Strathcona's Hastings Street is coming back strong

Everyone loves a good underdog story – and Strathcona is just that.

Once seen as disconnected from Vancouver’s popular areas, this East Van neighbourhood is now more connected than ever. Independent businesses have flocked to the area – and the Made In Strathcona campaign has helped bring in energy to make it a thriving district.

That energy isn’t going away, and in the coming years people will see the area take a new direction with more and more businesses popping up and growing, according to the Strathcona Business Improvement Assocation (SBIA).

Image: SBIA

The SBIA consists of a group of positive members, many of which have been in the area for more than 25 years. It represents more than 850 business and commercial property owners within the boundaries of Gore Avenue, Clark Drive, Railway Street, and Venables Street.

As an effect of local efforts, East Hastings has been revitalized, making locals feel more at home when they check out the area. Made In Strathcona is championing these changes by adding 23 locally-made businesses the neighbourhood identifies with its map of cafes, breweries, locally made storefronts, restaurants, and much more.

“The area is cleaning up, maintaining a good balance with the neighbourhood, and creating safe places for customers to visit,” Steve Thorp, the CEO at Postmark Brewing, says.

“People now see [this place] as a ‘cool’ place to visit, work, eat and now live.”

Owners from a diverse range of businesses around Strathcona were on the airwaves with Roundhouse Radio, talking about what make their businesses and location special.

Other interviews, which can be heard on Roundhouse Radio’s website, include:

• Paradigm Kitchen Design – Justin Horn
• Dixie’s Restaurant – Christina Cottell
• Back Gallery – Monica Reyes
• Landyachtz – Jeff Radomsky
• Boardroom Ecoapparel – Mark Trotzuk
• Uncommon Cafe – Lisa Leimanis
• The Butler Did It Catering – Darryl Ray

These interviews will continue for the next seven weeks, giving Vancouverites a chance to learn more about the exciting businesses that are growing in Strathcona.

Strathcona has revolutionized itself as an area – and it will continue to thrive in the future – but it also boasts a rich historical component. It has more than 200 heritage-designated properties and has become one of Vancouver’s top environmentally conscious communities, due in part to its Green Zone sustainability initiatives.

See the area for yourself by checking out this Strathcona map and visiting the community. You can also check out the Strathcona’s real estate listings via Made in Strathcona. For more information call 604-258-2727 and stay in the know via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.