Rochelle Mazar is a Wesbrook Place resident and librarian at UBC.
Q+A
What is the most important issue facing the campus neighbourhoods today?
There is no one most important issue: there are many! To me, an important area of focus is infrastructural: the opportunity to take advantage of this planning moment to ensure that we’re including robust public spaces, services, transit, and amenities that support safety, connection, and community-building. Keeping these needs at the forefront now, rather than fighting to insert them into an established footprint, will result in a more accessible, supportive, and vibrant community.
Is UBC building a livable, viable, safe, and environmentally-friendly community for residents through Campus Vision 2050? Why or why not?
The vision describes and defines such a community and doesn’t exclude it, and I am heartened and inspired by the big ideas included in it. They are building blocks that can help us create resilient neighbourhoods in the face of a rapidly-changing environment. But it’s up to us to ensure that UBC builds what we want and need. The plan gives us the tools to hold UBC to its promises and values.
What is the most pressing safety issue facing the campus neighbourhoods and where would you put your focus in addressing it?
Road use. The mix of deliveries, Uber drivers, shopping carts, bikers, scooter-riders and parking make our roads challenging to navigate at times, with children and pedestrians at the highest risk. The mixed parking/farm entry point combination is a suspense thriller. I’d start by smoothing out some problem areas, ensuring space for deliveries that don’t obstruct walking and rolling, and posting speed limits.
What are your thoughts on the UNA’s current fiscal situation?
In spite of the challenges of the pandemic, our reserves are growing steadily and at quite a clip: we are halfway needing a review of how we employ new funds. I would like to keep these resources in the neighbourhoods expanding our services, shared spaces, and amenities, and now is a great time to make plans for how best to extend and enrich the municipal services residents can rely on.
How can the UNA better foster a sense of community and connection among residents?
As a librarian, I have many opinions about inclusive community-building! Having places to go and interact with neighbours, even just to sit quietly among others, is necessary to a healthy community. Places that don’t require spending or signing up is key! Community hubs, like libraries, go a long way to helping us build a strong community. Offering lots of opportunities to turn up and enjoy programming of many kinds helps bring us together, too.