• Why are UNA recreation programs more expensive than those in other Vancouver communities, despite high levies paid by residents?
  

UNA recreation program costs are comparable to those offered by the City of Vancouver. However, it is important to note a key difference: while the City of Vancouver’s programs are profit-driven, the UNA operates as a not-for-profit organization. The financial model used by UNA ensures that it provides programs that meet the needs of its residents without generating profits. Furthermore, the Neighbours Levy, a tax collected from residents, ensures that the sum of taxes and the levy combined is equivalent to what would be paid by a property owner in the City of Vancouver for a similarly assessed property. While the UNA strives to keep costs manageable, it must also cover the overhead costs for maintaining high-quality facilities, staffing, and diverse programming to accommodate the needs of its residents. The UNA also faces the need to offer a balance of for-profit and not-for-profit programs, which influences the pricing structure.

• Can UNA provide more free access days or discounts for residents?

The UNA has conducted several reviews to ensure that its programming is both accessible and affordable. A pricing review is set to conclude by spring 2025, which will allow UNA to assess current program pricing and potentially offer more discounted options for residents. Additionally, under the Neighbours Agreement 2024, the UNA works with UBC Athletics and Recreation to provide UNA residents discounted access to UBC facilities. This arrangement ensures that residents can access facilities at reduced rates similar to those provided to UBC faculty and staff. The UNA also strives to provide more affordable and free programming for seniors, and there are ongoing efforts to adjust pricing models where feasible, especially for popular programs that attract high community participation.

• Could the budget better balance between children’s programs and senior-focused activities?

The UNA has made significant efforts to balance its programming to serve a broad range of age groups. The 2023 Recreation and Cultural Review highlighted that there was a significant demand for children’s programming, and as a result, the UNA has expanded its offerings in this area. However, this does not mean that senior-focused activities have been neglected. In fact, there has been a notable increase in funding for senior programs, which include both free and low-cost activities designed to be inclusive for seniors from all walks of life. The UNA continues to strive for a more balanced approach to programming, ensuring that while the needs of children and families are met, seniors also have access to diverse activities. This effort is part of an ongoing process of community engagement, which ensures that feedback from all demographics is considered when planning for future programs.

• Can the UNA invest in more outdoor sports facilities, such as basketball courts, to accommodate growing youth participation?

The UNA recognizes the importance of outdoor sports facilities in promoting healthy, active lifestyles, particularly for youth. In 2022, the UNA proposed building a basketball court next to the existing Splash Pad at the Wesbrook Community Centre. However, due to opposition from residents, this project was halted. That said, the need for additional sports facilities remains a key point of discussion, especially as the community continues to grow. The ongoing Wesbrook Place Neighbourhood Plan review includes the potential inclusion of new sports court facilities, and public consultation is an essential part of this process. The UNA is committed to ensuring that future development plans align with the community’s needs, and this includes advocating for more recreational space for youth.

• Can seniors be allocated specific gym hours at the Wesbrook Fitness Centre for safer and less crowded workouts? 

The growing number of university students using the UNA fitness facilities has created challenges in ensuring that all residents have access to the spaces. UNA management regularly meets with UBC Athletics and Recreation to discuss solutions to accommodate all users, including seniors. One option that is being explored is creating designated gym hours for seniors to ensure that they have access to the facilities in a safe and less crowded environment. However, because the fitness centres at Wesbrook and Old Barn Community Centres are public and accessible to all, implementing specific hours for certain groups requires careful consideration to maintain equity of access. The UNA will continue exploring creative ways to optimize the use of these facilities for all residents.

• How can the UNA enhance pedestrian safety in the neighbourhoods?

The UNA recognizes the importance of pedestrian safety and continues to invest in infrastructure improvements. As part of its ongoing commitment to safety, the UNA conducts annual inspections of roads, which include repairing road markings such as crosswalks, stop bars, and other essential signage. In 2025, UNA will collaborate with UBC Campus and Community Planning to begin a roadway repair project that will address any safety concerns related to road conditions. Further, the UNA is working on improving sidewalk maintenance, and the upcoming repair projects aim to address long-standing needs. The UNA is committed to making sure that these improvements are not only based on current conditions but also on the projected needs as the community continues to grow. This includes ensuring that roadways and sidewalks are designed to accommodate the aging population and other pedestrians safely.

• Are there enforcement mechanisms for regulating sidewalk use by bicycles, scooters, and skateboards to improve safety, particularly for seniors?

Although UNA does not have direct authority over sidewalk enforcement, it is working on creating a more collaborative and informed approach to improve safety for all residents. Currently, the UNA is focusing on educating residents and stakeholders about safe sidewalk use rather than enforcing strict rules. However, the issue of sidewalk safety, particularly in high-traffic areas, is taken very seriously. UNA collaborates with community partners such as Tapestry, UBC Campus and Community Planning, and the Norma Rosa Point Parent Advisory Council to promote safe practices, including the encouragement of walking bikes on sidewalks. Additionally, UNA includes seasonal reminders about sidewalk safety and responsible use in its newsletters. There is also a shared community effort to address concerns about the potential hazards posed by bikes, scooters, and skateboards on sidewalks, especially for seniors.

• What measures are in place to ensure community security, and does the UNA have a block watch program?

The RCMP is responsible for law enforcement, while UBC Campus Security focuses on the security needs within the UBC academic campus. A block watch program is in place in the Wesbrook and Hampton areas. The UBC RCMP Detachment shares crime alerts and reminders with the local block watch distribution list and the UNA. When necessary, the UNA will also forward relevant alerts to the UNA Strata Chair Distribution List. Additionally, the UNA ensures that property managers in the area are kept informed of any local safety alerts. In case of an emergency, please call 9-1-1. For non-emergency situations, you can contact the UBC RCMP Detachment at (604) 224-1322 or file a report online at RCMP Online Crime Reporting.

• Can the UNA reallocate some budget funds to waste removal services to reduce rising costs for residents? 

Waste management is an essential service, and UNA acknowledges the concerns about rising costs for residents. However, it is important to note that waste collection services for strata-managed properties are not the responsibility of the UNA. Strata corporations are required to independently contract waste removal services. While the UNA is not directly responsible for waste removal on private properties, it does handle public waste collection, including dog waste and recycling containers in public spaces. The UNA could potentially explore ways to collaborate with strata corporations to reduce costs through collective waste removal contracts, but this would require participation from the strata communities themselves. UNA has been encouraging collaboration among stratas, although organizing such efforts is complex and would require a thorough financial and operational review to ensure feasibility. That said, UNA remains committed to exploring alternative methods to reduce waste-related costs for the broader community, including sustainable practices and more efficient management of public waste systems.

• How can landscaping costs be optimized to reduce unnecessary work, noise pollution, and environmental impact? 

Landscaping is a crucial part of maintaining UNA’s public spaces, but it also presents challenges in terms of cost, environmental impact, and noise pollution. To address these concerns, UNA implemented a Landscape Management Plan in 2023, with a focus on sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and resilience in response to climate change. The plan includes strategies to optimize landscaping services, such as reducing unnecessary work, improving plant selection, and using more sustainable practices. For example, UNA has adopted the use of electric landscaping equipment, including blowers, to reduce noise and air pollution. While the transition to electric blowers is still ongoing, this change aligns with Metro Vancouver’s efforts to phase out gas-powered equipment. Additionally, UNA works with local arborists and UBC Campus and Community Planning to ensure that its landscaping practices support long-term sustainability. The goal is to reduce the environmental footprint of landscaping while maintaining aesthetically pleasing and functional public spaces. UNA continues to evaluate ways to optimize landscaping services while keeping costs manageable and minimizing negative environmental impacts.

• Will the UNA consider replacing noisy leaf blowers with quieter alternatives? 

The UNA’s landscaping teams are required to use electric blowers for general work from April to the end of the garden season in September. The UNA supports the move to using only electric blowers year-round, however, at present, commercially viable electric blowers are not capable of handling the workload required during peak seasons. Metro Vancouver is exploring a regional approach to reducing emissions from gas-powered tools, and the UNA is committed to supporting these initiatives and hopes that it helps Stratas with their choice of landscaping equipment in the future as well.

• Should UNA governance be restructured to function more like a municipality with elected officials and more accountability? 

The UNA has consistently worked to strengthen its governance and relationship with UBC, evolving into a more “municipal-like” organization over time. A significant milestone in this evolution was the introduction of a publicly elected UNA Board, modeled after local government practices. In 2024, the UNA Board concluded negotiations with UBC on the updated Neighbours Agreement 2024 (NA 2024), which outlines the services, expectations, and collaboration framework between the UNA and UBC. This new agreement introduces important governance changes, giving the UNA more autonomy in decision-making for the community. However, certain areas, such as land-use decisions, remain under the authority of UBC and its Board of Governors. Despite this, NA 2024 ensures that the UNA’s involvement is more directly integrated into UBC’s decision-making process. As the UNA continues to evolve, the advocacy for further autonomy remains a key priority, and the organization will continue to push for greater involvement in decisions that affect the future of the community.

• What does the UNA do to ensure transparency in the vendor selection process and budget decision-making? 

UNA recognizes that transparency in vendor selection and budget decision-making is a significant concern for residents, and the organization is dedicated to addressing this. UNA follows a structured and open procurement process to ensure that vendors are selected based on the best value, rather than simply cost. This includes inviting multiple vendors to bid on large expenditures, which fosters competition and ensures fairness. For more operational matters, UNA does allow for sole-source purchasing in certain cases where timing or operational constraints make it necessary. UNA’s Finance and Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing financial decisions and regularly reviews vendor selection and budget allocations to maintain financial efficiency and accountability. To further enhance transparency, UNA provides updates about its budget decisions and procurement processes through its website, newsletters, and public meetings. This ensures that residents have access to information and are informed about how decisions are made.

• Why does the UNA allocate significant funds to general operations rather than programs for residents? 

The UNA has to balance the costs of operational and maintenance activities with its community programming. While recreation and cultural programs are crucial to the well-being of residents, maintaining infrastructure such as roads, common areas, and facilities is equally essential to ensure that the UNA can continue to provide a safe, livable environment. These operational costs often account for a large portion of the budget, as the UNA is responsible for maintaining public spaces and facilities, managing waste, and ensuring that the community is safe and well-maintained. This is not an indication of underfunding for programming but rather a recognition that both aspects—operations and programming—are necessary for the long-term sustainability of the community. UNA also has mechanisms like the Finance and Audit Committee to ensure that these funds are being used efficiently and that financial priorities are aligned with the overall mission of the UNA.

• Should more funds be allocated to common area maintenance rather than recreation and cultural services? 

The UNA faces a delicate balancing act when allocating its budget between common area maintenance and recreational services. While recreational and cultural services are essential for community engagement and quality of life, UNA also recognizes that maintaining public spaces, roads, and infrastructure is fundamental to the community’s safety and functionality. The UNA has a structured approach to managing both priorities. For instance, recent projects have included significant sidewalk repairs and collaboration with UBC to improve the roadway system. However, there is ongoing recognition that common area maintenance and recreation services both require attention and investment, which is why the UNA has committed to enhancing both areas. As part of the 2025-26 budget consultation, feedback will continue to guide the distribution of funds in a way that addresses both the needs of the community and the long-term viability of the UNA’s services.

• How does the UNA justify increasing staff salaries while maintaining financial efficiency?

Salary increases at the UNA are determined through a structured process that includes market reviews, cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), and performance evaluations. These increases are aligned with industry standards and ensure that UNA staff are fairly compensated. Periodic external reviews ensure that UNA’s compensation framework remains competitive and aligned with the broader labor market. The decision to increase staff salaries is tied to the necessity of maintaining a high level of service while responding to increasing demands as the community grows. The UNA also implements rigorous financial oversight through its Finance and Audit Committee, which reviews the financial health of the organization regularly. This ensures that any salary increases are justified and do not undermine the financial stability of the UNA.

• How can the UNA improve community consultation so that resident feedback is meaningfully considered, especially in land use planning? 

UNA understands that effective community consultation is critical to ensuring that residents’ needs are considered in decision-making, particularly in areas like land-use planning, which directly impact the community. UNA has continuously sought to enhance its consultation processes, such as through public forums, surveys, and other forms of engagement. To strengthen the consultation process, UNA encourages residents to participate actively in meetings and share their concerns. This feedback is then integrated into the decision-making process wherever feasible. As land use planning is often managed by UBC, UNA plays a key role in advocating for residents and ensuring that their voices are heard. UNA has worked with UBC Campus and Community Planning to incorporate more community engagement in future development plans, ensuring that consultation isn’t just a formality but a meaningful part of planning processes. Additionally, UNA is committed to refining its approach to consultation, emphasizing transparency, accessibility, and inclusion in future land-use discussions.

• How does the UNA advocate for residents in the UBC planning process to ensure sustainable and livable developments? 

UNA actively participates in the UBC planning process, advocating for the needs of its residents, particularly as the community continues to grow. While UNA does not have direct control over UBC’s development plans, it plays a critical role in ensuring that resident concerns are represented. UNA collaborates with UBC Campus and Community Planning to provide feedback on development proposals and ensure that they align with the values and priorities of the community. UNA also encourages residents to participate in public consultations and stay informed about planning processes, as active community involvement is essential in shaping the future of development. UNA’s involvement in land-use planning is a continuous process of advocating for sustainable and livable development, particularly in areas such as density, green spaces, and infrastructure. This collaboration with UBC allows UNA to advocate for thoughtful, responsible growth that reflects the needs of the community while promoting long-term sustainability.

• How will the UNA address capacity in fitness and recreation facilities due to increasing population density? 

Due to the rapid growth of our community, the UNA recognizes that the current Wesbrook Community Fitness Centre is starting to see challenges in meeting demand. They are in discussions with UBC partners to address this issue as development continues. In the interim, UNA is maximizing space through diversified programming and exploring a dual-pass option for both the Wesbrook and Old Barn Community Fitness Centres. The new UBC Athletic Centre is also expected to reduce student usage. The UNA partners with two external companies to provide discounted fitness equipment and collaborate on designing fitness spaces based on community needs and public input. To better understand usage, the UNA is collecting data on equipment utilization at both centres. Additionally, the UNA is exploring extending the Wesbrook Community Centre’s hours. Long-term, the UNA continues to advocate for more recreational spaces in future UBC developments and aims to enhance existing facilities to avoid overcrowding.