Published monthly by the University Neighbourhoods Association Published monthly by the University Neighbourhoods Association
Volume 2, Issue 6
June 28, 2011
Campus Catholics Turn Picnic Green
13 Condos Have Come on Market since January at Promontory This number is “high”, says realtor; there are 95 suites in building at centre of hospice controversy
Parishioners in song at annual picnic, which was themed ‘green’ this year in an effort to renew people’s relationships to their environment. Photo by Andrzej Wroblewski. Please turn to ‘CATHOLICS’ on Page 11
Transfer of RCMP Command Takes Place on Campus Staff/Sergeant Kevin Jones is new commander at the University detachment on Wesbrook Mall; he was previously with Coquitlam RCMP Welcome to the University area, Staff/ Sergeant Kevin Jones. S/Sgt. Jones, recently took command of the University detachment of the RCMP which serves both UBC and the University Endowment Lands (UEL). Staff/Sergeant Kevin Kenna who commanded the University detachment for five years retired in May. S/Sgt. Jones arrives at UBC from the Coquitlam detachment of the RCMP. Though S/Sgt. Jones took command of the University detachment of the RCMP only recently, he has already made an important decision about the detachment. “We are obviously well understaffed,” he said at the June board meeting of University Neighbourhoods Association directors. As a result, he has petitioned the province for more Mounties at UBC.
“We need three more officers.” He expressed high hopes of getting them. “We’re at the top of the list to get extra members if the province decided to add police.” In a later interview with The Campus Resident, S/Sgt. Jones offered his first impression of the difference between policing the University of British Columbia (and the UEL) and policing Coquitlam. “There’s a huge difference,” he said. He explained he did not mean a difference in size: there are 17 officers at UBC compared to 200 in Coquitlam. Rather, he meant a difference in local government: there is municipal government in Coquitlam compared to a municipal-like system of local governance at UBC (and a separate non-municipal system in the UEL). “You don’t have a mayor and council to deal with at UBC, nor do you just have one central government administration to deal with,” he says. “You’ve got several administrations— the University Neighbourhoods Association, UBC, the administration in the UEL, Wreck Beach, Metro Vancouver, and so forth.” With some bemusement,
he noted the absence of municipal bylaws at UBC. “There’s no animal control bylaw, no noise bylaw, no parking bylaw.” When asked if the absence of a central municipal authority backed by its charter of bylaws made local policing easier or harder at UBC, the Mountie said, “It’s harder. Instead of a central figure to speak to all issues, each administration has its own area of importance.” Local policing is also harder in that one administration must not be seen to be getting attention to the disadvantage of another. So, the commander faces the daily challenge of where to best spend dollars and resources in a complex of jurisdictions. His solution so far? “Spend where we get the best bang for our buck.” A 28-year veteran of the federal force, S/Sgt. Jones—who is married with two children—grew up in Surrey, and worked in the Surrey command for 10 ½ years before moving on to other posts around the Lower Mainland. This included detachments in Richmond as well as Coquitlam. RCMP continued on Page 7
Real estate sources indicate 13 apartments have come on the market at the Promontory building at UBC since January when the controversial hospice issue burst into the headlines. Sources indicate only one apartment has sold in this time. A realtor who wished not to be named said the number of 12 current active listings in the 95-suite high-rise building is “high” with the most recent listing June 22nd. The realtor declined to speculate whether news about the hospice might be a factor in this number of listings. Meanwhile, sources say apartment sales in the last four months at UBC show a distinct downward trend with 27 sales in March, 28 in April, 17 in May, and only seven sales this month by June 23rd. Meanwhile also, the Campus Resident understands Adera Decelopment Corporation has been selected to construct the UBC hospice.
HOSPICE continued on Page 4
Parkade in Campus Building Provides Space for More Bikes than Cars Underground space for 288 bikes is planned in parkade of Chancellor Place building; meanwhile, space for only 58 cars is planned In a sign of the times at the University of British Columbia, a new high-rise neighbourhood building will have five times the number of spaces for bikes in its underground parkade as for cars. UBC has made a policy of encouraging local residents to adopt bike transportation in lieu of car rides for years, and the nature of proposed parking arrangements at an as-yet-unnamed rental high-rise in the Chancellor Place neighbourhood suggests it is on the road to success. ST. ANDREWS continued on Page 6
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THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JUNE 28, 2011
Regent College Planners Put Out Info Early Theological school for graduate students is “considering” doubling in size; located in UEL, it is informing public of its thoughts well in advance As of this date, Regent College has seen fit only to “consider” doubling in size. Administrators of Regent College, located in the University Endowment Lands (UEL) across Wesbrook Mall from the main entrance to UBC, have decided, however, that even at this early stage of “thinking about” doubling in size, they want the public informed. With this in mind, Regent College held a sort of pre-planning Open House in its Atrium June 21 with staff and architects on hand to discuss what expansion plans might be if in fact planning proceeds. “This is a pre-submission information meeting only,” Kevin Unger, Regent College vice-president, finance and administration, told The Campus Resident. “No rezoning application has been made to the UEL yet.” Mr. Unger said, “Prior to beginning the formal approval process with the UEL, the College is seeking to inform our immediate community of the proposed expansion concept and receive comments.” The ‘immediate community’ means the mixed retail and residential University Village east of Regent College, the singlefamily dwellings neighbourhood to the north across University Boulevard, the residential neighbourhood to the south along Western Parkway and UBC to the west across Wesbrook Mall. The ‘pre-plans’ of the proposed Regent College expansion from a facility
Regent College is considering a plan to double in size. of 74,500 square feet to one of 152,000 square feet show an attractive six story building to a height of 70 feet. An expanded Regent College would provide 70 residential units allowing for a student residential population of 70-90 students. Currently, Regent College - a graduate institution of about 1,000 students - has no students living in it, and part of its submission to the UEL administration would be - if the submission goes
ahead—for a rezoning application to allow residential use. Though Regent College is only “thinking about expanding”, it is nonetheless “thinking strongly about it,” Mr. Unger said. “It’s not just a trial balloon we’re flying.” Should these constructive thoughts turn into concrete action, Regent College anticipates making a formal application for both rezoning and a UEL development
permit in the fall with building expected to take a few years. Development of the site would lead to all college parking below grade, educational facilities, student apartments and some commercial space in keeping with a theological college. “This project is driven by student demand for housing at UBC,” Mr. Unger said.
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JUNE 28, 2011
page 3 Published by: University Neighbourhoods Association #202-5923 Berton Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6S OB3
Editorial Page June notes from the editor
Canada Post The postal strike/lockout has come and gone since we published in May, and this provides us with some relief. We rely on Canada Post to deliver 10,000 copies of The Campus Resident every month, and we wondered how to go about doing this without them. So, welcome back, posties, and thanks again for doing a good job in delivering The Campus Resident at UBC, on the University Endowment Lands, and in West Point Grey and Dunbar.
September UNA AGM The annual general meeting of the University Neighbourhood Association does not occur until September (See notice on Page 8 of this paper). However, those thinking of running for a position of resident-director on the UNA board will do well to start planning already. Due to the hospice issue on campus, a more intense interest will likely envelope the election for two resident-directors at the AGM this year than in previous years, and prospective candidates will want to stake out their respective platforms early. At The Campus Resident, we’ll try to keep you up to date on their platforms as they unfold. The intensified interest in the election will also likely cause a boost in UNA membership as candidates enlist support from campus residents who have not yet joined the UNA. At time of writing, almost 3,000 campus residents out of a population of about 7,600 belong to the UNA, which acts to provide residents with municipal-like services under the terms of an agreement with UBC (the Neighbours Agreement).
New Faces The presence of such a large work force on the UBC campus means your correspondent is constantly coming into contact with bright people seeking to provide campus residents with excellent service. You may read about three such people—all new on campus—in this issue of The Campus Resident. On page 1, you may read about Staff/Sergeant Kevin Jones—the new commander at the University detachment of the RCMP. The RCMP provides service to both UBC and the University Endowment Lands. On page 6, you may read about Dev Fletcher— who started a few moths ago as victim services officer at the University RCMP detachment on Wesbrook Mall. The provincial government provides funding for the victim services office. And on page 9, you may read about Kyle Reese, who recently became Community Energy Manager at UBC. Mr. Reese, from the U.S. South, will help you reduce your home energy bills.
New Places The prolific development environment which is UBC seems ever to be sprouting new kinds of buildings. Lo and behold, a high-rise rental building—currently in the planning stage—in the Chancellor Place neighbourhood projects parking space for 288 bikes, but only space for 58 cars (See story on Page 1). In contrast, a popular planning format for UBC residential buildings when Hampton Place opened up in the 1990s allowed for many residents to have spaces for two cars in underground parkade. In those long-lost days, developers relegated the importance of bike storage to wire cages scattered wherever. Meanwhile, the greenest building in North America will open at UBC in a few months. We shall write more on this in coming issues.
Taste for the Best The Tapestry retirement centre on campus opened quietly in the fall of 2010. At the end of May, Tapestry made its opening official by holding a grand reception for several hundred guests at the plush facility on Wesbrook Mall in Wesbrook Village. Tapestry was developed by Concert Properties, and Concert president David Podmore cut a strip of red ribbon to formally commemorate this Grand Opening (See story on Page 5). Before and after the ribbon cutting, a welcoming group of Mr. Podmore and other Tapestry hosts confirmed their residents have a ‘taste for the best’ by providing guests with the kind of de luxe service that is daily fare at the retirement centre. A selection of fine wines—both red and white—flowed and the delicacies, served by smartly-uniformed staff, included raw oysters, sautéed prawns, prosciutto (ham), French cheeses and European-style pastries. The cost of renting some one-bedroom suites at The Tapestry runs higher than $6,000 a month. You can also own a condo at Tapestry.
Editor & Business Manager John Tompkins 604.827.3502 JTompkins@myuna.ca
Editorial published in Ubyssey student newspaper
A real municipality? Hospice debate proves otherwise Not having to live by the rules of any real government, UBC can do many things for its citizens—both pleasant and unpleasant. On Wednesday, June 8th, in sunny Kelowna, the UBC Board of Governors gave final approval for a hospice to be placed in between the Promontory condo and Thunderbird Stadium. The two-year long debate over its location has produced plenty of headlines and cultural cleavages, but we can’t help but think the end result is a win for all sides. UBC has the satisfaction of supporting the hospice community and doing an unambiguously good thing by providing land to the project. Students win by having the hospice placed in an area that will not provide conflict with either the academic or more leisurely pursuits that we take part in. And the University Neighbourhoods Association, the quasi-municipal group that represents the permanent residents on campus? Well, to be honest, the hospice issue has created more tension in their ranks than anything else in their history. Residents have called for the resignation of the entire board an overhaul of the monthly newsletter, and ev-
erything else in between. People feel like the organization created to represent them has failed. Yet we can’t help but feel this is a good thing. Permanent residents upset with the change have been given a reality check as to their rights as residents of UBC, the only major urban area in Canada without a municipal government. After 20 years of growth of the non-student population at UBC, there’s a community on campus which would like to believe that they have a real say in how their neighbourhood develops. Instead, they are given the option by UBC to be put on a priority wait list for new units on campus. UBC Campus and Community Planning head Nancy Knight framed this in a positive light, arguing that “a municipality would not be able to provide this level of service.” True—but a municipality would have much more democratic accountability in their land-use decisions. It’s a reminder that, not having to live by the rules of any real government, UBC can do many things for its citizens—both pleasant and unpleasant. At least now, UNA residents should be as aware as students that, when it comes to how this campus is governed, the status quo is unacceptable in the long-run. Reprinted with permission
Letter to the Editor Hospice site should be left as parking lot for Thunderbird Stadium The May edition of The Campus Resident includes several intelligent letters about the hospice issue. One letter, by Shannon Wen, a Hawthorn Place resident, (‘Locate hospice at Hampton?’) relates the matter of an aging population to a desire for the hospice close by. A second and more political letter (‘Bureaucracy versus democracy’) comes from Greg Feldman, also of Hawthorn Place. The third article comes from UBC Ph.D student Dikun Yang, who tells us about the growing availability of hospices in China, but states that most Chinese die in hospitals anyway and nobody ever complains. I would see the hospice issue at UBC as almost comic (if it were not so serious). Why can no one see that the main drawback to locating a hospice on Stadium Way, directly across from UBC Thunderbird Stadium, is its impracticability? That vacant lot (the proposed site of the hospice) has always been a parking lot
for Stadium events, and any building on it, or occupancy, will eliminate its parking function. As a resident of Hampton Place, I am not concerned about parking for Thunderbird Stadium events because I walk to them. However, for those who live outside this campus, and must drive to events at the Stadium, parking is important and has always been convenient. That vacant property should remain as a parking lot for Stadium events. Why can’t the UBC Faculty of Medicine simply locate the proposed Order of St. John Hospice at UBC Hospital which will provide this faculty with convenience for its research and use? For the life of me, I cannot understand the futility of this destructive issue for UBC residents given that simple common sense answers all questions! Thomas Glen Lockhart Hampton Place.
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Open Letter
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JUNE 28, 2011
Residents of Promontory Reach Out to Premier for Help
To the premier of British Columbia; From a group of concerned residents at the Promontory building on campus; Regarding site of a proposed hospice at UBC; Dear Christy Clark, premier of the province and MLA for Vancouver Point Grey, We write to let you, our MLA, know we are very disappointed with your comment of convenience in support of the hospice site without knowing specifics and having any first hand information of the project. We would like to invite you to visit us at your earliest convenience. A first-hand experience is worth a thousand words. Would you come? Like you, we are not opposed to a hospice on UBC campus but we are reasonable in saying that the proposed site is problematic. Would you build the palliative unit of a hospital with only a 3.5 meters set back to the property line? The proposed hospice building’s width runs approximately the same width as the adjacent Promontory condominium high rise. The proposed hospice will have an ‘in your face’ effect to about 50% of the promontory condo units, especially the lower units. UBC planning department’s seat-of-the-pants answer is to add a tree screen in the 3.5 meters. Is this good for the users of the hospice, and its original ‘best site’ intention? Do you know the proposed hospice site in question is directly across from the Thunderbird Stadium (the road between from curb to curb is single lane each way), and this is the best site for the least sound and light impacts within the UBC campus? UBC planning department stubbornly insists that this is the best site and only best site within the 1,000 acres of campus! Do you believe it and agree? Do you know some residents, as a result of the proposed hospice, have been diagnosed as having worsening medical problems and new psychological conditions that need professional help? Both women and children have been affected. We know you believe in democracy, do you know that 71 of the 94 units of the Promontory units oppose this site? And do you know 1,000 campus residents also oppose this site? Do they count? Would UBC planning department have picked this site if it knew what would happen? We would like to know what you think. UBC planning department arrogantly insists the answer is “yes”! This means that every other site would be more problematic in the 1,000-acre campus. Do you believe it? Do you know UBC picked a list of 15 possible sites before, and within that list, the site in question (next to the Promontory) didn’t even make it to the ‘best nine sites’ list? Pacific Spirit Park Society, Wreck Beach Society and students have all rejected other proposed sites and UBC listened. So why not listen to those in the growing community of campus residents? Do they not have rights? UBC decided on the site in question
Keri Zhang, representing Chinese residents of the Promontory building at UBC, and Daniel Jung, representing Korean residents, present an assistant of Premier Christy Clark with a letter they wrote to the premier asking for help in fighting the proposed construction of a hospice next to their homes.
in June, 2010, but didn’t bother to have its first Open House until January, 2011. Even after the hospice issue attracted widespread controversy in the media in January, UBC didn’t bother to meet with affected residents until April, 2011. This is only possible because UBC planning department doesn’t operate under real democratic principles. UBC’s associate vice-president, planning, should resign! At one time you aspired to become the mayor of Vancouver. Do you think the same residents’ concerns would be brushed aside and ignored under the Vancouver governance model with an elected mayor and council? Now that you are the premier of British Columbia, do you not still agree with Vancouver’s democratic principles? Under these circumstances, we initiated a reasonable proposal to the UBC board of governors that this grievance provocation by the UBC planning department be settled by sending the UBC planning report it received to be independently reviewed by a third party expert who the residents and UBC could both agree to. We wish to maintain community harmony through a democratic and fair process. Do you know this proposal was rejected without any contact with the residents and the site was approved within 48 hours? Now that you care to comment, what can you do and what should you do to help your constituents as their Premier and their MLA? Promontory residents need your help. Would you help your constituents in need? We look forward to your reply. Concerned Promontory Residents
HOSPICE continued from Page 1 Asked to comment on this, a senior Adera executive said by e-mail, “I have no comment at this time.” Adera is the most prolific property developer at UBC with three buildings undertaken in the Hawthorn Place neighbourhood (where the Promontory is located) and at least two in the Wesbrook Place neighbourhood. Its buildings at UBC have won numerous design awards both in British Columbia and internationally. As of June 19th (before the latest listing), the number of days on the market for the 11 suites listed for sale at the Promontory were as follows: 156, 75, 67, 45, 41, 30, 24, 23, 18, 12, and 11. Listed prices at the Promontory range from $828,000 for a two-bedroom suite of 990 square feet on the 5th floor, to $1,598,000 for a three-bedroom suite of 1,619 square feet on the 15th floor. Asked to respond to the unanimous decision by the UBC board of governors June 8th in Kelowna that the hospice project should go ahead, a spokesperson for the Promontory group said, “We are naturally extremely disappointed with UBC’s decision.” Members of the group are particularly disappointed that UBC ignored their request for an independent review of the staff report which guided governors in reaching their decision. They feel there were discrepancies in this report. However, the Promontory group members vow to carry on fighting the UBC decision to build the hospice next to where they live. “Except for a very few, we will not move and we shall not allow the situation to
force us to move,” they said in e-mail correspondence with The Campus Resident. Members of the group have delivered a letter to Premier Christie Clark asking her—as their MLA—for relief from the UBC decision. (Please see text of the letter to Premier Clark on Page 4). In Kelowna on June 8th, the UBC board voted to a) Require additional substantial tree screening to the north of the hospice project (beside the Promontory); b) Require a roofing treatment over the courtyard that screens the view, yet still achieves the beneficial outdoor courtyard environment for the facility; c) Ensure that the materials and colour palette for the facility blend with the landscape in this area; d) Continue to provide outreach services, with the University Neighbourhoods Association and SUCCESS, for new Canadians living on campus; e) Work with UBC Properties Trust to identify other housing opportunities on campus for residents of the adjacent building who wish to move; and, f) Take the necessary consequential steps, including seeking provincial approval for the lease. In a prepared statement, the UNA said, “The UNA Board supports community hospices and also recognizes the academic connection of this hospice. “The UNA Board recommended UBC investigate the issues. The UNA Board recognizes UBC’s outreach to concerned citizens, and recognizes UBC’s report back to the community prior to making a decision. “The UNA also understands that UBC will continue to work with concerned citizens throughout the process.”
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THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JUNE 28, 2011
David Podmore, president of Concert Properties, officially opens Tapestry retirement centre at UBC.
Concert Properties Puts On Grand Event To Formally Launch Wesbrook Tapestry Red ribbon is cut; first-class fare is served Tapestry at the University of British Columbia, which officially opened its doors for business May 31st, has become the first retirement centre on a university campus in Canada. David Podmore, who cut a ceremonial red ribbon at the Grand Opening event at Tapestry, spoke optimistically of the future not only of Tapestry at UBC, but two other Tapestry retirement centres (one in Vancouver and one in Toronto). Chairman and chief executive officer of Concert Properties, which has developed all three buildings, Mr. Podmore said his company proposes to make the name ‘Tapestry’ synonymous with “the finest in retirement living in Canada.” Other executives of Concert Properties, which has built its Tapestry at UBC in the South Campus residential community called Wesbrook Place, paid tribute to the staff brought together by John Fleming, general manager. One executive said the staff under Mr. Fleming (who was previously employed at UBC), has “done a wonderful job in pulling all the threads of this tapestry together to make it such a fine living experience for residents.” Al Poettcker spoke on behalf of UBC Properties Trust, which manages property development on all 1,000 acres of the
UBC campus. President of UBC Properties, Mr. Poettcker noted Tapestry, which offers both suites to rent and apartments to purchase, had not previously built at UBC. “What a pleasure it has been to
deal with Concert,” he said. The celebrations which followed the ribbon-cutting and speeches included provision of first class fare, fine wines and entertainment. Several hundred
guests attended the opening, which also offered guided tours of Tapestry ‘show suites’ and amenities.
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THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JUNE 28, 2011
Victim Services Coordinator Offers Help at Detachment Dev Fletcher is victim services coordinator attached to RCMP, University detachment; Mr. Fletcher, 33, is on call 24/7 for those needing his services In an office at the University detachment of the RCMP at 2990 Wesbrook Mall, Dev Fletcher has accumulated a substantial number of files. Mr. Fletcher, 33 and less than four months on the job as victim services program coordinator, wishes in one sense that the number of files were less for this might mean fewer victims of crime, but the realties of modern urban life in Canada suggest a decrease is unlikely. So, he relishes in the fact that the number of files is increasing for this suggests more victims are taking advantage of the resources he provides. This increase also comes in part from the trust he is winning among members at the RCMP detachment through his work. Mr. Fletcher believes the RCMP officers at the detachment trust him to work well with those they see victimized. “It gives me confidence that they trust me and that they are utilizing my services (Victim Services).” The assistance Mr. Fletcher gets from the officers is often reciprocated for as these officers move on to tackle new crimes yielding new victims, he remains “to keep them in the loop on existing files.” In conversation with Mr. Fletcher, we gather fleeting glimpses of the kinds of situations he encounters in his days and nights responding to the troubled calls of others even in such a well-to-do and welleducated community as the one at UBC and the University Endowment Lands (which is also in his area). In recounting depressing details from the life-stories of victims, Mr. Fletcher shows only professional fortitude. He does not see his job as
‘to cure the world of all its ills’; rather, he seeks only to make sure all the services of a benevolent society are made available to those who have fallen victim to the cruel lash of crime. He deals closely with the Counseling Services, Sexual Assault Centre and Campus Security at the University of British Columbia, for many of his ‘clients’ are students. He tries calmly and with poise to be comforter to those left fearful by criminal acts perpetrated upon them. Dev Fletcher, who is far too much of an optimist to be weighed down by the distressing nature of his work at times, did not always see his life dedicated to helping those victimized by crime. He began life in Guelph, Ontario where he graduated in hotel management. Aged 23, hotel management degree in hand, he originally charted his life towards a career in hospitality. But somewhere along the way, he became a volunteer in the field of victim services funded by the Ontario government. He found himself so enamored of the work, he spent five years as a volunteer with Guelph Victim Services. During this time, he built up the expertise of a professional, and then the hand of fate treated him kindly. His father (a retired University professor) and mother—leaving behind the snow-bound winters of Ontario—came to metro Vancouver to live, with son not far behind. After enquiring about volunteering opportunities in victim services, he secured the position at UBC. Had Mr. Fletcher gone in for the hos-
ST. ANDREWS continued from Page 1
to the north. The following will be provided for on this level: 58 car stalls of which 18 are for visitors; and 288 resident bike racks and lockers. A UBC spokesperson said “UBC policies aim to shift transportation choices to other modes of transportation other than the single occupant vehicle. To encourage affordability and add to the diversity of housing choice on campus, the applicants (Concert) were encouraged to build smaller units in this rental building which targets faculty/staff/students. “In recognition that the campus is highly accessible by transit and by respecting UBC’s goals to enhance the pedestrian and bicycle environment on campus, the applicants agreed to reduce the vehicular parking component in their project to 58 underground parking stalls.”
Until this development, spaces for cars in the parkades of UBC residential buildings have universally exceeded the number of space for bikes. Indeed, many UBC low-rise and high-rise buildings still assign bike storage to large wire cages. A partnership of St. Andrews Theological College and Concert Properties will build the 15-storey residential tower in Chancellor Place, one of several residential nieghbourhoods at UBC. According to a UBC website, the building will contain 174 rental units including 58 studio and 116 bedroom layouts in varying size from 414 square feet to 554 square feet—typically 12 units per floor. A single underground level of parking will have access via the existing ramp which will be shared with Sterling House
Dev Fletcher, Victim Services Program Coordinator/Community Policing, University Detachment pitality business as originally planned, his ability to express himself clearly and amiably would no doubt have led to his appointment as a hotel manager by now. But, he does not regret the switch of careers he made. “You know you did something positive when you look back on a work day,” he says of his position at UBC. Had he been hotel manager, he might have been able to say, “You know they (a group of conventioneers) had a good function.” Both comments speak well of those in the
separate fields of endeavor, but for Dev Fletcher, they don’t compare. “Victim services work is giving back to the community.” And that’s where his heart is - giving back to the community. If you are the victim of a crime, or if you want to volunteer to help Mr. Fletcher work with victims, you may reach him at the RCMP detachment at the following numbers 604.224.1322; 604.369.7606; or by e-mail dev.fletcher@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Free Bike Clinic Keeps Campus Wheels Turning
Students repair bikes at The Old Barn during bike clinic
Schematic shows single-level, underground parkade at building due to be developed at UBC. Parkade is mainly for bikes.
On Saturday, June 11th as part of Bike Month, the UNA and UBC Bike Kitchen ran a free bike clinic at The Old Barn Community Centre. Three volunteer mechanics helped residents learn how to fix mechanical problems and maintain their bikes. The event was popular and generated a line up but the mechanics worked hard to make sure
everyone was accommodated. The UNA provided the Bike Kitchen with a donation for participating. The Bike Kitchen is a non-profit bike shop run by UBC students. It is located at the AMS Student Union Building and is open 7 days a week. Find out more at www.thebikekitchen. com.
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THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JUNE 28, 2011
RCMP Staff/Sergeant Kevin Jones, Commander, University Detachment
RCMP continued from Page 1 He has enjoyed a series of promotions and “dream” assignments in his career. In one assignment, he worked in the special surveillance unit investigating major criminals and organized crime in the Lower Mainland. Prior to joining the force, “I had dreamed of doing official surveillance.” He also worked on the Air India investigation. During the interview, S/Sgt Jones offered glimpses into the day-to-day work done by the police officers under his command. Where speed is an issue on the roadways, he explained, RCMP officers now employ a three-pronged technique for
dealing with violators. A driver should not risk doing 50 KPH passing by a 30 KPH speed-limit sign since there is a chance a community police vehicle will be parked not far down the road, the Mountie explains. If this community police vehicle— equipped with a large screen displaying vehicular speeds—confirms 50 KPH, the driver runs the risk of being stopped by police officers not far down the road again. In other words, the speeding driver will have violated the speed limit at three successive points, and will find the ticket he is served virtually uncontestable. “I think that’s fair,” S/Sgt Jones says.
Where ‘distracted driving’ is an issue, S/Sgt Jones reports that on the day before The Campus Resident interview, three Mounties in two cars (one of which was an unmarked police car) went out looking for distracted drivers. Distracted driving has become a growing problem which police are determined to tackle at UBC (and elsewhere). Mounties at UBC have spotted not only people talking on their cells phones when driving but also women putting on makeup when driving, even men shaving (with electric razors) when driving. “The ‘visual evidence’ of our officers counts in court,” S/Sgt Jones says. Where drinking at Wreck Beach is an is-
sue (the summer season began there in May and runs until September), S/Sgt Jones says he has advised members of the Wreck Beach community that the RCMP has zero tolerance for “open liquor.” Commander Jones said he is encouraged by new provincial legislation which allows fines of $230 for someone in possession of an open bottle of liquor in public. “We used only to be able to pour the liquor away. Now it’s a heavy fine.” So begins the command of S/Sgt Kevin Jones at UBC. Like his predecessor, also named Kevin, S/Sgt Jones expresses belief in firm but diplomatic policing at the University detachment.
Wesbrook Village Festival Gets off to Solid Start All local businesses are involved; attendance is satisfying
UNA Garage Sale in Wesbrook Village on morning of Saturday, June 25. Wesbrook Village Festival followed in afternoon.
The first annual Wesbrook Village Festival at UBC got off to a solid start on Saturday afternoon, June 25th, with all local businesses participating and the attendance of many campus residents—especially younger ones—gratifying. UBC Properties organized the event, which was centered on the Village ‘high street’ between Berton and Birney avenues and in the fountain area at the entrance to the Save-On-Foods store. A list of local businesses with booths at the event included Running Room, Westland Insurance, Eliane Hair Salon, Tapestry retirement centre, Wesbrook Village Dental Centre, Mozart School of Music, Jugo Juice, Blenz Coffee, Togo Sushi, Save-On-Foods and the Royal Bank of Canada. Freebies included coffee, juices, balloons, balloon sculpting and more. The local fire department sent a truck, which—parked outside Tapestry—was much admired by the youngsters who clambered aboard it. Across the road, people queued for three-minute carica-
tures drawn by an artist. A blast of soft-rock music courtesy of a QMFM Radio Station booth on the corner of Berton and Wesbrook Mall kept the beat up all afternoon. Meanwhile, kids in the area sword-fenced with long thin blue and red balloons. The Campus Resident understands an association of businesses is being formed in the area. No doubt by the second Wesbrook Village Festival a year hence, more businesses will have opened in the area, and become eligible to join it. According to sources, a liquor store will likely open soon in the Village. A restaurant opening also seems probable. The annual UNA Garage Sale preceded the Festival in the Village.
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THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JUNE 28, 2011
UNA Community News Sustainability Corner Community Energy Manager The UNA now has a Community Energy Manager (CEM). Our new CEM, Kyle Reese, is introduced elsewhere in this issue, so I thought I would use this column to provide some context and discuss the opportunities this initiative provides our community. The position is supported through an innovative BC Hydro Sustainable Communities initiative that also includes the development of a Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP). For communities that meet selection criteria, BC Hydro will fund half of the costs of a CEM position for up to two years, and half of the cost of the CEEP. UBC was able to qualify because of our unique high density, rapidly growing community, associated with a major academic institution. UBC and the UNA are sharing the remaining costs for our CEM and CEEP. What will this mean for UNA residents? The filling of this position marks the beginning of energy and emissions programs and projects for the UNA. The Community Energy Manager (who works out of the UBC Campus Sustainability Office) is responsible for developing energy and emissions reduction programs for residential buildings across campus, including the UNA neighbourhoods. While an important focus is on new housing developments, significant attention is also paid to programs for existing residents and residential buildings. The first order of business for the CEM is the development of the Community Energy and Emissions Plan. The CEEP is a ‘flagship’ project of the new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the UNA and UBC to partner on sustainability initiatives (discussed in a previous column). It is intended to evaluate a community’s existing energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and emissions. The CEEP
UNIVERSITY NEIGHBOURHOODS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING A meeting for members of the UNA and residents of the “Local Areas” as defined in the Comprehensive Community Plan including Hampton Place, Hawthorn Place, Chancellor Place, East Campus, and Wesbrook Place Wednesday September 28th, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at The Old Barn Community Centre (6308 Thunderbird Blvd., UBC)
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS In accordance with the UNA Constitution, there will be an Election for 2 UNA Resident Directors to take place at the UNA Annual General Meeting.
Eligibility Requirements: Ralph Wells, UNA Sustainability Manager
will also identify potential cost savings for residents and stratas through energy efficiency programs (such as BC Hydro’s Power Smart program), and sources of clean energy for a potential district energy heating system for new buildings. It will also consider sustainable transportation strategies and includes a community engagement strategy. Once the CEEP is completed (over the coming year), the focus will shift to implementation. While this planning process is important and will provide long term benefits to the community, residents and stratas can look forward to some programs that can be implemented immediately. I will be working with Kyle to identify relevant BC Hydro Power Smart programs such as the Strata Product Incentive Program (PIP). The PIP provides significant incentives for lighting, ventilation and other upgrades that have the potential to provide long term cost savings to stratas along with environmental benefits. To find out more about this and other programs, be sure to watch future columns and articles in The Campus Resident for more details on CEM and CEEP initiatives.
SUSTAINABILITY CONTEST
To be eligible for nomination a person must be a resident of “local area” (those five areas currently identified for non-institutional development in the Comprehensive Community Plan and Hampton Place) and otherwise meet the requirements of our By-laws. The UNA Constitution and By-laws requires that no more than three (3) directors may come from a single area and at least one (1) director must be elected from the Faculty / Staff or Co-Development housing. To read the UNA Constitution and By-laws and recent amendments to the By-laws, please see the UNA website www.myuna.ca. Two (2) directors to be elected this September will initially hold office for two (2) years. Directors may be reelected (subject to being eligible) for up to two (2) more terms. Nominees for the UNA Board of Directors may contact the UNA office by phone, fax or email to be sent nomination forms or may print a copy from the UNA website www.myuna.ca. To be eligible, nominations require the support of 10 members of the UNA. Nominees are requested to submit a 1 page biographical sketch and photo with the completed nomination form to the UNA office. Biographical information will be posted on the UNA website and / or the UNA publication The Campus Resident.
Deadline for Nominations:
The deadline for nominations under the UNA Constitution is 4:30 pm on Monday August 29, 2011. Completed nomination forms should be mailed or delivered to the UNA office, #202-5923 Berton Avenue, Vancouver BC V6S 0B3. The names of persons nominated for election as Resident Directors shall be published in a ballot and delivered to the membership with the notice of meeting and related material by September 7, 2011. Should you have any further questions, please contact Cathie Cleveland UNA Administrative Manager 604.827.5540 or email Cathie@myuna.ca
Looking for things to do this Summer?! Register your child in one of our exciting Don’t forget you can join weekly your children in our Drop-in Summer Activites in the park! Camps!
Would you like to provide a practical tip on how each of us can contribute to sustainability? Submit your idea to sustainabilitycontest@myuna.ca. The winner will receive a Save-On-Foods $25 gift card, courtesy of Save-On-Foods. A prize will also go to the year’s best tip. This month we have two winners, who submitted versions of the following tip: Save your water from boiling eggs, rice, or blanching spinach and use it to water your plants. This will save water and provide nutrients for your plants. As this month’s co-winners, Kyoung Lee and Nidal Alshwawreh will each receive a $25 gift card. Congratulations, both! WE AKNOWLEDGE THE SUPPORT OF WESBROOK PLACE’S SAVE-ONFOODS SUPERMARKET
FREE! Bring a Picnic!
Evening in the Park is back!
The 6308 Thunderbird Blvd
The Old Barn Summer Programs are starting! Grab a copy of the guide, and make sure you register to secure your place! Phone 604.827.4469 for more information.
Friday July 8 @ 5pm, in Jim Taylor Park, featuring Jazz Musician Paul Keeling!
Next session: Friday July 22 @ Chancellor Place
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THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JUNE 28, 2011
Engineer Eyes Ways to Help Residents Conserve Energy
Kyle Reese, Community Energy Manager, UBC Sustainability Office
Kyle Reese is new member of UBC Sustainability Office; he is the community energy manager The sustainability initiative at the University of British Columbia, which ever gains momentum, has enlisted a new advocate. Kyle Reese, who was born and educated in the United States, became community energy manager in the UBC Sustainability Office in early June. The position, which is jointly funded by BC Hydro, UBC and the University Neighbourhoods Association, will offer Mr. Reese the opportunity to help create a plan (the Community Energy and Emissions Plan, or ‘CEEP’) aimed at conserving significant amounts of energy on campus. “A big portion of my work will be around engaging the community in CEEP,” Mr. Reese said in an interview. ‘Conserving energy’, which has become a mantra at UBC over the last decade or so, “is the right thing to do,” Mr. Reese says. “UBC, the UNA and Hydro—all feel conserving energy is the right thing to do, and I would hope residents do too.” Mr. Reese, who was born in the U.S. South and who attended Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), joins an army of engineers around the world working in an industry that barely existed a half century ago. According to Mr. Reese, this industrywith its many virtues - which many see as offering material salvation for the human race—has its origins “in the high oil prices of the 1970s.” He says, “It blossomed in the late 1990s, and it has boomed in the
last five years.” So, when Mr. Reese graduated from Georgia Tech in 2002, he found an energy conservation industry fast maturing. He also found one where the focus was on large corporations and governments getting into energy conversation: for example, the automobile industry was beginning its quest for more fuel-efficient vehicles then. Coming to Canada, where he met his wife to be, Mr. Reese found himself particularly interested in the conservation of energy in residential buildings, in particular ‘multi-residential’ buildings such as those found at UBC. This includes the homes of 7,500 permanent residents which occupy some parts of campus, and residences with about the same number of students which occupy other parts. He lists numerous ways in which campus residents—permanents and students alike—may become more ‘conservative’ in the use of energy: in the heating of homes, the heating of domestic water, in the flushing of water in toilets, in the proper turning off lights in the home, in the proper replacement of light bulbs, and so forth. CEEP, which will likely take a year to create, will touch on all the aspects of community life at UBC. Mr. Reese, who is a clear thinker, subscribes to all the well-known justifications for energy conservation. “Governments are (rightly) focused on educating people to reduce their thirst for fossil fuels.” Why wouldn’t they focus on this, he says, when the climate of the world is at stake; when energy security is a desirable goal; when energy self-sufficiency is imperative; and when the high price of oil brings with it the prospect of ugly financial cost.
Liberal MP Joyce Murray back in business Joyce Murray, Liberal MP for Vancouver Quadra, has accepted the role of Critic for Small Business and Tourism, Asia-Pacific Gateway, and Western Economic Diversification (WED), on behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada. “I am honoured to be the Liberal spokesperson and to advance these key policy areas,” said Ms. Murray. “I expressed a keen interest in continuing my work with Canadian business innovation, sustainability, trade and economic development. My new role is a perfect match,” she noted. Before entering politics, Ms. Murray co-founded a reforestation business that has now planted more than one billion trees in five countries. An advocate for
job-creating and for both small and medium-size businesses like eco-tourism, she tabled Bill C-606 to protect BC’s north coast communities from the risks associated with a major oil spill. “Liberal Leader Bob Rae’s appointment recognizes my academic background and business expertise, as well as the importance of Asia-Pacific relations and opportunities for Canada’s future” added Murray. “I am looking forward to working with stakeholders in Vancouver and across the country to help shape innovative policies that support sustainable development, while collaborating with my colleagues to hold the Conservative government to account.”
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THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JUNE 28, 2011
Landscape Architect Who Lives Locally Ascends to Summit of her Profession Cornelia Oberlander is winner of premier global award for landscape architecture; Ms. Oberlander is long-time resident of UEL Cornelia Oberlander, who lives in the University Endowment Lands, has won the highest award for a landscape architect in the world. The International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA), which represents the worldwide profession of landscape architecture, has announced that Ms. Oberlander is the winner of the Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe Award—the IFLA’s premier award—for 2011. In a prepared statement, the IFLA said, “Cornelia Hahn Oberlander has made an outstanding contribution to landscape architecture through her life-long commitment to her chosen profession. Her achievement in all aspects of landscape architecture – landscape planning, landscape research, landscape design and landscape management has been quite phenomenal. “Despite the breadth of her endeavours, one common thread stands out: her concern for environment and people. She has continued to develop and expand her skills over a lifetime as needs and opportunities have evolved - starting at the local community level and expanding her horizons as her focus has gone first nationally in Canada, continentally to North America, to a global perspective with her focus on sustainability and matters relating to climate change. “ Locally, Ms. Oberlander was landscape architect for the Museum of Anthropology - working with the late Arthur Erickson, MOA architect. Locally also, Ms. Oberlander designed Jim Everett park immediately east of the University Village—bordered in the north by University Boulevard.” In its statement, the IFLA said further, “Ms. Oberlander has been producing designs for a greener future for six decades. Working initially with low-income communities, her attention has broadened to include playgrounds and parks, and latterly to more global perspectives. She has shown a deep commitment to environmental sustainability not only through her designs and the quality of her work, but also through sharing her knowledge and ideas by writing books, preparing exhibitions and presenting lectures. “Ms Oberlander continues to make significant contributions featuring collaboration with architects and engineers on projects of international recognition. Her ability to work creatively as a member of
an inter-disciplinary team with architects and engineers, basing all projects on design concepts and finding technical solutions through research, is demonstrated in her long list of built projects. She has achieved an uncommonly high level of respect and recognition from members of landscape architecture’s related professions of architecture, planning and engineering. “As a female pioneer in the field of landscape architecture she decided from her 11th year onward that she had only one goal; to become a Landscape Architect to design outdoor spaces for the enjoyment of all in our urban environment. She was one of the first females to graduate from Harvard University Graduate School of Design and started up her own design business collaborating with modernist architects.” In 2002, Ms. Oberlander was famously quoted saying, “I dream of Green Cities with Green Buildings where rural and urban activities live in harmony. Achieving a fit between the built form and the land has been my dictum. This can only be done if all our design-related professions collaborate and thereby demonstrate cooperatively their relevance in meeting the enormous developmental challenges facing our increasingly crowded urban regions.” According to the IFLA, the Oberlander motto for solving difficult tasks on each project is “the five Pʼs: Persistence, Patience, Politeness, Professionalism and Passion. “Ms. Oberlander has done so with a passion and an innovative approach to her chosen profession that is a model for any aspiring landscape architect. She has clearly had a unique and lasting impact on the welfare of society and the environment and on the promotion of the profession of landscape architecture and is a most worthy recipient of this year’s IFLA Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe Award.” The IFLA Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe Award is the highest honor that the International Federation of Landscape Architects can bestow upon a landscape architect. The Award recognizes a living landscape architect whose lifetime achievements and contributions have had a unique and lasting impact on the welfare of society and the environment and on the promotion of the profession of landscape architecture. The award is bestowed annually on an academic, public or private practitioner whose work and achievements are respected internationally. As of 2011 the award will be bestowed annually. Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe (1910 – 1996), IFLA President of Honour, served IFLA as its founding President from 1948 – 1954.
Birthday Parties at The Old Barn! Team up with our fun and energetic leader for an action packed party on Saturday afternoons! To book a Birthday Party or for more information, please contact our Bookings Coordinator 604-822-9675 or bookings@oldbarn.ca
Cornelia Oberlander
MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY Canada’s contemporary museum of world arts and cultures
A place of extraordinary architectural beauty, provocative programming, and vibrant, contemporary exhibitions
6393 NW Marine Drive (UBC) Vancouver BC 604.822.5087 www.moa.ubc.ca 'Imprint' - dancer Michelle Cheung, musician David Brown; 'Intervisible Lines' (detail) by Hayati Mokhtar and Dain Iskandar Said
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THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JUNE 28, 2011
City Struggles to Resolve Future of Transit on Broadway/W10th Avenue Transportation to UBC is only half the problem; the other half is transportation to VGH and surrounding medical centres Folks who live at UBC, the University Endowment Lands (UEL) and surrounding parts of Vancouver tend to see the Broadway transportation corridor as one dedicated mainly to getting 30,000 or more students to and from campus every school day. Jerry Dobrovolny, director of transportation for the City of Vancouver, does not look at Broadway quite that way, however. Mr. Dobrovolny, who is leading the drive to update the transportation plan for Vancouver, sees not just one main destination for buses running east and west along the busy Broadway corridor but two: UBC in the far west and the complex of medical facilities surrounding and including Vancouver General Hospital half-way along. “The medical community around VGH is the second-largest employer in the city,” Mr. Dobrovolny told a recent public meeting at the Dunbar Community Centre. “There are as many people getting on and off buses to visit VGH, the Cancer Centre and other medical centres as there are going to UBC.” A few dozen people attended the Dunbar meeting, which was part of a series of
11 public meetings organized by the City in its drive to create a master-plan called Transportation 2040. When this newspaper was published (on June 28th), three of the meetings remained upcoming: • July 6th at Martin Luther Church, 508 East 46th Avenue (7-8:30 PM); • July 7th at the Central Library, 350 West Georgia (11:30 AM to 1:30 PM), and • July 13th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 655 Burrard Street (11:30 AM to 1:30 PM). At the Dunbar meeting, Mr. Dobrovonly, fellow staff members from Vancouver and representatives from both TransLink and UBC, wondered what ideas might come from members of the public in regards to an updated transportation plan for Vancouver. Those who spoke offered ideas ranging from “the segmentation” of buses along the whole Broadway route from Commercial Drive to UBC (i.e. buses going back and forth between Commercial and Main, between Main and Arbutus, and between Arbutus and Alma, between Alma and UBC), to doing away with the 99-B express buses (which run along Broadway every few minutes), from putting more express buses along other east-west routes running to UBC, to better explaining to the public the working relationship between the City of Vancouver (which owns the streets along which buses roll) and TransLink (which owns the buses).
CATHOLICS continued from Page 1
Theme this year was ‘environmental sustainability’; about 100 parishioners were in attendance There was not a whiff of grilled meat at the annual picnic of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish and St. Mark’s College and Campus Ministry on Sunday, June 19th. Picnic organizers decided on an environmental sustainability theme for this year’s affair. Although the day was overcast and threatening to rain, about a hundred parishioners, students and their families arrived shortly before noon bearing plates and glasses along with baskets of food and drinks. People brought eating utensils to avoid contributing to the landfill with disposable paper plates and plastic cups. Inside a hall named Plato’s Cave, they mingled and dined on salad greens from backyard gardens, casseroles prepared mainly from the produce section, lots of fruits and freshly baked goods Event organizers, Suzanne Barois, Janice
Dulk, Jo Howarth, developed the green party theme for this picnic in an effort to renew people’s relationships to their environment. Fr. Jim Sheppard, SJ, administrator of St. Ignatius and Fr. John McCarthy, SJ, chaplain of St. Mark’s, hailed the picnic as a reinvigoration of people’s relationship with one another in the campus community. St. Ignatius of Antioch is a Catholic church for residents on campus and the University Endowment Lands. It provides a whole range of services that includes a youth group, retreats, spiritual direction, catechism classes and a variety of social justice projects. St. Mark’s College offers graduate courses on biblical and theological foundations of Catholic practice and some continuing education classes on environmental protection and social justice. Masses at St. Mark’s Chapel are at 9:30 AM on Sundays and 5:00 PM on Saturdays for St. Ignatius parish and at 12:00 Noon, Monday to Friday and 11:00 AM on Sundays for St. Mark’s . For more information, visit websites: www.stignatiusofantioch.ca and www.stmarkscollege.ca
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THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JUNE 28, 2011
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