Yaletown Plumbing Service

A couple decades ago Yaletown was an industrial area with lots of warehouses and offices, particularly for the garment industry. Back then, KCs Plumbing & Heating’s involvement in the area was decidedly industrial in nature. But that has changed, and in a big way. Of course, Yaletown is now home to thousands of people living in trendy new apartments and renovated warehouses and lofts. That means our plumbing work in the area now focuses on residential plumbing and heating, often installing new systems but sometimes having to repair older ones that were left in the former warehouses when they were converted to living spaces. Call now to book a professional Yaletown plumber.

Yaletown’s History

Yaletown is an area of Downtown Vancouver approximately bordered by False Creek and by Robson and Homer Streets. Formerly a heavy industrial area dominated by warehouses and rail yards, since Expo 86 (the 1986 World's Fair) it has been transformed into one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the city. The marinas, parks, high-rise apartment blocks, and converted heritage buildings constitute one of the most significant urban regeneration projects in North America.

History

Soon after the construction of bridges across False Creek in 1889, railway yards in the area were developed by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) under the leadership of William Van Horne. Many of the CPR workers were resettled from Yale, British Columbia; thus the name "Yaletown". Many of the brick railway-era buildings survive to this date.

After the real-estate boom and bust cycles of the 20th century, the area became shoddy and contaminated, and was bought up by the city. After Expo 86, held on neighboring former-industrial land, the whole area became ripe for development. The site was sold to Hong Kong-based developer Li Ka-shing, setting in motion the redevelopment process which continues to this day.

Planning and Architecture

From the start, the city planners imposed strict guidelines on the development, in particular requiring a substantial amount of development of the public realm, and sensitive preservation of existing heritage stock. In part, the city's adaption of new zoning plans in the Central Area Plan (1991) also aided in the process of rejuvenation by establishing objectives of improving livability and provision for office space within Yaletown , as well as preserving its heritage structures. Thus there are generous areas set aside for parks, waterfront access, community centers, and schools. Along the shore of False Creek, the Stanley Park Seawall linear park has been continued through the area, forming its southern boundary.

While little or no original housing from the 19th century survives, several older buildings from the industrial days still exist. Hamilton Street and Mainland Street are the most significant, comprising two intact streetscapes from that era. They are lined with handsome brick warehouses built on rail platforms, many with cantilevered canopies. These have been converted into loft style apartments and offices, with boutique stores, bars and restaurants at the ground level. During the latter years of the dot com boom, these streets housed Vancouver's "multimedia gulch" similar to the SOMA area of San Francisco.

Nearby, at the junction of Davie Street and Pacific Boulevard, an old brick Canadian Pacific roundhouse has been converted into the Roundhouse Community Centre which uses the old engine turntable as a small outdoor amphitheater. In another tribute to the rail history of the area, it also houses Engine No. 374, which pulled the first passenger train into Vancouver in 1887.

Spilling around the central core of Hamilton and Mainland Streets, most other architecture in Yaletown is newly built on the old derelict yards, the vast majority in a uniform glass and concrete high-rise style. Most of these buildings are apartment blocks.

While some of the fashion and garment industry – along with CPR’s roundhouse – remains in Yaletown, the revitalization that began in the ‘70s has radically altered the area.

Yaletown is now a legitimate neighborhood with thousands of living spaces in old warehouses and new high-rises. There are lots of great restaurants, nightclubs and retail establishments for entertainment. Fabulous views, state-of-the-art amenities and lots of open green space make this downtown neighborhood very attractive.

The roundhouse is now a busy community and recreational center, a vibrant arts center, and one of Vancouver’s most historic of landmarks.

Anyone in Yaletown who needs friendly, expert plumbing and heating service need look no further than Vancouver’s K. C.’s Plumbing & Heating. Commercial or residential, we will take care of you.

Postal Code: V6B, V6Z