The perfect example of an urban global village, Victoria-Fraserview in Vancouver, British Columbia’s picturesque south-east corner offers family oriented living with upbeat, multi-cultural flavors and sensations. From relaxing, panoramic views of nature and wildlife along the Fraser River to lively, kaleidoscopic markets and mom and pop shops along ethnically eclectic Victoria Drive, this popular neighbourhood caters to the global villager in all of us.
Victoria-Fraserview offers a delightful blend of both old world and new world charm. Residents are treated to echoes of the area’s early history – the forested trails along the river might remind one of the Musqueam First Nations people who first settled in this spot. Then there’s the Avalon Dairy, British Columbia’s oldest continuously operating dairy outlet, which still stands as a reminder of the first European settlers who arrived in the 1860s. At the same time, exciting visions of the future unfold with the development of high-density residential developments along the riverfront.
Following the gentle slope northwards from the Fraser River, Victoria-Fraserview is bordered on the east by the lush Fraserview Golf Course on Vivian Drive, and on the west by the commuter-congested Knight Street corridor. To the north, the neighbourhood is bordered by E. 41st Avenue.To the south, as one might expect, is the Fraser River. Victoria Drive, running straight through the heart of Victoria-Fraserview truly represents the heart of the neighbourhood, and offers everything from colourful fresh produce to diverse fashion outlets and delicious international cuisines.
Prominently featured in Michael Buble’s music video for his Grammy-nominated love song “Haven’t Met You Yet,” Victoria-Fraserview’s Killarney Market was immortalized as Buble sashayed down the aisles, shopping and flirting with Argentinian actress Luisana Lopilato. All along Victoria Drive, there are many interesting little shopping gems embedded within the kaleidoscope of colorful ethnic markets. For example, don’t miss the popular Itz-a-Wrap! Gift Baskets, or the trendy Players Wanted Games and Collectibles.
An amazing variety of international cuisines is always available in Victoria-Fraserview, especially along Victoria Drive, but also at the waterfront along Marine Drive. A few popular choices include Fatty Cow Seafood Hotpot where diners can cook their own meals in a variety of tasty simmering broths, plus they offer an all-you-can-eat option. Neighbour’s Restaurant & Pizza House, also on Victoria Drive, is a favourite hot spot offering excellent Old-World Italian & Greek dishes. Tibisti Foods is a fabulous Lebanese restaurant on Victoria Drive serving an excellent variety of mouth-watering Mediterranean grilled specialties. Flamingo Chinese Restaurant down on SE Marine Drive has enjoyed long-term success for its great dim sum, seafood, and traditional chow mein.
As reported by the Globe and Mail House Price Data Centre, South Vancouver is riding high on a wave of appreciating home values. One reason for this is the exciting ongoing residential development of Fraser Lands along the river, transforming the neighbourhood into Vancouver’s newest waterfront community. Victoria-Fraserview is home to approximately 30,000 residents, with homeowners making up about 67 percent of the community. The most common style of home is single detached, but detached duplexes are also popular due to their income-generating potential as rental units. About 57 percent of the community is families (with about 63% of these having children at home), couples make up about 25 percent and singles make up about 18 percent. The average income level is $76,427, and around 29 percent of residents are university graduated.
With crystal clear blue skies and more winter sunshine than most of Canada, Vancouver is famous for its pollution-free air. On the other hand, busy commuter corridors transport people through the city and background traffic noise is to be expected. Victoria-Fraserview, with busy Knight Street serving as its western border, experiences this problem throughout the working week. Victoria Drive can also be problematic, but within the quiet confines of this tree-lined neighbourhood, peace and quiet are the order of the day.
As one of the quieter neighbourhoods of Vancouver, Victoria-Fraserview’s crime rate is easily 75 percent lower than the city in general. In the month of September 2016, the most commonly reported crime was that of items being stolen from vehicles, 17 incidents in all.
There are six elementary schools in Victoria-Fraserview, and one secondary school. Youngsters attending Sir Sandford Fleming, Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith, Sir James Douglas, Sir James Douglas Annex, and David Oppenheimer elementaries go on to attend the local David Thompson Secondary School. Waverley Elementary students go on to attend Killarney Secondary in neighbouring Killarney. Waverley Annex Learning Hub – Spectrum is a secondary level alternative education program offered for grades 10-12
Bus service within Victoria-Fraserview is good, with the 049 Bus serving E. 49th Ave, the 022 serving Knight St, the 020 serving Victoria Dr, the 029 serving Elliott St and Nanaimo St, and the 100 serving SE Marine Drive all along the Fraser Riverfront. The public bus stops in Victoria-Fraserview are particularly charming, as their shelters were decorated during a community beautification project. Watch for shelters decorated with themes such as dancers, frogs, cows, and even a giant waterfall!
The family friendly atmosphere of Victoria-Fraserview extends to everywhere in the neighbourhood, from strolling along the streets or having a get-together at one of the nearby parks and green spaces. Walking trails and children’s playgrounds are popular in this community, and parks are often filled with people enjoying Vancouver’s awesome weather.
Bobolink Park, with 3.82 hectares of lush green landscape, offers sports facilities and a playground area and wading pool for kids. Although only 1.27 hectares, Fraserview Park is especially popular for its new zip line and outdoor fitness equipment, not to mention its colourful flower gardens, patio spaces, picnic areas, shady benches and playground area. Gladstone-Riverside Park features a pier extending out onto the Fraser River, and its walking trails are very popular – they extend eventually all the way into the neighboring city of Burnaby. Gordon Park is a lovely expanse of well-designed greenspace and covers a generous 6.51 hectares, where there are sports fields and tennis courts, a popular children’s playground, and huge oak trees shading the perimeter walking and jogging trail. Tecumseh Park is popular with local tai chi practitioners and dog owners, and it recently reopened after a $500,000 upgrade, including a relaxing new seating area and new playground equipment.
Ethnically eclectic and as colourful as a kaleidoscope, family friendly Victoria-Fraserview is a multi-cultural urban global village, and it’s just waiting to welcome you!
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