This is false. There are lots of small, old crappy houses in Vancouver. It's just that they cost a ridiculously large amount of money.

Here's a pretty typical example: https://www.realtor.ca/Residential/Single-Family/17409318/55...

Before you ask, no that's not even in a really desirable part of Vancouver.

That will cost you another million. See this as an example: https://www.realtor.ca/Residential/Single-Family/17850427/31...