Powell West of Dunlevy 1946 (courtesy: Vancouver Archives)

Great Beginnings:
Old Streets, New Pride

British Columbia turned 150 years old in 2008 and to celebrate, an initiative called the Great Beginnings Program was created by the City and funded by the provincial government. Over the past three years, $10 million had been used to celebrate the history, heritage and culture of Vancouver's first urban areas: Gastown, Chinatown, Japantown and Strathcona — often referred to collectively as the Downtown Eastside. The Program creates a legacy for improved physical, social, and economic conditions in Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood.

Vancouver's founding neighbourhoods were lively and dynamic social spaces. Projects help restore the neighbourhood’s original public appeal through improvements to streets, buildings and public spaces. Support is also given to arts and cultural activities, celebrations and street festivals for residents and visitors alike.

All activities focus on practical ways to build the community's own capacity. This means employment and training opportunities for residents, artists and trades people.

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