Forty-odd years ago, Louise Weinberger and her husband bought a West Point Grey home for $16,000. Its value has since soared to $1.6 million. Weinberger said wages at the time were about $8,000 a year and the house needed a lot of work, but its clearly been a solid investment in whats become one of Vancouvers most affluent neighbourhoods, bounded by Blanca and Alma streets between West 16th and English Bay.
Weinberger represents one segment of West Point Greys population longtime middle class homeowners who dont consider themselves rich, except in real estate, thanks to buying into the community before prices became prohibitive to anyone other than the rich. "I dont think its a particularly wealthy area, not exclusively. Yes, there are a lot of very nice homes and probably high earners but theres a mix there are all kinds of people living in this area, I think. I certainly wasnt in that category. I never was wealthy and Im still not," says Weinberger whose late husband worked at Carling Brewery.
But the 73-year-old, who has no problem with the introduction of fourplexes or tasteful laneway homes into the neighbourhood, acknowledged her three children have been priced out of West Point Grey, a common problem faced across much of the city.
The Musqueam people lived in the area in the ancient village of Eeyullmough, according to the City of Vancouver. The neighbourhood earned its West Point Grey moniker in 1792. Its named after English explorer Capt. George Vancouvers friend Capt. George Grey.
Its appeal is obvious quiet, leafy residential streets and proximity to the University of B.C., the beach and downtown Vancouver. West 10th Avenue offers a popular shopping and restaurant district and residents celebrate the start of summer with the annual Point Grey Fiesta, which includes a parade along West 10th and activities at Trimble Park. The West Side neighbourhood is also home to Jericho Garrison, Jericho Arts Centre and the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.
Schools include both private and public.
"In my opinion, its one of the nicest places in the city to live," Weinberger said.
noconnor@vancourier.com
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