in 1912 on 37th Avenue have heritage significance due to their "English Arts and Crafts Style". The architect G.L. Thornton Sharp built these homes. He has been recognized for helping characterize Vancouver's identity in the first half of the century.

St. Mary's Kerrisdale Anglican Church was also built in the "English Arts and Crafts Style". It is a very important heritage structure and neighborhood landmark. Its original building was constructed in 1913, but has been renovated and expanded many times since.