of growth between 1890–1895 and 1900–1912. The area was originally a part of the Parish of St. James until the boundary of the City of Winnipeg was extended to St. James Street from Maryland Street (formerly Boundary Road) in 1882. Development of the area as a working and middle class residential area began in the late 19th century and continued through the 1920s until the area was completely built up. The area developed rapidly due to its proximity to Downtown Winnipeg, and, unlike Winnipeg's North End, the mainline of the Canadian Pacific Railway did not impose a physical barrier between the West End and Downtown. The area was also well served by the city's street railway system with lines on Portage Avenue, Sargent Avenue, Sherbrook Street, and Arlington Street. The industrial area located adjacent to the railway spur between Wall and Erin Streets provided employment for many West End residents. The West End was considered Ward Two in the old City of Winnipeg and was seen as the "swing riding" between the affluent and conservative Ward One and overwhelmingly socialist Ward Three, which comprised the North End and Elmwood. Parts of the area declined in the years following World War II as many families moved to Winnipeg's suburbs and some of the housing stock was converted to rooming houses and became dilapidated. During the 1970s, crime became a serious problem in portions of the West End. Since the 1980s, a notable revitalization of the neighbourhoods has been made. Numerous urban beautification projects have been undertaken and in 1987, the West End Cultural Centre was founded in an old church at Ellice Avenue and Sherbrook Street. Much of the West End has experienced a sharp 'renaissance' in recent years. Average home price in the West End shot up 31% faster than Winnipeg's average between the years of 2000 to 2011. During this time frame, the average value of a West End home increased 12.4% year-over-year. In contrast, the average home value in the City of Winnipeg as a whole increased 9.5% year-over-year in that same time-frame. Neighbourhoods The West End includes the following neighbourhoods: Armstrong's Point Colony Daniel McIntyre Minto Sargent Park Spence St. Matthews West Broadway Wolseley Colony Colony takes its name from one of its main roads, Colony Street, which in turn was named for Colony Creek. In the early days of Winnipeg, Colony Creek drained a section of