A local's guide to UBC Wesbrook Village

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is located in Vancouver, Canada. It is one of the top public universities in Canada. Located at the western tip of the Point Grey peninsula, the UBC Vancouver campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. The Wesbrook Village, named after Frank Fairchild Wesbrook, the first president of UBC, is a vibrant community that offers diverse housing options and services to students, faculties, and staff.

Amenities in Wesbrook Village

• Wesbrook Village Community Centre
• YMCA Child Care

Wesbrook Village is a sustainable, mixed-use community designed to create a dynamic community for UBC residents. The village is home to more than 8,000 residents. It offers a variety of housing options, including student, faculty, and staff housing. The village also features many amenities, including a community center.

Wesbrook Village community center provides various programs, including fitness classes, child care, and events.

The village also has several parks and green spaces, which provide residents with opportunities to enjoy nature and engage in outdoor activities.

Parks in Wesbrook Village

• Khorana Park

The park commemorates Nobel Laureate Dr. Har Gobind Khorana, an Indian-born biochemist renowned for his groundbreaking work in nucleic acid biochemistry. From 1952 to 1960, he led the organic chemistry division at the B.C. Research Council, based at UBC. It was here that he initiated his Nobel Prize-winning research. Furthermore, Dr. Khorana taught biochemistry at UBC's Faculty of Medicine and was elevated to a professorship in 1959.

In 1968, his unparalleled research earned him the Nobel Prize in Medicine, particularly for his insights into the genetic code and protein synthesis. This esteemed recognition was rooted in his work at the B.C. Research Council, a fact he graciously acknowledged in his Nobel lecture, paying tribute to fellow UBC scientists. Khorana's accolades didn't end there. He later synthesized the first entirely artificial gene, further solidifying his stature in molecular biology.

Notably, while at the B.C. Research Council, he mentored Dr. Michael Smith, another luminous figure who later clinched a Nobel Prize in 1993 for his innovative strides in genetic research.

UBC recognized Dr. Khorana's immense contributions by awarding him an honorary Doctor of Science in 1977 and later establishing the Gobind Khorana Chair in Biological Chemistry in 1991. He holds the title of Professor Emeritus in Biology and Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

• Mundell Park

• Michael Smith Park

The park is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Michael Smith, UBC's premier Nobel Prize laureate. Originating from England in 1932 and having an educational background in organic chemistry from the University of Manchester, Smith embarked on his UBC journey in 1956 under the mentorship of the future Nobel Prize winner, Dr. H. Gobind Khorana.

Elevating to the position of Professor of Biochemistry by 1966, Dr. Smith spearheaded the initiation of UBC's Biotechnology Lab in 1987 and later the Genome Sciences Centre in 1999, previously known as the B.C. Cancer Agency's Genome Sequence Centre. His crowning achievement came in 1993 when he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. His innovation, termed "site-directed mutagenesis," transformed how researchers could manipulate DNA sequences, cementing its status as one of the pivotal scientific breakthroughs of the century. Today, this technique forms the backbone of various medical and biological studies worldwide, notably in cancer research and biotechnology.

Beyond his scientific prowess, Dr. Smith was a beacon of honour, collecting accolades like the Companion of the Order of Canada (1995), Order of British Columbia (1994), an induction into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (1995), and over 25 honorary doctorates. But what truly set him apart was his passionate involvement in social initiatives and science education. Not just an exemplary scientist, he was an ardent philanthropist, educator, and advocate, always emphasizing the pivotal role of science in daily life and generously giving back to Canada and the global community.

• Nobel Park

One of the unique features of Wesbrook Village is its focus on sustainability. The village was designed with several sustainable features, such as green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient building systems. These features not only help to reduce the environmental impact of the village but also help to create a healthier community for residents.

The Wesbrook village offers an excellent opportunity for students to live in a community close to the university. The village is well connected to the rest of the UBC campus. Students can easily access their classes, libraries, and other university facilities. Moreover, the village is located near many bus routes, which makes it easy for students to get around the city.

About Wesbrook Village Businesses

Wesbrook village is home to more than 8,000 residents. It offers many services, shops, and restaurants to serve the needs of residents. Here are some of the businesses in Wesbrook Village that helps to make this place a great place to call home.

Services in Wesbrook Village

• Wesbrook Village Dental

• Physioworks

• Wesbrook Eyecare Optometry

• Wesbrook Properties

• YNYSA Yoga Studio

• Oxford Learning

• Kabro Salon

Wesbrook Village also offers several personal care and beauty services. Kabro Salon, which provides a wide range of hair styling services. The village also has a nail salon that offers a wide range of nail care services and products.

Additionally, the village has a variety of retail shops that offer residents a convenient, diverse range of shopping options.

One of the most important businesses in Wesbrook Village is Save-On-Foods. This Canadian supermarket chain provides a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meat, and dairy.

Wesbrook Village also offers a variety of retail shops, including the Shoppers Drug Pharmacy, which provides a wide range of prescription and over-the-counter medications. The village also has a dental clinic.

Retail shops in Wesbrook Village

• Fido

• More bikes

• Shoppers Drugmart

• BC Liquor store

Another popular business in Wesbrook Village is the Doughgirls Comfort Kitchen & Bakeshop. The café serves a variety of sandwiches, pastries, and bread made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The café also offers a wide range of organic and gluten-free options, making it a popular destination for health-conscious shoppers.

Blenz Coffee in Wesbrook Village is a popular coffee shop and locals' favourite hangout place. The coffee shop offers a wide variety of coffee drinks and baked goods. Residents enjoyed this cozy atmosphere for studying or socializing.

Restaurants & Food Services in Wesbrook Village

• Blenz Coffee

• Togo Sushi

• Biercraft

• Neptune Chinese Kitchen

• Chef Hung Taiwanese Beef Noodle

The Wesbrook Village delivers an exceptional option for students & faculties to live in a community near the university. The village is well connected to the rest of the UBC campus. Students can easily access their classes, libraries, and other university facilities. Additionally, the village is located near several bus routes, making it easy for students to get around the city.

In conclusion, UBC's Wesbrook Village delivers a unique and energetic community that provides diverse housing options to students and staff. The village was designed with a focus on sustainability. It delivers various services and amenities that help create a livable community.

Wesbrook Village Real Estate

Convinced that Wesbrook Village is the place for you? Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, there is never a better place to find highly desirable real estate in Vancouver. Better yet, there is a wide range of options to suit your goals and/or lifestyle. Click the links below to look at the currently available inventory.

• Wesbrook Village Homes for Sale