In the heart of Vancouver, amidst the city’s rapid growth and constant evolution, lies a place where the spirit of the past still thrives. Macdonald’s Prescriptions, founded in 1926, continues to write its story today. Established by brothers Austin and Vance Macdonald, this pharmacy has become a symbol of reliability, innovation, and dedicated healthcare for Vancouver residents. Read more on vancouver-future.
Building History
The story of Macdonald’s Prescriptions began in 1926 when brothers Austin and Vance Macdonald, both pharmacy graduates from Nova Scotia, decided to open their own business in Vancouver. Their choice to set up shop in the newly constructed Georgia Medical Building at 925 West Georgia Street was no accident. At the time, this building was a cutting-edge medical centre, bringing together doctors of various specialties under one roof. Locating the pharmacy alongside these clinics quickly boosted demand for its services.
Throughout the 1930s, despite the challenges of the Great Depression, the owners managed to keep the pharmacy stable. Their success was due not only to its prime location but also to the brothers’ approach to service. They gave individual attention to every customer, offering personalized consultations and, when needed, hand-compounding medications to meet specific requests. Even then, the pharmacy was providing services that we would now call compounding, though it wasn’t yet a widespread practice.
After World War II, in 1945, Macdonald’s Prescriptions underwent a significant modernization. The premises doubled in size, the interior was updated to contemporary standards, and the equipment was brought up to date. This allowed the pharmacy to serve more clients and begin collaborating with medical institutions beyond the Georgia Medical Building. Notably, orders started coming in from Vancouver hospitals seeking a reliable partner for compounding complex medications. It was during this period that Macdonald’s Prescriptions earned a reputation as one of the few pharmacies capable of accurately and promptly preparing custom prescriptions, especially for patients with rare diagnoses or specific allergies.
In the 1950s, the pharmacy became a pioneer in adopting new pharmaceutical technologies, including automated ingredient weighing systems that increased compounding precision. Its staff regularly attended conferences in the U.S., learning from clinical pharmacists and implementing cutting-edge practices back home. For instance, in 1957, the pharmacy was one of the first in British Columbia to work with hormonal creams and ointments, customized for women undergoing menopause—a nearly revolutionary approach at the time. The 1960s and 70s saw a generational shift. The business transitioned to the Macdonald brothers’ apprentices—skilled pharmacists who maintained the founders’ ethos while also embracing experimentation. They were the first to expand services beyond traditional pharmacy offerings, introducing consultations on nutritional supplements, vitamins, and alternative medicine. It was also then that Macdonald’s began collaborating with veterinary clinics, preparing medications for pets, including flavoured tablets and liquids for dogs and cats.
By the 1980s, the Georgia Medical Building pharmacy began to lose its status as a leading medical centre, prompting Macdonald’s management to open a second location on Broadway. This marked a pivotal moment in the brand’s history. The pharmacy transitioned from being solely a historical landmark to a growing chain. It was then that the principle was established: every new Macdonald’s branch would specialize in custom compounding and work closely with physicians.
Architectural Heritage
The buildings housing Macdonald’s Prescriptions are more than just functional spaces; they are architectural testaments to different eras of Vancouver’s development. The Georgia Medical Building, where the Macdonald brothers opened their first pharmacy in 1926, became an iconic landmark. With its classic architectural style and prime location, the building quickly transformed into a model medical hub of its time.
A significant part of Macdonald’s Prescriptions’ expansion was the establishment of their branch in the Fairmont Medical Building, opened in 1960. This building became the second key site for the Macdonald family’s pharmacy business. The architecture of the Fairmont exudes a modernist spirit: spacious halls, panoramic windows, and convenient zoning—all contributing to the comfort of both patients and staff. In 1988, the branch in this building underwent substantial renovation, expanding to 2,000 square feet. By 1995, it further expanded to 4,000 square feet, enabling the introduction of new services, including home healthcare.
Another strategically vital facility is the modern compounding laboratory at 148 West 6th Avenue. It meets the highest technical requirements and is equipped with two ISO Class 7 I.V. Clean Rooms. This allows for the sterile preparation of customized medications. Overall, this centre embodies Macdonald’s Prescriptions’ contemporary approach to pharmacy: precision, safety, and a focus on each patient’s unique needs.
The Pharmacy Team
Macdonald’s Prescriptions’ success largely hinges on its team of dedicated professionals. Vince Zuccaro, who joined the pharmacy in 1974, became its manager in 1980, and then purchased it in 1985. His passion for compounding and innovative pharmacy approaches has driven the network’s growth and the introduction of new services. Meanwhile, his daughter, Michelle, joined the team in 2006, continuing the family tradition. Key figures like Jeff Curtis, who became co-owner and manager of the Fairmont Medical Building pharmacy, and Danka Grguric, who heads the Renal Pharmacy, contribute to the ongoing development and maintenance of high service standards.
The Macdonald’s Prescriptions team comprises over 30 specialists who work daily to provide patients with high-quality services. Their dedication and commitment to continuous improvement make the pharmacy network a reliable partner in healthcare.
Macdonald’s Prescriptions Today
The pharmacy operates two active locations in Vancouver: at 2182 West Broadway in Kitsilano and 746 West Broadway near City Hall. Both branches serve a wide range of clients—from local residents to patients across British Columbia who require custom-compounded medications. Their primary specialization is compounding pharmacy, creating allergen-free preparations, adapted forms for children and animals, and solutions for hormone therapy, dermatology, and ophthalmology—services often unavailable at conventional pharmacies.
In the 2000s, Macdonald’s expanded its services to include medical consultations, palliative care support, transgender hormone therapy support, and medical cannabis consultations. Additionally, the pharmacy offers an online service where patients can order medications, submit prescriptions, and receive free delivery within Vancouver. Medications are packaged sterilely and with temperature control.
Macdonald’s also participates in educational and social initiatives: they collaborate with UBC, train students, and, since 2023, have been compounding specialized pain relievers as part of a municipal program.