The Greek community in Kitsilano has deep roots that stretch back to the post-World War II era. In the years following the war, Greek refugees from Europe and other parts of Canada settled in the area, creating a vibrant community. This influx of immigrants led to the establishment of Greek businesses, social clubs, schools, newspapers, and even more.
Central to this community was the original St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church, built in 1930. Designed by renowned architect William Marshall Dodd, the church is an example of the Classical Revival style and is considered an excellent example of Dodd’s work in Vancouver.
As the Greek population surged in the 1950s, community leaders realized that the original church could no longer accommodate the growing congregation. In 1971, St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church was sold to the Neighbourhood Services Association, which transformed the space into what we now know as the Kitsilano Neighbourhood House. The congregation relocated to the new St. George’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Arbutus Street.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Kits House continued to serve the Greek community, offering program guides and calendars partially written in Greek, Greek family nights, English classes, and folk dancing for adults and teens.
Today, Kitsilano remains a hub for Greek culture in Vancouver. Annual events like Greek Day on Broadway bring together thousands of attendees to celebrate Greek heritage through food, music, and dance, ensuring the culture continues to thrive in the neighbourhood.
