What's New

 According to Forbidden Vancouver, "From its opening in 1928 until 1945, Vancouver’s main indoor swimming pool, Crystal Pool, was racially segregated; “whites, negroes, and Orientals” could all swim there, but not at the same time. Perhaps because of such racial exclusion, non-white folks informally claimed the beach at the old Kitsilano Indian Reserve below Burrard Street Bridge as their own. It became known as “Brown Skin Beach,” but was lost when the old reserve lands were developed into Vanier Park." There's a marina on this spot now, and the water in False Creek is too toxic for swimming. 

 This unique structure is the legacy of William Dick, prominent businessman and politician. It graces one of the busiest intersections in the city. 

 This unassuming building existed when Arbutus Street was just a dirt road. It's surprising that this modest structure has survived on some pretty valuable dirt for almost 100 years. 

 I had no idea that the building on the right, which until recently housed a popular Starbucks, was over 80 years old. This photograph shows the original tenants on the street, Kitsilano Tea Rooms, Pollyanna Home Cooking, Blenheim Apartments and Consolidated Grocers. Across the street are the tennis courts and the outdoor pool of Kitsilano Beach, a busy (usually) summer spot. 

 This old beauty has had some work done over the years, transforming from a dowdy old CIBC branch to a lifestyle-related retailer which specializes in selling apparel, clothing accessories and apartment products. Looking pretty good for 108! 

 There are a few remnants still visible today from the Roaring '20s, most notably the St Helens Hotel. It's now a Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotel, and the neighbourhood has seen better days. 

 Renowned maker of such culinary delights as Red Arrow Biscuits, Lucky Torpedoes and Lost Lagoon Chocolate, the building now houses an upscale furniture retailer. 

 Built in 1912, closed in 1990, taken over by the Anglican Church and renamed Holy Trinity. 

 This nondescript building on a busy street in Kits has a colourful past. Originally built in 1913 for the Vaudeville circuit, it became a movie house until the doors were closed in 1955.  The Russian Community Centre took it over in 1958, and in 1966 it became The Afterthought, a psychedelic concert hall. The Grateful Dead and Steve Miller played there, among others. 

 One of the city's most popular vegetarian restaurants, the Naam opened in 1968 when Kits was known as Rainbow Road. It's open 24/7 and has remained virtually unchanged, both inside and out.