A delegation of residents, led by Brian Savage of Hampton Place, attended the Sept. 22 UNA Board of Directors’ meeting to request for the formation of a committee consisting of neighbourhood residents, contracted landscape architects, university officials, and UNA staff. The residents want the committee to be consulted on permitting and to be involved with selecting specific tree varieties that will replace ones that are removed while dealing with the threat.
The emerald ash borer is an invasive beetle that infests ash trees before killing them in an estimated two to four years. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed the presence of the beetles in Vancouver in 2024 and is working with the City of Vancouver to halt their spread. The beetle was found six kilometres from Hampton Place in late 2025.
A total of 79 out of the 83 trees in Hampton Place are reported to be vulnerable ash trees. As a result, the UNA has adopted an aggressive management strategy to deal with the threat.
Three ash trees located at 5650 Hampton Place were cut down in 2025 after UBC issued a permit authorizing their removal. In June this year, 49 trees in the neighbourhood were injected with an insecticide to protect them from infestation.
The resident group said a committee representing Hampton Place stratas should be consulted as the management plan is carried out, and before any details are released to the general public.
“Hampton Place stratas have large, landscaped footprints. Collectively, they spend between $500,000 and $750,000 annually,” reads a handout distributed by Savage during the board meeting.
“Accordingly, over the years with their experience, their opinions need to be considered. It is their residents who will enjoy the results of a successful multi-year plan.”
The UNA’s budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year has allocated $10,000 for the Hampton Place Replanting program.
Playground demolished
UNA directors discussed the recent demolition of a campus playground that was found to be unsafe and plans for its potential replacement.
The Axis playground, located in the Chancellor Place neighbourhood just north of St. Andrews Hall, was demolished in August due to safety concerns identified during a municipal inspection.
A UNA operations staff report said the park is located outside of the association’s jurisdiction. As a result, staff will have to work with the university and other stakeholders during the replacement process.
A public engagement strategy is being put together for this fall to work with the community to identify preferred play features and specific age groups that will use the park. Staff aim to have a specific replacement plan ready for late summer 2027.
EMMANUEL SAMOGLOU IS THE MANAGING EDITOR OF THE CAMPUS RESIDENT.