The unincorporated University Endowment Lands (Lands) surround the University of British Columbia between the City of Vancouver, Canada and the Strait of Georgia between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. The mostly forested Pacific Spirit Regional Park composes about half of the 5.46 square miles of the Lands. On Point Grey at the end of the peninsula, high cliffs drop steeply to beaches 200 feet below.
Administration
The Province of British Columbia administers the Lands directly. In a 1995 referendum, residents voted against establishment of a municipal governing body. Administration of the University of British Columbia and its housing land is under a duality of the university and the University Neighbourhoods Association with the association performing most municipal services. The Lands have no mayor or municipal government. The University of British Columbia, the Greater Vancouver Regional District, and the Province of British Columbia administer areas of the Lands. Law enforcement is under the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The City of Vancouver provides fire and rescue services under contract.
Climate
The Lands are close to seaside cliffs on the Strait of Georgia, and strong winds are frequent. Snowfalls are infrequent but more common than in the city farther inland because of the higher altitude of the Lands and their lack of urban development to generate heat. On a peninsula surrounded on three sides by water the Lands have more humidity than does Metro Vancouver as a whole. Fog is sometimes daily during winter months.
History
The University Site Act in 1911 set aside 175 acres in Point Grey for the university. The British Columbia University Loan Act in 1920 allowed an auction sale of 3,000 acres of Crown land on Point Grey for residential development. Auction proceeds went into a university endowment account. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, financially unable to develop the land, the university returned it to the government.
There have been many attempts to develop this area opposed by resident environmental activists. In 1988, the provincial government created Pacific Spirit Park, which functions as a greenbelt between the developed areas of the Lands and the City of Vancouver. Further development of the Lands will be difficult as it would require consultation with university students, staff, and faculty, environmental organizations, business organizations, residents, and the general public.
Other than students living in university residences, the Lands’ residential population is small and mostly high-income professionals who can afford the very high realty prices. The 2001 census reported an official permanent population of 7,816 and around 40,000 undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff.
Transportation
Only five roads lead from Vancouver into the Lands; however, the area is readily accessible by public transit. The UBC Loop is the western terminus of many TransLink bus routes
Economy
Most economic activity occurs around University Village and University Marketplace, which are next to each other just off the campus near University Boulevard and Allison Road, where there are several restaurants, some shops, medical clinics, and some services. Most university businesses operate in the Student Union Building.
This beautiful residence in famous Point Grey features exceptional craftsmanship, luxury materials, and impressively finished finishings. Over 12,000 square feet of living space on Main features an Italian marble floor. A grand entrance with an elevator and a magnificent staircase. Chef kitchen with marble counter, wok kitchen, and eating area. Open-concept living, dining, and family rooms with access to a 1,404 sqft patio. A big master bedroom with a large Italian walk-in closet, marble bathtub are among the 6 well-appointed bedrooms. The lower level has a video room, living space, wet bar, wine cellar, gym, and I/D pool. A large rooftop deck with a fireplace to enjoy the magnificent views of the ocean, mountains, and city. Lush landscaping, 2 garages, A/C, and much more.More details
Rare opportunity to own this stunning estate-sized property over 1.3 acres on prestigious Drummond Drive with beautiful ocean & Mountain views.More details
Best view lot in UEL waiting for your redevelopment or extensive renovation ideas! Over 31,000 sf of square lot sitting on the higher side of the street surrounded by flowering trees and shrubs overlooking Burret Inlet. Custom designed living space by the renowned architect Daniel Evan White, the hugely influential and internationally recognized Vancouver-born artist-designer. The 12,377 sf residence features 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, indoor swimming pool, hot tub and sauna. A secret garden in the front & south facing rear garden attached to a private tennis court. This is the dream location you are looking for!More details
A stunning presence in the most prestigious pocket at UBC. Beautifully treelined and meticulously landscaped garden offers ultimate serenity and privacy. Excellent Fung Shui - Jade Dragon/White Tiger, gently sloping upwards and facing north to the fantastic panorama view of Georgia Strait and Northshore Mountains. Contemporary "Art Moderne" inspired residence is bold and magnificent. The interior boasts a double-height foyer and formal dining room. Living & family rooms have views. 2 dining rooms, a private study, open kitchen, wok kitchen on main floor. 4 grand ensuite bedrooms on 4 corners upstairs. 2-bdrm nannys' quarters, movie theatre, large wine cellar and lots of recreational space in the basement. Extremely well maintained and major updates throughout.More details
OCEAN VIEW property in UEL + Nick Milkovich Architects Design + Paul Sangha Landscaping + Mitchell Freedland Interior. It took this dream team MASTER Designers 3 years to achieve this Ultra Modern Masterpiece. Perched on the high side of the street, this new house imitates an eagle spreading its wings flying in the sky. Approx. 11,000sf sleek, Minimalist style; + separate indoor pool house on a beautifully landscaped 23,658sf land. At its last stage of application, with an ETA for permits in 4-6 months. A future Landmark of Vancouver ultra-Luxury Residential ppty. Purchase price includes all design fees paid to date. The existing 3,737sf house is tenanted and still very livable. Please do not walk the land without prior notice. Drawings available for viewing in person with Listing Agent.More details
Unparalleled Views from all 4 levels for ever! This stunning and solid property is Located in Vancouver’s best Point Grey neighborhood, Perched high up on the SW corner of Tolmie and 3rd Ave, one of the most spectacular view properties in the city. Large 9272 sf property with over 82 sf Frontage and a flat backyard offers excellent protected views of the ocean, Spanish banks, NS Mountains and Downtown from ALL 3 levels. Custom and proudly built Home By Valentino with very excellent quality, top class materials and exceptional workmanship presents 5 en-suite bed, 7 bath residence with multifunction of theater, wine cellar, sauna, steam shower, 2 master rooms, roof patio, etc. School: Queen Mary Elementary & Lord Byng Secondary. Showing by appointment only.More details
A magnificent .63 acre estate lot with ocean views located on this most prestigious street in Vancouver’s most prestigious Point Grey neighborhood just a short walk to Locarno Beach and Spanish Banks. Ideally situated only a short drive to UBC, Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, West Point Grey Academy, Jericho Beach and downtown Vancouver. Value in land only.More details
Listed by Angell, Hasman & Associates (Malcolm Hasman) Realty Ltd.
Experience a heightened standard of living in this exquisite home. Seamlessly blending traditional and modern design elements to create a perfect harmony of the past and present. A warm, elegant living space ideally suited to the needs of today's modern family. Chef's kitchen features handcrafted historic cabinets & top-of-the-line appliances WOLF & Miele. The adjoining nook opens up to a lovely patio, where can host outdoor gatherings & entertainment. Upstairs 3 spacious ensuite bdrms, providing both comfort & privacy. The basement is thoughtfully designed for your enjoyment, with recreation room, media rm, wet bar complete w/ wine cellar, & 3 additional ensuite bdrms, offering flexibility for your family's needs. Don't miss the opportunity to make it yours. Open house: Mar 17, 2-4pm.More details
NEW PRICE! A luxury home destination for those wanting a large 30,000 sq ft building lot with views of water & mountains offering privacy & security. Coveted Endowment Lands location is one of the few locations presenting view lots large enough to build that very special home. Situated in a quiet neighbourhood of luxurious custom homes close to UBC with easy access to Downtown. Value primarily in the land. A strong investment in the future with so few of these desirable lots available in the city, especially of this size. Please do not walk on the property-tenanted.More details
Listed by RE/MAX Select Properties and Royal Pacific Realty Corp.
Build your dream home on this prime 38,200 Sqft /.88 Acre property in the heart of Point Grey. The value is mainly in the land with 100 Ft. of frontage and a south facing backyard. This rare property offers potential water & mountain views! Located on coveted Drummond Drive, this location is in the top school catchments and close to prominent private school, UBC campus, private/public golf courses, Jericho Park and Locarno Beach.More details