Commercial Drive

Commercial Drive within the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, is a well-known street. The road runs through the district of Woodland-Grandview. In the area, there are many businesses, residents and cultural facilities. The inhabitants along Commercial Drive usually call the area as "The Drive" and it is amongst Vancouver's Business Improvement Areas or BIA.

Both the Sky Train's Millennium Line and Expo Line are located at the Commercial-Broadway Station. As well, the neighborhood is served by various bus routes.

The area surrounding Commercial Drive has numerous ethnic and vegetarian restaurants. Public housing and businesses can be located all through this commercial and residential area. Compared to the Westside of Vancouver, this particular place has much lower property prices. It is considered a local transit center and offers great city services.

Immigrants coming to the city of Vancouver have found Commercial Drive to be a prime destination. Located in the area are significant African, Italian, Asian, East Indian and Latin America communities. English is a minority language according to the 2001 Census for the Grandview-Woodland district, though it is still the language most commonly utilized.

Commercial Drive has a huge diverse culture base and numerous huge community groups and ethnic stores. European-style cafes, several bars, Edwardian-style heritage buildings and various entertainment venues and alternative shops could also be found here. According to research completed during 2007, there are 93 restaurants on Commercial Drive between Broadway and Venables, and 19 of those are coffee bars.

There are numerous events happening here every year because it has a reputation for having an active street festival culture. The Parade of the Lost Souls during October and the Dyke March in August are some well-known annual events held here every year. Commercial Drive is also the host place to Vancouver's only queer spoken word and musician performance night called Unsweetened and Outspoken. Commercial Drive is a wonderful place for individuals who really like to experience a North American counter-culture on a large scale.