The area is noted for a high incidence of poverty, drug use, sex trade, crime, violence, as well as a history of community activism. Hastings and Cordova Streets were once the core shopping district in the city, many of the retail shops that flourished until the early 1980s are now gone. The area was the victim of significant urban decay but presently buildings are being renewed and many new businesses are operating in the community.[citation needed] In recent years there have been tensions between developers and some members of the community relating to gentrification development proposals.
This area was the centre of the city at the turn of the 20th century, with the city hall, the courthouse, and the Carnegie Library all located there. The headquarters of the BC Electric Railway Company was also in the area, making the DTES the hub of rail transit not only of Vancouver, but the entire region.[citation needed] It was also the main shopping area for the city, which centred around the Woodward's department store. The surrounding stretch of Hastings Street was a major cultural and entertainment district. Prior to the Second World War, there was a large Japanese community in Japantown.
This area was the centre of the city at the turn of the 20th century, with the city hall, the courthouse, and the Carnegie Library all located there. The headquarters of the BC Electric Railway Company was also in the area, making the DTES the hub of rail transit not only of Vancouver, but the entire region.[citation needed] It was also the main shopping area for the city, which centred around the Woodward's department store. The surrounding stretch of Hastings Street was a major cultural and entertainment district. Prior to the Second World War, there was a large Japanese community in Japantown.
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