New Community Begins at "The River District" AKA the East Fraserlands

The East Fraserlands are being reinvented into The River District. The River District is an ambitious project to redevelop a large industrial site along the Fraser River in Vancouver.

Imagine a mini-city within the city. You have schools, shops, amenity, daycares, etc., all within walking distance. The plan for The River District is to build 7000 residential units and a complete support apparatus for this urban village.

The River District is a 3-4 billion dollar 130 acre development, bounded by Marine Drive to the north, Kerr Street to the west, and Boundary to the east. Walk too far south and you'll fall into the Fraser River.

This is the site of the former Canadian White Pine Mill, where for about 100 years lumber was processed under the industrial brands of H.R. MacMillan and eventually, albeit briefly, Weyerhauser USA.

The River District community will take bout 15-20 years to complete. The project is intended to be walkable and sustainable. Transit oriented design features include bus service to the Canada Line and other transit hubs in Vancouver's south end.

This is a huge project, just getting underway. The first residential development is currently being marketed with completion in 2012-2013. The first restaurant has opened as well as a 6000 sqft. neighbourhood centre.

Overall, the marketing of this initial project suggests the target audience is families with kids that want to stay in the city but still have a "natural" experience. But the largest units currently offered are only 2 bedrooms. So, if you're thinking of having more than one kid, best to have some small, condo-sized ones.

If you're interested in this project, give me a call.