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.
The luxury gated estate sits on a privately owned Freehold 24469.54 sqft lot in UBC endowment lands. Extensively renovated and redesigned by the former owner in 2004. 5950 sqft living space with 5 BRs and 6 Baths. The main entrance provides a high ceiling grand hallway. Enjoy an expansive indoor/outdoor lifestyle with spacious entertainment size rooms, step through archways leading from the large porch to a Mediterranean-style courtyard surrounding the in-ground oval swimming pool & landscaped slate patio oasis. It also features gourmet chef’s kitchen and wok kitchen, a formal dinning room overlooking the pool, temperature controlled glass wine display, large office/study room, BBQ station and pool side fire pit. Steps away from main UBC campus, Chan’s Center, Rose Garden, & all beaches.More details
One block to Locarno Beach! North of Fourth- one of the coveted locations! Sweeping views of beach, water, downtown and North Shore mountains. Designed by reputable Fonnwerks, built by renowned westside builder to the highest standard. Grand foyer, European kitchen, wok kitchen, high end appliances, HRV, A/C, radiant heating. Rooftop large patio with 180 degree breathtaking views. Upper floor has 3 large luxury bedrooms all with ensuites. Basement offers huge recreational area, bar, wine cellar and two bedrooms. Laneway studio just beside double garage. Close to BC's top schools: West Point Grey, Lord Byng, Queen Mary. Golf course, shopping, Jericho Beach & UBC nearby. Must see! Open house Sun 2PM-4PMMore details
UNOBSTRUCTED VIEWS OF MOUNTAINS, WATER, CITY & PARKS. AN EXCEPTIONAL MASTERPIECE UNIQUE WEST COAST CONTEMPORARY HOME DESIGNED BY BEN LING ARCHITECT AND BUILT BY RENOWNED GERMAN BUILDER in POINT GREY location. Steps away to WEST POINT GREY ACADEMY & QUEEN MARY ELEMENTARY. THIS beautiful home offer over 4,720 sq.ft. is showcasing impeccably high-end finishing's thru out, QUALITY is built into every detail, over height ceiling, cement stone floor foyer & hardwood floor throughout. Entertaining sized living & dining, large gourmet kitchen with high-end cabinetry & appliance open onto the magnificent JAPANESE PARK LIKE GARDEN, heated pond, truly is indoor & outdoor lifestyle of tranquil living, 5 bedrooms & den, 4.5 baths, HOME THEATRE, WINE CELLAR. Close to UBC, BEACH, SHOPS, BUS, RESTAURANTS, MUST SEE!More details
CUSTOM-BUILT UNIQUE HOME IN PRESTIGIOUS UNIVERSITY ENDOWMENT LANDS, JUST LIKE NEW! This spectacular home in the UBC academy environment area sits on a 12,000+ sqft lot, offering 5700+ sqft of spacious floor plan with unique designs by a renowned architect. The main floor contains a gourmet kitchen & large wok kitchen equipped w/high-end Miele appliances, plus one bdrm ensuite. There are 4 ensuite bdrms upstairs. This home also contains a versatile bsmt with bdrms, study rm, huge rec rm, sauna, wine cellar, and theatre. This home c/w generator, 3 A/C, HRV, security system, smart home system, and EuroLine windows/doors for the whole house. The garage can fit up to 3 cars, and the exterior has a secured fenced yard, landscaped garden, huge patio, and a chief BBQ. It is close to University Hill Elementary & High School, an Aquatic Centre, the Wesbrook Community Centre, the UBC Rose Garden, Chan Centre, a Golf Course, Parks & Beaches. Call to book a private showing.More details
This magnificent mansion w/circular gated driveway is situated on a 120 x 170 corner lot at UBC. Top quality and workmanship offers over 10,000 sq ft of luxurious and elegant living. Total 6 large bedrooms and 8 bathroom with wonderful water & mtn views. Gracious & formal DR, eating area, gourmet kitchen, granite counter & island, subzero fridge. Large family room & 4 ensuite bedrooms on main floor. Lower level with entertainment centre, Rec rm w/31 x 44'9 indoor pool, hot tub & sauna. Quality Italian double cooper doors, 8 sep zoned air condition, slab marble floor/counters/wall/seating/tables. Lalique crystal chandelier + wall light fixtures & more.More details