Heatley Avenue in Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood has some beautiful houses

We are introducing a brand new series of Photo Essays! Have a look at amazing Photo Sets all shot by talented photographers. Explore the vibe of the city, its hidden treasures, explore Vancouver! This time, let's have a look at Vancouver through the lens of Davis Chan!

Quite a lot of houses have big gardens and a lot of trees around

Strathcona: A True Sense of Community

Vancouver's oldest and truly unique neighbourhood is still very popular today with more than 11,000 residents enjoying a good sense of community. The borders of the neighbourhood are defined by Chinatown to the west, Clark Drive to the east, Burrard Inlet to the north and Canadian National Railway to the south. 

From Vancouver's history it is known that this working-class settlement grew around Hastings Mill and because of the rising number of immigrants living in its cottages and shacks was soon declared a "slum". Not considered very popular by the city then, it survived the thread of demolition in the 1950's and it was a close call! Luckily, after some blocks had been bulldozed to give space for a project of new social housing area, the residents spoke up and started to fight for their beloved community. Thanks to this amazing feel of pride and identity, many of the original houses are well preserved to this date, making it such a special neighbourhood that it is. The Strathcona community is strong - led by Strathcona Property Owners and Tenants Association (SPOTA) and the COPE party that are making sure that the past efforts are still honoured today and no unnecessary construction is invading their charming home.

Many of these houses come from the late 19th and early 20th century which makes their architecture very rare in Vancouver. Not many were saved, which is one of the main reasons that they were designated heritage houses and are protected under law. Who decides to renovate his home after all, has to stay true to the original style in the area.

Not many cities in Canada have seen such a vigour and strong will to fight for what their residents love that Strathcona proved to possess. It definitely belongs to one of the strongest multi-cultural neighbourhoods in Vancouver that can absorb the changes that come well and becomes ever so popular. It's a place definitely worth visiting!

Look for special details on the houses (this one from Keefer Street)

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Native Centre and Scared Heart Roman Catholic Church on its right.

Learn about the history from this mural at the intersection of Campbell Avenue and East Hastings Street

Militant Mothers of Raymur street mozaic

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Meet the Photographer

Davis Chan

I am a Vancouver based photographer. Although I shoot commercially, my real passion lies in landscapes, street and social documentary. Among all the genres in landscape photography, capturing aging urban areas and industrial sites interest me the most.