The City of Abbotsford and the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) announced an initiative to plan for the future of the area surrounding UFV on Wednesday.
Mayor Henry Braun spoke at the announcement, saying that the project was a "rare opportunity to shape the future of a important neighbourhood."
In May of 2012, council endorsed a 30-year planning concept or vision for the area adjacent to the UFV campus.
In 2014, the city earmarked $200,000 to develop a neighbourhood plan for the area.
UFV and the city have now partnered to create the neighbourhood plan – for the area called the U-District – and a fully compatible and integrated UFV Abbotsford campus master plan. Beginning with the original U-District vision and campus master plan, the project will deliver two plans for managing growth and redevelopment.
The neighbourhood plan will provide a detailed road map for future development in the area. The campus plan will create a plan for future growth on the campus to meet educational needs of the next generation while enhancing the UFV campus experience. It will look beyond the boundaries of the existing campus to develop a university village.
The announcement was followed by a campus kick-off event where students and community members could learn more about the project.
There will be a neighbourhood kick-off from 4 to 7 p.m. tonight (Wednesday) at the entrance of the Abbotsford Centre.
For more information about how to become involved at www.udistrictabbotsford.com.