Published monthly by the University Neighbourhoods Association Published monthly by the University Neighbourhoods Association
Volume 5, Issue 7
JULY 14, 2014
Four Generations of Murphys Join Hands at Medal Award
Student Noise Needs Regulating, Says Condo President Residents in Chancellor Place condos are governed by UNA noise bylaw; students and guests in residence halls are not
Walter Murphy, wearing war medals, joins with son Sean, grandson Ryan, great-grandson Roy, and granddaughter-in-law Sara Rozell at Arctic Star Medal Presentation at Tapestry in Wesbrook Village. Please turn to Page 6 for story.
Future Forecloses on ‘Basement Boiler’ Prodigy building in Wesbrook Place will be attached to ‘district energy’ system; hot water will be pumped into building A six-storey, all-wood condo under construction in Wesbrook Place will become the first residential building on campus to be built without a ‘boiler in the basement’. Instead, Prodigy—subject to approval by British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC)—will connect to hot water pipes fetching energy from a source outside the building. These pipes will at first fetch natural gas into the boiler-free Prodigy building—an Adera development—from a temporary facility on Ross Drive in Wesbrook Place, while in the longer term (ten years), energy will arrive in the form of waste heat from the TRIUMF nuclear physics complex in the extreme south of campus. UBC and privately-owned Corix Utilities will engineer this system of external heat sources, referred to as ‘district energy’, and eventually, all new residential buildings at UBC will connect to it—as well possibly as buildings in the planned Musqueam Block F development and elsewhere in the University Endowment Lands. The UBC Land Use Plan commits UBC to developing a greenhouse gas reduction
strategy for the residential neighbourhood, and district energy (DE) is seen as increasing energy efficiency and energy security while reducing GHG emissions. In keeping with this plan, UBC commissioned a district energy pre-feasibility study with the support of BC Hydro. The study found that a Neighbourhood District Energy System (NDES) using waste heat from TRIUMF’s cooling towers could be technically and economically viable, while providing large greenhouse gas GHG reductions and other social and environmental benefits. While waste heat recovery from TRIUMF’s cooling towers is technically and economically viable, biomass was also confirmed as another viable low-carbon energy source. After considering various ownership models, UBC opted to pursue a private sector partner to develop the core NDES infrastructure and provide ongoing customer service to residents. Corix Utilities were selected to be the district energy partner in 2013 and have since completed Technical and Financial Due Diligence reports. Corix will apply to the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) for approval to create the neighbourhood energy system in the next few weeks or months. If the BCUC approves the application the Prodigy development could be connected to it in 2015. Please turn to Pages 8 and 10 for more on District Energy
Owners, Tenants Under One Roof Renters, owners are represented under same roof for first time; new name of group is Wesbrook Neighbours Forum For the first time, owners of condos and tenants of rental buildings in Wesbrook Place have agreed to collaborate on common issues. Agreement came June 25th at a meeting attended by the strata council chairs of four condominium buildings in Wesbrook Place and three members of the University Faculty and Staff Tenants Association (UFASTA), representing tenants in three faculty/staff rental buildings in Wesbrook Place. A representative of Wesbrook Properties—a subsidiary of UBC Properties Trust, owner of the rental buildings— also attended. Among other things, all agreed that Wesbrook Joint Strata Chairs Council would henceforth be renamed Wesbrook Neighbours Forum, and that this forum would represent the common interests of both renters and condo owners in Wesbrook Place. WESBROOK continued on Page 10
The president of a Chancellor Place strata-title building wants to open up discussion about the amount of noise coming from student buildings in his neighourhood. Barrett Hills, strata president for Argyll West, makes his feelings known about the noise from ‘institutional buildings’ in a June letter to the University Neighbourhoods Association. In the letter, Mr. Hills complains of “several loud parties in Ross House at St. Andrew’s College in Chancellor Place earlier this month.” Mr. Hills claims that while UNA noise regulations are in place covering the conduct of Chancellor Place condo owners, there are “absolutely no regulations” in place covering the conduct of students or summertime occupants of vacated student buildings in the same neighbourhood. He writes, “This can hardly be considered equitable, fair or legitimate as both groups must share the neighbourhood, and intimately affect each other due to the extreme density UBC designed into the development controls for mixed neighbourhoods such as Chancellor Place.” Mr. Hills requests the UNA begin public consultation regarding what he called “the lack of regulation for University institutional stakeholders” in such neighbourhoods as Chancellor Place where students and condo owners live side by side. He wants noise regulations that treat both market-housing residents and institutional residents equally, and he wants a set of ‘protocols’ that allow enforcement of these regulations on both parties. The UNA directors discussed the noise issue raised by Mr. Hills at their July board meeting, and while they did not propose the Open House or public meeting he calls for at this point, they did pass a motion directing staff to discuss with UBC campus and community planning and St. Andrews College what actions might be taken to address the issue. In his letter, Mr. Hills reminds directors there may be an even noisier issue in Chancellor Place when 350 students in the economics department of the faculty of arts move into the Iona Building (which UBC bought in January from the Vancouver School of Theology) to take courses there in the fall.
page 2
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 14, 2014
School Playground Campaign Closes in on Goal $185,500 has been raised for playground at Norma Rose Point School, due to open in two months; however, $200,000 in total is needed to make it fully accessible Many individuals, institutions, and foundations have made generous donations towards the Norma Rose Point playground, but the school Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is still about $15,000 short of the $200,000 cost of the fully accessible playground. “It’s going to be a big school,” says PAC co-chair Roos Spanjers. “We’ve asked a lot of our current parents, who have given generously.” The school, temporarily housed in portables off campus, currently has just over 200 children. Once it moves to its new location on Acadia Road and enrolls fully, it will have over 800, spanning grades K-8. “We’re building a playground for the entire UBC community,” Ms. Spanjers says. “But we can’t do it all on our own.” The PAC Playground Committee urges other parents and community members to donate what they can. If the PAC can’t raise the remaining $15,000 by the end of July, they will have to strip crucial elements from the design. This includes a handicapped accessible “spinner” that would allow all children to play together;
and talk tubes that would extend from ground (wheelchair) level to a high point above the slides. “One of our main goals for this playground has been to foster interaction and inclusive play among all children,” Ms. Spanjers adds, “including those with physical and developmental disabilities.” When parents at Norma Rose Point School learned the provincial government did not include the cost of a playground in the multi-million dollar cost of building a new school in the University Endowment Lands, they embarked on this ambitious project to fund playground construction themselves. Donors include: Vancouver School Board $50,000; UBC Properties Trust $40,000; BC Tire Foundation (for accessible rubber surfacing) $30,000; parents, children, and families of Norma Rose Point School close to $35,000; and the University Neighbourhoods Association $27,500. From the day fund-raising started, the PAC has determined the playground would be fully accessible by disabled children. Eventually, the PAC hopes to be as successful raising funds in the UEL as it has been at UBC. Many children from the UEL will attend Norma Rose Point School, and the PAC considers the UEL a major stakeholder in the school community locally. So far, however, the UEL—managed by the provincial government—has declined to donate. A PAC delegation hopes to change this July 21 by appealing to a
Government Goes Slow Ruling on Incorporation Study Request for UEL study was submitted in November; response was expected by now The provincial government seems in no hurry to rule on whether an incorporation study is necessary for the University Endowment Lands. The elected Community Advisory Council (CAC) in the UEL submitted a request to the ministry of community, sport and cultural development for an incorporation study in November 2013. However, as of mid-July, the CAC had not received a response from the government—either supporting the idea or rejecting it. Meanwhile, Ken Cameron, the top-tier consultant hired to report on the governance and infrastructure situation in the UEL, has indicated privately he is under no pressure to submit his report to the government any time soon. Minister Coralee Oakes indicated in March the government had at least begun reviewing the issues of UEL governance and infrastructure “and what service relationships look like” there. She said in the legislature, “We’re look-
ing at a unique area that’s in a peninsula that has other service relationships. There’s financing. Where are the trunk sewer lines? Where are the trunk waterlines? Who owns it? What is the scope of that? Policing — how is that going to be managed within the scope of the current system? The transportation — who owns which roads? We have consultants on the ground right now that are currently gathering that information so that we can start to really move this forward in a very clear, comprehensive way.” Since then, however, Ms. Oakes has gone silent on the CAC quest for a study that might lead to the UEL—home to 4,000 residents—becoming a municipality. The CAC had expected the Cameron report would be complete by the end of May. Mr. Cameron could not be reached for comment on the issue of UEL incorporation. He is a fellow of the Canadian Institute of Planners, adjunct professor of Urban Studies at Simon Fraser University and a director of PlaceSpeak Inc. He formerly managed policy and planning for the Greater Vancouver Regional District (now Metro Vancouver). He also formerly served as chief executive officer of the Homeowner Protection Office.
Image of playground design at new Norma Rose Point K-8 School on Acadia Road meeting of elected representatives of the UEL community. PAC members say they are greatly looking forward to Norma Rose Point School moving into its innovative, LEED certified, new home on Acadia Road with an adjoining playground providing a challenging, educational, and accessible experience for students and the wider university community. The school is currently housed off campus on the grounds of Queen Elizabeth School in West Point Grey. “We’re committed to making the playground inclusive and accessible for all children,” says parent representative Megan Thrift Chrostowski.
“Our playground would become one of the few playgrounds in the city of Vancouver fully accessible to special needs children and families.” Given the high concentration of children in the Acadia Park (UBC married students area) and the lack of a fully accessible playground at UBC, the PAC sees the Norma Rose Point playground as a major asset for both UBC and the UEL, and it also sees the playground as showcasing UBC’s commitment to accessibility, in conjunction with UBC’s hosting of the Special Olympics this month. To donate or for more information, please contact: rosepointplayground@ gmail.com
page 3
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 14, 2014
Published by: University Neighbourhoods Association #202-5923 Berton Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6S OB3
Editorial Page Neighbourhood Needs You Every year for the last twenty years, people have moved to UBC from around the world. Many who came in the early 1990s remain, and all who have come enjoy living in a natural environment second to none and a residential community that has become known—and admired— far and wide as a model of sustainability. The community in which they live has also become known for the degree to which people from diverse cultures unite in harmony. The strong moral presence of one of the great universities in the world has much to do with this stability. Residents of UBC know their community must be properly governed, and they also know that the governance body chosen to do that—the University Neighbourhoods Association—must itself be governed. A board of directors governs the UNA. Currently, five resident-directors sit on this board. At the September 24th annual general meeting of the members of the UNA, the positions of three of these resident-directors will expire and an election will be held to fill the three vacancies. Directors who are elected may look forward to relatively low pay ($5,500 per annum for up to two years); a moderate work load (10-15 hours per month); and a high degree of personal satisfaction. They will become—with other directors on the UNA board—leaders of the community.
They will face tasks both disarmingly simple, like greeting fellow residents at the annual UNA Barn-Raising event in September, and excruciatingly complex, like resolving parking and noise issues on campus. They will do this by relying on God-given intelligence, some worldly knowledge and a good deal of patience— as well as the sound professional advice of staff at the UNA office and The Old Barn Community Centre. If this sounds like you, please respond to the Call for Nominations just issued by the UNA, or if this sounds like someone you know, please consider proposing they respond. You may find details about the Call for Nominations on Page 8 of this issue of The Campus Resident or by contacting the UNA Office. You may also find details on Page 8 about the upcoming July 29th information session for residents interested in running for election as a resident-director—and for residents interested generally in the operation of the UNA and its board of directors. The annual Call for Nominations for the last decade or so—since the UNA was formed—has resulted in a host of community-minded people seeking to become a UNA director, and the UNA looks forward to hearing from more such people prior to the election of directors this year.
Letter to the Editor
UNA Access Card and Beyond Since moving to Hampton Place in the middle of last year, I have enjoyed the beauty and multicultural setting of this neighborhood. As residents at one of the most prestigious universities in Canada, we are surrounded by some of the best cultural, academic and athletic resources in Vancouver. Personally, I believe that the UNA Access Card (formerly the community services card) is the easiest way to bring both campus resources and offcampus resources to UNA residents. As long as proof of UNA neighborhood residence is presented, all residents, regardless of age, are qualified to apply for this UNA Access Card. Facilities and merchants that offer Access Card holders with free access and/or privileges are listed and frequently updated on the web (www.myuna.ca). One more benefit about the UNA Access Card is that you may apply for an annual UBC library card with it. Your up-front payment will be refunded by showing your valid Access Card to the UNA office. UNA Access Card does not end there... UNA residents above 18 years of age, re-
gardless of their immigrant status, may apply to become UNA members. Membership is free. Being a UNA member, a resident will be better involved in the community and more able to understand how the community is run. Furthermore, if membership is granted by UNA, the new UNA member has the right to vote in UNA elections and/or to run for UNA Board. So, do become a UNA member. Make your voice heard. John Lin, Resident at Hampton Place
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.
Editor & Business Manager John Tompkins 604.827.3502 JTompkins@myuna.ca
Opinion Piece U-Hill’s Hidden Pride ‘Pride Club’ has been started by students at U Hill Secondary School; however, question is raised: is it well-enough promoted? By Xin Chen, student, University Hill Secondary School Students at University Hill Secondary School have started a Pride Club (also known as LGBQT Club—its letters standing for lesbian, gay, bisexual, questioning, transgender). This is commendable, but we must ask whether this club is sufficiently-well promoted. Relatively few students seem to know about it, and if asked about the Pride Club, other students at U Hill typically respond, “I have no idea what it is!” or “I know nothing about it!” Asked this same question, members of the larger community—the general public—would likely offer the same response. Lack of information or awareness about the Pride Club exists at U Hill despite what the school does generally to make information known about the Pride movement. For example, our school partakes in annual events such as Pink Day to stand against homophobia. At these times, the Pride Club is active. However, the club is relatively quiet for the rest of the year. For this article, I spoke to an ‘inside voice’ at the club. I asked, ‘What is the function, meaning and purpose of the club?’ From the answer I received, I can see there are passionate and enthusiastic people from this school who support the LGBQT community. I learned the purpose of the Pride Club is to raise
‘Pink Day’ at UHill Secondary School. Photo Credit, David Cho, grade 12 student at UHill Secondary School.
awareness and to protect students from bullying associated with sexualities and personal preferences. Another member of the Pride Club said he “definitely sees it expanding” in the upcoming years. But for a club to expand, most members of the club must promote it. This applies as much to the Pride Club at U Hill as clubs anywhere. However, this promotion is not happening right now. When asked for his reason of joining the club, the aforementioned member said “I joined this club because I have always been a supporter of the LGBQT Community, and I often hear students using derogatory terms relating to homosexuality to insult others. This makes me upset.” This shows you do not have to be LGBQT to become to a Pride Club member although most members probably are. In my opinion, the idea and purpose of the Pride Club at U Hill school is thought-provoking. However, without more promotion from members, expansion of this club will be only gradual (perhaps like that of every club). Hopefully this thoughtful club will grow into a flourishing community in which people of all kinds are accepted for who they are.
page 4
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 14, 2014
“In Making UBC a More Vibrant Place, We Need to Work More Closely with its Various Interests, including Resident Interests…” Michael White In February, Mr. White became the new associate vice-president of the campus & community planning department at UBC, with responsibilities for urban planning at both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. The following interview was first printed in a campus and community planning newsletter Campus and Community Planning: Tell us a little about your planning background and what drew you to a career in planning. Michael White: I was born in the Okanagan and lived there till I was eighteen. The region changed dramatically in those years. Growing up, Kelowna was a lovely lakeside village, swimming and hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter, a real connection with nature. Then the boom came. It really impacted livability and enjoyment with tens of kilometres of sprawl along the highway. Seeing this happen was the real foundation piece sparking my interest in urban planning. I studied geography at UBC, and was always interested in governance
and decision-making processes and how the public was engaged. This was another thing that got me interested in urban planning — I started seeing issues on the ground and wondering what kind of processes had taken place to get there. I was attracted to planning because it’s an applied art — one of the few. As a planner, you can actually be an agent of change. Tell Us about Your Work for the City of Vancouver. That’s where I started my career. I worked at the City for more than a decade on a range of programs and initiatives. I had the good fortune of having my tenure during the era of Ann McAfee and Larry Beasley which saw the introduction of a multi-year citywide conversation on how to manage growth and improve livability (CityPlan), a highly livable and walkable downtown, many rapid transit decisions, and leveraging communities’ amenities through the development process. This came all on top of the foundational pieces that were laid down earlier in the 20th century, such as not allowing freeways, the creation of the public amenities like the seawall, and open spaces like Stanley Park. All this has meant that Vancouver is continually identified globally as a model city for sustainability and livability. What Did You Learn Working in Abu Dhabi? I spent four years working for the government in Abu Dhabi. It was a very exciting chance to shape a city experi-
encing rapid growth, with a government dedicated to principles of good urbanism. I led the policy planning team, we developed plans, policies, regulations and guidelines for the whole emirate. We also pioneered the first public consultation in the UAE, probably in the whole Gulf, with workshops looking at the needs and concerns of residents. The interesting thing was, regardless of the culture or climate, it turned out that people were worried about the same issues as in North America: walkable streets, good schools and health care, parks and open space, and mobility options. What Interested You about Coming to a Role like this at UBC? I think it’s one of the best and most interesting planning leadership positions in the region. UBC has been a pioneer in environmental sustainability, with incredible progress, investments and acknowledgement for green buildings, public realm re-design, mode split for transport, stormwater management and energy production, amongst other things. I was also keenly interested in the way that UBC approaches land use planning and development working with a tightly integrated model between the planners, developer(s), engineers, and community. The third big draw for me is the more recent focus on social sustainability. The University is looking to improve housing affordability, the experience of place, vibrancy, and health and well-being, all areas I find very exciting and that need to build upon the recent success on the environmental sustainability front. They connect back to my early interests in engagement and collaboration. In making this a more vibrant place, we need to work more closely with the various interests that comprise UBC, including academic, student and resident interests, as well as neighbours such as the City of Vancouver, and regional partners like Translink and Metro Vancouver. When you Worked for the City, You Helped Plan the Canada Line. Are You Hopeful about the Plans to Bring Rapid Transit to the Campus? The economic health and livability of the region will be impacted by the decisions around rapid transit to UBC. This is a once-in-a-generation shot at a fundamental city shaper, just like previous decisions such as the Expo and Canada lines. These lines are of course big-ticket items and a thoughtful approach will be required involving all levels of government to make this work. But the cost of not making this decision is significant for the region and for western Canada. What Upcoming Projects Are You Excited about Working on? There is so much going on. But if I had one area of emphasis, it would be social sustainability, where we’re looking at vibrancy, health and well-being. That’s an area we want to emphasize, both through physical design of place — how public spaces are designed and developed, how buildings interface with campus landscape — and how we program and animate the campus with activities and events, how we continue to mix uses and introduce housing: student, market, non-market. One of the most exciting ideas being implemented are the student
Michael White commons, five mixed-use hubs of housing, academic units, and commercial, where students living or commuting can find shops and services nearby. The second piece is how we engage, consult and communicate with all those interests. We want to refresh our approach in these areas so that issues and interests are heard and reflected, clarifying why and how people will be consulted, using various techniques for input, communicating clearly before, throughout and after processes, and emphasizing the need for ongoing contact and collaboration. What is Your Long-term Vision for the Campus? Our fundamental mission will always be academic — as part of that, we want students, academics and residents to have an active and vibrant experience and to be an integrated part of those processes and decisions. The biggest successes recently have been in environmental sustainability, and we would like to hold UBC up as a hallmark for social sustainability, which comes back to those same themes: building an active, interesting, vibrant community, a wonderful experience of place. That will mean continuing to add various forms of housing, the mixed-use hubs and more services and amenities. We’ll complete the Public Realm Plan, creating all these wonderful spaces and places for year-round activities and events. These won’t just involve students but also residents of the peninsula and visitors from elsewhere. So it’s a better place to learn, and a better place to live. What is Your Favourite Spot at UBC? In Vancouver, one of my most memorable places is War Memorial Gym. I recall seeing the band REM there in the late ’80s, when I was still in high school — I have fond memories of that place! In the Okanagan it would be the views looking out towards that arid landscape: the great pines and grasslands, the dry climate. It makes me think how important it is to design with the environment. And it’s the landscape of my childhood.
Published monthly by the University Neighbourhoods Association
Advertise with us! email advertising@myuna.ca
page 5
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 14, 2014
Let the Sound of Music Reach Our Hearts: A Talk with Marco Song By Jane Luo, Hawthorn Place resident In the UNA community, few people know the name ‘Marco Song’. But if you refer to Marco as “the Singer”, many people would know. After listening to his spectacular singing, many become his fans. Recently, I interviewed Marco, to hear the story of his musical journey in life. Your profession is opera and choral conducting. What drove you to go study opera in Italy, after teaching and performing in concerts for ten years in China? Marco: The technique of singing is the hardest to learn. Sound is amorphous, invisible and untouchable. The methods I studied very hard at school didn’t work for me. I struggled for a long time trying to find the right way. And I don’t want to teach other people things that I don’t feel right about. In order to learn the real “bel canto”, I had to go to the place of origin - Italy. In Italy, I tried six different teachers until I found the right one for me. I learned from her the real techniques of singing. In Italy, I also found my faith – God, who helped me find the path to Canada, the country I adore. What does music mean to you? Music is my life. Through music and singing, I bring people happiness and enjoyment. It is the way I contribute to society. Not only does music enrich our hearts, but it also benefits our health. Music is the best gift God has given mankind.
What was your biggest challenge? What is your biggest wish? The biggest challenge is clearly my miserable English. I can’t communicate and express my feelings well. Speaking English is the biggest obstacle I have to overcome. I have signed up for Vancouver Community College courses, and I am determined to focus on learning English. Hopefully after three or four years’ effort, I can communicate smoothly with everyone. My biggest wish is that when my English gets better, I shall be able to bring my music to more people, to elders at retirement centres, to concerts at a professional level, and to people from all over the world. I also want to teach what I have learned to young people who love music (not just Chinese). Except for language, have you encountered other issues? I love singing, but singing has also brought me troubles. I must do vocal exercise every day as for my profession, but my neighbour gets annoyed at this. He stayed at home all the time for a period when his health wasn’t well, and whenever I made a sound, he filed a complaint to the Strata Council. After a hearing organized by the Strata Council, I decided to sacrifice myself and live a “life without music” for three months, which to me was like being gagged and imprisoned. The good news is that my neighbour has recovered now, so I can practice again. (Original story in Chinese, right. Translated into English by Nancy Wu, grade 9 student, Lord Byng Secondary School)
Friday July 25 in Michael Smith Park Wesbrook Place feat.
Thomas Beckman
with Jarrett Plett
Friday August 8 in St. Andrew’s Park Chancellor Place feat.
Reuben Wier
with Stuart Munro
Also join us for
St. Andrew’s Park Playground Opening before the Friday August 8 Evening in The Park, starting at 4pm! BBQ and refreshments by donation, and unstructured play time!
www.myuna.ca
Marco Song
page 6
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 14, 2014
Local Resident Receives Medal for Arctic Walter Murphy, 94, is resident of Tapestry in Wesbrook Village retirement centre; Arctic Star medal is awarded for naval service in World War II By John Tompkins, Editor Local resident Walter Murphy served on the Arctic convoy ships which played a key role in helping the Allies defeat Nazi Germany in the Second World War. Mr. Murphy, 94, lives at Tapestry retirement centre in Wesbrook Village, and on June 26, he received an Arctic Star campaign medal for his years of wartime service in an inspiring ceremony at Tapestry. Braving treacherous seas and temperatures as low as -60C, Mr. Murphy and other veterans ran the gauntlet of German planes and U-boats to supply food, weapons, ammunition and vehicles to Russia through the ports of Murmansk and Archangel between 1939 and 1945. Russia depended on these supplies in its defense against the German invasion. Mr. Murphy did not speak in the 20-minute ceremony at which he was honoured. Instead, Sean Murphy, son of Walter, spoke of the active life his father had led. Sean prefaced his remarks by asking 50-60 people at the ceremony, including fellow Tapestry residents, naval veterans and family members, “Can you tell how proud I am today?” Sean spoke of both the service of his father through World War II and the “Walter Murphy who became Captain Walter Murphy of the Canadian Coast Guard after the war.” He also spoke of “Walter Murphy as dad, grand-dad and great-grand-dad.” Sean began by showing Walter to be a committed naval warrior from the early days of the war. “Dad signed up for the (British) Royal Navy in February, 1940 in Saint John’s, Newfoundland, which at the time was a colony of Great Britain. He would have had to travel to Sydney, Cape Breton Island, to join the Royal Canadian Navy and would have had to ride the ‘Newfie Bullet’ train for 24 hours just to get across the province.” A few days after signing up, Walter found himself en route to Portsmouth, England for a brief time in basic training “where he learned that the pointy end of the ship was the front.” In Portsmouth, Walter was assigned to the cruiser HMS Berwick, and that was
HMS Berwick
his home for the next three years. Its battle honors included service in the Arctic. Walter Murphy served as a gunner aboard HMS Berwick, and in light-hearted terms, Sean described the relationship between his dutiful father and gunnery. “He slept above decks by the gun, even in the Arctic, covered by a heavy wool blanket. I guess he thought it was safer than being below decks, and being from Newfoundland, he didn’t mind the chill.” In 1943, Walter Murphy was sent to the mine-sweeper named HMS Catherine, which was assigned to various duties including service in the Arctic. On-line naval sources indicate a total of 78 ocean-going Arctic convoys sailing from the United Kingdom, Iceland, and North America to Archangel and Murmansk in the Second World War, a total naval undertaking amounting to about 1400 merchant ships delivering essential supplies to the Soviet Union, all escorted by ships of the Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, and the U.S. Navy. Eighty-five merchant vessels and 16 Royal Navy warships (two cruisers, six destroyers, eight other escort ships) were lost with 3,000 Allied sailors lost aboard them. Following the war, Sean advised, Walter “tried out for ‘a few shore jobs’.” Life at sea, however, proved the more enduring, and “eventually, he found his way back to sea in the Royal Canadian Navy.” He followed this by going back to study seamanship in his forties. This earned him his master’s ticket. He finally retired as a captain and search master with the Canadian Coast Guard in Trenton, Ontario. The wartime and post-war careers of his father covered, Sean turned to familial matters. “So, this war veteran became father to four kids. He had a crusty demeanour, as you may imagine. My mother was often unwell, and my father knew how to make Irish stew—that’s it, Irish stew. He kept what seemed to be a fivegallon pot of it on the stove and that was our food. Oddly, enough, I like stew to this day.” Sean continued, “In the evening, he sang to us, and hugged us all warmly before sleep, and—unlike the manly stereotype—he gave us all a good night kiss. Can you tell how proud I am to be here today?” At an outdoor reception following the medal ceremony at Tapestry, retired sea captain and naval war veteran Walter Murphy gallantly chatted with guests, including The Campus Resident. A tall and striking looking man with a firm handshake, he told your correspondent that when war broke out in Septem-
Navy and other veterans of Second World War join Walter Murphy (holding cane) who was pr
ber, 1939, he did not shy away from the thought of participation. Rather, he saw it as an opportunity “for adventure.” He said, “If I hadn’t gone on this adventure. I would have regretted it to this day.” On behalf of Tapestry staff, general manager Greg Moon said how honoured the retirement centre was to have the opportunity of hosting the Arctic Star medal ceremony.
Tapestry resident Stephen Kershaw presented Mr. Murphy with his Arctic Star medal, which was sent to UBC from Royal Navy headquarters in London. Glen S. Brandon led the singing of ‘O Canada’, the Naval Anthem (Heart of Oak) and God Save the Queen. Joanne Henderson attended the presentation on behalf of the BC and Yukon branch of the Canadian Legion.
War veteran Stephen Kershaw pins Arctic Star medal on Walter Murphy
page 7
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 14, 2014
c War Service
Seminar Serves to Inform Newcomers on RCMP By Sabrina Zhang, co-chair, UNA civic engagement committee More than 50 new Chinese Canadians living at UBC attended a June 13th educational workshop led by Staff-Sergeant Darren Malcolm, commander of the University Detachment, and found it very informative. The invitation to Staff-Sergeant Malcolm came from the UNA civic engagement committee. Staff-Sergeant Malcolm has over 27 years experience working for the RCMP and worked in many areas of the force before coming to UBC. He called UBC a very safe community with a very low violent crime rate. Residents at the workshop learned about both the general function of the RCMP at UBC and how to avoid crimes and protect personal belongings in homes, buildings and parking garages. They also learned about guidelines for personal safety and how to look out for each other to create more secure buildings. Staff-Sergeant Malcolm shared some key strategies for managing the university area well. One such strategy involves tracking suspects and arresting them promptly when they are identified. This prevents
resented with Arctic Star medal at Tapestry ceremony in June.
repeat crimes. Secondly, UBC RCMP review crime data twice a month, and analyze all cases which happen on campus. This work helps them do their best prevention work. Thirdly, they manage campus transportation with a firm hand. For cases of speeding or using cell phones while driving, residents will get tickets or lose their driving licenses for one week in cases of excessive speeding. The staff-sergeant also emphasized that cyclists should follow one important rule when crossing the street in a pedestrian crosswalk, especially at a roundabout. Cyclists should get off their bikes and walk their bikes across the street instead of riding them across the street. This will help prevent an accident as it will give cars more time to react. Cyclists would normally be responsible for these accidents when failing to walk their bikes across the street in a cross walk. After hearing this report, many participants asked questions. These questions and answers are recorded below in Chinese. UBC RCMP • Emergency: 911 (Police/Ambulance/ Fire) • Non-Emergency: 604.224.1322 • Twitter: university_rcmp • Address: 2990 Wesbrook Mall
The Arctic Star Medal The Arctic Star, with which Walter Murphy was presented, is a British campaign medal awarded to members of the British Armed Forces, Canadian and other Allied forces and civilians who participated in the naval campaign to deliver vital supplies to the Arctic ports of Russia in the Second World War. The Arctic Star is a retrospective award, coming nearly seventy years after the end of World War II. Its use was formally approved by The Queen in 2012, and the production of medals began in early 2013. The first Arctic star medals were presented to approximately 40 veterans on 19 March 2013, in London. The first widespread use of campaign medals dates to the era of the Napoleonic Wars when Napoleon Bonaparte ordered a large number of ribbons and medals for issue to the soldiers serving under his command.
Arctic Star Medal
HMS Catherine
Published monthly by the University Neighbourhoods Association
Advertise with us! email - advertising@myuna.ca
RCMP Staff-Sergeant Darren Malcolm welcomes new Chinese Canadians to June 13 seminar on policing at MBA House in Wesbrook Place.
page 8
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 14, 2014
UNA Community News Sustainability Corner
A Neighbourhood District Energy System for the UNA As you can read elsewhere in this issue, there is a neighbourhood district energy system or NDES planned for future buildings in our neighbourhoods. This naturally raises questions about just what is a district energy system, and what are the reasons and benefits for having one? This is the topic of my column this month. District energy (DE) systems provide heating and domestic hot water to networks of residential and commercial buildings, or buildings of large institutional complexes such as universities and hospitals. District heating dates back to ancient Rome where hot water was used to heat public baths and buildings. It is currently a significant source of heating in Europe, forming a high percentage of domestic heat for many countries, and it is becoming a more common source of heating in North America (DE systems in downtown Vancouver and Toronto provide Canadian examples). DE systems provide heat and hot water via local networks of hot water pipes, heated by centralized plants. They have
become established in urban settings and for large institutions because of the efficiencies gained from a centralized system, the ability to protect against price swings through fuel switching and lower maintenance and operating costs than decentralized, building level systems. More recently, concerns about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change have spurred use of DE because the flexibility in fuel sources allows for a shift to low GHG emission energy sources. Here, the Swedish example shows that Sweden provides heat to 48% of their population through DE, and has managed to reduce GHG emissions by more than 2/3rds over a 30 year period by diversifying the primary energy source away from fossil fuels – all while doubling energy production (see figure). The proposed DE system for our neighbourhoods plans to take advantage of a unique energy source – heat produced by the TRIUMF physics facility. A Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) for our neighbourhoods shows that this low cost energy source has the potential
to reduce GHG emissions by about 50% compared to standard building level systems. As well, the CEEP identified the potential for even further reductions by adding a biomass energy plant at a future date. Other benefits include having much simpler building systems for strata’s and building managers to maintain: instead of complex hot water boilers and heating furnaces, buildings get heat and hot water via a simple heat exchanger, lowering building maintenance and equipment replacement costs. While the DE system is intended for new buildings, depending on location and building type, it may be possible for some existing buildings to access the system as well, at the time they would normally replace their building heating furnaces and hot water boilers. The system will be built and operated by Corix, an experienced locally based company, but rates will be regulated by
the BC Utilities Commission, who regulate DE systems around the province. Costs are expected to be competitive with BC Hydro and FortisBC rates. For more information on this or other sustainability related topics, you can contact me at rwells@myuna.ca or 604.822.3263.
Ralph Wells, UNA Sustainability Manager
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 24, 7 pm – 9 pm at The Old Barn Community Centre (6308 Thunderbird Blvd., UBC)
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS In accordance with the UNA Constitution, there will be an Election for THREE (3) UNA Resident Directors to take place at the UNA Annual General Meeting.
Eligibility Requirement District Energy (DE) Fuel Sources and GHG emissions for Sweden (source Swedish Energy Agency)
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
Tuesday, July 29, 2014 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 elected Directors • Review of the 6 other governments who interact with the UNA on campus • UNA projects 2014-2015 Registration space is limited. Register before July 25, 2014 at reception@myuna.ca
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 and amendments to the By-laws, please visit the UNA website www.myuna.ca. THREE (3) 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, fax or email to be sent nomination forms or may print a copy from the UNA website www.myuna.ca. To be eligible, nominations require the support of 5 members of the UNA. Nominees are requested to submit a 500 word biographical sketch and photo with the completed nomination form to the UNA office. Biographical information will be posted on the UNA website and / or in The Campus Resident newspaper.
Deadline for Nominations The deadline for nominations under the UNA Constitution is 4:30 pm on Friday, August 15, 2014. 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 3, 2014. Should you have any further questions, please contact Cathie Cleveland UNA Administrative Manager 604.827.5540 or email cathie@myuna.ca
page 9
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 14, 2014
Walk and Talk with Ben Seghers Walking in a group of 20 people for about 5 km is an enjoyable activity especially if everyone is happy with the pace and can cope with any steep hills. The only downside is that we usually get so engrossed in conversation that we pay less attention to our environment and may miss out on some interesting sights and sounds. For this reason I also explore the area on my own and this can be rewarding, especially with my interest in natural history. For the past few months I have been wandering around Wesbrook Place at various times of the day. This part of UTown is developing rapidly and I am fascinated by the intricate network of water channels, waterfalls, collecting pools and fountains forming the backbone of a sophisticated water recycling system. There is also much that we can’t see such as the underground reservoirs. Recently, information boards have appeared explaining how the system is designed, just in case you thought it was there only to make the neighbourhood more attractive! Although at first glance these water features seem rather sterile with all the clean water, new concrete channels and immaculate boulders in the artificial streambeds, it doesn’t take long for some microorganisms, plants and animals to colonize the new aquatic habitat. This spring, the mating calls of the Pacific chorus frogs at the new pond in Nobel Park were about as loud as any you might encounter in the Point Grey area and the tadpoles are now big and fat. This pond is also home to many water bugs known as backswimmers. The pond at Mundell Park is even newer but will almost certainly develop its own biological characteristics. The large collecting pond in Smith Park is the most ‘mature’ of all the water features in Wesbrook Village and has been the home of some (very tame!) mallard ducks for the past few years. At the moment one female is there with her four tiny ducklings. On some evenings at dusk dozens of violet-green swallows skim acrobatically over the water surface harvesting the tiny flies emerging from the pond. Sometimes they are joined by a few barn swallows. If anyone has a bat detector (detects the ultrasound signals)
I’m sure there might be some interesting observations to be made here after dark. Another location I have been monitoring is the site of the future 22-storey Binning Tower. The forest was logged in September 2013 and only in the past week has construction activity resumed with the installation of a chain-link fence and the removal of the topsoil. I imagine we’ll see a very deep hole there soon for the future underground car park. This delay was actually good news for a pair of killdeer birds who managed to nest on the bare soil and produce three chicks. Residents of the Academy condo tower have probably noticed these birds in Khorana Park at night or heard the frequent high-pitch distraction call of the mother as she attempts to lead you away from her offspring. Nature Vancouver has been conducting bird surveys on the UBC Farm for several years and has recorded over 100 species! These bird walks take place on the third Sunday of the month and you are welcome to join in and help. No experience necessary. Bring your binoculars! If you would like to walk & talk with Ben Seghers and other local residents, please phone The Old Barn Community Centre 604.827.4469 or visit the website www.oldbarn.ca
Ben Seghers
Eby Poll Puts Public Behind Teachers 300 e-mails are received about strike from constituents; all but one are in support of striking teachers MLA Dave Eby (NDP—Vancouver Point Grey) has advised local teachers the public is behind them in their strike against the provincial government. Mr. Eby invited the teachers to use his constituency office for a pep rally June 30, and he told the 150 teachers, parents and others crammed into his office for two hours that he had received 300 emails about the strike from members of the public. “Of the 300 e-mails, only one was from someone opposed to the teachers, which is a number 99.7 per cent in your favour” said Mr. Eby. “From a politician’s point of view, that’s an enviable number.” His comment brought much applause. Mr. Eby belongs to the mass of people who went through the public school system in Canada. “I was brought up in Ontario, and spent 15 years in the public school system. My mother was a public school teacher who became an administrator.” He accused the Liberal government under Premier Christie Clark of trying to undermine the public school system while promoting the private school system. “The government is not only holding back on public education, it is actively making an effort to fetch it down.” This comment also brought much applause. A teacher confessed she was two minds whether to continue teaching in British Columbia. She had come from Alberta, and “I like working here.” She said she was tempted to return to Alberta. “However, I am not ready to quit.” A first-year teacher demanded more help with her work in the classroom. “I am constantly not getting enough help.” She politely rebuked Mr. Eby for the role the NDP is playing in this bitter strike between the provincial government and 40,000 teachers. The BCTF (British Columbia Teachers Federation) needs to cut ties with NDP, she said, because of the way it is seen in Victoria. To the detriment of teachers, Liberals see us as too closely associated with the NDP, she said. A parent explained how she had a four-
teen-year-old daughter in public school. However, the girl managed only poor marks. Using the small inheritance she received upon the death of a relative, the woman had transferred her daughter to a private school. “Her marks flourished.” A year later, funds running low, the parent brought her daughter back to a public school, only to find her getting poor marks again. Another teacher feared a ‘two-tier’ system of schools emerging as the government cut back more and more on school funding. On the west side of the city, wealthy families have little trouble funding school programs that are starved of cash by the government, she said. In contrast in some parts of the east side, poor families find themselves unable to help when children beg for funding to pay for certain programs or courses of study. “We have wealthy schools and poor schools,” this teacher said. Another teacher greeted her colleagues with comments about the extra responsibility they have of looking after ‘special needs students’ in the school system. This responsibility bore especially heavily on her at one time, she said. “We had suicide watch for three kids in the class,” she said. Numerous speakers referred to special needs students. One teacher said that in some classes, teachers needed to pay special attention to half the class—all of this with the government apparently unappreciative. Nearly all teachers hastened to say how much they loved their jobs. One likened the pleasure of being in class teaching to being in a gym exercising. You hate the hassle of getting to school as much as you do getting to the gym, she said, but once there, you love teaching as much as exercising. Several speakers shed tears when talking about how much they love helping children in the classroom. Inge Andreen implored striking teachers to stand their ground in their battle with the ministry of education. Ms. Andreen, a retired professor of curriculum studies in the faculty of education at UBC, started teaching in 1960 and for 35 years from 1964, she trained school teachers at UBC. She referred to the time when teachers were more respected by government. “Everything I fought for is gone.” To much applause, she said, “We can’t lose anything else.”
page 10
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 14, 2014
‘District Energy’ for Homes on Campus? Your Questions Answered Proposals for a District Energy (DE) system at UBC will likely go before the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) shortly for approval. If approved and built, the $70 million system—to be owned and operated by Corix Utilities— will deliver heat and hot water to future campus condos and rental buildings by way of kilometers of pipes from neighbourhood boilers. In the following article, questions raised about the system by the UNA board of directors are answered by Orion Henderson, UBC director, sustainability and engineering UNA: How is a district energy (DE) system better than individual energy systems in each building? UBC: DE provides the following advantages over individual building systems: Energy Efficiency and Reduced Carbon Footprint –District Energy is a more effective way of reducing residents’ carbon footprint, through greater energy efficiency and the use of alternative energy sources, because a district energy system can employ equipment and technologies at a scale that not be economically or technically feasible for individual buildings. Simplicity – DE systems are easier to use than building-based systems because customers no longer have to manage complex building energy systems or set aside funding for future boiler system replacements. Price Stability and Cost Management– because the system uses alternative fuel sources, residents’ exposure to fluctuating gas and electricity prices is reduced. In addition, operations and maintenance costs are reduced because the need for each building to have its own boiler, hot water storage tank and other associated equipment is eliminated. Reliability and Resilience– Exposure to weather-related power outages is reduced compared to traditional electricity-based systems. The system also has the flexibility to add or change energy sources over time without having to modify residential building systems. Will the DE project pay the UNA a lease payment? Yes, the project will provide payment back to the UNA. If approved, the DE will be charged the UBC Service Levy, The UBC Service Levy is transferred to the UNA to fund its operating budget. Additional fees will go back to the province (through the rural tax) and UBC (through the lease or license fees). Why does UBC not require solar panels that are 10% of unit size? District energy is a more cost effective way of supplying renewable energy to buildings (i.e. lower cost per tonne of GHG emissions avoided than solar hot water, electricity, or heat pumps). What proof exists to show that DE provides GHG or energy savings? A similar system exists at Southeast False Creek. The system provides large GHG reductions (~60%) and energy costs that are the same as conventional buildings (i.e. those with a mix of electric baseboard and natural gas heating). This information is publically available at the City of Vancouver. What are the energy/GHG savings per household? The GHG savings from a DE connected building will be two to three times greater than for a conventional building (i.e. those with a mix of electric baseboard and natural gas heating). How much lower will energy bills be? Energy costs are predicted to be lower than for all electric heating and about the
same as the conventional mix of electric baseboard and natural gas heating. However, this rate will be set by the BC Utilities Commission. The DE model that predicts energy costs is being finalized and will be provided to the BCUC as part of the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) application and this information will be publically available. Why is DE mandatory? The economies of scale are such that in order to make the system economically viable all future buildings must connect. The DE can provide 60% renewable energy at the same costs as conventional energy systems, which provide about 20% renewable energy (through using electric baseboards). Why wait until 2024 to connect to TRIUMF? Connection to TRIUMF straight away is technically feasible, however, due to the high cost of the connection and relatively low neighbourhood energy demand in early years, the financial impact would mean that average energy costs would be significantly higher than business as usual. Early residents would be penalized by an early connection. We are therefore not recommending connecting to TRIUMF until the neighbourhood demand is enough to make this cost effective. Can the Temporary Energy Centre (TEC) be made to look more appealing? The proposed structure is simple and low cost (in order to minimize the impact on rates). The structure can be hidden from view or made prominent to ‘celebrate’ the project. The UBC Development Permit application will provide the community with an opportunity to comment on TEC appearance. Can the TEC be located underground? Underground is feasible but the cost would be high and energy rates would increase as a result. The UBC Development Permit application will provide the community with an opportunity to comment on TEC appearance. Why is a sub-metering at the individual suite level not part of the system? The DE is fully compatible with sub metering. REAP does award credits for sub metering but does not make it mandatory because of the high costs. These costs would be passed on to homeowners from the developer. Why is the DE not simply an extension of the Academic DE System? Initially the two systems will be separate as the cost of interconnection is very high). In 2024 it is expected that the interconnection will be built so that UBC can purchase excess waste heat from TRIUMF and energy can be distributed via the Academic system to Acadia. Who owns Corix? The major shareholder is a pension fund (BC Investment Management Corporation). Is the system open to the UEL?
Yes. Corix is in discussions with Musqueam for servicing the Block F development. What are the costs of retrofitting a building with electric baseboards? It would be expensive and may not even be technically feasible to replace electric baseboards with hydronic heating. However, at least 70% of building heating is for domestic hot water and common area systems. There may be a good business case for connecting these systems to DE when they are ready for replacement. Strata Councils would have this option when they are at the point of replacing their existing natural gas boilers. What are the benefits of connecting buildings with electric baseboards to District Energy? As previously described, it is feasible to deliver thermal energy for domestic hot water and makeup air to buildings with electric baseboards. This would reduce GHG emissions for those buildings, improve system reliability and reduce operational costs for the building. Where will the pipes be placed, what is the method of excavation and will traffic be disrupted? The pipes will be placed under roads/greenways, not unlike typical sewer or water main work. Traffic will be disrupted for a few days to a week (depending on the length of pipe) while the construction is completed and in most cases, one lane of traffic can pass through. UBC will plan the work with the least amount of disruption possible and follow UBC permitting rules. What surface features of the UNA area will be disrupted and for how long? No surface features are expected to be disrupted, as most of the piping will be
WESBROOK continued from Page 1 Jan Fialkowski, executive-director of the University Neighbourhoods Association, reports that members of the Wesbrook Place Neighbours Forum acknowledged that it was beneficial to have both renters and owners at the meetings to discuss issues that are common to both owners and renters. “They also acknowledged the benefit of sharing and debating issues that may impact one group over the other, such as strata rules about restricting laundry on balconies that are counter to sustainability objectives but which can adversely affect the sale of condo units or the value of these units,” Ms. Fialkowksi states in her July report to UNA directors. “They thought it would be productive to look at establishing some community values that both groups could champion. “They were also very supportive of changing the name of the Joint Strata Chair Council to the Neighours Forum to acknowledge the participation of renters
Aerial photo of TRIUMF. Photo credit, TRIUMF under roadways. Some piping is planned under green roads but only if they have not yet been developed and for access to buildings if required. What is the carbon footprint of the temporary boilers over the projected ten years? It is expected that the temporary energy centers will consume 170,000 MWh (or 615,000 GJ) of natural gas and emit 52,000 Tonnes of GHG emissions by 2024 – this is about 10-15% more than buildings designed with conventional boilers and electric baseboards. It would take less than one year for the TRIUMF energy centre to make-up this difference in emissions.
for the first time and the importance of acting collaboratively within the neighbourhood.” Virtually unknown until a story in The Campus Resident in May, UFASTA (pronounced ‘You-FASTA’) has vowed to maintain a high public profile in the years ahead while contributing significantly to development of the UBC residential community. UFASTA came into existence a year ago. The formative year over, UFASTA organizers say they want to get down to the business of becoming a fully-accepted ‘player’ in the UBC residential community by meeting regularly both with Wesbrook Properties and the UNA. Upon formally announcing the existence of UFASTA to the UBC administration, executive members received an encouraging letter back from UBC pastpresident Stephen Toope. The new campus group was formed to represent upwards of 1,000 full-time, permanent faculty and staff and their families living in eight rental buildings owned by UBC.
page 11
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 14, 2014
Biodiversity in your backyard Take Advantage of the UNA Benefit of Free Visits to UBC Botanical Garden in July by Douglas Justice, Associate Director of Horticulture and Collections Visiting the Botanical Garden in July is often a singular pleasure. When the temperatures finally rise to something resembling summer heat, the forested paths of the David C. Lam Asian Garden and BC Rainforest Garden beckon visitors to enjoy a cool respite from the sun. It’s easy to while away the hours sitting on a bench by the pond in the Rainforest Garden watching the antics of a wide variety of birds and dragonflies. In the shade of the Asian Garden, cranesbills (Geranium), astilbes (Astilbe), meadow rues (Thalictrum) meadowsweets (Filipendula) and lilies (Lilium) fill gaps between rhododendrons, deciduous trees and tall conifers. Rhododendrons are seldom thought of as summer bloomers, but the Garden has a number of July-flowering species, including the iconic R. auriculatum, with its long leaves, auriculate (ear-like) leaf bases, and sticky, fabulously sweetlyscented, white or pink trumpet-like flowers that emerge in late July. Somewhat earlier is another Chinese species, the equally impressive R. glanduliferum, with its wintergreen-scented flowers.
Hydrangeas, much valued for their summer-borne blooms, are in evidence in the Carolinian Forest Garden, Contemporary Garden and especially the Asian Garden. The Botanical Garden has some fifty different hydrangeas and hydrangea relatives in its collections. The family, Hydrangeaceae, which includes shrubs, climbers and herbaceous perennials is characterized by shade tolerant plants, though there are a few notable exceptions. The bush anemone, Carpenteria californica, a prominent shrub in the North American section of the E.H. Lohbrunner Alpine Garden, displays its huge pure white blooms at this time. Plants in flower in the alpine garden are too numerous to mention, but suffice to say that if visitors enjoy both colour and sunshine, this is the place to be. Deutzia is another member of the family. They are shade tolerant, but flower earlier and more exuberantly with sun. The Asian Garden boasts a fine collection of these sprawling shrubs, as well as the bettersmelling flowers of the mock oranges (Philadelphus). These hydrangea relatives are notable for their white, intensely orange-blossom-scented flowers. Philadelphus lewisii, which is native to much of western North America, is well represented in both the Garry Oak Meadow and Woodland Garden and BC Rainforest Garden. Climbers in this family include
both evergreen and deciduous species— most of them white-flowered, but all of them handsome. The most impressive of the herbaceous hydrangea relatives is the East Asian Kirengeshoma palmata. Japanese seedlings grow to about 1.5 m (5 feet), while our more robust Korean collections top out at more than 2.5 m (8 feet). The stems on both types carry opposite pairs of broad, jagged-edged leaves and are surmounted by waxy, tubular yellow flowers that dangle on wirelike stems. The flowers and are visited by all manner of bees, butterflies and hum-
mingbirds. In the Collections: At the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, join artist Karen Yurkovich for a talk & tour of her exhibit The Herbarium Project Friday July 18th at 1pm and Family Sketching Saturday August 2nd at 1pm. Visit beaty musuem.ubc.ca for more information. At UBC Botanical Garden – join the Garden’s volunteer program botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/volunteer or take an organic pest control workshop botanical garden.ubc.ca/learn.
Thalictrum delavayi at the UBC Botanical Garden. Photo credit, Douglas Justice
page 12
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT JULY 14, 2014
Outdoor Activities Abound on Campus
The Running Room’s Canada Day kids run. Photo credit, Karen Warrendorf.
Despite the heavy rain, around 70 people attended the Picnic in the Park Skate Jam at the UBC Skate Park on July 4. A mix of kids, youth and adults demonstrated their skills on boards, and enjoyed watching tricks by world-renowned skater Kevin Harris. Photo credit, Claire Melanson.
Plenty of activities, including crafts, unstructured play zones, bouncy castle, live music, fitness class demonstrations kept kids and parents busy during Canada Day celebrations. Photo credits, Chloe Kao. Wet weather did not dampen enthusiasm at the UNA’s Community Yard Sale.
Many children lined up for the start of the Kids Race at the UBC Grand Prix on Tuesday July 8, with help from the UNA mascot, Luna. For Youth Aged 13-18
AMS Bike Co-op
Cycling Resource Clinics
Lighthouse Park Excursion
OUTDOOR
Lynn Headwaters Rampage
ADVENTURE CLUB
All services provided by donation to the AMS Bike Co-op First come first served - happening rain or shine!
St. Marks Lookout
11am - 2pm at The Old Barn Community Centre
July 19 August 16
Learn how to fix and tune up your own bike
UNA/UBC $20.00 Public $25.00 for each session
Cycling route planning and bike maps
Registration required early - space is limited. T: 604.827.4469. www.oldbarn.ca
Information on local bike shops, services + events
Transport and snacks will be provided. Meet at The Old Barn Community Centre (6308 Thunderbird Blvd) at 10:00am, return by 6:00pm. Please bring lunch, water, and dress appropriately for each activity.
Bike mechanic demonstrations and much more!
Proudly supported by
HIKES
TRAILS
MOUNTAINS
FUN!