UBC Okanagan Campus Plan

UBC Okanagan’s Campus Plan (2015)

The UBC Okanagan Campus Plan sets out a vision for the physical development of the campus and provides a long-term planning framework to manage future campus growth to support the University’s strategic plan and academic mission.

A complete copy of The Campus Plan, individual PDFs of the Plan’s chapters, and the Illustrative Campus Plan are available below:

  1. Purpose and Vision
  2. Campus Context
  3. Places
  4. Campus Plan Frameworks
  5. Design Strategies and Guidelines
  6. Implementation

Illustrative Plan of UBC Okanagan Campus 

Overview

The UBC Okanagan Campus Plan (The Campus Plan) was approved by the Board of Governors in September 2015. Building on the foundations of the 2005 and 2009 Master Plans, The Campus Plan is the result of a comprehensive technical and public consultation process that began in 2013.

The planning process was led by Finance and Operations staff with involvement from a broad range of staff, technical specialists, and campus and community stakeholders. It provides a long-term planning framework for existing and future academic and research activities, student housing, and associated campus services and infrastructure for the next 20 years.

Public Consultation

The public consultation process was vital to shaping The UBC Okanagan Campus Plan, ensuring it fosters a healthy and vibrant live-work-learn community. Held from October 2013 to March 2015, the process included two comprehensive phases that gathered input from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the surrounding community. This was further enriched by workshops, stakeholder consultations, and Indigenous outreach.

Public Consultation Phase 1

Public Consultation Phase 1 introduced UBC Okanagan’s Campus Plan process and gathered input on key issues to be addressed. This phase included a public information session and online consultation.

Phase 1 Public Consultation Summary Report

  • Transportation Workshop (Spring 2014):  In Spring 2014, a transportation workshop assessed campus transportation issues and opportunities.
  • Growth and Experience Design Charrette (Summer 2014):  In Summer 2014, the growth and experience design charrette built on Phase 1 input and the findings from the workshop, leading to the development of draft Campus Plan directions. View the Charrette Summary.
  • Targeted Stakeholder Consultation (October-November 2014):  Refined draft Campus Plan directions with input from UBC staff, students, Deans, Okanagan Senate, UBC Properties Trust, BC Transit, and the City of Kelowna.

Public Consultation Phase 2

Public Consultation Phase 2 took place in January and February 2015 to gather feedback on the draft Campus Plan through an open house, an ideas fair, and public workshops. The feedback summary and details are available in the Phase 2 Public Consultation Summary Report, which includes various appendices covering stakeholder notifications, feedback, workshop notes, and aboriginal outreach efforts.

Phase 2 Public Consultation Summary Report

  • Aboriginal Outreach (March 2015):  An Aboriginal Outreach was conducted to present the draft Campus Plan to students, faculty, and staff from the campus Aboriginal community, as well as the Okanagan Campus Aboriginal Education Council.
  • The City of Kelowna:  The City of Kelowna was consulted throughout the process, reviewing land use, transportation, and infrastructure proposals. The City supports the campus growth outlined in the Plan, and Campus Planning and Development staff will continue collaborating with the City on its implementation.

public consultation Outcome

Overall, the campus community expressed strong support for the draft Campus Plan, with key feedback focusing on:

  • Safer, more accessible bike routes and pathways, better lighting, and high-quality amenities like recreational facilities and gathering spaces.
  • Support for University Way as the main campus street, pedestrianization of the campus core, and distribution of residential areas.
  • A stronger visual presence of the Okanagan Territory on campus and ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities.
  • Continued engagement in decision-making.

Next Steps

In support of the successful implementation of The Campus Plan, subsequent plans and policies will be developed by UBC Campus Planning and Development in collaboration with other UBC Departments and reported to the Board of Governors, including a:

  • Whole Systems Approach to Infrastructure comprised of a 30-year roadmap, performance metrics, and five-year implementation plan, to guide future planning, investment, and management in a manner that will support sustainable development.
  • Design Guidelines Update to ensure consistency with the Vision and general planning and design directions in The Campus Plan.
  • Transportation Plan to promote sustainable transportation options for the University community.
  • Public Realm Funding Strategy and Implementation Plan to ensure the University’s public realm plays a strong role in strengthening the University’s identity and supporting campus academic and social activities.
  • Innovation/Research Precinct Plan to define the land uses and development pattern in support of a future hub of academic research and innovation north of Parking Lot H.

Attachments/Reference Materials

Previous Campus Plans