Published by the University Neighbourhoods Association Volume 6, Issue 7
JULY 20, 2015
Recycling: Creating beauty in the garbage room
UNA changes voting procedures Greater integrity will be brought to elections
Hawthorn Place residents are teaming up to prove that small changes can make a big difference in how people recycle and compost. The recycling project was funded by UTown@UBC Community Grant of $1,000. Organizers hope to develop a model recycling system that can be adopted in other residential buildings on campus. See story on Page 8.
Province will assess safety of University Boulevard sidewalks In the May issue of The Campus Resident, resident John Percy described sidewalks as “treacherous” John Tompkins The Campus Resident Editor
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) has launched a review of the sidewalks along University Boulevard following an article by West Point
Grey resident John Percy in the May issue of The Campus Resident. In the article, Mr. Percy described the sidewalks as “treacherous” and a potential source of civil liability to the government. The issue of poorly-maintained and unsafe sidewalks on University Boulevard was also raised by Mr. Percy and other constituents of Vancouver-Point Grey with David Eby, NDP MLA for the area. Mr. Eby addressed the issue with MOTI and received an encouraging response from them. Grant Smith, MOTI Operations Manager, Lower Mainland District, wrote, “I have asked our maintenance contractor,
Mainroad Contracting Lower Mainland Ltd., to review the sidewalks and address any immediate safety concerns. Moving forward we will have an assessment of the sidewalks to determine their condition and structure a rehabilitation program.” Mr. Percy is a retired civil engineer and 22-year homeowner in West Point Grey living near the Blanca entrance to UBC. He, along with many neighbours, students, residents of the UBC community and visitors, walks the University Boulevard corridor to and from UBC daily. SIDEWALKS continued on Page 7
UNA acts vigorously to conserve water Effective July 20, Metro Vancouver implements Stage 3 Water Use Restrictions The University Neighbourhoods Association has responded vigorously to the need to conserve water in the face of unseasonably dry and hot weather. Since July 3, when Metro Vancouver
declared the second stage of a comprehensive four-stage plan to deal with water shortages, the UNA has sought to reduce water usage on numerous fronts. All water features in the neighbourhoods have been turned off. Irrigation to all large areas of grass has been turned off, so that the only grassy areas being irrigated— once a week as permitted—are the boulevards that have trees and shrubs that need to be kept
alive. Trees and shrubs have been monitored for signs of stress, they will be watered by hand if necessary. Timers on all irrigation zones have been reprogrammed and sprinkler heads closely monitored to avoid water run-off as much as possible. The grass on Nobel softball field is being maintained – minimally – as permitted by the Metro Vancouver restrictions. WATER continued on Page 4
The University Neighbourhoods Association has changed the procedures by which it conducts its annual elections. Richard Alexander, Chair, said the UNA has adopted the three envelope ballot return system that was recently used in the Metro Vancouver transportation plebiscite: this system employs an unmarked secrecy envelope that contains the ballot, a certification envelope to be signed by the member and post-paid return envelope. Mr. Alexander said the changes will ensure adequate safeguards to the integrity of voting, and they will prevent practices (such as the photocopying of ballots) that create the perception that the procedure is open to abuse or falls well below the norms for voting in a democracy. The UNA Board adopted the new procedures at its June meeting following the recommendations of the UNA Elections Advisory Committee, and the procedures will be used at the upcoming UNA Annual General Meeting (AGM) of members in September. Jan Fialkowski, UNA Executive Director, said all members will receive an official AGM/Elections package by September 1. “It’s important that the members keep the package and not discard it,” Ms. Fialkowski said. “Only the official ballot will be accepted if it is returned in the three envelopes – a photocopied ballot will not be counted; a ballot received in any other envelope other than the UNA’s three envelopes will not be counted.” Residents who become members after the AGM mailing has been done (August 21) will be able to obtain an official AGM/Elections package at the UNA office. The cry for reform of UNA election procedures came after widespread loss of faith in the way these procedures worked in the September 2014 AGM. At the October 2014 UNA Board meeting, the directors agreed to conduct a review of the UNA elections policies and procedures with the intent of improving the process in time for the 2015 UNA Elections. In January 2015, the UNA Elections Advisory Committee with eight members was established. The Committee presented its report on election reform in May.
page 2
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 20, 2015
Metro makes public education of fire danger top priority ‘Extreme’ fire rating is still in effect in Pacific Spirit Regional Park Metro Vancouver has made public education about the responsible, safe and sustainable use of Pacific Spirit Park during this hot and dry weather the top priority of its staff. As such, staff has increased its patrol frequency of the park as Metro continues to monitor for appropriate use of the park during these extremely dry conditions. Richard Wallis, Supervisor, Park Operations, Regional Parks, West Area, said, “Staff request that in addition to the public being responsible about their use of the park, the public assists by reporting any sign of smoke or fire immediately to 911.” Mr. Wallis asks that members of the public keep their eyes and ears open for any other concerns in the park and report non-emergency concerns to the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks West Area Office at 604-224-5739. Metro Vancouver is working closely with Vancouver Fire Department to monitor the extremely dry conditions
to ensure the safety of the park and surrounding areas. The fire danger rating is still extreme. Continued dry weather has resulted in conditions that are tinder dry and extremely sensitive to sparks and fire. Visitors to Pacific Spirit Park are asked to obey posted signs and fire danger guidelines. Campfires and briquette barbeques are prohibited, propane barbeques are allowed only in picnic facilities under responsible supervision, and smoking is allowed only in designated areas. Also, sword Fern Trail adjacent Hampton Place is currently closed to the public. Visitors to UNA park spaces face the following fire-related restrictions: no open-fires (e.g. campfires) are allowed. UNA asks visitors to be aware of all spark sources and report any signs of smoke or fire to 911 or UNA staff. Metro Vancouver urges public responsibility on the following two accounts. Handling of Cigarette Butts: “Please be responsible and ensure that all cigarette butts are fully extinguished, and ashes are cool before being properly disposed. Do not dispose cigarette butts on lawns, flowerbeds, park spaces, forests or any areas that may cause a fire hazard. Use proper ashtrays.”
UNA September Election Information Session
Interested in running for election as a Resident Director? Interested in the general operation of the UNA Society and Board of Directors? Come to the candidates briefing on
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
at The Old Barn Community Centre from 7 to 9 pm. The session will include:
• Organizational structure of the UNA • Overview of municipal and recreation services provided by the UNA • Roles and responsibilities and expected time commitment of Resident Directors • Review of the 6 other governments that interact with the UNA on campus • UNA projects 2015-2016.
Space is limited Register before July 24, 2015 at reception@myuna.ca
Forest Fires: “In hot and dry summer months, forest fires are of a serious concern. Grass and other open fires can get out of control quickly and cause wildfires. During warmer weather, the number of visitors to regional parks increases,
resulting in increased risk of accidental wildfires. If you discover a wildfire, contact the fire department immediately and wait for further instructions regarding evacuation and the protection of you and your home.”
University Neighbourhoods Association
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING A meeting for members of the UNA and residents of the “Local Areas” including Hampton Place, Hawthorn Place, Chancellor Place, East Campus, and Wesbrook Place
Wednesday September 23, 2015 7pm – 9pm at The Old Barn Community Centre (6308 Thunderbird Blvd., UBC)
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS In accordance with the UNA Constitution and By-laws, there will be an Election for TWO (2) UNA Resident Directors to take place at the UNA Annual General Meeting.
Eligibility Requirement To be eligible for nomination a person must be a resident of the “local area” (those five areas currently identified for non-institutional development in the Land Use Plan) 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. To read the UNA Constitution and By-laws, please visit 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 re-elected (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 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 5 members of the UNA. Nominees are requested to submit a maximum 500 word bio and a high resolution head shot photo with the completed nomination form to the UNA office. Biographical information will be posted on the UNA website and in The Campus Resident newspaper.
Deadline for Nominations The deadline for nominations is 4:30 pm on Friday, August 14, 2015. 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 1, 2015. For more information, please contact the UNA Office at 604.827.5158 or email reception@myuna.ca
Join us on FACEBOOK! Keep up to date with the latest UNA news, announcements, events, and The Old Barn Community Centre’s programming! search for
The Old Barn Community Centre and The University Neighbourhoods Association
page 3
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 20, 2015
Editor & Business Manager John Tompkins phone: 604.827.3502 email: jtompkins@myuna.ca
Design Production Rebecca Ind phone: 604.822.9675 email: rind@myuna.ca
Published monthly by the University Neighbourhoods Association #202-5923 Berton Avenue, Vancouver BC, V6S 0B3
Advertising enquiries email: advertising@myuna.ca
Running in circles with the Wesbrook roundabout Andrzej Jan Wroblewski Hampton Place resident, retired professor of industrial design As a long-time resident of Hampton Place, I have been witnessing how our planners have been making efforts to improve traffic patterns around our neighbourhood—at unknown but, for sure, significant public expense. A few years ago, the pedestrian crossing at the South entrance to Hampton Place was redesigned and changed from a straight path to a triangular design, with painted markings indicating the new path. No doubt, some good intentions motivated this change and triggered the expense in re-surfacing and re-landscaping the area—a change that has clearly not been welcomed nor accepted by pedestrians as evidenced by markings on the grassy area of the former path that people still use when crossing the street, ignoring new design. About three years ago another improvement was implemented—at the intersection of Westbrook Mall and 16th Avenue. The roundabout was designed with the intent to make the intersection safer and slow down the traffic on 16th Avenue. I imagine that it was quite a costly ‘improvement’ considering new road repavements, street and pedestrian lights re-installation, etc. However, the design of the roundabout, including positioning of the pedestrian crossings, has generated many dangerous situations and led to complaints.
Clearly, a conclusion was reached that this intersection was not working well as the roundabout has recently again been re-designed: relocation of street lights, underground electric cables, pedestrian paths, additional widths of the streets, new landscaping patterns. After several weeks of traffic disruption (and I am sure another significant expenditure of public funds), we have a new roundabout. What is the result? Last week, I tried to enter 16th Avenue from Hampton Place, but after waiting eight minutes, I decided to abort the attempt because the cars were stuck between Blanca and the roundabout practically without moving. I did not count how many cars and busses were idling, burning gasoline for several minutes while waiting to squeeze themselves through the roundabout which now has cars from three directions having to merge within the roundabout into a single line in order to proceed towards campus. While the planners have certainly achieved the objective of slowing down the traffic (to a halt, actually!), I cannot comprehend how this solution is compatible with UBC and UNA’s sustainability agendas, and how it accommodates environmental concerns shared by many residents. When I went for a walk this morning, I noticed workers marking over the newly installed road, pavement and landscaping. I stopped and asked them about the purpose of their activity, and they indicated that changes need to be made because there is a problem with the current layout. So there will be more construc-
tion and more expenditures related to the roundabout. I would be interested to learn how much the subsequent re-designs of the 16th Avenue/Wesbrook corridor have cost taxpayers over the past decade and whether anyone bears responsibility for repetitively remedying solutions that do not work? With the availability of public consultation that could inform the process, access to traffic tracking techniques and technology-enabled modeling, and extensive experience world-wide with roundabout designs, I wonder why we need to be taking a trial and error approach to plan crossings and intersections at UBC? It seems to me, that competent planners and engineers should be able to successfully manage such designs on the first attempt. There is no doubt in my mind that it is a matter of another few years, at most, before we will undergo another improvement of the 16th and Wesbrook roundabout. At some point, our decision-makers will surely find it intolerable to accept that hundreds of cars a day are uselessly idling at this intersection because of its inadequate design, especially as the number of users will increase with the growing population of Wesbrook Place. While there will be no way to spare us the inconvenience of yet another construction project, I wonder if UNA and UBC will take steps to charge the expense back to those responsible for the flawed design rather than having taxpayers yet again foot the bill. As we have just been asked to pay our rural taxes and the annual UBC levy, this
seems to be a particularly good time to ask these questions. It is common in professional fields to bear financial responsibility for one’s errors (thus doctors, lawyers and others purchase professional liability insurance), and it is increasingly a societal expectation that those in a decision-making power who approve and tolerate projects that result in waste of public money are called to answer for their mistakes as well (by stepping down or being fired from their positions, so that more responsible individuals can assume these roles). As a retired professor of industrial design, I wish our planners would give thought to the old mantra that has underscored some of the best designs in the world: that design should be rooted in good understanding of the problem that the design is supposed to solve— from the users’ perspective—and that the solution should improve users’ experience. And as a UNA resident, I wish those entrusted with the stewardship of public funds— to which our community contributes—would do so with responsibility and accountability.
Letters to the Editor Include name, address and telephone number. Maximum lengths: Letters 400 words. Opinions 750 words. We may edit or decline to publish any submission.
UEL community calls for further revisions to Block F plan Both ‘good things’ and ‘problems’ seen in revised Musqueam application to develop land Residents on the University Endowment Lands agree generally with their elected representatives that the recently revised plan by Musqueam Capital Corporation (MCC) to develop 22 acres of forested land should be further revised. In a series of straw polls at a Town Hall meeting sponsored by the UEL Community Advisory Council (CAC) on June 22, over 60 residents backed CAC opinions—as expressed in a circular— that “good things” can be said about the revised MCC plan to develop Block F. However, residents also confirmed they “still see problems” with the new plan which MCC placed before the UEL administration for approval in May. Residents at the Town Hall meeting described the revised plan for Block F—which has the potential to add 2,500 people to the current UEL population of
almost 4,250 over the next ten years—as being “in need of tweaking.” Nothing epitomizes—or seems to epitomize—the reservation of UEL residents towards parts of the Musqueam plan for Block F more than the proposed height of four high-rise towers. In the original version of the plan, submitted in the fall of 2013, MCC proposed residential high-rises of 22 storeys. UEL residents greeted the news of this projected height with no enthusiasm at all, and the Musqueam took note: in the revised plan, the proposed height of these four towers was reduced to 18 storeys. However, speakers at the CAC meeting called for further reductions — to possibly 14 storeys, even 12 storeys. In any event, community sentiment seemed to be that when completed, no high-rise building should exceed the current height of the majority of mature conifers within Block F. In contrast to the problematic high-rise issue, the issue of a hotel planned for the Musqueam Block F development has been resolved to the satisfaction of UEL
residents. In its initial version of the plan, Musqueam proposed a 120-room hotel. Residents judged this to be inappropriate. Musqueam kept the door open for revision and eliminated the hotel proposal from its revised version of the plan—replacing it with rental accommodation. The Musqueam made another concession on the issue of a community centre in the development. Originally, they had opposed the idea of UEL people other than Block F residents using about 10,000 square feet of community amenity space. Many residents objected to this. Musqueam paid attention, and the plan now includes a full community centre for all UEL residents to attend. At an earlier June 3 Open House on the Block F project hosted by the UEL administration, the CAC executive handed out a two page circular which spells out the problems and solutions they see in the revised application. The circular reads, “Good things we can say: • The current application is much better than the first submission in December
2013, which asked for a larger density increase, high-rise towers up to 22 storeys and a hotel and no provision for below market housing and a poor level of amenities. • The open spaces such as parks, paths and street edges are now much better. • The community centre concept is moving in the right direction. • The hotel is gone, replaced by rental housing. • The bylaw required level of below-market housing has been achieved.” The circular also reads, “The problems we still see: • Maximum tower height of 18 storeys is still excessive. • Many bylaw relaxations are asked for, some of which will affect height and density. • Residential parking is reduced from the current UEL bylaw levels. • Commercial centre street level parking and service vehicle access are not adequately resolved. BLOCK F continued on Page 7
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 20, 2015
page 4 WATER continued from Page 1 All power washing of hard landscaping and window washing has been stopped. As soon as the UNA received the notice from Metro Vancouver about increased water conservation measures, notices of restriction were sent to strata presidents and building and property managers. Jan Fialkowski, UNA Executive Director, said, “While we have no ability to enforce these restrictions within the private stratas, nor does Metro Vancouver: I don’t believe that anyone would willingly ignore the restrictions.” On July 3, Carol Mason, Metro Vancouver Commissioner, said, “Metro Vancouver takes water conservation and protection of our sources of drinking water extremely seriously. “Over the last several years, our lawn sprinkling regulations have had a significant positive impact on reducing water demands in the peak summer season, and we are asking residents and businesses to further conserve water at this time.” One hour of lawn sprinkling uses as much water as 25 toilet flushes, five loads of laundry or five dishwasher loads. The demand for water doubles during the hottest days of summer to as much as two billion litres of water a day. Thanks to conservation programs like the lawn sprinkling regulations and the Water Shortage Response Plan, there has been a 27% decline in per-capita water use in Metro Vancouver since 1993. Metro Vancouver revised its lawn sprinkling regulations in 2011 to only allow morning sprinkling, and peak-day per capita water demand has decreased by 2% per year. On July 20, Metro Vancouver announced even more water use restrictions implementing Stage 3. Below is a list of Prohibitions and Permitted Uses that apply under Stage 3 restrictions. (1) Prohibitions • Lawn sprinkling is prohibited.
• Municipal exemption permits for new lawns or nematode application are prohibited. • Watering of trees, shrubs, flowers, decorative planters and vegetable gardens by sprinklers or soaker hoses is prohibited. Private pressure washing is prohibited. • Washing of driveways, sidewalks and parkades for aesthetic purposes is prohibited. • Washing of all cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats and other recreational and vehicles is prohibited. • Cemetery lawns – all forms of watering are prohibited. • Municipal parks - all forms of watering are prohibited • Operation of ornamental fountains is prohibited. • Filling or refilling of private swimming pools, hot tubs and garden ponds is prohibited. (2) Permitted Uses include: • Hand watering of trees, shrubs, flowers, decorative planters and vegetable gardens using a spring-loaded shutoff nozzle, containers or a drip irrigation system is permitted. • Watering of turf at turf farms or flowers and vegetables at commercial gardens is permitted. • Hosing of outdoor surfaces (e.g. driveways, sidewalks, roofs) if required to avoid public health and safety concerns or to prepare a surface for painting/sealing or similar treatment is permitted. • Commercial pressure washing for health and safety purposes or to prepare as surface for painting or similar purposes is permitted. • Commercial car wash operations are permitted. • Sports playing field (including sandbased) and school yard watering at minimum levels as required to maintain areas in useable condition is permitted. • Artificial turf requiring wetting and outdoor tracks if required for dust control or safety reasons is permitted.
Counselling
July 25 August 8 August 22
Elizabeth Demeter, Ph. D., R.C.C. Registered Clinical Counsellor
For Youth Aged 13-18
Welcomes new clients for individual, couple or family counselling
ADVENTURE CLUB
OUTDOOR
Careville Medical Clinic and Pharmacy 3317 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6S 0B1
Lynn Peak - Lynn Headwaters Regional Park Hollyburn Mountain - Cypress Mountain Baden Powell - Lynn Canyon to Deep Cove $25.00 for each session
(10% UNA/UBC discount is available). Registration is required early - space is limited. T: 604.827.4469. W: www.myuna.ca Transport and snacks will be provided. Meet at The Old Barn Community Centre (6308 Thunderbird Blvd) at 9:30am for a 10:00am departure, returning by 6:00pm. Please bring lunch, water, and dress appropriately for each activity. Proudly supported by
Please call 604 873 - 1280 www.careville.ca
HIKES
TRAILS
MOUNTAINS
FUN!
RESEARCH SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR BALANCE PERFORMANCE STUDIES Neural Control of Posture and Movement Lab at UBC – Dr. Mark Carpenter We are looking for healthy young adults (age 19-40 years) and healthy older adults (age 55-85 years) to participate in research studies investigating how the nervous system controls upright standing. Balance performance will be tested in our laboratory at UBC using simple balance and walking tasks. Please contact Dr. Carpenter (mark.carpenter@ubc.ca or 604-822-8614) if you are interested in participating in research and would like more information about the studies that are currently ongoing in our research lab at UBC.
page 5
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 20, 2015
UEL incorporation study: Council calls again for meeting with Minister Community is pressing to become municipality in face of apparent inertia by government John Tompkins The Campus Resident Editor
Elected representatives of the University Endowment Lands community have again attempted to meet their ‘mayor’ to discuss a proposed incorporation study for the UEL. Dave Forsyth, President of the UEL Community Advisory Council (CAC), refers to Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, as “the equivalent of our mayor” in a May 25 letter about the CAC bid for an incorporation study made 18 months ago. Mr. Forsyth writes, “As the politician responsible for local matters in our community, you are the equivalent of our mayor. Yet you have repeatedly turned down requests to meet with us. It’s as if the mayor of your home town, Quesnel, refused to have anything to do with the residents of Quesnel. Meetings with your
officials are not an adequate substitute for meetings with you.” As an unincorporated area, the UEL does not have an elected mayor and municipal council. Instead, the provincial government is the governing body, and the community is administered through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development under the University Endowment Land Act. The Ministry appoints a Manager who is responsible for the day to day administration of the UEL. The Community Advisory Council—an elected body of seven UEL residents—represents the UEL community to the provincial government and advises the Manager on matters of importance to the residents. Mr. Forsyth—who has lived in the UEL all his life—writes in his letter to the Minister, “We are aware from your officials, who met with us at our instigation, and from your responses to our MLA’s questions during last year’s debate on budget estimates, that consultants have been retained to gather the facts. That process seems to be taking an inordinate amount of time, especially given that at least one of your officials is thoroughly familiar with the UEL, having worked on
UEL matters for years. “As you know, our MLA (David Eby, NDP) recently obtained documents through a freedom of information request. Those documents show that a workshop was held last November, apparently to brainstorm our request and other UEL matters. However, the documents are heavily redacted, so we are able to learn little from them. “We find it surprising that this workshop, and possibly other activities, have been carried out without the participation of UEL residents. Community representatives should be integrally involved in all discussions regarding the governance of the UEL. The process to date has lacked any transparency or openness. It is unacceptable that we are being kept on the sidelines while a matter of considerable importance to our community is under discussion.” UEL residents have attempted to gain municipal status once before, doing so in the 1990s in cooperation with Hampton Place residents. However, the bid failed when the UEL group and Hampton Place group (the first residents at UBC) failed to reach consensus on governance structure and other matters.
Water shortage advisory
While both UEL and UBC residents live in unincorporated areas without elected mayors and municipal councils, the similarity in governance structures ends there. In 2002, the University Neighbourhoods Association was established to approximate a municipal council for residential areas on UBC campus. The UNA Board of Directors—comprised of five directors elected by residents, two directors appointed by UBC and one director appointed by the Alma Mater Society—is responsible for governance of residential neighbourhoods on campus under the terms of a Neighbours’ Agreement with UBC. Among other things, the UNA promotes a distinct University Town and acts as an Advisory Body to the UBC Board of Governors. The current push on municipal incorporation on the UEL began 3 ½ years ago with the election of long-time community leader Ron Pears to the post of CAC President. After Mr. Pears concluded his term in office, Mr. Forsyth took over as CAC President in the November 2014 UEL election.
STAGE 3
Restrictions will continue until further notice, and may become more strict. FIRE SAFETY • fire safety practices are in place for everyone on campus • no open-fires (e.g. campfires or briquette/propane barbeques) are allowed • be aware of all spark sources; report all fires to 911 • smokers should carefully dispose of butts and ashes in proper non-flammable containers
WATER WISE • Lawn sprinkling is prohibited; • Watering of trees, shrubs, flowers, decorative planters and vegetable gardens by sprinklers or soaker hoses is prohibited; • Private pressure washing is prohibited; • Washing of driveways, sidewalks, parkades and all vehicles for aesthetic purposes is prohibited; • Operation of ornamental fountains is prohibited; • Filling or refilling of private swimming pools, hot tubs and garden ponds is prohibited. 1 hour of lawn sprinkling uses as much water as 25 toilet flushes, five loads of laundry, and five dishwasher loads. Increased water conservation is now in effect. Ways you can conserve water include sweeping driveways, sidewalks, and garden paths, ensuring there are full loads for dish and clothes washers, taking shorter showers, fixing leaking faucets and hose connections, turning off the tap when brushing your teeth or washing dishes.
for more information, contact reception@myuna.ca
page 6
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 20, 2015
UNA Chair: Plebiscite result reflects keenness of local residents for transit YES vote in Electoral Area A was 59%, but only 38% in Metro region as whole The majority YES vote in Electoral Area A in the recent plebiscite reflects on the keen awareness by residents of the importance and value of a comprehensive transit network, says University Neighbourhood Association Chair Richard Alexander. Voters in Electoral Area A cast ballots 58.57% in support of a proposed new 0.5% Metro Vancouver Congestion Improvement Tax to be dedicated to the Mayors’ Council Transportation and Transit Plan; in comparison, voters in Metro Vancouver as a whole cast ballots only 38.32% in support of the tax. The population of Electoral Area A consists largely of 20,000 residents of UBC (10,000 permanent residents as well as 10,000 students in residence) and more than 4,000 residents of the University Endowment Lands. Mr. Alexander said, “Living on the Point Grey peninsula provides residents with an appreciation of the importance of public transit and the services that we receive.” Commenting on the results of the plebiscite, Werner Antweiler, a professor at the Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia, said, “Electoral Area A (which is mostly UBC and the Endowment Lands) is significantly different from the rest of Metro Vancouver. People living at UBC rely on public transit to a much larger extent than other Metro areas. Anyone who has ever taken the 99B line is acutely aware of the need
for improved public transit, in particular building rapid transit along the Broadway corridor. Of course, the demographics of Electoral Area A has something to do with the voting result as well. Many UBC students were eligible to vote and rely on transit much more than the average Metro Vancouver resident. Similar to Bowen Island (another area where the YES side carried the day), long known to have a “green” outlook, UBC residents are perhaps also more acutely aware of environmental issues and the long-term need for better public infrastructure.” Professor Antweiler anticipated the negative outcome of the plebiscite and suggested alternative forms of financing on his blog in March. Robin Lindsey, a professor in Operations and Logistics Division at the Sauder School of Business, wrote in an email, “Electoral Area A includes several unincorporated areas in Metro Vancouver. I do not know the population distribution, but my guess is that UBC accounts for a large fraction of the total. Of the $7.5+ billion package, over $2 billion was earmarked for transit service improvements along the Broadway Corridor. UBC residents were probably well aware of pass-ups and delays on the 99B line, and attracted by the prospect of having a subway running from Commercial Drive to Arbutus and the prospect of a later extension to campus. “Another factor could be that the population of Electoral Area A is bettereducated than average, and aware of the benefits of improved transit service. The benefits include: reductions in traffic congestion, pollution, crashes and noise; greater accessibility; and benefits from
so-called agglomeration economies that arise when people can interact face-toface more easily. “These are only conjectures. I don’t know whether attitudinal polls at the municipal level were taken at any stage of the referendum process.” Jude Crasta, Vice-President External Affairs, UBC (student) Alma Mater Society, said, “The AMS was disappointed to see the results of the Metro Vancouver Transit Plebiscite released recently. “However, we do not believe the results to be a rejection of improved public transit and transportation in our region. Further, we are pleased to note that Electoral Area A was one of the three places in the region that produced a YES vote. “Moving forward, the Broadway Corridor Rapid Transit Project remains a key priority for our students in the long term, along with improved bus service solutions to relieve current congestion problems. We will keep working with our partners in support of improved transit solutions in order to allow our commuting students to get to campus as quickly and comfortably as possible.” Kay Teschke, a professor at the School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, said, “ As a faculty member, I hear stories all the time from students and colleagues about the difficulties with the B-line buses. Anyone who hears this would find it hard not to be willing to contribute to an improved system. The Broadway subway would fill a huge unmet demand. The proportion of trips to and from UBC by transit is one of the highest in the region. The results by city suggest that cities where transit use was higher were more likely to vote YES. Many people at UBC study issues related to the referendum. Traffic congestion, air pollution, and public health would all have benefited from the Mayors’ Council plan.” Maria Harris, Electoral Area A Director and a member of the Mayors’ Council on Transportation, said that while those who voted NO did so for a variety of reasons, dissatisfaction with the Mayors’ Council plan appears to have been a minor factor. “It was clear during the plebiscite that many people recognize the need to improve transit throughout Metro Vancouver and believe that the Mayors’ Council plan is sound,” Ms. Harris said. Ms. Harris said it is not apparent at the moment how the funding dilemma will be resolved. “Minister Stone is pushing the Mayors’ Council to use property taxes and has also said that some of the funding should be obtained from land value capture (realizing on the increase in the value of land that occurs when rapid transit is implemented nearby). Mayors have been adamant in rejecting the use of property taxes for this purpose, as property taxes are the principal source of revenue for funding their municipalities.” Sumeet Gulati, a professor in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at UBC, was not surprised by the result of the
plebiscite. He called Electoral Area A “transit dependent”, and related his experiences as a transit-user (#25 route) living in Dunbar. “I catch the bus after taking my son to school at 9 am, and two or three buses go by at times without stopping.” The plebiscite was “not the way to go,” Professor Gulati said. David Moscrop, a UBC political scientist, said the result was “no surprise. “If you look at Vancouver proper, it actually voted NO by about 3,000 votes. That surprised me. For Electoral Area A, no surprise: students are heavy transit users.” Pat Condon, a professor in the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, said, “Students wanted the subway…that’s not a surprise to me.” Lawrence Frank, a professor in the School of Community and Regional Planning at UBC, said of the strong YES vote in Electoral Area A, “Yes, this would be expected. Area A around UBC was to gain a lot by being located along a vibrant new rail alignment and also demographically comprised of a population more attitudinally pre-disposed to and with a greater understanding of transit’s importance.” UBC President, Arvind Gupta, said in a news release, “Though I am personally disappointed with the outcome of the plebiscite, Metro Vancouver residents have spoken and we need to respect the outcome. “However, this is not the end of our efforts to ensure that our partners come together to improve transit for all Lower Mainland residents, including extending rail rapid transit to our Vancouver campus. UBC intends to work proactively with the Musqueam First Nation, City of Vancouver, TransLink, the Province, Metro Vancouver and other key stakeholders to bring forward a bold vision that heeds the concerns that voters have expressed but also delivers the improved service that our region critically needs, including more buses in the short term and rapid transit in the longer term. “Improved transportation is as much about bringing UBC closer to the community as it is about bringing faculty, students, staff and other members of our campus community to UBC. We want to improve connections between UBC and Metro Vancouver to facilitate the exchange of ideas, collaboration and innovation – in science, engineering, medicine, arts and business. With a growing community of nearly 50,000 students, 14,000 faculty and staff and 10,000 residents, UBC is one of the largest single destinations in Metro Vancouver. Right now, the lack of transportation options is a barrier to people accessing the opportunities that UBC has to offer – academic, cultural, athletic, research and economic. “Regardless of how you voted, I want to thank you, our faculty, staff and students, for participating in this important plebiscite. You have shown with your actions that UBC truly is a place of engagement.”
Advertise with us!
email - advertising@myuna.ca
Published monthly by the University Neighbourhoods Association
page 7
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 20, 2015
UBC transit policy puts campus shuttles on road to success Shuttles have been running for a decade—but running profitably only recently When shuttle bus service began at the University of British Columbia in the mid-2000’s, hardly anyone used it. Empty shuttle buses rolled through Hampton Place and other parts of campus for years, and TransLink sustained a heavy financial loss in running them. A senior UBC administration official at the time offered the view that TransLink might more economically cancel the service—which ran on two routes (C20 and C22)—and pay taxis to carry its few users instead. Even as recently as 2012, C22 was among the lowest performing routes in the TransLink system with an operating cost of $5.57 every time a passenger boarded. Fortunately, those days have passed. In close collaboration with UBC, TransLink has developed two more productive routes to better meet the needs of customers using the services. As a result, C22 was discontinued, and in December 2013, route C18 was introduced. Michael White, UBC Associate Vice-
SIDEWALKS continued from Page 1 In his May article in The Campus Resident, Mr. Percy describes University Boulevard as a two-kilometer bus or car ride into the University of British Columbia from ‘THE GATES’ at Blanca Street offering a beautiful, welcoming vista of towering trees, a blossoming landscape and the peacefulness of a lush top-class golf course. “However, the sidewalks on both sides of University Boulevard from Blanca to Acadia Road are treacherous. Each trip, whether on dry or wet and icy days, is a formidable challenge to able-bodied
BLOCK F continued from Page 3 • Commercial centre underground parking is not adequately resolved. • Community centre has no underground parking and very limited street level parking. • Community centre governance and operations are not properly addressed. • Number and size of family housing units is too small. • Senior housing is not dealt with or mentioned. • Noise control is not addressed. • There is no scale model provided and for a project like this a model is necessary. • Density: might be accepted as a proposed if all other issues are resolved.” The development of Block F will lead to big changes in the UEL. Housing in the UEL will be 75 % multi-family housing in the future, unlike the mainly single family housing the UEL has had for decades. Following the Town Hall meeting, a Block F Working Group within the CAC drafted a report on community response to the revised MCC application for a Block F development permit, and submitted this report to the UEL administration and MCC. Block F land was transferred by the Province of British Columbia to the Mus-
President, Campus and Community Planning, provided The Campus Resident with the latest statistics affirming the financial health of the shuttle bus service: • Annual revenue hours increased by 24% to accommodate a growing ridership made possible through the service changes. • Total annual boardings on the two UBC routes increased 66%: from 179,000 in 2012 to 297,000 in 2014. • Cost per boarding passenger decreased 26%: from $2.16 to $1.61. In an interview, Mr. White said, “The new routes are direct, simple and consistent, serving areas of strong demand and key destinations. Customers have better access to the south part of campus, including Wesbrook Village.” The two TransLink Community Shuttle routes at UBC—C18 and C20—offer a wide coverage of campus, creating stronger connections between amenities and attractions, neighbourhoods and student residences. The C18 runs counter-clockwise from the UBC Bus Loop to West Mall, close to student residences. The C20 runs clockwise from the UBC Bus Loop to Marine Drive, maintaining service to the UBC Botanical Gardens and St. John Hospice. Effective June 22, a new bus stop has been added to the C20
Community Shuttle route outside Marine Drive Residence on Lower Mall. The C18 and C20 run every 30 minutes, regular one-zone fare applies. Passengers may use a Compass Card/U-Pass, monthly pass, FareSaver ticket, Transfer or pay exact coin fare to board the community shuttle. Mr. White also provided UBC statistics for daily transit ridership to and from campus compared to other modes of travel: from 18% transit usage in 1997
growing steadily to 55% in 2013 (last year for which results are available). In comparison, single vehicle occupancy usage has declined from 43% in 1997 to 28% in 2013. Mr. White said that improving transportation to and from (and around) campus is one of the most important issues his department faces. He said UBC has heard from students and residents that they want better transit, and UBC has determined to provide it.
walkers and joggers, but an impossible trip for some seniors and those with sight or mobility issues.” Four photographs accompanied the article showing sidewalks with broken concrete, patchy asphalt, muddy ponds and projecting tree roots. “To the best of my knowledge, there has been no attempt to maintain or improve these important thoroughfares for decades,” Mr. Percy wrote. “Surely, the employees of the government department responsible for maintaining these terribly neglected walkways have documented their seriously poor condition. I further suggest that
these sidewalks are in no way compliant with the intent of Provincial Construction Guidelines and are a potential source of civil liability to the Province and perhaps others, should anyone succumb to the multiple tripping hazards.” As a way to solve the issue and ensure safe safety on the University, Mr. Percy suggested following the example set by the recently improved forest walkway along the north side of 16th Avenue running from Blanca to Wesbrook Village.“It is a pleasant, wide, safe and compact gravel trail that is very heavily utilized,” he said. In an e-mail to The Campus Resident,
Mr. Eby said he is very pleased that MOTI will be taking action.
queam Indian Band as part of Reconciliation, Settlement and Benefits Agreement in 2008. Band members say that profits from development of the land will be used to improve educational and other
facilities on Musqueam Indian Reserve located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The UEL CAC circular concludes, “This (Block F) project is by far the big-
gest project we will see until the 146 acre University Golf Course, also owned by the Musqueam Indian Band, can be developed after 2083. We need to get the development of Block F right!”
Passengers board community shuttle bus at UBC.
It would be nice to have University Boulevard sidewalks look like this.
page 8
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 20, 2015
Recycling: Creating beauty in the garbage room Logan Lane ‘Ladies for Change’ look to inspire neighbours Laura Cottle Hawthorn Place resident It’s always a challenge to get people to change their behaviour. Habits, such as throwing all one’s household waste into a big garbage bag and throwing it into the big bin in the ‘garbage room’, die hard. It takes too much time to sort out recyclables and compostables! And besides, who wants to spend any more time than one has to in that stinky ‘garbage’ room! With UBC’s aim of a 80% reduction in the amount of waste going to landfills by the year 2021, and the impending 2016 fining by Metro Vancouver of people who put compost in the waste stream, it is clearly important to change behaviours. Our objective in applying for a UTown Community Grant for our recycling project was to initiate that change – to get people paying more attention to what they are doing with all that stuff they call ‘garbage’. And we decided to start with the children of our Strata. We are three Ladies for Change— Laura Cottle, Veronica Ignas and Carol Bassingthwaighte—who live in Logan Lane Strata located within the Hawthorn Place neighbourhood. Our first aim has been to beautify our two recycling/garbage rooms. The dull grey cement walls and ceilings were washed and painted a brilliant green. Then in April, on two consecutive weekends, we gathered a group of children and their parents to create a recycling mural on one wall per recycling
room (we have two rooms). A local artist, Bennett Mitten, guided the children’s creative ideas to a cohesive, relevant final product that shows a collection of household items that can be recycled. One of the participants of our recycling project—her name is Hanna—said “Before the paint job, the garbage rooms were dull and boring. Now, whenever I go in, I feel more comfortable in a colourful room. Recycling can do the same to our world. If we all pitch in and work together, we can make this world a more colourful and better place to live. I’m really glad that I was part of a helping team like this one.” Another participant—Dar Jankovic, a ten year old boy, in fourth grade— said: ”A few weeks ago there was a painting activity in my building garbage room. I was so excited, I ran down the stairs to the garbage room and started the activity right away. We were painting recyclable items. We painted them because we wanted to tell people that recycling is a great thing to do. It was very fun painting, and afterwards, I was very proud of myself. I learned that recycling could be fun and very helpful to the world. I hope this project will tell people to recycle and compost more often. I think the importance of recycling is that if you recycle, you can reuse what you recycled. Recycling is a wonderful thing. It helps me, it helps you. Humans can recycle to make a better world, why don’t you? Thank you!” Now, that we have two beautiful recycling/garbage rooms, our next step is to change people’s use of the room. To that end, we’ll be assisted through our participation in a UBC research project on recy-
cling behaviour. This research group will install clear visual prompts (i.e. signage) in our rooms and then study the impacts of this visual information on our recycling and composting behaviour. In the meantime, our young artists have
begun the process of inspiring people to change their recycling behaviour. Thank you to Hanna, Dar, Vuk, Iva, Sonya, Becky, Mateo, Emma and Mei for creating beauty where only waste existed before!
Young artists paint colourful recycling objects on the wall in the garbage room.
Responsible food management at home Wegland Sit UNA Sustainability Manager Do you know that in 2014 almost half of the amount of food wasted in Canada was generated by consumers? We can minimize our food waste with a responsible and well thought out food management plan. Below are some tips about how you can help to minimize the amount of food wasted in your home. • Plan out your food purchases, check your home food inventory before shopping. Do not over-purchase: it may end up producing unnecessary waste. • If you have a small family but have pur-
chased food items in bulk, store unused portions in the freezer right away. • Don’t assume there is always advantage to buying in bulk. Excess quantity means that unused or rotten food will be thrown away along with the money you tried to save when purchasing in bulk. • Be smart about expiration dates. • Plan your meals and cook with appropriate portions, there is no reason to cook a portion for eight while you are only serving dinner for six. • Consider bringing left-over food for lunch. Left-over food is a ‘free’ and healthier choice compared to take-out food. Save your wallet and reduce your environmental footprint one plate at a time.
page 9
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 20, 2015
Kids in neighbourhood raise $1,000 for charity Jasna Jankovic Hawthorn Place resident I live with my family in Logan Lane, part of Hawthorn Place, a UNA neighbourhood. This article is about a fantastic effort of our neighbourhood kids, the Kids for Charity team. I am writing this article as a parent because I am very proud of what these great kids have achieved.
On Sunday, May 31, a group of kids from our neighbourhood participated in the BC Children’s Hospital 30th annual ChildRun—a 5km race in support of children’s cancer and leukemia research and treatment. That day was the crown of months of hard work to fundraise $1,000 for the hospital’s childhood illness relief network while raising awareness for the BC Children’s Hospital and its services. Iva Jankovic, founder of the neighborhood’s Kids for Charity program, led the team of 12 kids through trainings and fundraising projects for the big event. Her brothers, Vuk and Dar Jankovic, and their friends— Sean Choi, Morris Ling, Sonia and Felix Mann, Mateo Fiuza, Gregory Zdanovich, Thomas and Forrest Van Alstein, and Anna R.— were all part of the Kids for Charity team and proudly supported the program through their participation. Every Saturday, from February to the end of May, the team would get together for their practice run. They would run for 2, 3 or 5 kms, all together, then come back to the Old Barn Community Centre and start their fundraising. One weekend, it was going from door to door asking for donations; the next, it was baking cookies and selling them to people passing by. One week, the group decided to do a sidewalk chalk art exhibition, and so
many kids joined in that people stopped by to admire them happily playing together. One lady told me: “I rarely see kids playing so nicely outside like this. What a nice sight.” Yes, I thought—this is how it should be. As the run approached, the kids had still not quite reached their goal of $1,000. “It’s not easy to collect $1,000. It is a lot of money,” commented Dar. Iva sent out an appeal to the Logan Lane neighbourhood: the kids would do different ‘deeds’ if the neighbours donated money for the Children’s hospital. The response was there! Every Saturday for the past few months, Kids for Charity members were busy washing cars, watering plants, fish-sitting and more. One of the largest ‘deeds’ was the washing of 66 front gates, 10 fences and a few garage entrances around Logan Lane—scraping dirt and green mold off the gates that haven’t been washed possibly for years. The kids came armed with cloths, buckets, sponges and toothbrushes (yes, toothbrushes) and scrubbed away for hours, polishing every one of the 66 gates to a shine. It was hard, they say, but it taught them team work, endurance and responsibility. Most of all, it taught them how to selflessly give to others. Or, we can say, they taught us how to do that! After weeks of hard training and work, they finally reached their goal. Kids for Charity proudly donated $1,000 to the BC Children’s hospital. They are thankful to all their friends, parents, relatives and neighbours who donated and helped them reach their goal. On the morning of May 31, the team assembled at the start line of the 5km ChildRun. We, their parents, were there too, full of pride for the selfless efforts of our kids. They ran, and several of them even finished in the first 30 out of thousands of participants to cross the finish line. All finished the race and celebrated their success together. What to say about this fantastic team of kids? They are our neighbourhood heroes! Their efforts are continuing, and
you will be seeing them around running, fundraising or simply playing. Send your kids to join them—they are a lot of fun! And join Kids for Charity in August when they will start fundraising with their big
Bike Parade! Look around for posters or go to www. kidsforcharity.org for more information about Kids for Charity and about their upcoming events!
Kids for Charity participate in the BC Children’s Hospital annual ChildRun. Top row: Iva, Vuk, Morris, Sean, Felix, Thomas. Bottom row: Mateo, Forrest, Gregory, Sonia, Dar and Luke.
Kids for Charity wash a car: Anna, Vuk, Sean, Sonia, Iva, Felix, Morris.
UNA welcomes Skate Jam Andrew Clements Youth Program Coordinator The Old Barn Community Centre On July 3, the UNA hosted the 2nd Annual Picnic in the Park: UNA Skate Jam. This year’s event was sponsored by Skull Skates, P.D.’s Hot Shop (our local and the oldest skate shop in Canada), CiTR
Campus Radio, UBC Campus and Community Planning as well as the UNA. The weather was perfect for the event which kicked off at 4 pm and went until 8 pm. The event was a great opportunity to bridge the skateboarding community of greater Vancouver to the UNA community. Jesse Oye, a representative from the Vancouver Skateboard Coalition, has spearheaded the event the last two years. “We, at the Vancouver Skateboard Co-
Members from the UNA Youth Leadership group hang with event organisers. L-R: Abhijat Arun, Jesse Oye, Sean Choi, Felix Mann, AC, Sophia Proksa and Diana Marinescu.
alition, are just really grateful for this park. I mean it’s a beautiful facility built by a progressive university community. The day is a great opportunity to bring together people from different communities to experience a relaxed contest. It’s for everyone, so we get lots of different skateboarders in terms of age and abilities, it’s just really a lot of fun for all of us involved.” This year there were about 80-90 par-
Skaters take in the talent at the event.
ticipants and spectators. The weather was perfect, unlike last year when it rained. There was a DJ spinning live music and a hot dog cart to take care of hunger pains. Speaking of pains, First Aid was also on site. So, thankfully everyone went home safe and sound. Thanks to all the youth volunteers from the UTown@UBC Youth Leadership Team for donating their time to help make the day a great success!
page 10
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 20, 2015
Centennial Celebration UBC Indigenous 2015 graduates ready to make world a better place for all
First Nations House of Learning hosts largest grad since Longhouse opened
Recently, just before the celebration of Canada’s National Aboriginal Day, the First Nations House of Learning hosted the largest Aboriginal student graduation celebration in the history of the UBC First Nations Longhouse, which opened in 1993. Fifty-one graduates participated, including Musqueam Elder Larry Grant. This represented a quarter of the more than 200 Aboriginal students who graduated from both campuses in the spring and fall convocations. With family and friends and various UBC dignitaries, faculty and staff in attendance, the Sty-WetTan Great Hall’s capacity of 350 was reached. As is custom, the graduates were called into the Longhouse through the ceremonial door, accompanied by a traditional song by Victor Guerin (Musqueam). Afterward, UBC was honoured to welcome qiyǝplenǝxʷ (Howard Grant), who welcomed everyone to Musqueam territory. Howard Grant noted that it was his great, great, great grandfather the first to carry the qiyǝplenǝxʷ name, who first met British naval explorer George Vancouver when he sailed into the area over 200 years ago, and before him, Spanish naval explorer, José Narváez, the first European to enter Musqueam territory. He reminded graduates that past colonial policy kept First Nation students from going beyond Grade 8, and that it was important to recognize that their success stems from their ancestors’ efforts to overcome past hardships. He concluded with thanks to the university for acknowledging and recognizing that it is situated on unceded, traditional Musqueam territory. Dr. Linc Kesler, director of the First Nations House of Learning, welcomed guests on behalf of UBC President Arvind Gupta, who could not attend due to unforeseen circumstances. Dr. Kesler also added further historical context to the day by acknowledging that the university’s acquisition of land at its inception followed Musqueam’s loss of control of the territory as the reserve system was formed. Dr. Jo-ann Archibald, Q’um Q’um Xiiem, Sto:lo/Xaxli’p, Associate Dean for Indigenous Education, Faculty of Education, Director, NITEP, and Professor in Educational Studies provided the keynote address. Professor Archibald said, “This house
over the years has become a home—a home for all the students who come here to study, for the faculty who teach here, for the family and community members who come to visit, and all the guests who come into this house. “We try to make this a welcoming place, a place of safety and comfort, but yet one where we can learn more about the issues and the opportunities that face Indigenous peoples. And a big part of that relates to the work of the undergrad and graduate students here at UBC who are often here with their classes and sharing their different assignments and projects that they’ve worked on over the years. “We must also thank the Indigenous faculty who have made space and place for indigeneity within all the disciplines here at UBC. You know, UBC is quite a mainstream, conservative place. So in order to make this important, vibrant space, it takes a lot of persistence, commitment, and good strategists and good politicians – but they do this with a good mind and a good heart.” Professor Archibald shared the following poetic sentiments of the late Robert Sterling, Nlaka’pamux, who was instrumental in the development of the Native Indian Teachers Education Program (NITEP): I have learned that my development has been mental, physical, spiritual, social, family, financial, political, and scientific.
Musqueam Elder Larry Grant, Blanketing Ceremony. Photo Credit: Don Erhardt.
I have learned that I am a product of two worlds and my survival and the survival of my people depends upon me being the best I can be in both worlds. I have learned: Not just to look but to see! Not just to touch but to feel! Not just to take steps but to stride! Not just to listen but to hear! Not just to talk but to say something! Not just to dream but to do something!
Molly Billows, Graduating Student Speaker. Photo Credit: Don Erhardt.
Not just to take but to give! Not just to exist but to be! If life in the future means to challenge me, change me, depend on me, use me, hurt me, laugh at me, criticize me, tempt me, complicate me… then I’m ready! Professor Archibald concluded her remarks with a call to action, “So, UBC Indigenous 2015 graduates, you are ready to be the changemakers and the transformers to make this world a better place for all. I wish you well in the exciting journeys you have ahead as changemakers and transformers. We look forward to what you will do in the future as individuals but also as people within your families and your communities and what you create together. All my relations.” The First Nations House of Learning was established in 1987 as a unit within the UBC President’s Office. The Director of the First Nations House of Learning Dr. Linc Kesler is also Senior Advisor to the UBC President on Aboriginal Affairs. The mandate of the First Nations House of Learning is to make the University’s vast resources more accessible to Aboriginal Peoples and to improve the University’s ability to meet the needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit. Information Credit: UBC First Nations House of Learning.
Aboriginal graduates gather at the UBC First Nations Longhouse for the First Nations House of Learning Graduation Celebration. Photo Credit: Don Erhardt.
page 11
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 20, 2015
Biodiversity in your backyard Ladybird beetles may be your garden’s best friend Charles Leung Administrative Assistant at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum With over 5,000 species in the world, ladybird beetles (aka ladybugs or ladybeetles) are one of the most recognizable and beloved insects in our gardens. The most common species in North America is the seven-spotted ladybird beetle, which has a shiny red (or orange) oval body with seven black spots (three on each side and one down the middle near the head). The colourful markings on ladybird beetles tell predators “stay away, I taste awful!” because—when threatened—ladybirds secrete a foul tasting, poisonous bodily fluid from the joints of their exoskeletons. In many cultures, interactions with ladybird beetles are believed to bring good luck. To gardeners and farmers these interactions are more than good luck because ladybird beetles help control pests; they are a great alternative to using chemical based insecticides, pesticides and other potentially dangerous products. These predatory insects, used by the City of Vancouver as pest management, feast on aphids and other soft plant-eating insects that damage your garden in both in their larval and adult stage. How can you encourage ladybird beetles to come to your garden to feast on those pesky aphids? Growing pollen rich flowers or plants not only attracts lady-
bird beetles but a variety of insects that help fight pests. This is because these insects like to eat pollen as well as aphids. If you are struggling to attract ladybird beetles with flowering plants alone, you can purchase them at the larval stage at select local garden centers. At the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, you can learn more about ladybird beetles by visiting the feature exhibition Shutterbug where they are found in many of the photographs on display by Ian Lane. Families can enjoy games of ladybird bingo and snap selfies in the dress-up area. There’s more! On Saturday, August 29th, come for a Bug Hunt with Entomological Assistant Curator, Karen Needham. You’ll discover the fascinating creatures living right under our noses and enjoy hands-on activities showing exclusive techniques, tips and cool bug facts. For adults 19+, mark your calendars for Friday, September 4th, for special feature event “Bugs and Beer”, where you’ll help the planet by feasting on our most sustainable food source, insects, all washed down with Big Rock Brewery Grasshopper Wheat Ale. This event is free for members or with purchase of membership. More info: beatymuseum. ubc.ca/talks-events. The next time you see a ladybird beetle—whether you see it as a cute insect to your liking or a creepy critter to your disgust—consider whether it’s a friend or foe. In the Collection: See Shutterbug before it closes on Sep-
----
Ladybird beetle. Photo Credit: Ian Lane. tember 6, 2015. Visit beatymuseum.ubc. ca/shutterbug. UBC Botanical Garden hosted 100 diners for the Taste of Terroir long table dinner on July 16. Guests learned how soil play a role in the taste of food in celebra-
tion of the International Year of Soil. The Garden also has a lot of great workshops coming up with special discounts for the UNA as well as drop-in tours which are free for UNA members. Learn more about tours and workshops at www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/learn.
Joy of drawing: ‘Visual Feast’ for all ages The Old Barn Community Centre was one of 30 locations for Vancouver Draw Down 2015 Alayna Ewert UNA Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator
On Saturday, June 20th, the Old Barn Community Centre hosted a food-in-
spired drawing workshop as part of the city-wide festival of the arts called Vancouver Draw Down 2015. Draw Down, an annual one-day celebration, features workshops at various venues throughout the Vancouver area with one goal in mind: get people drawing! The event encourages people of all ages and abilities to tap into their creative side and enjoy the process and pleasure associated with drawing as opposed to focusing on skill and technical ability. The Old Barn partnered with local
UNA participants of Draw Down Vancouver 2015 at The Old Barn Community Centre.
artist Catrina Longmuir to facilitate the creation of unique food- themed drawings by members of our community. Ms. Longmuir explained why she had chosen Visual Feast: Food Inspired Picture-Stories as the theme for the workshop. “I felt that this was a universal theme that we hoped people could relate to and could share with one another. By recalling a childhood meal experience and also by limiting art materials to crayons and watercolours, we hoped folks would channel their ‘inner child’ and not worry about drawing skills, but rather just have fun with the process!” Ms. Longmuir, the daughter of a Canadian father (a member of the foreign service) and Japanese mother, grew up in Japan and enjoyed most of her meals there
Painting of Japanese meal by Vancouver artist Catrina Megumi Longmuir who grew up in Japan.
in the kitchen of her Japanese grandfather. In an interview, she showed an image of her painting ‘Okosama Lunch’, “which is really like a ‘Kids’ Meal’.” The artist said, “This particular painting (see photo) has a title at the top that says ‘Hambaagu-Lunchee’ in Katakana writing. Hambaagu, as opposed to Hambaaga, is when you get the burger with some sauce (likely Worcestershire and ketchup combo flavour) instead of hamburger with a bun. The other items on the plate are: a very shiny breakfast sausage with ketchup, some fries, usually a much more perfectly shaped lump of rice and fries and spaghetti as well…Oh, and always a friendly flag.” She added, “This food is not necessarily food I loved, but I remember this kind of plate fondly, as ‘Okosama Lunches’ were ubiquitous in Tokyo when I was growing up. I think there was also a respect and honoring of children in Japan that I felt. ” The event was held outdoors, and the warm, sunny weather was an added bonus! The diversity in age, culture and ability made for a fantastic community collaboration, and the finished products were displayed outside the Old Barn to create a vibrant ‘Community Cookbook’. The Old Barn is looking forward to hopefully becoming a Draw Down partner again next year and seeing more members of our community “get drawn in!”
page 12
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 20, 2015
Campus Safety Alert
EVENING
Updated: July 14, 2015 The following information has been provided by UBC Campus Security.
IN THE
PARK MUSIC
SERIES
5:30-7pm FRIDAY JULY 24 - IONA GREEN PARK WALTER GAGE RD, CHANCELLOR place @ UBC
FRIDAY AUGUST 7 - MUNDELL PARK WEBBER LANE AT Birney ave, WESBROOK place @ UBC
NEIGHBOURS IN UNA PARKS!
CHRIS RONALD FEATURING
JENNY RITTER
Thank you for your cooperation. Ali Mojdehi Acting Director, Campus Security
Team up with our fun and energetic leader for an action packed party! Book a Saturday birthday party now!!
BRING A PICNIC AND ENJOY SOME
FREE LIVE MUSIC WITH YOUR
FEATURING
This is to inform you that over the last few days we have had several voyeurism reports from guests staying in the Place Vanier and Totem Park residences. These incidents include varying witness descriptions of an intruder (or intruders) looking through unlocked residence room doors at partially clothed female students. UBC has been communicating directly with summer guests of the conference centre and hostel, and wanted to inform the broader UBC community of the steps we are taking to ensure our community’s safety. The RCMP has increased police pres-
ence around Totem Park and Place Vanier residences, and UBC Campus Security and Student Housing and Hospitality Services have increased patrols inside and outside of the buildings. In addition, UBC has hired a third-party security company to augment our regular services. We also have staff available at the residences’ front desks 24-7 to provide assistance. If a crime or stranger intrusion is in progress, call 9-1-1 immediately. Report any suspicious incident to Campus Security at 604-822-2222 or to the RCMP at 604-224-1322 (non-emergency number). More safety resources can be found on the UBC Stay Safe Website. By working together, we can proactively create a safer community at UBC.
www.myuna.ca
604.822.9675 or bookings@oldbarn.ca