Arbutus, an affluent residential neighbourhood in Vancouver’s West Side, extends from 16th Avenue on the north to 41st on the south and from Mackenzie Street on the west to Arbutus Street on the east. A mature community with stately homes on large lots between tree-lined streets interspersed with quiet neighbourhood parks and with clear views of the nearby mountains to the north, Arbutus in the middle of Vancouver’s west side has easy access to Downtown, the University of British Columbia, Pacific Spirit Regional Park, and the seaside areas of Kitsilano and Jericho Beach. Most of the population of about 16,000 live in single-family homes. Neighborhood schools are Prince of Wales Secondary School, Carnarvon Elementary School, and Trafalgar Elementary School, which conducts a French immersion program.
Historical Notes
Ironically, this affluent neighbourhood was once the “Asthma Flats” in the late 1800s and early 1900s, little more than a swamp traversable by plank walkways. As in much of Vancouver, the Canadian Pacific Railway brought commercial and residential development to Arbutus Ridge after 1888, when the province turned the area over to the railroad. The Arbutus line remains adjacent to Arbutus Street throughout the east side of the neighbourhood though now abandoned and unused. Arbutus Ridge became a municipality of the City of Vancouver in 1929
Mackenzie Heights in the southwest corner of Arbutus Ridge was in 1912 the first area of the community to start large-scale residential development. Not until the 1940s did developers haul sand from False Creek to fill in the Asthmas Flats for construction of property improvements on the bottom lands.
High Property Values
The single-family home at 2805 West 19th Avenue may look like a bungalow but in fact has six bedrooms and two bathrooms on three levels. A good home and investment, the house has a full basement with a two-bedroom suite which could bring in substantial income. Built in 1942, the 2,310-square-foot home lists for $1.598 million. Annual property taxes are just over $6,000.
Many shops and amenities are within walking distance: a Starbucks coffee shop, Choices Market, La Buca Italian Trattoria, Trafalgar’s at Sweet Obsession, and the Jamaican-inspired Patty Shop. The home is close to Prince of Wales secondary and Carnarvon and Trafalgar elementary schools, and to transit stops just steps away.
Canadian Pacific Controversy
The Arbutus Corridor is marred by train tracks that have not seen a train for years. Cyclists and environmentalists lobby for conversion of this 11-kilometre strip to use as a greenway. The Canadian Pacific Railway owns the land but the city won the legal right to determine land use zoning in a 2006 court decision. The city’s long-term 2040 Transportation Plan describes the Arbutus Corridor as “an east-west barrier.”
Canadian Pacific has asked more than 15,000 people and businesses to remove any property along the train tracks in the Arbutus Corridor as it continues its review of the rail line. No trains have used the line since 2001. The City of Vancouver, which has the last word on use of the corridor, says it is against a return of heavy rail, but residents fear that Canadian Pacific may intend to resume it.
Community Vision Plan
In November 2005, the Vancouver City Council approved the Arbutus Ridge-Kerrisdale-Shaughnessy Community Vision Plan, which seeks to retain the historic and mature character of the area and to further improve the community by:
Making Streets Safer
Improving Walking and Biking Routes
Improving the Environment
Enhancing Community Safety
Expanding Recreation Facilities and Services
Enhancing Parks, Streets, Lanes, and Public Places
Maintaining and Enhancing Single Family Neighbourhoods
Adding New Housing Opportunities
Creating Neighbourhood Centres and Enhancing Local Shopping Areas and
Improving Community Involvement in Decision Making
VIEW VIEW VIEW! Rare find this panoramic 180 Degree spectacular Ocean, Downtown, City and Village view!!! Truly priceless! Owner spent lots of money to renovate and upgrade inside and outside of the house! Better than new! Amazing three level split house with all levels above the ground! Located in the most desired higher side of Westside Viewpoint! Stunning on a nearly 6600sq ft lot, this home offers 4291sq ft of living spaces featuring functional layouts. Entertainment sized living and family room, top-notch gourmet kitchen and an office occupies the main floor. A total of 5 bedrooms and 5 baths. Massive recreation room and media room to entertain your guests. Extended functional back yard, rooftop deck with a hot-tub to enjoy the breathtaking views! Top school catchment- P.W. Secondary, Lord Kitchener, Close to St George's, Crofton and UBC.More details
Brand New 7 Bed/8 Bath luxury home in the heart of Arbutus on the VanWestSide.This home totalling 4,929sqft of living space,boats 12ft ceilings on the main level & 10ft ceilings on upper & lower levels.This modern yet traditional residence features;Miele appliance package,wok/spice kitchen,A/C,radiant heat throughout,Navien on-demand hot water system,theatre/games room,wet bar & a large sun-drenched patio in the backyard w gas hookups for BBQ & fire pits,smart home entertainment system complete w lighting,motion cameras,heating & music control.This property includes a detached 2 bed/1 bath with A/C-laneway home for visitors.Additional features include 2 car garage, electric blinds & dual natural gas fireplaces on the main.2-5-10 warranty included.Open Houses Sat & Sun March 23 & 24. 2-4PMMore details
PANORAMIC VIEWS! One of the best view properties in Vancouver!!! Stunning views of the whole northshore, water & downtown Vancouver from all 3 levels. This home was substantially rebuilt in 2004. The main floor features elegant rooms that flow into one another & onto a large north deck. The gourmet kitchen opens onto a sunny Mediterranean patio with built-in BBQ. Upstairs, 3 bedrooms with A/C. The master BR is a peaceful oasis. Downstairs, bedroom with ensuite & a family room with the bar that opens onto the garden area with an O/D kitchen, pool & pond, BI stereo system indoor & outdoor. Close to top schools & UBC. Open House Dec 16th, Saturday 2-4pm.More details
Experience breath taking 180-degree ocean, city, and mountain views. Located on an exceptionally quiet and tranquil street. This beautifully taken care of home sits on a 4,100 sqft lot and features 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The seller has recently changed the roof and added an eye-catching stone wall surrounding the entrance. A recently upgraded kitchen, upstairs flooring, and master bathroom compliment the classic stain glass windows and beautifully finished original hardwood doors. Come experience this home in person and be transported into a world of classic high class living. Close to shopping, top private schools, and UBC. Catchments: Trafalgar Elementary & Prince of Wales Secondary.More details
Elegant home in Quilchena's heart offers stunning views. Tailored with superior craftsmanship, it features three ensuite bedrooms on the upper floor overlooking the Prince of Wales Park and mountains. The landscaped ground highlight a peaceful pond. The modern kitchen showcases a granite island and top-tier Miele appliances, accompanied by a six burner gas cooktop and potent Thermador hood. Interior finishes include premium wall paper, blinds, stone flooring, and a unique entrance pattern. Amenities encompass sensor bathroom lighting, a jacuzzi, radiant heating, advanced ventilation, air conditioning, and a security system.More details
Well-Maintained custom home on a bright lot. Over 4200sqft of spacious living space, luxurious finishings, gorgeous contemporary open floor plan and high ceilings. Main floor features large living, dining and an enormous kitchen and family room that overlooks the garden backyard. Custom kitchen cabinets, top-of-the-line S/S appliances and wok kitchen for the chef. Upper floor with 4 bedrooms and a master with spa-like ensuite. Lower level features 2 bedrooms, media room, laundry room, huge Recreation Room. Fully fenced and landscaped. Other features include hardwood floors, HRV, air conditioning, large patio, extensive use of granite and marble throughout. Great location - close to Trafalgar Elementary school ,Prince of Wales Secondary and parks. OPEN HOUSE NOV 25 2:30-4:30PMMore details
EXCELLENT PRICE IN MOST POPULAR ARBUTUS LOCATION. Over 3,600 sq.ft., 29 years old custom-built home sits on BIG LOT 50 X 122 (6,100 sq.ft.). Steps away to TRAFALGAR ELEMENTARY & PRINCE OF WALES HIGH SCHOOL. Close to YORK HOUSE, CROFTON & ST. GEORGE’S PRIVATE SCHOOL, UBC, SHOPPING, BUS. Functional layout, open floor plan, 6 bedrooms + den, 4.5 baths, 4 bedrooms on the second floor. Gourmet kitchen with granite countertop, wok kitchen, Rooftop Deck VIEW OF MOUNTAIN, Sauna, Wet Bar, Radiant Floor Heating, A/C. Secured fenced yard with PRIVATE GATE & PARK-LIKE GARDEN & SOUTHERN EXPOSURE BACKYARD. MUST SEE ! Open House on SATURDAY ( March 16 ) @2-4pm.More details
Month to month , tenant occupied property, rent$5900 per-month, typical quiet & nice VANCOUVER west location, corner unit, south facing, 6100sqf lot & 50feet frontage … that is a top place for investment or living or rebuilt around the world.More details
Elevate your family's future in this impeccably maintained home, meticulously designed with a well-thought-out floor plan that promises to be the canvas for countless cherished memories. This residence seamlessly blends form and function, offering spacious, sun-kissed rooms that invite togetherness and individual retreats. From the heartwarming gatherings in the open-concept living spaces to the intimate moments in the thoughtfully appointed bedrooms, this house fosters connection. The kitchen, a culinary haven, beckons family meals and culinary adventures. Step outside to discover an outdoor oasis, perfect for barbecues, playtime, and starlit conversations. This house isn't just a structure; it's a vessel for your family's story, a place where laughter echoes.More details
Attention to Builders and Developers on this vacant land property situated in a desirable Vancouver West Arbutus location. Many options to build an estate home, townhouses, multiplex or multifamily development on this property. This corner building lot is substantial with lane access has Frontage 63.5 ft x Depth 149.6 ft = (9500 sqft) making it one of the larger lots in the area. Building plans are available & permits has been expired. The property's convenient access to UBC, YVR airport & Downtown Vancouver makes it an ideal location for those who need to commute to these destinations regularly. Schools nearby, parks, transportation and shopping centers. The Arbutus Greenway is located across the street. Future Arbutus sky train station only blks away. Act Fast!!More details