Renfrew–Collingwood, the second most populous Vancouver neighbourhood after Downtown, had over 50,000 residents in the 2011 Census. A large, diverse eastside neighbourhood on the Vancouver-Burnaby boundary with substantial business centers and some fast-growing residential sectors, this neighbourhood had a population of 44,950 in 2001, 43.6 percent of whom then spoke Chinese as their first language. Canada’s 2011 census reported only 28 per cent of Renfrew-Collingwood residents as native English speakers. Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese are the languages heard most often on the streets.
Renfrew–Collingwood’s northern border is Broadway, East 41st Avenue is on the south, Nanaimo Street on the west, and Boundary Road on the east. Kingsway runs through the southern part of the neighbourhood, Grandview Highway through the middle, and the Trans-Canada Highway through the northeast corner.
History
In 1861, Colonel Richard Moody built a military trail through the area from New Westminster to English Bay. By 1891, Canada’s first electric interurban railway along Vanness Avenue connected Vancouver’s Downtown to New Westminster and opened the area to what became the thriving community of Collingwood near the present intersection with Joyce Street, and to the north the Renfrew district began to grow in the 1920s.
Over the years, the two areas grew together with commercial developments along Kingsway, Grandview Highway, and Boundary Road and growing numbers of condominiums and multi-family residential developments joining traditional single-family homes throughout. Two SkyTrain lines, five stations, and interconnecting bus routes now serve neighbourhood transit needs well. Many immigrants find Renfrew-Collingwood attractive for that reason.
In 2007, the City of Vancouver announced several neighbourhood centre programs as parts of an Eco-Density initiative to rezone Renfrew–Collingwood from single-family to duplex with rowhouses along busy streets to increase density and encourage commercial development along Earles and Rupert streets. The plan is controversial; many residents want their neighbourhood to retain its traditional single-family home character.
The Collingwood Village community around the Joyce-Collingwood SkyTrain station is a story of successful redevelopment that might be instructive in the ongoing unrest over plans to redevelop neighbourhoods across the city. Renfrew-Collingwood once faced the unpleasant prospect of too many people packed into multifamily homes, but residents worked with the city government and a sympathetic developer to reach a satisfactory result. A new daycare facility was a welcome amenity.
Completed in 2006, Collingwood Village was the largest master-planned community in British Columbia at that time. The developer constructed 16 condominium and rental buildings of four-storey town homes and mid- and high-rise apartments. Since the 1990s, 2,700 new homes have gone up on what had been industrial land south of Vanness Avenue and east of Joyce Street. Kingsway shops and services are a few blocks south. More than a quarter of the community is parkland.
In 2011, the city council approved a rezoning proposal for 33 parcels of land east of Collingwood Village within Boundary Road, Vanness Avenue, and Ormidale Street to be developed as Wall Centre Central Park, three residential towers of 28, 29, and 30 storeys, all higher than any present Collingwood Village structure. In April 2013 the first 623 units went on sale, almost half priced under $300,000.
Sought after Renfrew neighbourhood. & yrs young 3bdrm home with legal 2 bdrm suite, currently rented $1,700/mo. 9' ceilings up & down. 2 sets of Washer & Dryer. Panoramic North Shore Mountain views. Walking distance to schools incl Notre Dame & public transit. Tiled foyer with spindle railings leading to main flr. Open living & dining room plus kitchen design with balcony for BBQ. Kitchen features, easy clean white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, tile splashguard & S/S double sink. Laminate flooring & wide baseboards. Bright pot lighting throughout. Bay style windows. Home has fresh air recirculating system plus ceiling fans. Low hedged walkway plus fully fenced backyard with patio. Single car detached garage with additional open RV/boat parking. Just blocks to the Hastings Corridor.More details
Welcome home! This impressive 4BED/4BATH Scandinavian style home offers an unparalleled level of comfort and design. As you step inside, you are greeted with an open concept layout and a stunning kitchen featuring a unique quartz backsplash and countertops, a large island with seating, not to mention the waterfall edge, creating a seamless flow. A luxurious Italian range hood by Faber is complemented with high end stainless steel appliances. The upper level consists of a beautiful primary bedroom with en-suite, 2 additional spacious bedrooms, a bathroom and laundry. With its own private entrance, the legal one bedroom basement suite is just as impressive. Fully equipped with AC and radiant heating. Located in the heart of Vancouver, with shops and schools just a short distance away.More details
Investor & builder alert! This meticulously maintained home has recently undergone extensive renovations, including all-new appliances, windows & curtains, light fixtures, wooden flooring, and cabinets, ensuring it's in amazing condition. With a potential income of $7,000 a month, this is an ideal investment for the future. Spanning 2 floors, upstairs, 3 bed pair with 2 bath, while downstairs hosts 3 bed and a bath, each level with its private entrance. The addition of a double garage, accessible via a quaint back alley, adds practical charm. The property's current zoning allows for the development of up to 4 strata units or 3 non-strata units, presenting a golden opportunity for investors and builders. Nestled on a quiet street in a vibrantly central location, it's close to all amenities: parks, shopping, buses, the Killarney Community Centre, and several schools, including Gladstone & Killarney High Schools. Open House, Saturday April 13th 2-4 PMMore details
OVERSIZED 36x124 BUILDING LOT on a whisper quiet East 3rd Ave location. BRING YOUR MULTIPLEX IDEAS. No large trees. House has fire damage and is boarded up. Property Sold in As is where is condition. 10 minute drive to the amazing BRENTWOOD.More details
Well maintained Vancouver Special situated on large south facing 33.5 x 127 lot in popular Renfrew East! This 2600sqft home features functional floorplan w/3 beds up, master bedroom w/full ensuite & walk-in closet, spacious & open living room & large covered deck w/ mountain views! Downstairs features self contained 2 bedroom suite w/ private entrance & double garage w/ additional parking out back. Centrally located just steps from parks, schools, transit, restaurants, & shops like Superstore, Walmart, CdnTire, & PriceSmart to name a few! Quick access just being off Hwy 1 & only 15mins to DT! OPEN HOUSE April 6/7 (SAT/SUN) 2-4PMMore details