Details of a new pilot parking project designed to improve road safety and alleviate traffic congestion in Wesbrook Place were provided to the UNA Board during the October monthly meeting.
A UNA report provided to directors said Wesbrook Place has seen a substantial increase in demand for parcel and food delivery services since the pandemic, resulting in roadways frequently blocked by double-parked cars that create safety hazards for cyclists and drivers trying to manoeuvre around obstacles.
The report also said congested roadways are hindering services such as garbage collection and limiting space for residents who are moving in and out of residences.
To look for a solution, the UNA partnered with UBC and a transportation consultant to develop a pilot project that involves implementing 15-minute loading zones around Wesbrook Place.
The first phase of the project began early this month, with loading zones created in high-priority areas known to have existing double-parking issues and are situated along major transportation routes with designated bike lanes. Those zones include spots on Wesbrook Mall, Ross Drive, Birney Ave. and Grey Ave.
Phase 2 will be carried out between January and March 2026, covering additional zones on Wesbrook Mall, Shrum Lane, and Binning Rd.
Directors were told the pilot project will be reviewed next September.
UNA office proposal rejected over costs
Directors unanimously opposed a motion during the October meeting that would have seen the UNA’s administrative offices moved to a central location in Wesbrook Village due to the project’s budget.
The UNA had previously provided a report for directors that stated the association’s growth has resulted in the need for a larger office space than the unit it currently has under lease from UBC Properties Trust (UBCPT). Staff are currently spread out over three locations: a 2nd floor unit at 5923 Berton Ave., the Wesbrook Community Centre, and the Old Barn Community Centre.
Last April, staff presented a proposal to directors to lease a larger unit on the 3rd floor at 5923 Berton Ave. that could accommodate all staff. After several directors expressed concern over costs, a motion was passed to allocate funds to continue preliminary design work and work with the UNA’s Finance and Audit Committee on alternative financing.
During last month’s meeting, staff shared a proposal to finance the estimated $1.27 million renovation using a $700,000 loan from UBCPT, $389,000 from UNA reserve funds, and the remainder from a tenant improvement allowance provided by UBCPT.
For additional reading, see: ‘Growing Pains: Balancing Growth and Fiscal Responsibility Within the UNA’.
During debate over the proposal, directors said the project’s estimated cost was still too high, with one director describing it as “astronomically wild”. Another director suggested UBCPT should increase its proposed tenant improvement allowance due to the amount of work required to renovate the unit, as it was recently used as an industrial space.
But with the motion defeated, the UNA will not move forward to negotiate with UBCPT over terms of the lease offered, or pursue additional construction estimates, said chair Eagle Glassheim.
“In the current climate of financial uncertainty, unexpected demands on our landscaping budget, and a commitment to cautious stewardship of our reserves, the Board could not support the additional costs necessitated by the conversion of an industrial space to an office space,” Glassheim told The Campus Resident.
“The UNA and UBC Properties Trust share an interest in UNA staff having the office space to accommodate its current staff, as well as modest growth expected in areas like operations that oversee the maintenance of landscaping, roads and sidewalks, and public spaces.”
While Glassheim said the UNA is willing to continue working with UBCPT to find a suitable office space on campus, a UBCPT spokesperson said there are no other available spaces in their portfolio of properties that meet the UNA’s requirements.
“Should a feasible space arise in the future, UBCPT will work with the UNA to support their relocation. We wish the UNA well in their effort to relocate,” the spokesperson said.
EMMANUEL SAMOGLOU IS THE MANAGING EDITOR OF THE CAMPUS RESIDENT.