Shaughnessy

NEIGHBOURHOOD

The neighbourhood's residents have an average annual household income of $136,252 and family income of $153,895. It is also the site of many historical homes, especially in First Shaughnessy. 51.5% of the neighbourhood's homes were built before or during World War II, compared with 20.8% for the city at large. This is largely due to the 1981 First Shaughnessy Official Development Plan by-law, which promotes private property ownership and single-family dwelling, while limiting property subdivision and population density.

The neighbourhood was created in 1907 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, then the largest real estate developer in Canada. It was meant as an alternative to the West End, which was the traditional home for the budding city's elite. Thanks to aggressive marketing by the Railroad, highly regulated development and a stronger degree of exclusiveness, it gradually took the latter's status over the past century.

HOUSING

Shaughnessy is predominantly residential, with a higher-than-average proportion of heritage houses from the first half of last century. Many of Shaughnessy’s original homes were designed by the City’s top architects who introduced classic British and early American architectural influences still evident today. The city is implementing a special development plan to preserve pre-1940s houses and ensure that new home planning is complementary to Shaughnessy’s distinct architectural stylings.

Most of the homes in Shaughnessy are single-family detached homes situated on large lots in the higher price range. There are, however, some discreet strata-titled properties in the mix as well as a new multi-family townhouse development on the edge of Shaughnessy.

SCHOOLS

Shaughnessy offers it’s residents a wide variety of educational institutions. It is home to Little Flower Academy, Vancouver College, York House School and Shaughnessy Elementary School. There are no public high schools in Shaughnessy: The neighbourhood is in the catchment area of each of Eric Hamber Secondary, in Oakridge, or Prince of Whales Secondary in Arbutus Ridge.

RECREATION

Shaughnessy is home to several heritage properties designed to be admired, including the Hycroft Mansion and Glen Brae, which is now home to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. Among Shaughnessy’s four public parks is the 55-acre VanDusen Botanical Gardens. Local residents also take pleasure in biking, strolling or running through the community itself.

SHOPPING

Local residents enjoy shopping in various shopping areas bordering the area. The Arbutus corridor is situated to the west with banking, a supermarket and other services. Cambie Village is located to the northeast. An interesting mix of local shops and restaurants line Oak Street on the eastern side, and the South Granville shops are located on the northern edge. The southern border, running along West 41st Avenue, offers everything from small, neighbourhood shops and restaurants to the full Oakridge Shopping Centre experience.

TRANSPORTATION

Although tucked away from the busy urban drone, Shaughnessy still affords convenient city access by car or bus. Several major arteries and the Canada Line subway serve this otherwise serene area. Granville Street runs through the community allowing a roughly 15-minute drive north to downtown or south to the airport. Oak Street lies on Shaughnessy’s eastern border and is also a popular route to the airport and into Richmond and other southern communities.