I wasn`t born in Vancouver but I’ve been lucky to be able to call this my home for the past 3 years. Specifically the neighbourhood on Vancouver’s west side called Kerrisdale. Kerrisdale has a large ecological history that mixes Indigenous heritage, natural landscapes, and urban development. Getting to explore where I live really transformed my ideas of Kerrisdale from its pre-contact era to today.

Before Kerrisdale became the residential neighbourhood it is today, it was part of the ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. For thousands of years, the Musqueam lived in this region, relying on the ecosystems of the Fraser River estuary for food and cultural practices. “The area now occupied by the Kerrisdale Community Centre was once an ancient Musqueam village site, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between the land and its original stewards”[1]. The Musqueam, along with the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples, have inhabited the Vancouver area for over 10,000 years. Their settlements were strategically located to take advantage of the abundant natural resources, including salmon runs, shellfish beds, and diverse plant life. Additionally, Kerrisdale’s natural landscape was once dominated by towering Douglas-fir forests. Allegedly the area was home to the tallest Douglas-fir in the world, reaching a height of “125m (415 feet) tall until it was cut down for timber in 1875 and sent to Hastings Mill on Burrard Inlet[2]. These trees provided habitat for a large amount of wildlife species, including black bears, cougars, and birds. Today, while the old-growth forests are gone, Kerrisdale still supports urban wildlife. Birds such as crows, sparrows, and chickadees are common sights, and raccoons and squirrels have adapted well to the urban environment. The area’s green spaces, including parks and tree-lined streets, provide essential habitats for these species.

European settlement in Kerrisdale began in the 1862, “when the McCleery brothers, Samuel and Fitzgerald, decided to farm the area now occupied by the Marine Drive Golf Club” [3]. The fertile land and proximity to the Fraser River made it an ideal location for agriculture. As the community grew, logging became a significant industry, leading to the clearing of vast tracts of forest. The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s “Sockeye Special” in the early 20th century further accelerated development, providing transportation for people and goods and facilitating the growth of the neighbourhood. Urban development and global trade have introduced several invasive species to Kerrisdale, impacting local ecosystems. One notable example is giant hogweed, “that can grow up to 6 metres high when in flower”[4] and poses health risks due to its toxic sap. Other invasive species, such as English ivy and Himalayan blackberry, outcompete native plants, reducing biodiversity and altering habitats. Efforts to manage these invasive species include public education campaigns and community-led removal initiatives. The Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver provides resources and support for such efforts, aiming to restore and protect native ecosystems[5] . Kerrisdale has changed from a rural farming area into a urban neighbourhood. The development of residential housing, commercial areas, and infrastructure has reshaped the landscape. Despite this urbanization, Kerrisdale has retained much of its past, with tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community. The neighbourhood’s development has been guided by urban planning principles that emphasize green spaces and walkability. Parks, community centers, and schools are integral parts of the community, contributing to its livability and ecological health.

Kerrisdale’s environmental history shows the layered relationship between land, culture, and development. From its Indigenous past and once-dense forests to its transformation through agriculture, logging, and urbanization, the story of this neighbourhood mirrors broader environmental shifts in the region. Understanding this history encouraged a bigger appreciation of the area I get to live in and reminds me of the ongoing work required to protect and restore it. As a current resident, I feel both fortunate to live in such a unique area and responsible for contributing to its ecological well-being.

[1] Indigenization in Action: The Kerrisdale-Musqueam Story Circle.

[2] Historical Big Trees in Kerrisdale. Vancouver Big Tree Hiking Guide.

[3] Kerrisdale History.

[4] City of Vancouver.

[5] Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver.