British Columbia University Endowment Lands
General Description
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.
Information Links:
http://www.universityendowmentlands.gov.bc.ca
Population
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.
New UBC Endowment Lands Live MLS Listings
UBC Endowment Lands, Vancouver
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5550 KINGSTON Road in Vancouver: University VW House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2794461
5550 KINGSTON Road Vancouver V6T 1J1 
$16,060,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2794461
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 8,042 sq. ft.
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 detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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4749 W 2ND Avenue in Vancouver: Point Grey House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2795265
4749 W 2ND Avenue Vancouver V6T 1C1
$14,999,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2795265
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 5,615 sq. ft.
Partial ocean & North Shore mountain views in Point Grey, only a few blocks from Spanish Banks, Locarno Beach, Royal Van Yacht Club, golf clubs & Jericho Hill Centre. Excellent schools nearby include: Queen Mary Elementary, West Point Grey Academy, St George's & Lord Byng Secondary. Quick access to UBC, W 4th shopping, Broadway corridor with services & retail shops. Floor plan of new house is already ready and build an amazing dream home with amazing views! Don't miss this golden opportunity! Open house: Sep 24, 2-4pm. More detailsListed by Dracco Pacific Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1538 WESTERN Crescent in Vancouver: University VW House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2793622
1538 WESTERN Crescent Vancouver V6T 1V1
$14,880,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2793622
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 10,238 sq. ft.
This high quality custom built home has a grand foyer, open floor plan, entertainment size living and dining areas, gourmet kitchen, library & den. Upstairs features a roof deck, 3 bedrooms with en-suite and a large master bedroom, additional 400' attic was not included in the square footage. Basement features a covered swimming pool, theatre room & nanny's suite. Too many to list, and don't miss it. More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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4777 W 2ND Avenue in Vancouver: Point Grey House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2769093
4777 W 2ND Avenue Vancouver V6T 1C1
$13,880,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2769093
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 8,218 sq. ft.
Welcome to this world-class property in prestigious West Point Grey. One of the last large lots at 38,717 sf (104 X 372.28) w/ circular driveway, private tennis court & lane access. Enjoy beautiful mountain, water & city views from this 6 Bed, 5 Bath house with approximately 8,000 sf, large workshop & indoor pool. Value mainly on the land but the house is tenanted, can rent out while designing your new dream home. Exclusive location just steps to Spanish Banks Beach & Jericho Sailing Center & Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, easy access to shopping, golf courses, UBC & Downtown. Close to BC's Top Public & Private Schools including Queen Mary, Lord Byng Secondary, West Point Grey Academy, St George's, Crofton & York House. More detailsListed by Royal LePage Westside - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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4606 W 3RD Avenue in Vancouver: Point Grey House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2801668
4606 W 3RD Avenue Vancouver V6R 1N4
$13,880,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2801668
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 5,064 sq. ft.
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 detailsListed by Nu Stream Realty Inc. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
