The population of this area has remained fairly constant since the early 70s but recent changes – mainly in the age demographic – have prompted new demands for such facilities as schools, recreation centres and parks.

Location
Dunbar-Southlands’ history begins as a logged off area of Vancouver, basically uninhabitable in the early 1900s due to the left over mass of fallen burnt timbers from logging. In fact, the first known settlers in what was to become Dunbar was a family known as the Mounts who lived where 3379 West 22nd Avenue is now located.

As town planning principles evolved and access to this area became available by the establishment of streetcar routes in the 1920s, homes began to be built. Early zoning bylaws required that houses be situated well back on their lots, easily identifying the "originals" which may still stand today. Some of these early homes were designed in the English Arts and Crafts and Edwardian building styles. The Dunbar-Southlands region has a rich architectural heritage and as of 1992 - 21 structures of historical significance are on the Vancouver Heritage Register. One good example of this architectural heritage is the "Haigler House" at 3537 W. 30th Avenue.

Housing
Although the Dunbar district consists mainly of single-family dwellings, the early 1990s saw the adoption of new zoning that allowed for some rental suites.

Single family dwellings (with the allowance for suites), plentiful parkland, community shopping districts, easy access to downtown and the Vancouver Airport – all these factors make Dunbar an excellent part of Vancouver to reside in.

Southlands is a totally unique area. Areas of Southlands are part of the Musqueam Indian Reserve (non-native homes are on long term leases). The West Southlands area is made up of mainly single family homes on large lots (33’ by 100’ as well as plenty of 66’ X100’). Southlands has maintained a semi-rural quality and boasts a large number of horse stables.

Recreation
Most residents of this area live in close proximity to one of the community’s many parks – the Dunbar-Southlands area offers 2.07 hectares of parkland per 1,000 persons compared to the city average of 1.12. Some of the city’s finest golf courses – both public and private - are located in Dunbar-Southlands area. This adds to the residential appeal of the area.

Transportation
The area of Dunbar-Southlands has easy access to the downtown core through public transit, cycling and automobile. No freeways are involved and there are three main arterial routes that can be used for vehicular commuting to downtown. As well as easy downtown access, these main arterial routes make it fairly simple to hook up with the main highway/freeway routes to the outlying areas of the Lower Mainland. The Vancouver International Airport is also an easy commute from the Dunbar-Southlands area.

Shopping
The Dunbar-Southlands area also has its own distinctive shopping districts – one located near the junction of 16th Avenue and Dunbar Street, extending down Dunbar to approximately 30th Avenue; the second district lines the area around the junction of 41st Avenue and Dunbar.

For more great information and interesting history about the neighbourhood, click here!