Robson Street gets its name from John Robson who was British Columbia’s Premier from 1889-1892. It was one of the first streets in Vancouver and you can trace its commercial roots back to 1895 when railroad tracks were laid alongside Robson Street to Jervis Street. Small specialized shops began popping up along Robson to serve Vancouver’s rapidly growing population.
In the 1950s and 1960 the area saw an influx of European shopkeepers, mostly Germans, who immigrated after World War II. Robson Street actually became known as ‘Robsonstrasse’ due to burgeoning international character. Redevelopment started in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Many of the older buildings were renovated, causing rents to increase. These changes resulted in many smaller businesses having to close their doors changing the look.
Expo 86 put Vancouver on the map as a global destination. Interest in Robson Street increased. You could still find independent retailers throughout the 1980s but national and international chains began to appear. Robson Street continued to evolve and today is Vancouver’s premiere shopping and dining district. Sandwiched between BC Place Stadium at one end and Stanley Park at the other, Robson Street remains a vibrant stretch of Vancouver attracting both locals and visitors alike.
The photos above were collected from the City of Vancouver Archives. If you’re interested, additional information can be found for each photograph on their website. Stay tuned for additional posts featuring historical photos from Vancouver, British Columbia, and across Western Canada. We’d love to know what you think in the comment section below.
