General Overview

Dunbar-Southlands is one of 23 communities in Vancouver. It stretches from 16th Avenue to the Fraser River, and from Camosun Street to Puget Drive and MacKenzie Street, west along 41st Avenue to Blenheim Street and then to the Fraser River. These boundaries are defined by the city for planning and administrative purposes and may not accurately reflect smaller historical neighbourhoods.

As its name suggests, within this area's boundaries lie two distinct communities -- each with their own unique identity. Dunbar Heights, south of 16th Avenue to Southwest Marine Drive, is a long-settled, quiet suburb of well-kept, single-family homes. Southlands, south of Southwest Marine Drive in the low lying flatland of the Fraser River Flood plain, is an area of country living within a 15-minute drive to Vancouver's downtown.

Most Dunbar-Southlands residents live in single-family homes in both Dunbar Heights and Southlands. In 1991, 97% of all dwelling units were single detached homes as compared to 44.2% of dwellings city wide. There are several small pockets of two-family dwellings adjacent to Dunbar Street's retail strips, and secondary suites or additional units are allowed in single-detached homes in the neighbourhood's northern section.

Residential development in Southlands has taken place in two areas: the West Southlands area near Musqueam Park, and the Musqueam Indian Reserve. West Southlands is a unique pocket of single-family homes, characterized by its distinct semi-rural quality. Lots in the area range from 33 feet to over 100 feet, with 66-foot wide lots predominating. Musqueam Village itself is a community of about 40 homes, an early church and a cemetery on 162 ha (400 acres) of reserve land. Non-native homes on the reserve are on long-term leases, as is the Shaughnessy Golf Course.

People of Dunbar-Southlands While the population of Dunbar-Southlands has remained relatively constant since 1971, there have been several changes in the area's population profile. Changes in the age composition of the community affect the demand for housing, health care and community facilities such as schools, recreation centres and parks.

Most residents live within a comfortable walk (800 metres) of one of the community's six parks. Dunbar-Southlands has 2.07 hectares of parkland per 1,000 persons as compared to the city average of 1.12.

Memorial Park West is between 31st and 33rd Aves. Dunbar's busiest park is popular for a wide range of sports -- everything from soccer and baseball to tennis and lawn bowling. The park is home to the Dunbar Lawn Bowling Club and site of the Dunbar Community Centre. The Community Centre houses a fitness centre, racquet courts, a gymnasium and activity rooms. A great park for kids , Memorial also has a children's play area and a paved path for strollers, tricycles or wheelchairs.

Musqueam Park is on Marine Drive and Crown Street. The area's largest park, Musqueam is lushly treed and developed for field sports such as soccer. A trail running through the park links hikers and riders from the Fraser River trail with the trails of Pacific Spirit Regional Park.

Related Links:
Dunbar-Southlands City Profile
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/community_profiles/dunbar-southlands/

Vancouver School Board
http://www.vsb.bc.ca

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