The UNA’s April board meeting featured a presentation from UBC Campus + Community Planning on the revenue sources that fund the UNA budget and the allocation of the Neighbours’ Fund.
The Neighbour’s Fund, which totalled $10.6 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, contributes to the UNA’s $5.94 million operating budget, while also covering expenses for emergency services such as fire, sewers, and charges for UNA resident use of UBC’s recreation facilities such as the campus aquatic centre.
After the presentation, some directors expressed concern that 44 per cent of the Neighbours’ Fund was not going towards the UNA’s Operating Budget, and instead towards fees and costs charged by UBC and the province for those services.
New UNA Main Office
In response to an office space shortage, the UNA has been in search of a new main office. During the meeting, UNA staff asked the board to approve finalizing negotiations with UBC Properties Trust (UBCPT) for a five-year lease on the 3rd floor of the Granite Terrace Building in Wesbrook Village, and retain a consultant to assist with the renovation and budget for the new office.
UBCPT offered the 3,250 square feet space at $34 per square foot alongside a $162,450 Tenant Improvement Allowance (TIA) to help the UNA renovate the space. With UNA Staff estimating the renovation to cost $675,000, the TIA would lower the cost to $512,550, which would need to be withdrawn from the UNA Capital Reserve which has a current balance of $1.3 million.
While expressing support for the move, director Jake Wiebe said he had concerns over project’s estimated cost and put forward a motion to cap it at $250,000. His motion was defeated by a vote of 2-3 with the chair not voting. In response, director Michael Kerns put forward an amended version of Wiebe’s motion, allocating $35,000 for initial consulting fees and a recommendation to send renovation’s final budget to the UNA’s finance committee. The motion was passed by a vote of 3-2 with board chair Eagle Glassheim breaking the tie and voting in favour.
UNA Chair Election
The board unanimously voted for incumbent UNA chair Eagle Glassheim’s term to be extended from a limited six-month term to a full term.
DANIEL LI IS A GRADE 11 STUDENT PASSIONATE ABOUT POLITICS AND JOURNALISM.