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A Brief History of the Dunbar Area

The Dunbar district of Vancouver consisted of bogs and trees in the early part of the history of Vancouver. In fact the first street car did not reach Dunbar Street until 1913. Kitslano was well into it development by then and Jericho Beach was a popular summer retreat.

There was little interest in the area until the announcement that Point Grey would house the new university of British Columbia.

UBC first opened its doors in the early 1920’s. Shortly after, the first organized residential development of the area occurred. The Dunbar Heights region soon became part of the larger municipality of Vancouver by the end of the decade.

Before the 1920’s, the area was home to some schools and churches. Lord Kitchener School was built in 1914. Kerrisdale School built in 1908. Knox Presbyterian Church built in 1910. The Dunbar Community Centre and library came sometime after in 1950.

The origin of Dunbar Street is believed to be named after a battle in Dunbar, Scotland in 1650. Many of the streets are named after battles. Another theory is that the street was named after one of the first land developer of the area, Charles Dunbar.

Dunbar has kept much of its original look since the 1920’s. The view from the highest point in the area - 96 meters or 312 feet- is much the same as when Captain Vancouver sailed in the harbour.

Source: The Vancouver Book by Chuck Davis