Living at UBC and in the UNA

Living at UBC and UNA, you are not in the City of Vancouver.  Living in one of the five neighbourhoods (Hampton Place, Hawthorn Place, Chancellor Place, East Campus, and Wesbrook Place), you are represented by the University Neighbourhoods Association (UNA).  We maintain community infrastructure and services to promote the creation of a vibrant, sociable, safe and diverse community.  Click here to find out UNA’s history and how we were formed.

Community Infrastructure

The UNA is responsible for much of the community infrastructure that supports the UBC community. Like a municipal council, the UNA is responsible for local regulation (such as noise, parking, and animal control), as well as a range of community and recreation programs, and services like landscaping and waste management. Residents’ concerns, opinions and views are heard through the UNA and it will help shape future development and the allocation of community facilities at UBC.

Anyone 18 years of age or older who lives in UNA’s five neighbourhoods is eligible to become a UNA member. Membership is free, but you must submit a membership application form. UNA membership gives you the right to vote in UNA elections and to run for election as a Board member.

Community Access

Under the Neighbours’ Agreement, UNA residents have long-term enhanced access to UBC’s recreational facilities.  The UNA Community Services Card (CSC) provides residents with free access to the Vancouver Public Library, the UBC Botanical Garden, the Nitobe Memorial Garden, plus preferential rates at UBC Athletic and Recreational facilities. All residents, including children, are eligible for a Community Services Card. Proof of residence (address) is required.

Education

There are currently two public schools serving families living at UBC and in the University Endowment Lands: University Hill Elementary School and University Hill Secondary.

UBC and the Vancouver School Board are working together to address immediate education issues and coordinate long-range education plans for the community. One such initiative is the UTown@UBC School Bus Program. At Wesbrook Place, construction of a new K-12 school will provide additional classroom space for children living in the area.

Daycare

UBC Child Care Services provides a range of services tailored to meet the needs of families living, working or studying at UBC. Child care staff are skilled, trained and licensed Early Childhood Educators who help to ensure a valuable experience for children in their care, especially those with developmental needs.  The UNA residents have access to 50 daycare spaces at the UBC Daycare.  To learn more, visit UBC Child Care Services.

School Bus Program

The UTown@UBC School Bus Program is a volunteer-run, non-profit program that transports children living at UBC and in the UNA to five neighbouring public schools: University Hill Elementary, Queen Elizabeth Elementary, Queen Mary Elementary, Queen Elizabeth Annex and Southlands Elementary.

Families who wish to enroll their children in the school bus program must submit a registration form and payment. Registration is on a first-come first-serve basis and space is limited.  To learn more about the program or to pick up a registration form, please visit the appropriate school office.

Property Taxes

Homeowners are required to pay a Rural Property Tax to the Province of BC and a Services Levy to UBC. The combined fees are comparable to the property taxes paid by Metro Vancouver municipal residents.  Administered by the UNA, the Services Levy is collected by the UBC and deposited into the Neighbour’s Fund, which funds the UNA operating budget and municipal-like services such as street maintenance and community infrastructure improvements.  Click here for more information.

The Services Levy is invoiced in June and due the first week of July. It covers the current calendar year, January to December.  For more information about the UBC Services Levy, visit UBC Finance to search for your property information and find answers to FAQs. Learn more about the Rural Property Tax.