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Founding the UNA

The University Neighbourhoods Association (UNA) emerged from several years of planning for UBC’s growing residential communities. The 1997 Official Community Plan, the 2000 Comprehensive Community Plan, agreements between UBC and the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD), and the Electoral Area A Governance Study helped establish a new approach to providing local services and representation for residents living on the UBC campus.

The UNA was established in 2001 and formally incorporated under the B.C. Societies Act on May 29, 2002. It was created to perform many of the functions typically associated with local government within UBC’s unique governance structure. Its responsibilities included delivering municipal-like services, operating community facilities, administering neighbourhood funds and representing residents’ interests.

This model gave residents a dedicated organization focused on the needs of the University Neighbourhoods, while land-use planning authority remained with UBC and the GVRD, now known as Metro Vancouver. Over the following 25 years, the UNA’s responsibilities and governance would continue to evolve alongside the community it was created to serve.

The Old Barn Community Centre

The Old Barn Community Centre was constructed in 2007 as the first dedicated social, meeting, and recreation hub for residents. It features a multipurpose space, community living room, fitness room, staff offices, and a coffee shop.

Hours of Operation

The Neighbours Agreement

Since 2002, the Neighbours Agreement between UBC and the UNA has provided a framework for collaboration and shared stewardship of the University Neighbourhoods. Over the years, the Agreement has evolved alongside the relationship between UBC and the UNA, reflecting the changing needs of a community that has grown to more than 16,000 residents.

  • 2002 Neighbours Agreement
    • Established the UNA.
    • Defined its governance, Board of Directors, elections and relationship with UBC
    • Outlined a simple funding arrangement.
    • Listed broad objectives for the UNA.
    • Assigned an advisory role to the UNA.
  • 2008 Neighbours Agreement
    • The Agreement changed from a governance document to an operational agreement.
    • Defined what services the UNA operates, what facilities it manages, how services are funded, and the standards it must meet.
    • The UNA gained a structured advisory role with formal procedures for matters related to parking, traffic, noise and nuisance.
    • Defined a more sophisticated financial structure.
  • 2015 Neighbours Agreement
    • Consolidated the 2008 Neighbours Agreement together with several supplemental agreements.
    • Modernized terminology to reflect changes in provincial legislation and UBC governance.
    • Expanded the UNA’s responsibilities in a number of important areas, including management of childcare facilities and, while UBC retains ultimate responsibility, the UNA gained a formal role as a collaborator in emergency planning.
  • 2020 Neighbours Agreement
    • Changed the UNA’s governance structure by updating UBC’s role in the organization’s governance and introducing new processes to support ongoing consultation, participation, and collaboration between UBC and the UNA.
    • Formalized the AMS’ participation in governance, Board meetings, and advisory committees.
  • 2024 Neighbours Agreement
    • Expanded from broad operational descriptions to detailed, stand-alone articles covering service delivery, planning, financial management, dispute resolution, facilities, neighbourhood regulations, emergency planning, and reserve funds.
    • Defined and provided a clearer framework of the UNA’s regulatory authority over matters such as noise, parking, traffic, nuisance and similar neighbourhood issues.
    • Restructuring and modernization of the Agreement rewritten with a new structure and clearer organization.
The Wesbrook Community Centre

The Wesbrook Community Centre was built in 2015 to meet the recreation needs of our growing community, including indoor recreation space, gymnasium access, and expanded programming capacity.

Hours of Operation

 

Our Services

For 25 years, the UNA has worked in partnership with UBC to deliver municipal-like services to the residents of the University Neighbourhoods. Learn more about our approach to service delivery in the UNA Strategic Plan.

Local Governance

The UNA Board of Directors is elected by residents to oversee the operations and financial sustainability of the community.

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Roads & Streets

The UNA manages roads and walkways in the University Neighbourhoods, including repairs, parking permits, and snow clearing.

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Programs & Events

The UNA operates 200+ recreation programs each season and hosts local events at our two community centres.

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Resident Advocacy

The UNA advocates for the needs and interests of all residents living in the University Neighbourhoods. The UNA Strategic Plan outlines its approach.

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Parks & Playgrounds

The UNA manages the landscaping and maintenance of parks, playgrounds, and public spaces in the University Neighbourhoods.

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Sustainability Services

The UNA provides recycling services through the Green Depot, operates community gardens and collaborates with UBC on the Neighbourhood Climate Action Plan.

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Community Services

The UNA operates multiple YMCA childcare facilities, the UNA Dog Park, and coordinates with the RCMP for public safety and the VPL for library services.

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Communications Services

The UNA informs residents through its website, social media and other communications to promote programs, events, community initiatives, and public engagement opportunities.

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Community Newspaper

The UNA funds The Campus Resident, an independent community newspaper led by a resident-run Editorial Committee that covers news, issues and stories from the University Neighbourhoods.

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Share Your UNA Story

Were you part of a memorable UNA event, program or community initiative? Do you have photos or stories from your time in the University Neighbourhoods?

As we celebrate 25 years of the UNA, we invite residents, volunteers, staff and community members, past and present, to help us tell our shared story. Send us your photos, memories and stories about the UNA and the community over the years at communications@myuna.ca. We’d love to hear from you.

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Thank You for 25 Years

This 25-year milestone belongs to the countless people who have helped shape the University Neighbourhoods Association and the community it serves. To our residents, volunteers, Board members, staff, community partners and everyone who has contributed their time, ideas and care over the years: thank you.

The UNA has grown and evolved alongside our neighbourhoods, but its strength has always come from the people who call this community home. We are grateful to everyone who has been part of our first 25 years, and we look forward to building the next chapter together.