Published monthly by the University Neighbourhoods Association Published monthly by the University Neighbourhoods Association
Volume 3, Issue 9
SEPTEMBER 17, 2012
Pie-Eating Contest Caps Rock ‘n Roll Day at Sixth Annual Barn Raising
UBC Governors Get Set To Approve UNA Bylaws UNA is praised for diligent development of noise and enforcement bylaws; UBC approval is needed since bylaws are subject to University Act
Those who say they are most impacted by the noise live in condos overlooking Iona Green, which is surrounded on three sides by condos (two low-rises and Corus) and one side by the prominent Iona Building, home of the Vancouver School of Theology. Gill Adamson, who lives in a Corus condo directly overlooking the playground at Iona Green, rose to tell the UNA board of directors, that she was “quite upset and concerned over the level of noise due to the playground.”
The first two bylaws developed by the University Neighbourhoods Association are set for approval by the UBC board of governors. The governance committee of the UBC board—consisting of 10 governors—voted September 11th to recommend the full UBC board grant approval to both the UNA noise bylaw and the UNA enforcement and dispute bylaw. These bylaws are adopted pursuant to the University Act, which explains why the UBC board needs to give formal approval to them. That said, the bylaws are developed and implemented by the UNA in consultation with the community. University counsel Hubert Lai told the governance committee “the UNA has worked very diligently” in the preparation of its noise and enforcement bylaws. Henceforth, the UNA is responsible for enforcing these bylaws (and bylaws to come), and bearing cost of enforcement. Success came after “rigorous public consultation,” Mr. Lai said.
NOISE continued on Page 3
BYLAW continued on Page 8
Pie eating contests proved a highlight at the 6th Annual Barn Raising. See full story on Page 2. Photo credit, Edward Chang.
Residents Recoil at Noise from Playground UNA is asked to solve problem of noise arising at Chancellor Place site; source of worst noise is said to be older children using play space at Iona Green designed for pre-schoolers A group of Chancellor Place residents have complained to the University Neighbourhoods Association about the amount of noise coming from a playground in their area.
The residents, who live in the Corus highrise, say this noise arises in and around both the play equipment and ‘green space’ at Iona Green, and they cite mostly older children misusing the facility which the UNA opened early this summer and which is designed mainly for use by pre-schoolers having fun (the play space) or adults in quiet contemplation (the green space). Representatives of the Corus strata council attended the September 11th meeting of the UNA to press their complaint about the noise problem and ask for UNA assistance in solving it.
Parade of Ministers with UBC Oversight Continues
Election note Ida Chong
Please turn to page 4 for full story
Stephanie Cadieux
Ben Stewart
Bill Bennett
page 2
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT SEPTEMBER 17, 2012
Lots of Sun, Fun, and Rock ‘n Roll in Jim Taylor Park By Lisa Wang, Student Reporter A highlight of the 6th annual Barn Raising event outside the Old Barn Community Centre on Saturday, September 8th was the pie-eating contest. Participants were seated at a table as a banana cream pie was placed in front of them. They had six minutes to eat as much pie as possible, but the catch was that they were not allowed to eat using their hands. Soon, the contestants were dunking their faces into the pie, trying to get as
much dessert in their mouths as possible, much to the amusement of the onlookers. At the end of the event, it was revealed that not everyone enjoyed it as much as others when a brave contestant told me that they had “pie up [their] nose”. All were awarded medals that they could wear with pride for the rest of their lives and the winner was given a trophy. The Barn Raising event took place under a scorching sun, and it was certainly an interesting one—the theme this year being rock and roll. Starting from 1pm and continuing for the next four hours, 50’s and 60’s music, including an Elvis impersonator, belted out from the main
stage as crowds of people walked around, checking out the fun activities. Parents were lounging around in the grass, eating hot dogs and ice cream sandwiches, chatting with neighbours as they eyed their joyful children tearing though the grounds. Those of us volunteering, recognizable by our pink or blue specially designed Barn Raising T-shirts, were explaining how the games worked, signing people up for events, handing out food, or just walking around, happy to assist anyone in need. There was a wide variety of activities, ranging from chicken bingo to environment awareness games, and all of them
were fun, judging by the participants’ smiles. Another popular game was the dunk tank. Kids were lining up, having three chances to hit a target, and once the target was hit, an unfortunate volunteer was dropped into the ice cold water below with a loud splash, and sometimes an accompanying scream. One soaking wet volunteer had some advice to give to future victims, laughing as she suggested “a change of clothes, and a strong heart.” All in all, the Barn Raising was a fun way to spend the afternoon. It was a great community bonding experience, with people coming from all corners of campus, wearing wide smiles on their faces. It was nice being able to hang out with old friends while making new friends from different cultures. The community gave positive feedback on the Barn Raising, favourite events ranging from the horse and wagon rides to dance instructions on the commons field. As the sun started to set, the Barn Raising slowly ended as families gradually returned home, full and happy. The 6th annual Barn Raising was a smashing hit, and highly successful. After all, what is better than bringing the whole community together to enjoy the remainder of the summer?
Aaron Wong performs as ‘Elvis’
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT SEPTEMBER 17, 2012
page 3 Published by: University Neighbourhoods Association #202-5923 Berton Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6S OB3
Editorial Page Vote for the Future The month of September always brings campus residents a sense of new beginnings. Campus children return to school. The community bubbles with the life of UBC students returning to classes. And the UNA revives itself through an annual election of new directors. This September brings campus residents an even greater sense of new beginnings. A new high school will open shortly in Wesbrook Place at the site of the old National Research Council building. A new administrative era starts in the campus community as UBC governors approve the first two UNA bylaws. A new seat for resident director becomes available on UNA board, subject to ratification at the September 26h annual general meeting. This growth in the number of residentdirectors to five from four comes about
because of the growth in the number of residents on campus by 1,500 households. The UNA board has performed the functions of municipal-like government since 2002 when the only resident-director on the board was Jim Taylor. Now, ten years later, with growing political awareness on campus, more residents than ever can have their voices heard and contribute to the future of the campus community. In this spirit of unbridled optimism, let’s get out and give the four candidates running for the UNA board encouragement by voting for them in unprecedented numbers in this election. Vote for those candidates who you think will continue making the campus community better and stronger. Vote for the future at the UNA meeting September 26th at the Old Barn Community Centre.
NOISE continued from Page 1
while playing soccer and firing water pistols.” She called this an unreasonable use of the area. “Unsupervised school-age children have aggressively taken over use of this ‘field’. These kids are running wild.” Considerable discussion at the meeting centered on where older school-children who allegedly disturb the peace of local residents come from. A director noted that Chancellor Place lies adjacent to the University Endowment Lands where “there are no parks,” and asked UNA staff to investigate. At the same time, Director Mankee Mah cautioned fellow-directors to “be careful about blaming soccer.” She referred to playing soccer as an example of healthy living, especially in growing children, and asked this perspective be included in
She said the noise, which “makes living uncomfortable”, began in May, and she expected it to continue—unless the UNA does something about it—until the arrival of cold weather in October. “It makes use of decks and patios (at Corus) impossible.” Ms. Adamson said that prior to this year, the green area and play space (which had only a sand box beside it then) was used “quietly with respectful adults providing supervision to their young children.” However, this “was no longer the case.” She likened living in her apartment to “living up above a school playground.’ As Ms. Adamson sees it, the noise problem relating to Iona Green arises mainly from “older boys yelling and screaming
Editor & Business Manager John Tompkins 604.827.3502 JTompkins@myuna.ca
Letter to the Editor Controversial photos and captions are removed from OUR campaign material; OUR is apologetic for “unfortunate use” of these photos in UNA election It has come to my attention that a few residents are concerned by the use of photos of the Gage Towers to draw attention to OUR opposition to the planned construction of a large number of high-rises in Wesbrook Place. I can assure everyone that the photos were not used with the intention of misleading anyone regarding the type of towers that will be built,
any decision the UNA reaches in solving the Iona Green noise problem. Unquestionably, Corus strata chair John Bourne made the most vigorous presentation of the meeting, and speaking emphatically, he said, “The noise is loud. It’s harsh. It’s screaming, and it forces residents inside. It’s noise right up in front of you—from the gut screaming.” After this, Mr. Bourne presented some data he had gathered. He said ambient noise in Vancouver is considered to be 45 decibels, and he has measured “annoying, high pitched noise lasting as long as ten to 15 minutes at a time” of 62 decibels at his suite. Mr. Bourne described the noise as “not occasional, but starting after lunch and lasting six to eight hours.” He revealed he kept a diary of noise levels through the
but merely to add a visual element to OUR message. OUR concern is not with the design of the planned high-rises, but rather with the number that is proposed. I can also say that the fact that Gage Towers are student housing was not a consideration in the decision to use the photos. OUR agrees that the use of such pictures was unfortunate, and apologizes to anyone who felt that the pictures and accompanying captions were inappropriate. The Gage photos were used simply as an illustration of high rise buildings. They have been removed from OUR campaign material. Eleanor Laquian, Campaign Manager, Organization for U-Town Residents (OUR)
day, and cited some examples. “August 14, yelling to 8:45pm. August 15, yelling to dark...” Mr. Chiu Kin Yuen, a Corus resident, claimed UBC had “made a mistake by putting a play area” in Iona Green. “There’s no buffer zone there.” He said residents do not want to stop children playing any more than they want to be disturbed by the sounds of children playing. Director Nancy Knight said, “We may need a public meeting of all stake-holders in the area.” UNA chair Prod Laquian thanked Corus residents for their presentations, and promised them staff would look into the Iona Green noise problem.
UBC Urges Public to Review Cell Phone Report and Offer Opinions Report was commissioned this spring; feedback is requested by Sept 30th UBC campus and community planning department wants the input of residents and others on the findings and recommendations in a report it commissioned this spring on cell phone service on campus. You may access this report (the Cellular Radio Frequency Study Report) at the link below, and if you have any comments or inquiries about your experience with cellular service on campus or on the report findings, you should contact cam-
pus planning by September 30 (contact details below). UBC is experiencing an increasing number of requests for new voice-based cellular installations on campus and in the adjacent university neighbourhoods, and UBC commissioned the cellular radio frequency study report to determine existing and future coverage needs, and how these requests could be better assessed, managed and regulated. The Cellular Radio Frequency Study Report reviews current and future coverage requirements, the process for assessing and regulating requests for new installations, and discusses how technological advancements in the telecommunications industry is expected to influence future
infrastructure demands. As part of the study, consultants inventoried existing installations, conducted a sample coverage test measurement and developed criteria for assessing suitable installation locations. The study also reviews and makes recommendations on the aesthetic impacts of antennas and equipment on building rooftops as well as safety protocols for the maintenance of cellular installations. A central recommendation is that UBC take a proactive approach to working cooperatively with representatives from all of the cellular carriers early in the planning stages to identify long range goals. Please provide feedback to: Karen Russell, Manager, Development Services
karen.russell@ubc.ca, 604.822.1586. Find report at: http://www.planning.ubc. ca/vancouver_home/consultations/cellular_radio_frequency_study_report.php
Letters to the Editor & Opinions Include name, address and telephone number. Maximum lengths: Letters 400 words. Opinions 750 words. We may edit or decline to publish any submission.
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THE CAMPUS RESIDENT SEPTEMBER 17, 2012
New Posting Pushes List of Ministers for UBC/UEL to Five in Two Years Bill Bennett is appointed to second stint, raising turnover rate to five ministers in two years; rate will be six in three years if NDP win election in May The recent appointment of Bill Bennett as minister of community, sport and cultural development brings to five the number of appointments to this portfolio, which includes oversight for the administration of both UBC and the University Endowment Lands (UEL), in two years. Moreover, if the New Democratic Party takes over the reins of government in the forthcoming May, 2013 provincial election, as polls suggest they may, the number of these appointments will rise to six in three years. In the case of Mr. Bennett, his appointment returns him to a portfolio he held first in 2010. On that earlier tenure as minister of community, sport and cultural development, Mr. Bennett played a pivotal role in reassigning land use planning oversight at UBC from Metro Vancouver to the provincial government. This reassignment had special significance for 7,500-8,000 campus residents for among other things, the provincial government made clear it was ready to start considering whether a change of governance was needed at the University of British Columbia. The assurance came in a May 2010 letter from Mr. Bennett to the University Neighbourhoods Association. Referring to the way in which the residents of UBC were governed, Mr. Bennett—MLA from East Kootenay—said in his letter, “UBC and the Province agree it is time to start thinking about whether there is a need for more representative local government for the Point Grey peninsula, especially given the significant current and projected population growth, and the increasing complexity of managing the area without the benefit of a municipal government. “The Province is prepared to explore the idea of greater local self-government in the area. Residents of the many communities on the Point Grey peninsula would need to be involved in any discussion of whether governance change is necessary to carry out the core functions of governance, planning and services delivery. Any further action in this regard is going to require time and discussion.” Mr. Bennett pointedly referred in his letter to the role to be played by the UNA in the proposed exploration of greater local self-governance. “The University Neighbourhoods Association and its Board has played, and will continue to play, a vital role in guiding and administering the growing residential community on UBC’s Point Grey campus. I look forward to working with you on the transition to a new planning arrangement for the UBC Point Grey campus.” The provincial government introduced its stunning new legislation affecting control of land use planning at UBC on April 29, 2010 and this legislation, which transferred control of local land use planning at UBC to the Province from Metro Vancouver, came after a fractious November, 2009 meeting at which UBC and
Metro failed to agree about a zoning bylaw Metro proposed for UBC. Called upon to mediate the dispute, the Province brought in the new legislation, claiming, “It ensures lands set aside early in the 20th Century to support B.C.’s first, and now largest, university will continue to advance UBC’s 21st century academic mission and help to achieve the goal of making UBC the best endowed public university in North America.” In explaining how the new model of provincial government control of land use planning at UBC would work, Mr. Bennett said in his letter to the UNA, “The new model ensures the interests of Metro Vancouver, the Province, UBC and the public are balanced. “The legislation requires UBC to develop a land use plan for the campus through a public process directed and overseen by me. The model introduced in the legislation is similar to the University Endowment Lands (UEL) model.” The unregulated development of Hampton Place at UBC in 1995 had led to both the initial oversight of UBC planning by Metro Vancouver and an Official Community Plan (OCP) in 1997. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which went with the OCP allowed for a joint committee of three Metro directors and three UBC governors, and this joint committee became the main forum for formal discussions between the two bureaucracies with respect to land development at UBC and other issues. The two sides in the joint committee had bickered over a number of issues for years, and in November, 2009, formal discussion came virtually to an end. A Cranbrook, B.C. lawyer before entering politics, Mr. Bennett was first elected to represent the riding of East Kootenay in 2001 and re-elected in 2005. He was variously appointed Minister of State for Mining on June 16, 2005; Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts on June 23, 2008, and Minister of Community and Rural Development in June 10, 2009. He ceased to be minister of community, sport and cultural development in October, 2010 when Ben Stewart took over. Shortly after (in November, 2010), Stephanie Cadieux took over from Mr. Stewart, and in March, 2011, Ida Chong took over from Ms. Cadieux. Mr. Bennett takes over from Ms. Chong who was also previously responsible for UBC in the mid-2000s when land use planning oversight for UBC belonged to Metro Vancouver. Should the NDP gain power in the May, 2013 provincial election, obviously a new minister would take over the portfolio for UBC and the UEL, raising to six the number of ministers of this portfolio in three years.
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Chronology of Appointments to post of Minister, Community, Sport and Cultural Development (who has oversight for both UBC campus and the UEL) Minister
Appointment
Bill Bennett
May 2010
Ben Stewart
October 2010
Stephanie Cadieux
November 2010
Ida Chong
March 2011
Bill Bennett
September 2012
?
May 2013
Bill Bennett
page 5
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT SEPTEMBER 17, 2012
University Neighbourhoods Association Election 2012 参与
学习
表达
影响和创造
参与2012 UNA董事会成员竞选和年度大会 学习社区治理和建设的内容和程序（例如：董事会的职责， 居民税收的使用，签署使用UBC设施的协议，决策社区的发展方向等） 表达你的心声和主张 影响决策，协助创造明智决策
参选代表见面会
Participate
Learn
Express
Impact & Create
Participate in the 2012 UNA Election and AGM Learn about community governance and its procedures (e.g. function of the Board of Directors, how your taxes are spent, facilities use agreement with UBC and policies on community development etc.) Express your opinions and wishes Impact policy making and help to create better ones for future
2012年9月18日7:00 pm 开始， The Old Barn社区中心 今年有四位居民代表参选董事会的三个居民代表席位。我们呈请所有UNA 会员积极参与，为您支持的居民代表投票。为更好地了解四位代表的优势 和主张，请来参加9月18日在Old Barn社区中心举行的参选代表见面会， 聆听他们的陈述，并和参选代表面对面讨论您所关心的问题。
UNA 年度大会 2012年9月26日7:00 - 9:00pm, The Old Barn社区中心
All Candidates Meeting
在今年的UNA年度大会上， 董事会成员将向UNA居民报告过去一年的工作 成绩和下一年度的目标。欢迎所有UNA居民参加，质询和表达意见。年度 大会上将提交2012年度工作报告和财务审计报告。 2012年度董事会成员选 举结果也将在大会上揭晓。
The Old Barn Community Centre 6308 Thunderbird Boulevard, UBC
如何投票？ 1． 如果您是UNA的会员，您将已经收到选票，请将填好的选票送至UNA办 公室，或邮寄至UNA办公室。您收到的信封邮资已付。请确保你的选票在9 月26日4:30PM之前送达UNA办公室。 2． 如果您不是UNA的会员，请前往UNA办公室申请成为会员并在UNA办公 室领取选票。 3． 投票时间： 9月26日之前，周一至周五，8:30am-4:30pm， 将选票送达至UNA办公室 9月26日当日，4:30pm -7:00PM，将选票送达至The Old Barn 社区中心
참여
배움
표현
영향과 창조
2012 UNA선거와AGM(연차 총회의) 에 참가하시기 바랍니다. 커뮤니티 관리와 절차를 배움니다. ( 예: 위원회이사의 기능, 여러 분의 세금이 어떻게 쓰여지는지, UBC와 동의한 시설 사용과 지 역사회 개발정책등…) 당신의 의견과 원하는것을 표현하십시요. 정책 만들기및 미래에 대한 더 나은것들을 만드는데 영향을 주십 시요. All Candidates Meeting (모든 후보자 회의) 2012년 9월 18일 화요일 저녁 7시 장소: The Old Barn Community Centre 올해의 UNA선거에서 4명의 후보가 3개의 지역 임원이사 자리를 위해 참여했읍니다. UNA모든 회원들은 임원이사 선거의 그들의 선택을 위해 선거하십시요. The Old Barn Community Centre 에 오셔서 후보들의 소신과 왜 당신이 그들을 선출해야 하는지 들 어보십시요. 여러분은 그들을 직접 만나보시고 질문하실수 있는 기회를 드립니다. Annual General Meeting ( 연차 총회의) 2012년 9월 26일 화요일 저녁 7시 장소: The Old Barn Community Centre UNA 이사들이 지난해 동안 의 성과와 내년도 목표를 발표할 것 입니다. 지역 주민여러분은 오셔서 질문하시고 의견을 내주십시 요. 연례 보고서, 제무 제표 감사및 연간 선거결과와 관련해 연차 총회의에서 발표될 것입니다. Voting Options ( 투표 선택 형태) * 봉투안에 있는 투표권을 가지고 UNA사무실 ( #202-5923 Berton Ave 월-금 오전8시30분- 오후4시 30분 단. 수요일 9월 26일 2012년 까지 )로 오십시요. 또는 * 봉투안에있는 투표권을 가지시고The Old Barn Community Centre, 6308 Thunderbird Blvd ( 단, 수요일 9월 26일 오후4시30-오후7시) 로 오십시요.
Tuesday, September 18, 7pm In this year’s UNA Election, four candidates are running for three Residents Director positions. All members of the UNA are encouraged to vote for their choice of directors. Come to the Old Barn Community Centre and hear what the candidates have to say and why you should vote for them. You will have a chance to meet them face to face and ask questions.
The Old Barn Community Centre 6308 Thunderbird Boulevard, UBC Wednesday, September 26, 7 - 9 pm The UNA Board of Directors will be presenting the achievements of the past year and the goals for the next year. Residents are invited to ask questions and express their opinions. The Annual Report, Audited Financial Statements and the annual election results will be presented at the AGM (if results are available).
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THE CAMPUS RESIDENT SEPTEMBER 17, 2012
Your Candidates for UNA Election Richard Alexander Wesbrook Place Resident Email: richard.alexander@telus.net Phone: 604.617.0732 The creation of the Organization for U-Town Residents (OUR) is an exciting opportunity for residents to become more involved in their community. The OUR platform includes: • obtaining a greater role for residents in land use planning and development in the neighbourhoods, • having the UNA consult with residents more frequently and on a broader range of matters, • increasing the involvement of elected directors in the operations of the UNA, and • Establishing a resident-led process to examine the options for a truly democratic local government for the neighbourhoods. Richard has lived in Point Grey for more than 30 years before moving to a co-development on Wesbrook Place in 2008. In his three year term as strata chair at Keenleyside, Richard enjoyed finding out about the lives and issues of Wesbrook residents. In his wider role of representing the diverse interests of UBC residents, Richard will bring his leadership, management and negotiation skills to influence policies and create a vibrant and caring, community. An active community builder, Richard’s volunteer roles have included: • Chair, UBC South Campus Advisory Planning Committee (2011) • Chair, Leukemia Lymphoma Trustee (BC/Yukon) • Chair, Point Grey Fiesta Committee • Chair, Vetta Chamber Music & Recital Society • Interlock Employee & Family Assistance Corporation Board • Chair, Canadian Airlines Charitable Donations Committee
Charles Menzies Hawthorn Place Resident Email: charles.menzies@ubc.ca
The Campus Resident is pleased to introduce four candidates standing for positions of director, UNA.
Ada Yuyan Dong Hawthorn Place Resident Address: 210-6268 Eagles Drive Email: adadong2009@gmail.com Phone: 604.908.6388 Position applied: UNA Board of Directors Skills and Abilities: High skill of communication with people Colorful experiences to organize activities for different organizations A lot of experience of management Good at English and Mandarin Service background: 2007-2012 member of UNA helping to prepare Chinese spring festival in 2008 Helping to establish Chinese dancing class in 2009 helping to establish Chinese writing class in 2010 2005-2009 president of Quachena Chinese community Organizing a lot of activities for the residents of Quachena Getting award from Canadian Red Cross for Donation to China earthquake Working background: 2004-2012 President of Greatus financial Services Inc. Education Background: 1989-1992 Bachelor Degree of Qingdao Ocean University
Phone: 604.822.2240 Our community is changing rapidly. It’s time for real, effective, local government. I’m running with members of OUR (http://ourUtown.com) Richard Alexander and Shaohung Wu because we believe that together we can make the UNA more effective as our local government. You can read more about me on my election blog votemenzies.ca. Find me on twitter @charlesmenzies I’ve lived in the university town since 1996 with my family. Over this time I have been consistent in advocating for community-based democracy. As the former chair of the Schools Action Committee of the UNA I advocated on behalf of our community for appropriate school and community facilities. Finally we can see progress on this front as the new high school at 16th and East Mall nears completion and the new middle school and elementary schools are now well underway. Prior to the UNA I was part of a group of early Hawthorn Place residents who created the Hawthorn Lane Resident’s Association. There was a real need for community representation and we took the initiative to ensure that resident voices could be heard by UBC and UBCPT. As a parent of two children who were in the Vancouver school system I participated, as a classroom volunteer, a Parent Advisory Council member, a School Planning Council member, and also as an elected member of Vancouver’s District Parent Advisory Council for six years. I have effectively managed extensive public volunteer activities while being a full time professor at UBC. My research interests focus upon matters of economic development and natural resource policy. I consider participation in the life of our community and town to be both a privilege and a responsibility. I look forward to serving as a member of your elected UNA as we build a more effective local government in our town.
Shaohong Wu Wesbrook Place Resident Email: mylawrence.wu@gmail.com Phone: 604.221.3106 I have been living in the Wesbrook Place since 2008 and worked at UBC’s South Campus for 10 years. I am currently employed as a Senior Researcher Officer in the National Research Council Canada at the Wesbrook Mall. As a resident of UTown and a member of the Residents’ Association OUR (http://ourUtown.com), I share with my neighbors the many challenges that affect our environment and quality of life. In particular, I am concerned about UBC’s amendments for Wesbrook Place, without adequate resident consultation, that features much higher densities than originally proposed. This is a serious challenge to our way of life. It is time for us to have our voices heard by decision makers before such changes are made to our community. If elected to the UNA Board, I will strive to make UNA protective of the residents’ rights and interests. To be truly representative of the residents, the UNA should listen to their concerns and be supportive in conveying these to the attention of key decision makers. I am committed to UNA’s vision of a democratic self-governing community. I am confident that my engineering background, professional management expertise, leadership skills, and my in-depth understanding of and extensive experience in collaborating with people from multiple cultural backgrounds will enable me to contribute to the fulfillment of UNA’s vision and help make our UTown a more democratic and livable place.
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THE CAMPUS RESIDENT SEPTEMBER 17, 2012
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Statement of ADA DONG, Candidate for Position as a Director of the UNA My name is Ada Dong. I am a candidate for the University Neighbourhoods Association board of directors. I ask for your support and vote in the upcoming UNA election. I submit this resume in support of my candidature for the UNA Board of Directors. I believe that my education and working background will permit me to be an effective UNA Director. In 1992 I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts from Qingdao Haiyang University in China. Since coming to Canada I have been working in the financial services industry and since 2004 I have been the President of Greatus Financial Services Inc. through which I provide financial advice to a range of clients. Throughout my working life I have developed skills and abilities which I think will help me be an effective UNA Director. I have a strong ability to communicate with people; I have had many and varied experiences organizing activities for different organizations; I have had a great deal of management experience including running my own business; and I have an excellent command of Mandarin and a good command of English. I have, since moving to this area in 2007, been a member of the UNA and I have been involved working on a series of activities as a UNA volunteer for the Multiculturalism Committee including the spring festival in 2008, establishing dancing classes at the Old Barn in 2009, and putting together morning classes in 2010. From 2000 – 2009 I was the President of Quichena Chinese Community Association and organized a variety of activities for all the residents of Quichena. In 2009 I was recognized by an award from the Canadian Red Cross for raising donations for the 2008 earthquake in China. My experiences living here tell me that we believe that this is a marvelous place to live. I ask myself “Why”? If our present system of partnership between the UNA and UBC has helped to make this a marvelous place then I wish to work to see it prosper. Do we need changes? Yes. Do we need to carefully examine our other organizational options? Yes. But do we, in the meantime, need to nurture and use the relationships that so many of us have worked to develop and make this a marvelous place to live? Of course.
ADA YUYAN DONG, 210 – 6268 Eagles Drive, Hawthorn Place
I will work as hard as I can to keep this a marvelous place to live. My approach to moving our community forward will be different from the other three candidates put forward by the OUR group. And I will continue, as I have in all of my community work, to help bring new Canadians into the ongoing life of our multicultural society.
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THE CAMPUS RESIDENT SEPTEMBER 17, 2012
UNA Community News Sustainability Corner
Community Engagement Opportunities I hope everyone enjoyed Sunny Brar’s guest column in August. While Sunny (our Clean Energy Engineering Intern) has now returned to his studies, his work on developing energy guidelines for strata buildings and homes lives on and will be available to residents and strata councils soon. But that’s the topic of a future column. This month’s column focuses on two major upcoming opportunities to get involved and influence sustainability in our neighbourhoods. The first is to sign up to participate in a UNA Community Zero Waste Challenge. The second is to involve yourself in the development of the UBC and UNA Community Energy and Emissions Plan. Community Zero Waste Challenge I’m very pleased to announce that the UNA plans to host a Metro Vancouver Community Zero Waste Challenge in our neighbourhoods this fall. Modeled after successful Zero Waste Challenges in Vancouver’s Strathcona and New Westminster’s Glenbrook North and Sapperton neighbourhoods, residents who wish to commit to increase their recycling at home can sign up to participate in a four month program, where they actively track home waste and recycling. Thirteen homes in the North Glenbrook neighbourhoods were able to achieve an amazing 80% recycling rate by the end of their challenge. The UNA Zero Waste Challenge will be the first
to involve multi-family homes. To find out how you can get your home involved, be sure to attend our launch event on October 2 (see advertisement on this page for more information). Community Energy and Emissions Plan UBC and the UNA have begun the development of our Community Energy and Emission Plan. The Plan, which you may have read about in previous columns, is intended to provide a roadmap for development of a low energy, low green house gas emission residential community on the UBC campus. Some key focus areas include green building standards, transportation and engagement with residents on energy saving measures you can implement at home and in your strata buildings. There will be a number of opportunities for you to get involved, including a kick-off event in early October, idea and option generating ‘world cafes’ in October and November, home ‘kitchen table kits’ and online forums. For more information, see the advertisement on this page. If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to get involved and make a difference, now is your chance. The Community Zero Waste Challenge is an opportunity not only to get involved in your home, but a chance to demonstrate what is possible to your neighbours in your community and to fami-
lies living in multi-family homes across the lower mainland. You can also help shape the vision of an Energy and Emissions Plan that will significantly influence the sustainable future of our neighbourhoods. I hope to see you soon at our kick-off events. If you’d like to know more about these initiatives or have other sustainability related questions or comments please feel free to contact me at rwells@myuna.ca or 604.822-3263.
BYLAW continued from Page 1 Prior to governance committee approval, members of the committee—which includes students—heard Mr. Lai explain the new UNA bylaws have no effect in academic parts of campus. Instead, the UNA and UBC will work collaboratively to address concerns about noise in those parts. The UBC board will vote on final approval of the first two UNA bylaws at a meeting September 20th.
Published monthly by the University Neighbourhoods Association
Advertise with us! email advertising@myuna.ca Ralph Wells, UNA Sustainability Manager
to find out more information!
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THE CAMPUS RESIDENT SEPTEMBER 17, 2012
UBC Theatre Season Starts with Wallis Simpson, British Court Scandal
The Duchess: a.k.a Wallis Simpson shows at Telus Studio, Sept 20-Oct 6
Voices for Peace A free concert featuring cello, chamber music, and poetry to celebrate the 31st Anniversary of the United Nations International Day of Peace.
Sept 28, 2012
8:00-9:30pm
Regent College, 5800 University Blvd. Vancouver, BC Featuring • John Friesen, Cello Professor at Western Washington University, playing music of Bach, Brahms, Massenet and others. • Joined by Western Washington University music faculty, Jeffrey Gilliam, piano and Walter Schwede, violin. • Internationally acclaimed poet Richard Whitfield from England. Space and parking is limited. Be sure to arrive early.
Counselling Dr. Elizabeth Demeter, Ph.D., R.C.C. Registered Clinical Counsellor welcomes new clients for individual or couple counselling at
Suite 208 - 5880 Hampton Place, Vancouver, B.C. V6T 2E9
Please call 604- 873-1280. www.counsellingvancouver.com/elizabethdemeter/
The 2012/13 season of theatre at the University of British Columbia starts with an irreverent and ribald production of the famous Wallis Simpson story. British royalty-watchers will recall Mrs. Simpson as the woman for whom Edward Vlll abdicated his throne. The Duchess: a.k.a. Wallis Simpson, written by Linda Griffiths and directed by Sarah Rodgers runs at Telus Studio from September 20th - October 6th, and according to its producers, it takes theatre-goers into “the emotional centre of a plain, brash, sexual woman, who collapsed only when the cocktails ran out - a woman destined to become the Yoko Ono of her time.” In real life, Ms. Simpson reportedly said, “You have no idea how hard it is to live out a great romance!” UBC Theatre thinks of its 2012/13 season of theatre as “the year of International Classics, Adaptations, and Extraordinary Characters.” Just as The Duchess is a Canadian play about the woman in an extraordinary British scandal, Sharon Pollock’s Blood Relations is a Canadian play about American axe-murderess Lizzie Borden. Fannina Waubert de Puisseau’s new ad-
aptation of Goethe’s classic German novel The Sorrows of Young Werther, performed by Wunderkind alumnus Ryan Beil, features the extraordinary title character who inspired Romantics to imitate his dress and suicide. (Fannina, a current UBC student, also directs the show.) Eugene Ionesco’s Romanian-French absurdist classic Rhinoceros and Irish master playwright Brian Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa complete the mainstage line-up. In a statement, UBC Theatre said, “We’re thrilled to welcome back alumni directors Sarah Rodgers and John Cooper, introduce final-year MFA directors Chelsea Haberlin and Jennette White, and showcase the talents of our BFA and BA actors, designers, and stage managers. We’re also excited about our Extra Events, including a British adaptation of Greek tragedies, a German adaptation of Hamlet, and our Canadian Theatre and the War of 1812 colloquium. Coinciding with the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Queenston Heights, it features play-readings, lectures, and extraordinary international heroes and villains galore. For more information, visit http://theatre.ubc.ca.
Join us on FACEBOOK! The Old Barn Community Centre and the
The University Neighbourhoods Association Keep up to date with the latest news, public service announcements, events, and The Old Barn Community Centre’s programming!
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THE CAMPUS RESIDENT SEPTEMBER 17, 2012
COMMUNITY POLICING
Reduce Thefts; Do Not Leave Valuables in Cars By Dev Fletcher, Victim Services Program Manager Community Policing The RCMP reminds residents and visitors that it is extremely important not to leave any valuables in your vehicle at any time. Unattended valuables could attract potential thieves. Do not tuck valuables under a seat or in the glove box, take them out of the vehicle. It is also necessary to ensure that your vehicle is secure at all times when you are not in it. Please remember this even if you are only stepping out for a minute to do a quick errand. Securing your vehicle means removing all items that could attract a potential thief (bags, keys, purses, CDs, cell phones, spare change, electronics, etc.), rolling up all windows, and locking all the doors. It is always encouraged to arm your vehicle with extra protection such as an anti-theft device, an alarm, and/or an immobilizer. Leave your glove box open to display the fact that there is nothing of value in the car. In the first six months of this year compared to first six months of 2011, our thefts from automobiles are up by 22
Dev Fletcher files. From January to June, 2011, we had 37 thefts from automobiles, and this year January to June we have had 59. If everyone takes extra precautions, we can discourage potential thieves and make our community safer. If you ever see anything suspicious, or if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the University RCMP Detachment at 604.224.1322.
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THE CAMPUS RESIDENT SEPTEMBER 17, 2012
Biodiversity in your backyard The How’s and Why’s of Biological Collecting (part 2) By Daniel Mosquin, Research Manager, UBC Botanical Garden Last month, the general procedures for plant collecting by the UBC Herbarium and UBC Botanical Garden were explained in this column. Not addressed
was the purpose – why are these collections important for science? Herbaria have existed for over five hundred years. Initially, the goals of these institutions were simply to preserve plant specimens for later study by herbalists. However, as biological understanding progressed, herbaria with their ever-expanding collections became increasingly
useful to a wider variety of investigation. Fundamentally, a herbarium plant specimen along with its associated data provide scientists with an accurate record of a plant occurrence in a place at a particular time. If the specimen was flowering or fruiting at the time of collection, then some additional information can be extracted regarding the life cycle of the plant in the habitat from which it was collected. Each individual specimen is valuable, but its value increases considerably with the number of specimens in the herbarium. Data that can be gleaned from multiple specimens of the same species include a species’ spatial distribution, and multiple collections over time can indicate changes to that distribution. This can be useful for identifying invasiveness or understanding distribution changes resulting from climate change. For more uses of herbaria, see “100 Uses for an Herbarium (Well, at least 72)”: http:// peabody.yale.edu/sites/default/files/documents/botany/100_uses.pdf Multiple specimens of the same species, whether living plants in a garden or pressed plants in a herbarium, provide scientists with the ability to compare and document the physical properties of the species (e.g., variation in leaf length
Daniel Mosquin collects plant specimens on a recent Botany Foray
among populations). Occasionally, this sort of work leads to the discovery of new species. Studying specimens of closelyrelated species is one way of exploring relationships between species—their evolutionary origins, for example—and knowing which species are closely-related is a valuable tool in predicting whether a particular chemical compound, such as a pharmaceutical drug, might be present in a different species. For scientific studies that require living material, it is often critical to work with wild-collected material; cultivated plants are often hybrids, their genomes adulterated through reproductive exposure to other cultivated plants. Without careful record keeping and labeling, it is relatively easy over a few generations to have garden plants that are significantly different from their wild namesakes. Botanical gardens and herbaria place considerable importance on wild collections (and on record keeping). Wild collections maintain the integrity of the species in their collections, and provide researchers with authentic genetic material. But while it is an expensive undertaking to study Asian snake-bark maples in their habitat, for example, virtually all of the species can be observed on a visit to the UBC Herbarium
or on a short walk in the UBC Botanical Garden. For campus residents, both places represent excellent examples of biodiversity in your backyard. Upcoming in the Collections: The Beaty Biodiversity Museum is featuring an exhibit of watercolour paintings of birds called “Wider Symmetries” by Lex Alfred Hedley on through to November 12, 2012. Don’t forget Apple Festival October 13 and 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the UBC Botanical. Garden Admission is $4 (children under 12 are free).
The Botany foray team from the Beaty Biodiversity Museum and UBC Botanical Garden with pressed plant samples
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THE CAMPUS RESIDENT SEPTEMBER 17, 2012