Campus is losing a grocery store in an already tight retail market with limited competition and shopping options for residents.
Urban Fare, located in leləm̓ Village, will be shutting its doors this month according to store staff who spoke with The Campus Resident. A specific closing date has not been announced.
“Not surprised it is closing,” said Ron Pears, a resident of the University Endowment Lands (UEL). “It is probably too highend and too large to be supported in that location.”
Also in leləm,̓ the Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant Wildlight Kitchen and Bar announced it will be closing this month.
“After careful consideration, Wildlight’s ownership has made the incredibly difficult decision to close our restaurant on November 28, 2026,” reads a social media post published on the restaurant’s Instagram account.
Both Urban Fare and Wildlight are owned by Pattison Food Group, which also operates Save-On-Foods and nine other retail chains in Western Canada. Wildlight was Pattison Food Group’s first restaurant venture and opened in 2023 alongside Urban Fare.
The Campus Resident reached out to Pattison Food Group with questions about future plans for both commercial spaces but did not receive a response.
Musqueam Capital Corporation (MCC) – the development arm of the Musqueam Indian Band and developer of leləm – confirmed the impending closures of both Urban Fare and Wildlight.
“While decisions regarding the operation of Urban Fare and Wildlight are made by Pattison Food Group, MCC is focused on the future of these important commercial spaces and is actively evaluating opportunities that support the continued growth and strength of the community and commercial district,” reads a statement published on MCC’s website.
“We are confident in the long-term vision for leləm̓ Village and will continue working to ensure its commercial offerings serve residents, the Musqueam community and the broader community.”
While residents seeking more grocery options on campus await an announcement about what could replace Urban Fare, an official with UBC Properties Trust said discussions are underway with potential retailers at The Edge – a building currently under construction north of the MacIsaac Health Building at the corner of Wesbrook Mall and University Boulevard.
Construction is expected to conclude at The Edge in early 2028.
“The Edge will offer two levels of commercial retail space, including space for a grocery store,” said UBC Properties Trust communications manager Molly Randhawa. “We are in discussions with a number of prospective businesses and will announce new commercial tenants on our website as leases are signed.”
The building’s upper floors will include laboratory and office space, she added.
Community centre opens its doors
leləm̓’s long-awaited community centre has finally opened its doors to the public.
The leləm̓ YMCA Community Centre located at 5490 Shortcut Road opened in July and held a grand opening celebration on October 14.
The opening comes after two years of delays, including a search for a suitable operator. Ultimately, YMCA BC was contracted to operate the community centre and administer programming.
The facility contains 15,000 square feet of space, including meeting spaces, a fitness centre, gymnasium, and community gathering spaces.
It is open to all members of the public with separate membership rates and fees for leləm̓ residents, said Samantha Bussieres, director of municipal operations at YMCA BC.
A portion of the strata fees paid by leləm̓ Village residents will go toward programming at the community centre, allowing residents to use basic services at no additional cost, according to University Endowment Lands administration. Residents living in the Endowment Lands will also receive preferential membership rates. Other campus residents are subject to standard YMCA fees.
“As a charity that is committed to igniting belonging and helping people achieve their best health possible at every age and stage of life, YMCA BC is proud to operate the leləm̓ YMCA Community Centre in partnership with the Province of BC,” said Bussieres.
Current programming includes Zumba, kids yoga, table tennis, kids and youth gym time, family badminton, senior’s open gym, and indoor soccer.
AMIE BERNAERDT IS A FIFTH YEAR STUDENT AT UBC, MAJORING IN CREATIVE WRITING AND ANTHROPOLOGY. SHE LIVES IN WESBROOK PLACE.