Concept Drawing of the UFV Properties Trust land being developed as a tech park.
The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is embarking on an exciting journey to make the most out of its under-utilized lands, and at the centre of this journey is the UFV Properties Trust, also known as Campus Communities. Launched in summer 2023, this trust is set up to help manage and develop non-core lands at both the Abbotsford and Chilliwack campuses. Let's take a closer look at why this trust exists, the lands involved, the plans for development, and the people guiding these decisions.
Campus Communities was created to better manage UFV's non-core lands and generate new opportunities for revenue, which will support UFV's mission in education and community building. By partnering with developers through long-term leases, the Trust can transform unused spaces into vibrant community areas, helping the university enhance amenities, provide more housing options, and ultimately strengthen connections between the campus and surrounding areas.
The trust is designed to support UFV's goals by creating intentional communities that foster education, collaboration, and sustainable growth. By managing these lands through strategic oversight and partnership, UFF can contribute to the economic growth of the Fraser Valley, all while improving the student experience on campus.
The focus of Campus Communities includes several parcels of land at the Canada Education Park (CEP) in Chilliwack, totaling about 23.4 acres. The lands are divided into several key sections:
Vedder Block "A": An 8.1-acre parcel along Vedder Road, expected to feature residential and potentially mixed-use commercial projects.
Caen Block "B": Covering 8.6 acres, this section is planned to include residential and mixed-use spaces, with a focus on integrating tech-related development and waterfront living.
Surrounding Lands Parcel "C1": A 5-acre area that may accommodate low-rise residential buildings.
Mess Hall Parcel "C2": A 1.7-acre site that includes the existing Mess Hall building, currently used by the RCMP.
These lands are strategically located to complement the growing communities around the Chilliwack campus, including exciting projects like Garrison Crossing and River's Edge, which are transforming the South Vedder area into a dynamic, well-connected community.
The plan for CEP is ambitious and multifaceted: Campus Communities will rezone, subdivide, and prepare the lands for development, including the establishment of a tech park to foster innovation and collaboration. Once the rezoning and subdivision are complete, these parcels will be leased to developers using a standard 99-year ground lease, similar to models used by other property trusts across British Columbia. By focusing on leasing rather than selling, Campus Communities ensures the land remains an asset for UFV and generates ongoing revenue for future university projects and initiatives.
For developers, these properties will be fully serviced to the lot lines, ready for development in line with clear community and design guidelines. The tech park at CEP will provide a unique opportunity for developers to create spaces that blend research, technology, and residential uses—fostering a hub of innovation. The Trust is looking for developers with the expertise to bring high-quality residential, mixed-use, and tech-related projects to life, projects that can contribute to the campus environment and the broader community.
Campus Communities is committed to ensuring that the development aligns with UFV's core values of sustainability, community engagement, and innovation. The selection of developers is guided by these principles, and the current Request for Proposals (RFP) process places significant emphasis on finding partners who share these values.
Key design principles include:
Sustainability: Developers must prioritize green building practices, energy efficiency, and sustainable urban design to minimize environmental impact.
Community Integration: The projects must enhance the sense of community, with an emphasis on creating pedestrian-friendly spaces, shared amenities, and opportunities for social interaction.
Innovation: The inclusion of a tech park requires developers who are experienced in integrating technology-focused spaces with residential and commercial environments, creating synergies between different land uses.
The RFP process is currently underway, with Campus Communities seeking developers who can not only meet these high standards but also actively contribute to the vision of a vibrant, community-focused development. The RFP emphasizes collaboration, sustainability, and a commitment to social sustainability. Developers are being evaluated on their experience in similar projects, their understanding of community building, and their ability to create spaces that support UFV's educational and community goals.
The UFV Properties Trust is managed by the UFV Properties Development Corporation, also known as the Trustee, and the decision-making is guided by a talented team:
Gary Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of Campus Communities, brings extensive experience in community building, finance, and real estate. His focus on social sustainability ensures that the development aligns with UFV's community-focused goals.
The Board of Directors includes experts in governance, urban planning, economic development, and community engagement, such as James Atebe, Sandy Blue, Dustin Hall, Jackie Hogan, Dr. Joanne MacLean, and Craig Toews. Their combined expertise ensures that the plans for development consider the needs of both UFV and the broader Fraser Valley community.
The development process is currently in its planning and consultation phase. The Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment for the CEP lands is underway, and the Trust is working closely with the City of Chilliwack and other stakeholders. Preliminary master planning is expected to be completed by early 2025, with community consultation and feedback playing a key role in shaping the final designs.
After rezoning and subdivision are complete, the lands will be ready for developers to begin construction, with the first phases of development anticipated to start in 2026.
