The Downtown Eastside forms a significant part of the industrial and residential history of Vancouver, and provides a setting that reflects many of the distinct narratives that characterise modern Vancouver. It is home to many of Vancouver’s poorest and most marginalised people, and their continued presence has been that focus for Vancouver policing, drug and health policy for several decades. Conversely, the resulting lack of development during the 20th Century has allowed the original Edwardian urban landscape to remain intact, while the rest of downtown has undergone fifty years of redevelopment. As a result, the Eastside retains a character and sense of continuity missing elsewhere in Downtown Vancouver.
