UBC signals plans for larger Fraser Valley presence with purchase of Surrey site

The University of B.C.’s purchase of a prime site in Surrey signals its plans for a larger presence in the Fraser Valley, but there are no immediate plans for a full satellite campus.

President Santa Ono said developing the nearly three-acre, $70-million property will allow UBC to better serve thousands of its students who are already studying and training in the region.

“It’s just really clear from our analysis that there’s huge demand,” said Ono.

About 5,100 students, mostly in medicine or other health professions, are already studying or training in Surrey, as well as about 200 nursing and 100 pharmaceutical sciences students, he said.

“We have 3,500 students that commute to UBC every day from Surrey. About 750 faculty and staff live in Surrey. So we have over 4,000 people that move back and forth. It’s quite far away.

“For the faculty and for the students, it would be very attractive. If you think of a first- or second-year course that has many sections, (such as) chemistry, economics or English literature — very large classes. You can imagine that if you look at any of the classes, a session or two may be Surrey students. It may be possible for them, instead of getting (to the main campus) at 8 a.m. for class and having to leave home at 5:30 a.m., to just take that class in Surrey. It would really dramatically improve their quality of life.”

“I would say the first conversations, not about this site, but of a greater presence in Surrey began almost six years ago when I arrived at UBC,” said Ono. “In addition to government officials and health authorities, countless students, faculty members and community members in Surrey have requested more of a significant UBC presence in the Fraser Valley.”