Introduction to Dunbar-Southlands

This area is comprised of two separate communities, each with its own distinctive identity. Dunbar is centred on Dunbar Street between 16th Avenue and Southwest Marine Drive. It is a gorgeous community of quiet, tree-lined streets, single-family homes, beautiful parks and a community centre.

Southlands is located south of Southwest Marine Drive in the low-lying flatland of the Fraser River floodplain. It is composed of peaceful, rural farmland where there are more horses than people. Southlands is distinct because no other Canadian city has countryside located very close to the city. Southlands is just 15 minutes away from Downtown. The residents in this area treasure its safe, green, village-like atmosphere, which makes the community special.

History Heritage

There is archaeological evidence that indicate that native Indians occupied the Southlands area as early as 400 B.C. The mouth of the Fraser River provided plentiful hunting and fishing grounds for coastal Salish Indians who settled in at least 3 locations: the Angus Lands, Celtic Island and the Musqueam Reserve area. In 1879, the Mesqueam Reserve was formally dedicated and in 1892, Southlands became part of the newly integrated District of South Vancouver.

In 1908, land in the Dunbar area, which was then owned by the CPR and the Province and part of the old Municipality of Point Grey, was inappropriate for development due to logging and a mass of fallen, burnt timber.

In 1912, a section of the University of British Columbia lands was subdivided and lots were laid out based on town planning principles at the time. In 1913, the Streetcar reached Clare Road, today called Dunbar Street and went as far as 41st Avenue by 1925. By 1927, three Streetcar routes serviced the area. Dunbar-Southlands became part of Vancouver in 1929, when the Municipality of Point Grey joined with the city of Vancouver.

The initial significant land development in the area occurred in the mid-1920's, some of which are still standing today. In 1922, West Point Grey's zoning by-laws stated that early homes be situated well back on their lots. The homes that remain today are unique as neighbourhood landmarks. Subsequent development took place in the years after World War II and then again in the early 1970's when King Edward Place and Salish Park were constructed.

Dunbar-Southlands has a prosperous architectural heritage. A number of noteworthy homes and buildings still remain form the area's early settlement days. As of June 1992, there were 21 structures listed on the Vancouver Heritage Register.

Lord Kitchener School, which is located on Blenheim at King Edward, was built in 1914. This building features a gracious combination of wood surfaces and textures and the sophisticated use of would seen in Vancouver before the First World War.

Some of the earliest homes in this area are designed in the English Arts and Crafts and the Edwardian Building Styles. Many of the homes were constructed before 1920 and continue to be single-family homes today. Community support encourages the preservation and protection of such homes.