Coal Harbour is the name of the Burrard Inlet south shoreline section between Stanley Park on the Brockton Peninsula on the west and the Canada Place cruise ship terminal on the east. It is also now the name of the neighbourhood adjacent to the shoreline within the City of Vancouver’s Downtown neighbourhood since its redevelopment for high-rise condominium residents in the 1990s. The Downtown Financial District is to the south beyond West Georgia Street, Burrard Street forms the eastern boundary, the shoreline is on the north, and Stanley Park to the west and north at the opening of the inlet completes the picturesque setting. A landscaped walkway for strolling or jogging lines the entire neighborhood.
Gritty History, Promising Present
The discovery of coal in the harbour in 1862 inspired the name. For many years, this area was mostly industrial, a place for shipyards, a seaplane plant, and a lumber mill. Railroads along the waterfront connected the industrial sites to inland suppliers. Industrial activity diminished after World War II and by the 1980s the area was little more than a wasteland with a railway switchyard its sole activity.
Change came with the reconstruction of Canada Place, originally an old cargo pier, for the Expo ’86 world’s fair. Recognizing the beauty of the harbour area with its views of the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver decided to rebuild the pier as an attractive, unique structure to commemorate the fair festivities. Redevelopment soon followed when in 1990 the City of Vancouver published a development plan to transform the industrial area into a residential waterfront neighborhood. One condition for prospective developers was creation of 2.75 acres of park land for every 1,000 residents. After 1995, new residential high-rise construction accelerated and in 15 years produced an entirely new neighborhood. Coal Harbour is the newest official neighbourhood of the City of Vancouver.
Coal Harbour Residents Association
An indicator of the interests and values of many inhabitants of the new official neighbourhood is the Coal Harbour Residents Association, which registered as a non-profit corporation in 2004 to maintain a high quality of life for its members. The association states its purposes as
To keep informed about life in the community,
To educate ourselves about improving the lives of all members,
To act collectively to bring about necessary changes,
To cooperate fully and honestly with whoever assists us in our community, and
Coal Harbour is within walking distance of the entire Downtown area, and for those with not enough time for walking buses and taxis are plentiful. The Seabus, which makes frequent 12-minute crossings of the inlet to North Vancouver, is conveniently available at the nearby SkyTrain Waterfront Station. Skytrain runs to stations in Burnaby, New Westminster, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Richmond, and Surrey as well as Vancouver, so Coal Harbour local travelers have ready access by transit to all major areas of Metro Vancouver.
The city’s official development plan made a beautifully viable residential neighbourhood from a virtually deserted industrial dump. It has two cooperative housing buildings, market and subsidized housing, and some very high-end addresses. Some say the best way to see Coal Harbour sights is on the walkway, a paved path for pedestrians and bicycles starting at Canada Place. It connects with the seawall along Stanley Park and runs along Coal Harbour’s waterfront. The route has several small parks and can be quite lively near the marina, where there are restaurants and bistros.
Architectural Jewel atop The Fairmont Pac Rim. Luxury PENTHOUSE- over 6,500 sqft of living space on 2 levels w/ 4 Bdrm 4.5 Bath. Endless Postcard vws of the Water, Mtns & City. Open living spaces flow seamlessly through this entertainer’s dream w/Soaring 21’Ft ceilings. Outdoor spaces & Exceptional Private roof top deck represents almost 3,400 sqft of outdoor space. The main flr has hand-laid Bisazza heated tile for extra comfort. Retreat upstairs to the gym/yoga room, 2nd bdrm/office w/ blt-in entertainment system. Primary bdrm w/an enviable dressing rm & spa-bath . Guests can stay over in the extra bdrms w/ full ensuites. Modern essentials incl Millson tech automation, sounds systems, & A/C. Exquisite location w/ all the LUXURY 5 diamond hotel amenities incl. 24hr concierge, gym, & pool.More details
Listed by Rennie & Associates Realty Ltd.
and Angell, Hasman & Associates (Malcolm Hasman) Realty Ltd.
Indulge in the epitome of luxury in this one-of-a-kind penthouse spanning the entire 42nd floor of Shaw Tower. 6,041 Sq. Ft. of opulent interior living space & 2,100 Sq. Ft. of breathtaking exterior w/ panoramic views of Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, English Bay, & North Shore Mountains. Custom-designed by Robert Ledingham, featuring a chef's kitchen, radiant heat limestone floors, custom millwork, limestone gas fireplaces, art feature walls, stunning primary suite with dream closet & primary ensuite, and home theatre. Full home automation including all lighting, sunshades, and black-out shades on all windows. The expansive balconies include a private hot tub and built-in BBQ. 4 parking stalls & private storage room. Enjoy hotel-like amenities including 24-hour concierge, high-end gym, boardroom & theatre. Ideally located in the heart of Coal Harbour, steps from Coal Harbour Marina, Stanley Park, the financial district, fashionable restaurants & exclusive boutiques. Own the most exquisite home in Vancouver!More details
Rarely available NE facing suite located in exclusive Three Harbour Green, Coal Harbour's finest waterfront development. Proudly developed by ASPAC Developments and designed by IBI Architects. With breathtaking unobstructed view of Stanley Park, Coal Harbour and North shore space. Finished elegantly with Snaidero kitchens, L'O dl Glotto bathrooms & MOVE closets from Italy. 3 car underground garage includes an ample storage locker, generous balcony. Fantastic amenities in the building including swimming pool, exercise centre, virtual golf, squash court, 24 hour concierge and more.More details
Enjoy breathtaking 180+ degree views of Coal Harbour, see the cauldron from your own home and enjoy the green rooftop of the Vancouver Trade and Convention Center! Steps to Harbour Green Park and Coal Harbour community center . Take a short trip to Victoria and the Gulf Island by taking a short walk to Harbour Air. Across the street from Urban Fare and enjoy a fantastic selection of fine dining restaurants all within walking distance! What an opportunity to own a prestigious address in downtown Vancouver!More details
Two Harbour Green. Spectacular N/E corner home w/panoramic unobstructed views of Stanley Park, northshore mountains & 5 Sails. Truly one of Vancouver's premier buildings. The suite comes equipped w/luxury finishings & appliances including Miel washer & dryer, dishwasher, oven, steam oven, espresso machine & large Sub Zero refrigerator. Features Floor to Ceiling Windows looking out to the West Van waterfront all the way to downtown, an impressive wraparound balcony; Private 2 car garage w/generous storage room. World class amenities: 24/7 concierge, guest suite, pool, steam/sauan. Jacuzzi, gym, virtual golf.More details