UBC Reports | Vol. 47 | No. 17 | November 1 , 2001

Pedestrian-friendly area proposal's goal

Task force to report on improving university's `front door' entranceway

The area currently occupied by the bus loop and the Aquatic Centre's outdoor pool is the heart of the university according to a draft plan which calls for the area to be re-developed into a pedestrian-oriented area.

In a tentative proposal currently under consideration, one option suggests relocating both the bus loop and the outdoor pool to create a better transitional space into the university as part of the draft University Boulevard Neighbourhood Plan. The plan includes commercial, institutional and residential space for faculty, staff and students.

"It's currently a very high traffic area and the intent is to try and relieve congestion where the roads intersect and put the emphasis on pedestrian use," says Fred Pritchard, planning director in Campus Planning and Development.

At this stage all proposals are tentative and there is no construction scheduled to begin any time soon, says Pritchard.

As part of the planning process, a task force, led by former board of governors chair Harold Kalke, is currently reviewing the development of the university's main entrance at the intersection of Wesbrook Mall and University Boulevard. It is expected to report its findings early next year. The University Boulevard Neighbourhood draft plan is on hold until then.

Any proposed changes to the bus loop would also be subject to agreement with Translink, Pritchard adds. At the same time, planners are aware that the pool, in its current location, adds a distinct character to the area and any move must be seriously considered.

The University Boulevard area was one of eight identified in the university's Official Community Plan -- a legal document adopted by UBC in 1997 to guide the university's institutional and non-institutional land developments, following extensive community consultation.

A public meeting on the neighbourhood plans currently under consideration, including the University Boulevard area, was held earlier this fall.

More information

www.cpd.ubc.ca/camp_plan/landuse.html