KERRISDALE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Giving Back to the Community

Kerrisdale is one of Vancouver’s most historic neighbourhoods, with its heritage buildings and brick sidewalks that grace the quaint business district. Adding to the polished and cared for appearance are planters brimming with beautiful displays and lamp standards showcasing creatively designed banners, lights and swags depending on the season. The area is also well known for its outstanding variety of one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, and services that, in many cases, are independently owned and operated.

A thriving shopping district is the heart of a neighbourhood.

Have you ever wondered who plays an enormous role in making this community a desirable place to live, shop, work, and play? Terri Clark, the coordinator of the Kerrisdale Business Association (KBA), recently spoke to Kerrisdale Insider about the incredible work the KBA does on behalf of its member businesses to benefit those who have the good fortune to live here and those who come to visit.

The KBA was one of Vancouver’s earliest business associations. Its roots stemmed from the 1960s when merchants banded together to do good things for the community. Today, about 250 businesses/services and property owners are members of the KBA.

Beyond the aesthetics of enhancing Kerrisdale as a beautiful business district, the Association also allocates funds towards nightly patrols serviced by Kerrisdale’s own Provident Security, as well as supporting its members through marketing, business updates, and advocacy.

The KBA plays a significant role as an active donor within the community.

Most recently, the KBA gave a substantial Platinum donation toward the Magee- Musqueam Legacy Project. This innovative Coast Salish art and film project is a collaboration with Musqueam artists, the Kerrisdale and Marpole businesses and the community. The KBA’s donation was directed to the educational film “In Honour: Musqueam Carving and Culture,” which will be accessible to the public via a QR code. The Coast Salish Salmon Spindle Whorl, carved by siblings Chrystal Sparrow and Chris Sparrow, is a gift from Magee’s 2019 graduating class. The carving will be on permanent display at Magee Secondary School.

The KBA’s involvement in this important project has been recognized for the value the Association places on Indigenous Land Recognition and for its enthusiasm to learn more about the past, present, and future of the Musqueam First Nations people.

Terri comments, “We are very impressed with the Indigenous Reconciliation at Magee. We don’t live here alone; we acknowledge the people who lived here before us. We share the good Earth, and this is an excellent project. Kerrisdale businesses have contributed because the donation comes from KBA’s budget.”

Other key donations the KBA has made include a major gift to Point Grey Secondary’s track. Terri remarks, “We give to Kerrisdale kids and the local schools because they and their parents live in the area and support Kerrisdale’s shops, restaurants, and services.”

In addition, they make donations to the Vancouver Food Bank and Mission Possible. Mission Possible is a Downtown Eastside organization that empowers people typically excluded from the traditional workforce by paving a pathway to long-term jobs and lasting change.

Many of Kerrisdale’s well-loved seasonal events are sponsored by the KBA.

The community flocks to KBA’s three free skates a year at the Kerrisdale Cyclone Taylor Arena. The next free skate, Gliding on Ice, takes place on Sunday, December 18, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Halloween on Ice takes place close to the spooky day, and the Spring Skate is scheduled close to Family Day (consult KBA’s website and Kerrisdale Insider for details). Terri says, “The free skates are extremely popular. We cover the cost of the rental of the arena and skate rentals.”

Carnival Days takes place in April, and it’s a double header of a weekend as Kerrisdale Little League’s (KLL) season kicks off. The KBA has been a proud sponsor of the KLL for over 60 years. The Little League’s parade processes down West 41st Avenue with three marching bands and enthusiastic Little League players being cheered on by their proud families and onlookers. Various events also take place, including free horse and carriage rides, sidewalk sales, bands, and face painting.

Concerts Under the Clock take place on summer Saturdays, and the streets come alive as people dance to the sound of swing, blues, folk, jazz, reggae, brass and more.

Another community favourite is free movie night in Elm Park, which takes place in early September during Kerrisdale Days as summer is winding down. Terri says, “This year, it was a beautiful evening with a full moon. Three hundred people watched the film Field of Dreams. It was such a nice connection to the ballpark that is home to the Kerrisdale Little League.” Additionally, free birthday cake made by Moore’s Bakery, horse and carriage rides and plenty of entertainment and sidewalk sales round out the weekend. It’s community spirit at its best.

Kerrisdale Village is a magical delight during the holiday season. It’s a beautiful place to shop for unique and personal gifts from small boutiques, and it is also a fantastic destination to stop for a lunch break or cap off the day with dinner at your favourite local restaurant. The festive atmosphere is enriched by the KBA’s holiday window contest, where businesses compete to have their display awarded first place. Saturdays in December transport you back to simpler times with holiday horse and carriage rides, strolling brass bands, Christmas quartets, and tubas.

Terri concludes, “The KBA is more than just about businesses; it’s about investing in the community. It is part of our mandate to do good things for our community.”

Kerrisdale Business Association Kerrisdale Station,

PO Box 18068,

Vancouver, BC V6M 4L3

Phone 604-266-9875

www.kerrisdalevillage.com