Vancouver's Yaletown
Like many parts of Vancouver, Yaletown’s early days were shaped by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). In 1886, the City offered CPR a 20 year exemption from local taxes if it built its rail yards and repair facilities on False Creek’s north shore. The CPR agreed, moving its machinery and employees from its former shops at Yale in the Fraser River canyon. This move is what sparked the name Yaletown.
In the late 1970’s and 1980’s, Yaletown became the focus for a series of changes in the downtown area. Young urban professionals were attracted to Yaletown’s old warehouses. Over the years, Yaletown went through many phases such as: warehouse district, garment industry, and dot.com. What makes Yaletown unique is that pieces of these phases still remain a part of Yaletown today. The City recognized Yaletown’s architectural importance by zoning it as a historical district which allows for new uses while maintaining the special character of the area. Former loading docks now find themselves being used as outdoor dining spaces. Warehouses have become chic lofts for offices and residences. It is a flavour not found anywhere else in the city.
While Yaletown itself comprises of the historical warehouses primarily on Homer, Mainland, and Hamilton Streets, the general area within a several block radius of here is today commonly known as Yaletown as well. At City Hall, it is more technically known as 'Downtown South'. It is here, along with Coal Harbour, where Vancouver has seen its most dramatic transformations take place over the last decade or so.
Subject to a relatively strict set of new re-zoning rules and regulations, this area has turned itself into a desireable area
of skyscraper condos with impressive views, and row townhomes at street level. Sidewalks are lined with a double-row of trees, and there are new grocery stores and services opening up all the time in various spots as the neighbourhood continues to mature and the population continues to grow. Out of what once was an area of surface parking lots, under-utilized commercial and warehouse spaces now stands a thriving, vibrant, and diverse neighbourhood of the new Vancouver.
Along the water's edge around Yaletown, the former lands that hosted Expo '86 have also transformed themself into a real estate mecca, as one of the largest and most comprehensive master-planned communities ever seen in North 
America. It was this giant project that kick-started the metamorphisis across the rest of downtown and the Yaletown area. It has been more than 10 years, and this project is still not complete, as phase by phase continue to be developed and built-out. Home to numerous parks and green spaces, the different areas that have each been developed have evolved into each their own, with their own flavour, and name. The first of these was Marinaside, home to the original 'Urban Fare' grocery store. Next was the recently completed area known as Beach Crescent (immediately east of the Granville Street bridge), and currently under 
construction is the Cooper's Quay neighbourhood, in between the Cambie Street bridge and the (former) Plaza of Nations. Tying all of these together is a revitalized section of Vancouver's renouned seawall - a place along the water's edge to walk, bike, rollerblade, or sit and watch the dragon boaters practice on False Creek.
Yaletown and its surrounding neighbourhood have much to offer. From ranging ages and styles of architecture, to the waterfront and its seawall, Yaletown will continue to be one of the most desireable places in the city to live for decades to come.
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