Fraser, Vancouver Eastside | Neighbourhood Profile

Rich in Opportunity and Even Richer in Culture.

Vibrant, dynamic, and ethnically rich … Fraser is an Eastside neighbourhood that welcomes, celebrates and embraces ethnic diversity within its community.

Schools

As one of the densest single-family neighbourhoods on the Eastside, Fraser offers plentiful and easily–accessible education to its residents.

The Elementary schools include Sir Alexander Elementary, McBride Annex (Elementary), Livingstone Elementary and, just outside the southern border, Henderson Elementary. The young adults of the family are also well served by the established John Oliver Secondary School and Sir Charles Tupper Secondary, located in the northwest corner of the neighbourhood. The private school opportunities of St. Andrews School, Khalsa School and Vancouver College further allow Fraser residents the knowledge that all of their educational needs can be met within close proximity.

Location

Fraser is defined by its main access artery of Fraser Street that bisects the neighbourhood. The north to south length of the neighbourhood runs from East 16th Avenue to East 49th Avenue, with a western border of Prince Edward Street and an eastern edge of Elgin Street with several short dips onto Glen Drive and Ross Street.

Housing and History

Fraser is mainly made up of single-family dwellings, most of which were built prior to 1946. Many of these single-family homes are situated on generous lots that appeal to young families and retirees alike. There is also a large number of “Vancouver Specials” and bungalows that are examples of the residential development that occurred in the 80s. In more recent years, there has been a resurgence of the need for low-rise, multi-family strata units, and townhouse complexes.

Recreation

Fraser is well served by green space and recreational facilities. Grays Park at East 33rd Avenue is a1.61 hectare site featuring two tennis courts, a wading pool, lawn bowling greens, a basketball court and even a ball hockey area. Further to the south lies Memorial South Park, with its majestic War Memorial standing elegantly at the end of the long entryway to the park. This large park has been designed with both sport teams and residents in mind. Sports fields, a pond, and a state of the art running track are just a few of the highlights of this delightful community-minded park. It features a well-lit synthetic turf th can handle the likes of soccer, field hockey, lacrosse and ultimate Frisbee. The running track features a six-lane, rubberized surface that opened to the public in 2011. This park has continually evolved over time, since it first opened in 1926 – its major attraction at that time was whippet racing.

Shopping and Restaurants

Fraser offers a myriad of small neighbourhood shops interspersed with grocery chains and national drug stores. The South Hill Business Improvement Association aims to better promote the vibrant community shopping area located on Fraser Street between 41st and 50th Avenues. Picture 9 blocks of convenient and friendly convenience stores, a variety of helpful services and a lovely assortment of ethnic food stores and restaurants. You can find a complete directory of the business by visiting the South Hill BIA’s

Transportation

Being centred by a major arterial transportation route makes Fraser easily accessible by all means of transportation. The routes are substantial and offer easy travel opportunities to all points, including north to Downtown and beyond, and south to Richmond and the outer environs of the Lower Mainland. Quick and easy access to the major arterial routes of Main, Fraser and Knight offers residents excellent transportation options, whether via public transport or by car. These major arteries are supplemented by the east/west corridors of East 41st and East 49th Avenues.