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.
Binning Tower, located in the vibrant Wesbrook Village adjacent to Pacific Spirit Park, is highly coveted and sought after. Features one bedroom and a den with a very pleasant outlook. The superb layout is open and bright, with amenities such as air-conditioning, engineered Wood flooring, stainless steel kitchen appliances, and duarable stone countertops. The recreational facilities include gym, lounge, library, and conference room. Within walking distance are U-Hill Secondary, Norma Rose Point Elementary, Save-On Foods, and various restaurants and shops in the Village! Open house: Mar 17, 1-230pm.More details
Very quiet and Peaceful forest view unit built by Wall Financial Group. Rare combination of Nature and City life in the UBC Location. In summer, you can spend hours, sitting at the arm chair at the huge balcony with beautiful forest view. Enjoy all the convenience that Westbrook Village can offer. The building is surrounded with forest, ocean, park and top ranked school of U-hills elementary & secondary. The unit comes with 1 parking, 1 storage locker, Bosch appliances, and central A/C and Heating. Great amenity with 24 hr concierges, including meeting room, party room, BBQ, Gym, music room, etc. Currently tenanted with monthly basis.More details
Embrace elevated living at Binning Tower, crafted by the renowned Wall Group, in the heart of UBC's Westbrook Village. This exquisite 1 bedroom plus den boasts sweeping 180-degree views, encompassing the city, ocean, and mountains. Perfectly situated for convenience and lifestyle, you're just steps from vibrant shops, gourmet dining, esteemed schools, and the University of British Columbia. It's urban living redefined, right at the edge of nature's doorstep.More details
Listed by Macdonald Commercial Real Estate Services Ltd.
Rarely available high rise concrete building built by Polygon in UBC. LARGE 1 Bed plus Den (607sqft)and 1 Bath, Open floor plan with A/C and Heating system, high-end appliances. Great elementary and secondary schools are also nearby. Step to Pacific Spirit Regional Park, Wesbrook Community Centre, Bus Transit , Close to Save-on-Foods, bank, restaurants. 1 great parking stall, 1 locker. Don't miss out on this opportunity!More details
IRON & WHYTE in Point Grey! A beautiful North facing open plan home with STUNNING mountain vista views which need to be seen to be truly appreciated. This 2012 built, 1 Bed & Den 1 bath home is located on the quiet side of the building and boast incredible natural light over an open floor plan. Light Oak Hardwood floors, SS Appliances, inc Viking Oven & Gas stove top, large windows & more. Wide open entranceway with tons of inside suite storage (plus a storage locker downstairs). Utilize the den as an office from home or potential nursery space. Extremely well laid out to maximize on space. Enjoy a wealth of amenities close by including coffee shops, beaches, UBC, golf courses and more. Pets Allowed (1 Dog/Cat or 2 Cats) 1 parking space. OPEN HOUSE SUN MAR 17, 2-4PM BY APPOINTMENTMore details