Some interesting Historical Fact about "The Drive": In 1871 the Commercial Drive area was owned and clear-cut by the Hastings Sawmill Company. It was used as a "skid road" to transport logs to the Hastings Sawmill on Burrard Inlet. It was not until twenty years later that the first lots were sold to Vancouver workers. The neighbourhood began to boom as British tradesmen and shopkeepers moved into the area, and the interurban railroad (connecting Vancouver and New Westminster) was built. One of the main stops was at 1st and Park Drive (later renamed-Commercial Drive) One of the earliest residents, proud of his great view of Vancouver city, put up a sign reading "Grand View", thus the later naming of the area as Grandview/Woodlands. By 1912 the centre of Grandview was covered in new homes within walking distance of Commercial Drive (originally Park Drive), forming a distinct village miles away from Vancouver. This was a factor in the area's ongoing uniqueness. Following World War I, Commercial Drive experienced a large influx of Italian, Chinese and Eastern European immigrants. Following World War II another huge wave of immigrants arrived mostly comprised of Italians establishing the basis for today's Commercial Drive being dubbed as "little Italy" for decades. Today Commercial Drive continues to maintain its village feel. One of Vancouver's true melting pots - Commercial Drive offers a diverse mix of people, dinning, shopping and entertainment. The perfect place to make Your Home.