The West End neighbourhood of the Canadian City of Vancouver in British Columbia is the area from Burrard Street west to Stanley Park at the extremity of the downtown peninsula and from West Georgia Street south to False Creek and English Bay. Adjacent neighbourhoods are Downtown east of Burrard Street and Coal Harbor north of Georgia.
History
The first area land purchasers planned in 1862 to mine for porcelain clays and establish a brickworks, but the local clay was unsuitable for that purpose. With the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway, however, the West End soon became Vancouver’s first wealthy neighbourhood of rich railroad families along Georgia Street. As the city grew, the West End became a transitory place for new arrivals from elsewhere in Canada, the United Kingdom, and later other countries, establishing a neighbourhood history and tradition of diversity.
The rich moved on to Shaughnessy and other neighbourhoods early in the 20th century as new development brought in a more middle-class, transient population. Mansions converted to rooming houses, low-rise apartments appeared, and shops sprang up along the streetcar lines on Davie, Denman, and Robson streets. Following the Second World War, a significant German business community took root along Robson Street, “Robsonstrasse” in marketing parlance. The West End’s skyline soared in the ‘60s and early ’70s, when developers built 220 high-rise apartments in 13 years.
In 2001 the densely populated West End had 42,120 residents, 12 percent of whom were single-parent families compared to 17 percent for the entire city. The census population was 44,543 in 2011, a small decline from 44,556 in 2006. From 1971 to 2011, West End population increased by 19 percent as city overall population increased by 42 percent. At 48 percent, the 20–39 age group is the largest at a proportion much higher than that for the city overall, 34 percent. The neighbourhood has two elementary schools and a high school.
Amenities and Attractions
Parks and beaches are abundant around and throughout the West End. English Bay Beach is thronged during the annual summer Celebration of Light fireworks display. Stanley Park with 1,000 mostly forested acres is one of North America’s largest urban parks. Entirely encircled by the Seawall, a paved path that begins Downtown and follows the coast around Stanley Park through the West End and around False Creek to Granville Island for rollerblading, cycling, jogging, or pleasant walking, the park also has many miles of inland trails crisscrossing in every direction. The Vancouver Aquarium and a miniature railway attract many of Stanley Park’s 8 million annual visitors. At the northern end of the Park, Prospect Point provides spectacular vistas of the Lions Gate Bridge to the North Shore of the Burrard Inlet.
Another West End Real Estate Boom?
According to the Colliers Spring 2014 LandShare Report on rezoning and development applications in Metro Vancouver, a new community plan has raised development potential in the West End neighbourhood, which may be on the verge of a dramatic expansion of real estate density. The report points to recent purchases of two properties as the first of many probable high-value West End transactions since the community plan relaxed density restrictions in the Georgia Street corridor to permit maximum heights of 500 feet.
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**Experience AMACON's Modern Living in Vancouver's Vibrant West End** Step into your spacious 15th-floor corner unit, where tranquility meets luxury. The living-room & Master Bedroom offers a breathtaking ocean view, creating a serene sanctuary just for you. The condo is thoughtfully designed with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a versatile den space, and convenient in-suite storage. Additional amenities include an underground parking space and a storage locker, enhancing your downtown living experience. A full-time concierge is also at your service, adding an extra layer of convenience. Situated just a block away from the picturesque Sunset Beach and within walking distance to shopping centers, transit, and a variety of restaurants, this condo truly captures the essence of city living. Please note that all measurements are approximate. Don't let this unique opportunity pass you by!More details
Experience the epitome of downtown Vancouver living in this exquisite 2-bedroom residence boasting over 1000 sq ft of meticulously designed space. Situated in the coveted West End, this home offers unparalleled views of the stunning English Bay, providing a daily backdrop of natural beauty.Indulge in the luxury of two parking spaces and pamper yourself in the spa-inspired ensuite bathrooms featuring marble countertops and basalt natural stone tile floors. Every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to evoke a sense of refined elegance and comfort.Step outside to the rooftop garden and immerse yourself in Vancouver's vibrant lifestyle. With top-of-the-line appliances and impeccable craftsmanship throughout, this home embodies sophistication and quality. Don't miss the opportunity!More details
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