About Upper Kitsilano Residents Association
The Upper Kitsilano Residents Association (UKRA) has been active since 1995 in the south-of-Broadway section of Kitsilano historically known as Upper Kits. UKRA is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that has been working for over two decades to protect the character and livability of our neighbourhood — a mixed area of modest homes dating from its origins as a working-class neighbourhood that includes homeowners, renters, and university students.
UKRA has remained active through the decades, sharing information with members and the public regarding zoning changes, traffic, pedestrian crossings, and above all retention of Kitsilano’s heritage — a mixed, all-ages, all-incomes area characterized by the famous Kitsilano bungalow as well as other early and mid-twentieth century homes, and a mix of pre and post Second World War housing that has given Upper Kits a distinctive look and neighbourly feel, with front yards and gardens open to sidewalk views, and now-mature majestic street trees such as maple, horse-chestnut, cherry blossom and linden.
Our mandate has been protection and preservation of Upper Kitsilano as a unique, livable neighbourhood, while working with the City on issues of design, street upgrades, safe crosswalks, and — above all — limits to the ongoing and essentially unregulated demolition of affordable, well-built homes throughout our area. The high percentage of renters and seniors has made preservation of existing housing, and finding gentle ways to densify, a major focus of the past decade.
We welcome as members residents of Upper Kitsilano. With the city’s Broadway Plan in progress, our area has been recently extended from Alma to Vine St, between 10th and 16th Ave. We also welcome volunteers. For information about becoming a member or volunteer, see Join UKRA.
Map: Upper Kitsilano
UKRA is also a member of the Coalition of Vancouver Neighbourhoods, and we work closely with our sister organizations, the West Kitsilano and the West Point Grey Residents Associations. For information about other neighbourhood organizations, see Related Groups.