The University of the Fraser Valley is asking for more input on its draft plans for a future that will see the creation of a university village, including a large public plaza, more student housing, and larger buildings.
The university, which is shaping its Campus Master Plan, has launched an online survey to solicit opinions on a range of options available to planners, including the height of buildings, the future of the university green, and the location of bike paths and transit hubs.
The university is creating its master plan (click here for the draft) alongside the city’s UDistrict neighbourhood plan.
The university plan envisions turning the parking lots that now occupy most of the university land along King Road into a vibrant “village” with a range of support uses, possibly including a performance space, administration and student support, a daycare, or student housing.
“It’s enhancing our front door,” said Craig Toews, executive director of campus planning and resource development.
The aim is to integrate the university more into the surrounding community, by providing services and other amenities both to students and the public on campus lands or within walking or biking distance.
The plan, Toews said, will see “the university look beyond our academic core to really create this village concept.”
A concept for the neighbourhood released last November envisions the area’s population rising from 3,200 in 2015 to 5,650 in 2040, with the university doubling the amount of floor space in its buildings.
“The plan shows great potential for a university village, where the campus and community come together. It’s vital we hear again from people who want to shape the future of the campus and neighbourhood over the next 20 to 25 years,” Toews said
The survey is available online until March 25 at http://fluidsurveys.com/s/ufv-draft-plan/
Once receiving the survey results, planners will use the data to create a final campus plan to be presented to the UFV board of governors.