Strathcona

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Strathcona

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Strathcona BIA

strathconabia.com/
604.258.2727
info@strathconabia.com
1220 East Hastings St Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 1S6

Neighbourhood Overview

We acknowledge the Strathcona BIA operates on the unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Their cultures and economies have shaped the community over thousands of years.

Situated in the heart of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, Strathcona BIA covers approximately 44 city blocks. As the home to the city’s original railway terminus Strathcona BIA enjoys a rich history, with recent years bringing an influx of small businesses thanks to a diverse mix of commercial zoning options.

The BIA’s vision for Strathcona is for members to thrive in a mixed-use, inclusive, resilient and prosperous local economy.

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30-34

Years

Dominant Age Group
of Residents

16470

Residents

Population
in 2016

74%

English

Dominant Language

$28-41

Per sq. ft.

Lease Rate

People
Place
Doing Business Here

Population by Age

The Strathcona BIA residential catchment area is home to 16,470 residents. While the dominant age group is 30-34, larger portions of the population are aged 65+ years compared to Vancouver and Metro Vancouver.

Language & Ethnic Origins

English is the dominant language used by residents at home (74%). This is higher than Vancouver (66%) and Metro Vancouver (67%). The most common ethnic origin reported by residents is Chinese (24%), and the area is home to proportionately more Indigenous residents (11%) than Vancouver and Metro Vancouver (both 3%).

Family Structure

Just 38% of households in the Strathcona BIA residential catchment area are families. This figure is significantly lower than Vancouver (57%) and Metro Vancouver (71%). As a result, household sizes (1.7 persons) are smaller than the city (2.2 persons) and region (2.5 persons).

Education & Occupation

Residents in the Strathcona BIA catchment area work in a diverse range of occupations. The top three are sales and service (23%), education, law, social, community and government services (15%) and art, culture, recreation & sport (14%).

Income & Spending

Although median household incomes ($30,462) are lower than Vancouver ($65,327) and Metro Vancouver ($72,662), average individual incomes ($53,651) are higher than Vancouver ($50,317) and Metro Vancouver ($46,821).

Zoning

The Strathcona BIA has a unique mix of nine zoning types that encompasses commercial, industrial, manufacturing and residential zoning, with 62% of floor space dedicated to industrial.

Housing

The dominant dwelling type in Strathcona are apartments (88%), more than Vancouver (80%) and Metro Vancouver (58%). Reflecting Strathcona’s heritage status, only 15% of residences were constructed since 2001. This is lower than Vancouver (23%) and Metro Vancouver (27%).

Community

An extremely well-connected BIA, Strathcona is served by nine bus routes. It’s also considered a “walker’s paradise” with a walk score of 95. The BIA is home to four community centres and five parks are within walking distance.

Business Mix

472 businesses operate within the BIA, an increase of 20% between 2011 and 2016. The dominant business types are retail (22%), manufacturing (19%), wholesale (12%) and accommodation & food service (11%).

Commercial Business Size

Most businesses within the Strathcona BIA are micro-businesses (48%) with less than five employees. Small businesses (5-20 employees) are also represented well (36%).

Opportunities

Business opportunities, based on market demand, could include grocery stores, credit unions and community spaces. Lease rates are average to high, at $28-$41 per sq. ft. for commercial use. Vacancy rates are low.