I have been a resident of Hampton Place since 2006. I currently serve on the Council of West Hampstead Strata and have been its past President. A retired Chartered Accountant, my career was as a chief financial officer of several publicly listed companies.

My reasons for running for UNA Council are twofold: Fiscal responsibility and UBC’s controversial land use plan that provides for a density twice downtown Vancouver. The 2024-25 budgeted expenditures exceed $8.1 million a significant increase from $6.5 Million incurred in the 2023-24 fiscal year. Over the last 4 years expenditures have increased by 69%. UNA’s primary responsibility is to administer the Neighbours Agreement with UBC on our behalf. The purpose of this agreement is to provide municipal services to our neighbourhoods. There is a need to refocus the UNA Council on this mandate.

Although UBC Properties has developments on land they own in Arcadia, Wesbrook South and Stadium, their plan includes doubling the density of Hampton, Hawthorne, and Chancellor Places by 2050. This will require land assembly with established stratas years earlier. Certainty is required for the affected stratas for planning of renovations and individual owners need to know their future.

It is a pleasure and privilege to live and work on the traditional territory of the Musqueam people, at UBC, in the UNA neighbourhoods. This is a unique place, and the UNA plays a unique role as caretaker of our roads, parks, community centres, volunteer networks, summer camps, Zumba classes, local newspaper, and more. The UNA also represents resident interests with the University and Province. In my three years on the UNA Board, I have tried to guide UNA operations and to give voice to resident interests, with a focus on sustainability, community building, and quality of life in the neighbourhoods. As chair of the UNA’s Land Use Advisory Committee, I’ve advocated for more rental housing and green space in UBC’s Land Use Plan. As chair of the Newspaper Editorial Committee, I’ve supported the return of our community newspaper, The Campus Resident. As a gardener, a parent of teenagers, a dog person, a bird and tree lover, a bike commuter, and an aficionado of green urbanism, I’m committed to nurturing vibrant, green, and safe public spaces in our neighbourhoods.

I have been a UNA resident since moving to Vancouver in 2018 with my wife, Connor and oldest son Finn. Since living here, first in Wesbrook and now in the Hawthorn neighbourhood, we have welcomed our second son, Rowan into our lives. Currently, Finn is in third grade at Norma Rose Point, Rowan is in the UBC daycare program, Connor is a tenured faculty member in UBC’s Department of Psychology and I both work at UBC as a Chan Centre CUPE stagehand and am currently a full-time Masters student in UBC’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). Our lives are here on campus and the health of the University Neighbourhoods and the UNA is tantamount to our family’s current and future wellbeing. I hope to do what I can to serve the needs of this vibrant and growing community as a member of the UNA Board.

Among my priorities are equity and inclusion in the development of UBC neighborhoods and the UNA; increasing pedestrian and cyclist safety on our streets and pathways as well as expanding the network of dedicated pedestrian and cyclist pathways; and expansion of UNA recreational spaces as our neighborhoods continue to grow. I also would personally like to better get to know my neighbours, so would like to see more opportunities for both formal and informal social gatherings and engagement.

As a long-term Wesbrook Place resident and PhD student in Public Health at UBC, I’m deeply integrated into our community, experiencing daily challenges alongside my neighbors. My platform focuses on expanding UNA card privileges and enriching our community life through diverse, affordable events—ranging from cultural celebrations to health-focused workshops. I’ve actively contributed by speaking at community events like the Senior Afternoon Tea on respiratory health.

My commitment extends to enhancing public safety and convenience with pragmatic solutions to issues like parking, speeding, noise, and dog leash compliance. I leverage a data-driven approach to address transportation, public safety, and community engagement, ensuring decisions enhance our collective quality of life.

Additionally, as a Green Club eco-tour guide volunteer, I lead monthly treks and promote environmental education among student newcomers, neighbourhood residents, and seniors across Metro Vancouver. This role reflects my dedication to biodiversity, sustainability, and fostering multicultural understanding, crucial for nurturing cross-cultural ties within our diverse community.

Above all, I want to strengthen the bonds between students, new immigrants, and long-term residents by fostering open communication and collaboration. Together, we can build a more inclusive, connected, and supportive community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and well-being.

The UNA has been my home since 2010. During this time, I have earned a Master’s degree, raised two boys who now attending NRP school and built a career as data analyst, and pursued a career in education. I have also contributed in various capacities to several non-profit organizations, volunteering whenever there was a call. Over the past 14 years, I’ve witnessed the growth of our community and I am deeply committed to ensuring that UNA remains one of the most livable places for all residents.

Looking ahead, with UNA’s population projected to double by 2050, we must prioritize effective traffic management and road development, enhance safety and security, and optimize community facilities and activities to ensure that everyone feels included. I also believe in fostering our multicultural identity, as it embodies the very foundation of Canadian values.

I’m running for the UNA board because I am inspired by the promise of the neighbourhoods to be a place that put people first. I am a librarian, and a huge part of my work has been focused on designing and stewarding spaces where all people feel welcome, comfortable, and included. I am deeply invested in ensuring that we make space for the shared places that are necessary for a healthy community. There are so many ways we can do that: we can include places to throw pottery, or paint, or tinker with an engine; we can have spaces dedicated to reading and sharing, or for cooling down on a hot day. We can shape our space to make it easy to meet people and feel connected to our broader community. We can design outdoor spaces for maximum play potential, and for taking long walks without dodging traffic or encountering obstacles. Building an accessible, walkable, and amenity-rich neighbourhood includes ensuring we have great transit connecting us to the rest of UBC and Vancouver. The vision of what our neighbourhoods can be makes me want to do everything I can to help get us there.

As a UNA resident and volunteer for over 12 years, I am deeply committed to enhancing our community’s livability through sustainable practices. My vision is to create a thriving, inclusive environment where every resident feels connected and valued.

I have organized cultural events, like Diwali, to celebrate our diversity and strengthen community bonds. As an artist and designer with roots in South Africa and India, I believe art and culture are powerful tools for bringing people together. One of my most rewarding projects was collaborating with residents to create the recycled art mural at the Wesbrook Community Centre, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.

I am dedicated to listening to residents and ensuring that future development meets their needs. Many are seeking more opportunities to connect, better access to public transit, and affordable housing options. With careful planning, we can preserve the heart of our community while investing in green spaces and sustainable growth.

I am excited about the opportunity to represent you and to help shape a more welcoming, vibrant community where everyone can live, work, and thrive.

My name is Sandy Song. I have been a UNA resident in Hawthorn Place for 12 years. My goals as a member of UNA Board of Directors are to serve residents, engage communities and create belonging.

Serve Residents. Listen to the voice of residents and take action. Based on my work experience as a lawyer and a director of corporate and private banking, providing legal and financial services, I will promote the well-being of residents with regard to safety, recreation, communication, culture, and sustainability.

Engage Communities. My eight years of public services at City of Vancouver and Invest in Canada will help me to collaborate with UNA members, UBC, BC Government, Metro Vancouver and other entities to keep green space, add amenities, enhance access to UBC facilities, and increase community capacities.

Create Belonging. I’m proud of being a resident at our diverse and inclusive community, where I volunteered at U-Hill PAC, UNA Elections Advisory Committee, UNA Emergency Preparedness Committee and more. I’m looking forward to building a thriving and unique university society with you all.

Together, we can make our community an even better place to live. I hope to earn your vote to bring these goals to life.

As a 25 year resident of Hampton Place I am eager to join the board because I care about the future of our neighbourhood and am passionate about advancing the mission and vision of the UNA. With a solid background in finance and operations, I bring valuable skills and insights that align with the board’s strategic goals. My experience in fiscal management, in the corporate world, including governance within a Canadian and US registered charity, has prepared me to help drive meaningful change, foster innovation, and support growth.

As a committed professional, I have a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by organizations like this, and I am enthusiastic about collaborating with fellow board members to navigate them. I also value transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership, qualities I have consistently proven in my career and community work.

I look forward to contributing to the long-term success and sustainability of the UNA by providing strategic direction, advocating for its mission, and engaging in thoughtful decision-making processes. Being a part of this board will allow me to give back to a cause I care deeply about while leveraging my skills to make a positive impact.