UNA Backs SkyTrain Extension to UBC: Calls for Swift Action and Funding Commitment

On July 24, 2025, the UNA sent a letter to Premier David Eby expressing strong support for the extension of the SkyTrain Millennium Line from Arbutus Station to the UBC Vancouver campus. The letter echoes the Alma Mater Society’s (AMS) call for improved rapid transit to the UBC area and highlights how the extension would benefit not only UBC residents, but also people across Metro Vancouver. Improved transit would enhance access to education, employment, and healthcare, while strengthening regional connectivity. The UNA urges the provincial government to advance the project quickly, provide a clear development timeline, and commit to funding alongside federal partners.

Read the letter below.

July 24, 2025

The Honourable David Eby, MLA
Premier of British Columbia
2909 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC  V6T 1Z4

RE: SkyTrain Millennium Line Extension to UBC Vancouver 

Dear Premier Eby,

I am writing on behalf of the University Neighbourhoods Association (UNA) to endorse the Alma Mater Society (AMS) of UBC Vancouver’s petition calling for the timely extension of the SkyTrain Millennium line from Arbutus Station to the UBC Vancouver campus.

The UNA represents the more than 15,000 residents living in the UBC campus neighbourhoods and delivers municipal-like services within these areas through an agreement with UBC. Our residents rely on the public transportation system to access other parts of Metro Vancouver for work, education, and leisure. Extending the SkyTrain Millennium line to the UBC Vancouver campus would significantly improve access for people from across Metro Vancouver to education, employment, and healthcare on campus. In addition, the benefits apply in the opposite direction – residents living at UBC would have improved access to the range of services, opportunities, and amenities available across Metro Vancouver.

In light of these considerations, the UNA calls on your government to:

• advance the project to the full business case stage expeditiously;
• provide a clear timeline for the project’s planned progress; and
• commit to funding the extension, along with federal partners.

Sincerely,

Eagle Glassheim
Chair
University Neighbourhoods Association

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CC:  The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Federal Minister of Transport & Internal Trade
The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Federal Minister of Housing & Infrastructure
Wade Grant, MP for Vancouver-Quadra
The Honourable Mike Farnworth, BC Minister of Transportation & Transit
Jen McCutcheon, MVRD Electoral Area A Director
Paul Thorkelsson, UNA Chief Administrative Officer
Solomon Yi-Kieran, AMS Vice-President of External Affairs

Download the letter here.