Officials from UBC Campus and Community Planning are currently in the process of developing a plan for the Public Safety Site, which is located on the east side of Wesbrook Mall north of West 16th Avenue.
Current plans for the five-acre site include purpose-built facilities for the RCMP and fire rescue services, a childcare facility with 37 spaces, and new residential housing. Buildings of up to 26 storeys are currently planned for the site.
Directors requested more details on the university’s plans, including specific details on building heights, and a layout for the site. While planning continues, UBC launched a public engagement initiative on Oct. 27 and is seeking feedback from community members. Interested residents can provide feedback by filling out an online survey until Nov. 15, attend on open house event on Nov. 7, and participate in an online information session on Nov. 12. Full details are available at planning.ubc.ca/public-safety-site-redevelopment-plan.
Streamlined community project applications
University officials told directors they have introduced a streamlined permit application process for eligible community-building projects. The new permitting process was created for small-scale projects that do not require professional architectural or engineering services, including ‘Little Free Libraries’, book-sharing boxes, and other temporary projects that support community- based initiatives. UBC officials said the new process will make it easier for community members to put together low-impact and community- focused projects on campus. The application form is available at planning.ubc.ca.
Newspaper committee changes approved
UNA Directors voted to remove a requirement for two elected members from their board to sit on The Campus Resident’s Newspaper Editorial Committee. Operations will now be overseen by an editorial committee that includes only community members. The committee can include up to nine members, and will be chaired by the newspaper’s managing editor. Quarterly reports on newspaper operations will be prepared for the UNA board.