Kitsilano History - The railway And Logging Shaped Kitsilano

Part 1 of 5

The earliest development of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in Kitsilano was pivotal in shaping the area into a thriving hub for industry and settlement. In the late 19th century, the CPR’s expansion across British Columbia established Vancouver as a crucial terminus, connecting the region to national and international markets. With its proximity to False Creek and abundant forests, Kitsilano became an ideal location for supporting this burgeoning infrastructure.

The CPR’s presence spurred industrial growth, particularly in the logging industry, which is a cornerstone of the local economy. Kitsilano's waterfront saw the establishment of sawmills that processed timber harvested from the region's dense forests. These mills supplied wood to Vancouver's rapidly growing construction market and exported it to global markets. The industry attracted workers from diverse backgrounds, including European immigrants and South Asian laborers, many of whom settled nearby.

The arrival of streetcar lines in the 1890s further boosted Kitsilano's development. They provided workers easy transportation to and from the mills and connected the area to the broader Vancouver metropolitan network. The streetcar loop at Arbutus and Cornwall became a central feature, fostering residential growth and establishing businesses to support the growing community.

While the logging industry and sawmills were vital to Kitsilano's early economic success, they also contributed to significant environmental changes and the displacement of Indigenous communities. The legacy of this era remains woven into the fabric of Kitsilano, reflecting a history of transformation and resilience.

WBN News - Kitsilano Edition

Karalee Greer - Publisher

Tags: #WBN News - Kitsilano Edition #Karalee Greer #Kitsilano #Kitsilano History #Canadian Pacific Railway #Logging Industry #Sawmills #Vancouver Development