It’s been known as a “mud wallow”, occasionally the North Arm Road and then Centre Street, before being officially named South Granville in December of 1907.

Originally cut through the forest in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway’s work crews, this “slit in the forest” became an important road link to the farming communities to the south along the Fraser River and Lulu Island.

Looking north (pictured above) on North Arm Road in 1895 with the Royal Mail coach heading to Eburne and LuLu island. It was common for coaches and stages to find themselves stuck up to their hubs after the rains had fallen. (City of Vancouver Archives CVA Str P276)

In 1900 the road was still a mud track through the forest but by 1910 the road was paved from 1st Avenue to 16th which helped matters considerably.

The following year transportation got easier when a single line street car “shuttle” service opened between Broadway and 16th Avenue.

A typical scene in the forest near South Granville in 1895. Logs were hauled out of the forest using a small steam railway which was faster than oxen. (City of Vancouver Archives CVA 677-755)