2016
BIZMAP
DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER
NEIGHBOURHOOD PROFILE
PHOTO: DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER BIA
Market Area Profiles
OVERVIEW
FAST FACTS
»»
Residential population increase of 27 per
cent over the last five years, compared to
seven per cent in Vancouver and 12 per
cent in Metro Vancouver.
»»
A young community with lower than
average household size: 1.5 people, as
compared with 2 in Vancouver and 2.3 in
Metro Vancouver.
»»
Highly educated residents with 53 per cent
holding at least a Bachelor’s Degree.
»»
Dominant language: English (76 per cent
list as primary home language).
»»
Most common origin of residents: English,
Scottish, Irish, Canadian and Chinese.
»»
Average household income of $81,298,
as compared with $92,899 and $96,209
for Vancouver and Metro Vancouver
respectively.
»»
Only 33 per cent of households are
homeowners (vs. 49 per cent in Vancouver
and 66 per cent in Metro Vancouver).
»»
Almost 100 per cent of homes are
apartments and condos in Downtown
Vancouver, compared with 61 per cent
in Vancouver and 41 per cent in Metro
Vancouver.
»»
Average price of an apartment/condo is
$570,417 (vs. $473,500 in Vancouver and
$435,000 in Metro Vancouver).
Vancouver’s downtown is the heart of the city and is home to one of Canada’s
premier entertainment and financial districts. It has a vibrant arts and culture
community, and some of the City’s finest and most popular restaurants. With over
8,000 businesses and an employee base of 150,000 people, it is the largest
employment centre in all of Metro Vancouver.
With a perfect balance of business and pleasure, and residential and commercial,
downtown Vancouver complements its surrounding communities, including the
West End, Yaletown, Gastown, Robson Street and Chinatown. Almost 40,000 people
have moved into the primary downtown Vancouver residential catchment area in the
last ten years. Downtown Vancouver is an essential destination for the nine million
people who visit Vancouver annually.
The Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA) is
Vancouver’s largest BIA, spanning 90 blocks with boundaries that extend from
Pacific Boulevard to Coal Harbour (north-south), along Burrard Street (to Robson
Street) and Jervis Street in the west, and along Richards Street in the east
(extending to Hamilton Street between Smithe and Pender Streets (Figure 1).
Downtown Vancouver has one of the most beautiful natural backdrops in the world,
with expansive views of the Burrard Inlet, North Shore mountains, and False Creek,
and remains a popular place to live. Major multi-story condominium towers continue
to be developed, many of which have street-level townhouses combined with a
tower behind – an architectural model that Vancouver has become famous for.
Downtown is the most walkable neighbourhood in Vancouver, making it easy for
residents to access services, restaurants and entertainment.
The area is a draw for young, urban professionals – an apt description of the some
100,000 people (and growing) who call downtown Vancouver home. The residential
population has grown at almost four times the rate of the Vancouver average in the
last five years. With residential housing stocks on the downtown peninsula
continuing to be developed, it is anticipated that these trends will continue.
1
2016
BIZMAP
DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER (DVBIA)
NEIGHBOURHOOD PROFILE
Market Area Profiles
Burrard Inlet to the north, Stanley Park and the West End to
the west, Gastown and Yaletown to the east, and False Creek
to the south – making downtown Vancouver the most walkable
neighbourhood in all of Canada.2
Downtown Vancouver ranks ninth in the world and second in
Canada on a list of cities with the largest number of highrises.3
The Shangri-La on Georgia Street is the tallest building at 62
storeys.
Downtown Vancouver is a commercial/retail area comprised of
three zoning types: Downtown District (DD), Comprehensive
Development District (CD-1) and Central Waterfront District
(CWD).
PHOTO: DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER BIA
HERITAGE & CULTURE
Downtown Vancouver is a mix of new and old, and has more than
100 structures listed as heritage buildings, including the Marine
Building, Vancouver Art Gallery, and the Orpheum Theatre. The
area plays hosts to numerous community events throughout the
year, drawing locals and tourists to the area. Popular events
include the Vancouver International Film Festival, Vancouver Pride
Celebration, Roger’s Santa Claus Parade, Vancouver International
Jazz Festival, and the BMO Vancouver Marathon.
WHO LIVES DOWNTOWN?
A total of 100,660 people live in the residential catchment of
downtown Vancouver.1 The area’s residential population increased
by 27 per cent in the last five years – significantly higher than that
of the Vancouver average, and more than double that of the Metro
Vancouver average.
New high-rise condominiums are the primary reason for the
increase, and new construction including Telus Garden, Trump
Tower, and Vancouver House will continue to bring in more
residents. By 2018, it is expected that 110,000 people will call
downtown Vancouver home.
Downtown Vancouver is a diverse and multicultural community,
and the most common origin of its residents are English, Scottish,
Irish, Canadian and Chinese.
Compared to the rest of the city and Metro Vancouver, the
household size in downtown Vancouver is smaller than average,
with fewer families and children per household. Residents are
young by regional standards, and almost all live in apartments
and condominiums.
Downtown residents are highly educated and have professions in
sales and service, business and finance, and management. Fiftythree per cent hold at least a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.
THE SPECIFICS
PHYSICAL PROFILE
Downtown Vancouver is located in the heart of the City of
Vancouver, with 5.9 million square feet of residential area and
33.7 million square feet of commercial area. It is bordered by
RECREATION
Downtown Vancouver contains five city parks – Cathedral Square,
Emery Barnes Park, and Art Phillips Discovery Park at the Burrard
SkyTrain Station, along with Harbour Green and Portal Park, both
of which overlook Coal Harbour.
Downtown Vancouver is a walker’s and runner’s paradise, with
easy access to the Seawall and Stanley Park, as well as the Coal
Harbour and Roundhouse Community Centres.
EDUCATION
The closest elementary schools are Lord Roberts Elementary at
1100 Bidwell Street and Elsie Roy Elementary at 150 Drake Street.
The closest public secondary school is King George Secondary
at 1755 Barclay Street. Downtown Vancouver is home to satellite
campuses of the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon
Fraser University’s (SFU), British Columbia Institute of Technology
(BCIT), and over a dozen English language schools.
TRANSPORTATION
Downtown Vancouver is connected to almost every neighbourhood
in Vancouver and Metro Vancouver through the Granville, Burrard,
and Waterfront SkyTrain stations that access the Expo Line,
Millennium Line, and Canada Line. The Canada Line connects
downtown to the Vancouver International Airport and Richmond.
Bus routes serve the North Shore, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey and
beyond. The SeaBus provides a direct route to North Vancouver
across Burrard Inlet.
Seaplane and helicopter terminals located in Coal Harbour are
easily accessible and within walking distance of many transit hubs.
There are four bike routes in downtown Vancouver – Burrard/
Hornby and Richards/Homer, which provide one-way on-street
2
1
For the purpose of this study, the residential catchment area is defined as being the Downtown peninsula to Main Street.
2
Lucent Quay web search, December 2015. Source: https://www.walkscore.com/CA-BC/Vancouver/Downtown.
3
Lucent Quay web search, December 2015. Source: http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?cityID=1.
2016
BIZMAP
DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER
NEIGHBOURHOOD PROFILE
Market Area Profiles
cycling lanes for north-south bike traffic, and the Melville/Dunsmuir
and Pacific routes, which provide east-west cycling lanes. The area
is adjacent to the seaside bike route around Stanley Park.
KEY POPULATION INDICATORS
POPULATION
KEY
POPULATION
INDICATORS
There
are 100,660
residents in downtown Vancouver – 54 per
Population
cent
male
and
46 perincent
female.
Residents
are of
young
There are 100,600 residents
Downtown
Vancouver,
comprised
54 perby
cent males and 46
standards.
centstandards
are between
ages
perregional
cent females.
ResidentsAlmost
are young50
byper
regional
– almostthe
50 per
cent are between
theofages
25 and
with
theaverage
average ages
25 to 29.
25 of
and
44,44,
with
the
agebeing
between
25 and 29 (Figure
Figure 3: Ethnic Origin
Figure 2: Population by Age
Figure 2: Population by Age
35%
% OF TOTAL POPULATION
40%
% OF TOTAL POPULATION
45%
Downtown
35%
Vancouver
Metro Vancouver
30%
25%
Vancouver
25%
Metro Vancouver
20%
15%
10% of visible minorities, 25 per cent of residents in
In terms
Downtown Vancouver identify themselves as Chinese, West
5%
Asian, Korean and Japanese. Although Chinese has the highest
percentage
at 15 percent, it is notably less compared to the rest
0%
Canadian
Chinese
English
Scottish
of Vancouver
(30 per cent)
and Metro
VancouverIrish
(19 per cent).
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
Downtown
30%
PHOTO: DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER BIA
2). The area has significantly fewer children and seniors than
The area has significantly fewer children and seniors than Vancouver and Metro Vancouver
Vancouver and Metro Vancouver overall.
overall.
Under 20
20-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
In termsLANGUAGES
of visible minorities, 25 per cent of residents in Downtown Vancouver identif
HOME
themselves as Chinese, West Asian, Korean and Japanese. Although Chinese has the hi
percentage
at 15
percent, it
is notably
less compared
to the rest
of Vancouver (30 per
English
is the
dominant
home
language
for downtown
residents
Downtown Vancouver saw a significant population increase of 27
and per
Metro
Vancouver
(19
per
cent).
(76
cent),
which
is
higher
than
the
rest
of
the
region
(68
Downtown
Vancouver
sawlast
a significant
population
increase
of 27
per cent
within
per cent
over the
five years,
compared
with
seven
per
centtheinlast five
per
cent) (Table 1). This is followed by Chinese (Mandarin and
years,
comparedand
to seven
per cent
in in
Vancouver
and 12 per cent in Metro Vancouver.
Vancouver
12 per
cent
Metro Vancouver.
Home Languages
Cantonese),
Farsi andhome
Korean.
Chinese
is the home
language
English
is the dominant
language
for Downtown
residents
(76 per cent), which is
Ethnic Origin
to
three
per
cent
of
downtown
residents,
compared
to
11 per(Mandarin and
than
the
rest
of
the
region
(68
per
cent).
This
is
followed
by
Chinese
ETHNIC
ORIGIN
The
top five ethnic
origins in Downtown Vancouver are English, Irish, Scottish, Canadian and
city and
andKorean.
seven Chinese
per centis for
region.
There
Cantonese),
the the
home
language
to 3 are
per cent of Downtow
Chinese. While these are also the top five ethnic origins for the City and region overall, acent
key for theFarsi
more
Farsi
and
Korean
speaking
residents
than
the
average
residents,
compared
to
11
per
cent
for
the
City
and
7
per
cent
for theinregion. There a
difference
is
there
is
a
significantly
lower
percentage
of
residents
of
Chinese
origin
within
The top five ethnic origins in downtown Vancouver are English,
Downtown Vancouver than Vancouver and Metro Vancouver.
Farsi and Korean
than the average
in Vancouver,
and a much lower
Vancouver,
andspeaking
a muchresidents
lower percentage
of Punjabi
speakers
Irish, Scottish, Canadian and Chinese (Figure 2). While these
percentage of
Punjabi
speakers
in
Downtown
than
in the rest of the City and region.
downtown
than
in
the
rest
of
the
city
and
region.
are also the top five ethnic origins for the city and region overall,
a key difference is there is a significantly lower percentage of
Figure 4: Top Home Languages
Table 1: Top Home Languages
residents of Chinese origin within downtown Vancouver than
Vancouver and Metro Vancouver.
Downtown
Vancouver
Metro Vancouver
Figure 3: Ethnic Origin
Figure 3: Ethnic Origin
% OF TOTAL POPULATION
35%
Downtown
30%
Vancouver
25%
Metro Vancouver
20%
15%
76%
65%
68%
1%
3%
2%
2%
1%
8%
1%
1%
3%
2%
1%
4%
1%
2%
3%
5%
1%
FAMILY STRUCTURE
10%
5%
0%
Dominant
English
Non-Official
Cantonese
Farsi
Korean
Mandarin
Page 4 of 11Punjabi
Spanish
Canadian
Chinese
English
Irish
Scottish
Family Structure
Downtown Vancouver is home to 64,818 households, compared to 49,549 in 2009. Of t
Downtown
is home
to compared
64,818 households,
compared
households, Vancouver
40 per cent are
families,
to 60 per cent
in Vancouver and 74 pe
with
49,549
in 2009There
(Table
page 4). Of these
households,
in Metro
Vancouver.
are2,
proportionately
fewer married
couples40
than Vancouver
per
cent
are families,
compared with
60common-law
per cent incouples.
Vancouver
Metro
Vancouver,
and correspondingly
more
Families in Downto
and 74 per cent in Metro Vancouver. There are proportionally
fewer married couples in downtown Vancouver than Vancouver
In terms of visible minorities, 25 per cent of residents in Downtown Vancouver identify
themselves as Chinese, West Asian, Korean and Japanese. Although Chinese has the highest
percentage at 15 percent, it is notably less compared to the rest of Vancouver (30 per cent)
and Metro Vancouver (19 per cent).
Home Languages
English is the dominant home language for Downtown residents (76 per cent), which is higher
than the rest of the region (68 per cent). This is followed by Chinese (Mandarin and
Cantonese), Farsi and Korean. Chinese is the home language to 3 per cent of Downtown
residents, compared to 11 per cent for the City and 7 per cent for the region. There are more
Pag
3
Household Income
Although residents in Downtown Vancouver are better educated, they have lower average
annual household income levels than that of Vancouver or Metro Vancouver. The average
household income is $81,298, compared to $92,899 for Vancouver and $96,209 for Metro
Vancouver. The difference is largely reflective of the higher number of younger, single person
households in the Downtown area.
2016
BIZMAP
DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER
NEIGHBOURHOOD PROFILE
Market Area Profiles
Figure 8 illustrates the income profile for Downtown residents as compared with the City and
region, which shows that Downtown has more households with an average annual income of
less than $60,000 than Vancouver and the region.
Vancouver on average have fewer children
or no
compared to the average for
Figure
5:children
Family Structure
Table
2:rest
Family
families
for the
of theStructure
City and region.
% OF TOTAL POPULATION
Figure
8: AverageIncome
Household Income
and Metro Vancouver, and correspondingly more common-law
Figure 4: Average
Household
couples. Families in downtown Vancouver on average have fewer
40%
children
children
compared
average
for families
in the for
Vancouver or
on no
average
have fewer
childrento
orthe
no children
compared
to the average
Downtown
35%
rest
of the
cityrest
and
region.
families
for the
of the
City and region.
Vancouver
Metro Vancouver
30%
25%
Downtown
Vancouver
Metro Vancouver
Figure 5: Family Structure
Number of
64,818
281,907
980,076
20%
Households
Vancouver
Metro Vancouver
Average Number of Downtown
15%
Number
of
Persons
per
64,818 1.5
281,907 2.0
980,076 2.3
Households
Household
Average
Number
of
10%
% of
Households
40%
60%
74%
Personswith
per Families*
1.5
2.0
2.3
Household
5%
Number of Families
24,583
170,159
726,560
% of Households
Average Number of
40%
60%
74%
2.3
2.7
2.8
with Families*
Persons per Family
0%
Number
of Families
24,583
170,159
726,560
Less than $20K
Average
Number of
0.4
0.9
1
Average
Number
of
Children per Family
2.3
2.7
2.8
Persons per Family
*Family is defined as a census family
Average
Number
of as a census family
*Family
is defined
OCCUPATION
0.4
0.9
1
Children per Family
Occupation
$20-$39k
$40-$59k
$60-$79k
$80-$99k
$100k+
LEVEL OF EDUCATION
The top five occupational groups for Downtown residents are:
Level of Education
The
top five occupational groups for downtown residents are:
• Sales
Downtown Vancouver residents have higher levels of education than the average for the
City and service occupations (25 per cent)
Downtown
Vancouver
residents
have
higher
levels
of
education
•
Business,
finance and administrative occupations (22 per cent)
region, with 53 per cent holding a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent, or higher, compared
Level and
of Education
than
thecent
average
for have
theand
city
region,
with
53
per cent holding
»• » Sales
and service
(25(17
per
Management
occupations
percent)
cent)
to 46Vancouver
per
inresidents
Vancouver
36 and
per
cent
in education
Metro
Vancouver.
Downtown
higher
levels
of
than the average for the City
•
Social
science,
education,
government
and religion
occupations
a
Bachelor’s
Degree
or
equivalent,
or
higher,
compared
to
46
per
»
»
Business,
finance
and
administrative
(22 per
cent) (11 per cent)
and region, with 53 per cent holding a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent, or higher, compared
Figure
Education
Levels
Natural and applied
occupations (10 per cent)
cent
in in
Vancouver
and3636
cent
in Metro
Vancouver
(Table 3).
»• » Management
(17science
per cent)
to 46 per
cent
Vancouver and
perper
cent
in 7:
Metro
Vancouver.
*Family is defined as a census family
Downtown
Vancouver
Figure 7: Education Levels
Table Population
3: Education
Levels
25
Years or Older
Downtown
No Certificate,
Population 25
3%
Diploma or Degree
Years or Older
High School Diploma
No Certificate,
16%
3%
or Equivalent
Diploma or Degree
Trades Certificate
High School Diploma
5%
16%
or Diploma
or Equivalent
College or other
Trades Certificate
17%
5%
non-University
or Diploma
CollegeUniversity
or other Diploma
6%
17%
below Bachelor
non-University
Bachelor’s
Degree
35%
University Diploma
6%
University Diploma
below Bachelor
18%
above
Bachelor
Bachelor’s
Degree
35%
University Diploma
18%
Labour
Force
above Bachelor
Vancouver
7%
7%
19%
5%
17%
6%
29%
17%
19%
5%
17%
6%
29%
17%
»» Social science, education, government and religion
Metro Vancouver
A higher number of Downtown residents are employed in management positions, as well as in
(11
per cent)
business,
finance
and administrative, and art, culture, recreation and sport positions than the
»
»
Natural
andand
applied
(ten per
cent)
average
for
the City
region. science
Proportionately,
fewer
residents are employed in trades,
Metro Vancouver
8% transport and equipment operator, and processing, manufacturing and utilities occupations.
8%
23%
8%
19%
7%
23%
23%
8%
19%
7%
23%
13%
A higher number of downtown residents are employed in
management positions, as well as in business, finance and
administrative, and art, culture, recreation and sport positions
than the average for the city and region. Proportionately, fewer
downtown residents are employed in trades, transport and
equipment operator, and processing, manufacturing and utilities
Page 7 of 11
occupations (Table 4).
Force by Occupation
Table 4: LabourFigure
Force10:
byLabour
Occupation
Downtown
Vancouver
Metro
Vancouver
25%
31%
29%
22%
19%
12%
17%
11%
12%
Social Science, Education,
Page
6 of 11
Government
& Religion
11%
13%
11%
Natural & Applied Science
Page 6 of 11
10%
8%
7%
Art, Culture, Recreation & Sport
7%
4%
2%
Health
4%
5%
4%
Trades, Transport & Equipment
Operators & Related
3%
8%
14%
-
1%
17%
13%
Majority of the working age population of 15 years and over in Downtown Vancouver is in the
labour
Labour
Forceforce (72 per cent), which is reflective of its residents who have higher education
Sales & Service
LABOUR
FORCE
levels
andworking
are
primarily
of working
This and
is slightly
than the
City (66isper
cent) and
Majority
of the
age population
of age.
15 years
over inhigher
Downtown
Vancouver
in the
region
(65 cent),
per cent).
labourthe
force
(72 per
which is reflective of its residents who have higher education
Business, Finance &
levelsThe
and are
primarily
working
age. age
This ispopulation
slightly higher
Cityand
(66 per
cent) and Administration
majority
ofofthe
working
ofthan
15 the
years
over
the region
(65 per cent).
in downtown
Vancouver is in the labour force (72 per cent), which
is reflective of its residents who have higher education levels and
are primarily of working age. This is slightly higher than the City of
Vancouver as a whole (66 per cent) and the region (65 per cent).
HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Although residents in downtown Vancouver are better educated,
they have lower average annual household income levels than
that of Vancouver or Metro Vancouver. The average household
income is $81,298, compared to $92,899 for Vancouver and
$96,209 for Metro Vancouver. The difference is largely reflective
of the higher number of younger, single-person households in the
downtown area.
Management
Processing, Manufacturing &
Utilities
Figure 4 illustrates the income profile for downtown residents as
compared with the city and region, which shows that downtownHOUSING PROFILE
Structural Mix
has more households with an average annual income of less than
Vancouver has proportionately more apartments and condos than almost all other cities in
$60,000 than Vancouver and the region.
Canada, only second to Montreal. While there are no single-detached homes in Downtown
Vancouver, apartments represent 99 per cent of the housing stock, compared to 61 per cent
in Vancouver and 41 per cent in the region. A majority of those apartments (86 per cent) are
4
in buildings with five or more storeys.
With new high-rises currently in construction, including the Trump Tower, Telus Garden and
Vancouver House, apartments will continue to provide a strong residential base in the area.
2016
BIZMAP
DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER
NEIGHBOURHOOD PROFILE
Market Area Profiles
HOUSING PROFILE
STRUCTURAL MIX
Vancouver has proportionately more apartments and condos than
almost all other cities in Canada, second only to Montreal. There
are no detached homes in downtown Vancouver, with apartments
representing 99 per cent of the housing stock. This compares
with 61 per cent single-detached homes in Vancouver and 41 per
cent in the region. The majority of those apartments (86 per cent)
are in buildings with five or more storeys (Figure 5).
PHOTO: DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER BIA
With new high-rises currently in construction, including the Trump
Tower, Telus Garden and Vancouver House, apartments will
continue to provide a strong residential base in the area.
Figure 5: Dwellings
by Major
Structural
Figure 11: Dwellings
by Major
StructuralType
Type
100%
Downtown
% OF DWELLINGS
80%
Vancouver
Metro Vancouver
60%
HOUSING PRICES
40%
20%
0%
Single-Detached
Semi-Detached/Row
Apartment
Tenure
TENURE
The majority of Downtown residents (67 per cent) rent their home – primarily due to the
area’s housing stock of apartments, the relatively youthful demographic and the higher
The majority
of downtown
perthan
cent)
rent their
home
proportion
of single-person
households. residents
This average (67
is higher
the proportion
of renters
in Vancouver
(51 per
cent)
Vancouver
(34 per
cent).of apartments, the
– primarily
due
toand
theMetro
area’s
housing
stock
youthful demographic and the higher percentage of single-person
Housing Prices 4
households.
average
the percentage
ofcent
renters
Housing
in DowntownThis
Vancouver
is madeisuphigher
of 99 perthan
cent apartments,
and one per
row
houses.
The cost of housing
has increased
over Metro
30 per cent
in the past five
an
in Vancouver
(51 per
cent)
and
Vancouver
(34years,
perwith
cent).
5
average housing price of $570,417 . This is 20 to 30 per cent higher compared to the average
price of apartments in Vancouver at $473,500 and Metro Vancouver at $435,000.
The Vancouver housing market remains strong with home sales forecasted to reach record
levels. The one-year average increase remains at a steady 10 per cent, which is lower than
the rest of the City and region with an average increase of 16 per cent and 14 per cent,
respectively.
The average rental price in Downtown Vancouver is $1,800 per month for a two-bedroom
apartment 6.
4
Housing price information courtesy of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver.
Housing price information courtesy of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver.
Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Rental Market Survey Results, October 2014. Source: https://www03.cmhcschl.gc.ca/hmiportal/en/#Profile/241003/5/Downtown
5
PHOTO: DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER BIA
6
Page 9 of 11
The cost of housing has increased over 30 per cent in the past
five years, with an average housing price of $570,417.4 This
is 20 to 30 per cent higher compared to the average price of
apartments in Vancouver at $473,500 and Metro Vancouver at
$435,000.
The Vancouver housing market remains strong with home sales
forecasted to reach record levels. The one-year average increase
remains at a steady ten per cent, which is lower than the rest of
the city and region with an average increase of 16 per cent and
14 per cent, respectively.
The average rental price in downtown Vancouver is $1,800 per
month for a two-bedroom apartment.5
SPENDING PATTERNS
Reflecting their income levels and smaller household size, on
average, households in downtown Vancouver spend less per year
than the average Vancouver and Metro Vancouver household. In
2015, downtown area households spent an average of $75,661,
compared to $83,902 in Vancouver households and $86,297 in
Metro Vancouver households.
On a percentage basis, downtown residents have similar
spending patterns as residents of the city and region, with
the exception of housing, on which they spend slightly more.
This is likely due to the higher property values and rent prices.
Downtown residents spend slightly less on transportation as a
result of fewer residents owning vehicles and using alternative
modes of transportation such as walking, public transit or cycling.
When it comes to personal spending, households in downtown
spend ten per cent of their expenses on clothing, tobacco
products and alcoholic beverages, compared to the average of
seven per cent in Vancouver and six per cent in Metro Vancouver.
5
4
Housing price information courtesy of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver.
Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Rental Market Survey Results, October 2014. Source: https://
www03.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/hmiportal/en/#Profile/241003/5/Downtown
5
2016
BIZMAP
On a percentage basis, Downtown residents have similar spending patterns as residents of the
City and region, with the exception of housing, on which they spend slightly more. This is
likely due to the higher property values and rent prices. Downtown residents spend slightly
less on transportation as a result of fewer residents owning vehicles and using alternative
modes of transportation such as walking, public transit or cycling.
DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER
NEIGHBOURHOOD PROFILE
Market Area Profiles
When it comes to personal spending, households in Downtown spend 10 per cent of their
expenses on clothing, tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, compared to the average of
seven per cent in Vancouver and six per cent in Metro Vancouver.
Table 5 provides a comparison of annual household spending in
Figure
13 provides Vancouver,
a comparison ofVancouver
annual household
in Downtown Vancouver,
downtown
and spending
Metro Vancouver.
Vancouver and Metro Vancouver.
Table 5: 2015 Household
Spending
Patterns
Figure 13: 2015
Household Spending
Patterns
Downtown
10%
23%
10%
Vancouver
11%
21%
11%
Metro Vancouver
10%
21%
12%
5%
5%
5%
4%
5%
22%
4%
5%
22%
4%
5%
21%
5%
5%
5%
16%
16%
17%
PHOTO: DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER BIA
Food
Shelter
Transportation
Health & Personal
Care
Household Operation
Recreation
Taxes
Insurance, Pension
Contributions
Other
Table 6 provides a breakdown of average 2015 spending per
downtown
household.
igure 14 provides
a breakdown
of an average 2015 spending per Downtown household.
Table 6: Figure
Downtown
Vancouver
BIA Spending
Patterns
14: Downtown
Vancouver
Spending
Patterns
(Average Household Average
2015) Household (2015)
Expenditure Area
Total Expenditure per Household
Personal Taxes
Shelter
Food
Transportation
Recreation
Insurance & Pension Contributions
Health & Personal Care
Other
Clothing
Household Operation
Gifts of Money & Contributions
Household Furnishings & Equipment
Tobacco Products & Alcoholic Beverages
Education
Miscellaneous Expenditures
Reading Materials & Other Printed Matter
Games of Chance
Amount
$75,661
$16,271
$17,344
$7,776
$7,344
$3,794
$3,948
$3,108
$3,764
$2,738
$2,371
$2,199
$2,053
$1,304
$1,050
$342
$183
SUMMARY
Downtown Vancouver, Canada’s most walkable neighbourhood,
is a popular place to live and to visit. Its density is both liveable
and sustainable. The recent development of major new high-rise
Page 10 of 11
apartments, access to thousands of services, restaurants and
shops, and a growing number of grocery stores, will continue to
provide downtown Vancouver with a strong residential base to
sustain businesses that supply personal services and consumer
staples.
CONTACT
Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association
he Downtown Vancouver core, Canada’s most walkable neighbourhood, is a popular place
Suiteto
325 – 1130 West Pender Street
ve and to visit. Its density is both liveable and sustainable. The recent development of
major
Vancouver,
BC V6E 4A4
ew high-rise apartments, access to thousands of services, restaurants and shops, and a
rowing number of grocery stores, will continue to provide Downtown Vancouver with Tel:
a strong
(604) 685-7811
esidential base to sustain businesses that supply personal services and consumer staples.
Fax: (604) 685-7812
@downtownvan
@downtownvan
downtownvancouver.net
PHOTO: DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER BIA
/downtownvan
Page 11 of 11
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