UBC Reports | Vol. 50 | No. 6 | Jun. 3, 2004

New Survey Reveals Support for University Town Project

About 2,200 people participate

A recent survey conducted for UBC reveals that the majority of people contacted are in favour of University Town, a project that will bring a new mix of housing, academic buildings, shops and amenities to the UBC campus.

Pollsters surveyed residents in the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD), neighbours who live near the university and members of the university community including students, faculty and staff. McAllister Opinion Research conducted the poll in February and March.

The research was designed to determine support for University Town, concerns and benefits and how UBC’s consultation efforts are viewed.

The survey found that 85 per cent of GVRD residents polled said University Town was a good idea. About 75 per cent of the neighbours approved and a majority of students and staff also approved. However, four in 10 faculty expressed ambivalence.

The concerns were also clear. Respondents were concerned that the cost of the housing units may be too expensive, green space could be lost and traffic congestion might be increased.

On the other hand, the understanding of benefits was also clear. They felt the main benefits were that revenue from the project could support the university’s academic mission, provide affordable housing and more bursaries and scholarships.

Fifty-nine per cent of the faculty and 58 per cent of the students said that UBC had not consulted with them enough on the project, while the majority of all UBC neighbours, staff and GVRD residents polled said there was enough consultation.

“I am extremely pleased with the strong endorsement of University Town as a further distinctive, interesting and vibrant community within the family of groups comprising metropolitan Vancouver,” said Dennis Pavlich, UBC VP External Affairs. “We will make even greater efforts to consult with our stakeholders, especially with our faculty, to explain how this project will benefit our academic mission.”