Sandy Song is a Hawthorne Place resident who has lived in the neighbourhood for 12 years. She is a lawyer with public service experience, most recently with Invest in Canada and the City of Vancouver.
Q+A
What is the most important issue facing the campus neighbourhoods today?
The most important issue facing campus neighbourhoods today is delivering amenities and services that keep pace with the growing population. During the annual general meeting in October this year, community members requested additional space for cultural and recreational programs with lower fees. Additionally, they asked for an effective communication channel, as their suggestion letters had gone unanswered twice in the UNA’s suggestion box.
Is UBC building a livable, viable, safe, and environmentally-friendly community for residents through Campus Vision 2050? Why or why not?
Campus Vision 2050 outlines a big picture for UBC, covering learning, housing, community, campus resilience, a connected campus, and addressing the climate emergency. However, technology has not been sufficiently emphasized. With advances in artificial intelligence, automation, the sharing economy, e-commerce, and the Internet of Things, both UBC and UNA need to adapt to digitization and smart technologies, which are transforming our daily lives and society.
What is the most pressing safety issue facing the campus neighbourhoods and where would you put your focus in addressing it?
The most pressing safety concern in campus neighbourhoods is theft. One resident reported that her bicycle had been stolen five times, mine was stolen as well, and another neighbor’s home was broken into resulting in property loss. I would consult with the RCMP on effective measures to address theft on campus and request that both the RCMP and campus security increase patrols in the UNA neighbourhoods.
What are your thoughts on the UNA’s current fiscal situation?
UNA’s current fiscal situation is healthy as a not-for-profit organization. However, I would like more detailed information on salaries and benefits within the community centres ($1,100,598) and administrative salaries ($1,608,620). I would also explore options for offering cultural and recreational programs at reduced or no cost to society members, given that they contribute through an annual service levy.
How can the UNA better foster a sense of community and connection among residents?
Listening to residents and taking swift action is the first step to fostering a sense of community belonging. Creating more opportunities for resident participation is crucial. UNA is a member-based society, and understanding members’ needs and tailoring services to meet them will encourage more engagement in UNA’s activities. A mentor/mentee program could also be an effective way to connect community members.