The University of the Fraser Valley’s Chilliwack Campus at Canada Education Park has been a key part of the region’s education landscape since its establishment. Situated along the Vedder River, the campus combines academics with proximity to nature, offering a unique setting for students and staff.
Recently, UFV presented an updated campus master plan to Chilliwack City Council, outlining how the university plans to develop the campus over the coming decades. This new plan comes alongside the launch of the UFV Properties Trust, a separate initiative to manage a portion of UFV’s lands for long-term financial sustainability. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening and what it means for the future of the campus.
The last campus master plan was created in 2012, when UFV first began transitioning its programs from the older Chilliwack North Campus to Canada Education Park. The focus then was on creating a functional academic core to consolidate programming.
Now, with UFV’s Abbotsford campus nearing capacity, Chilliwack is expected to accommodate a significant share of the university’s future growth. This makes it a logical time to revisit how the campus can support expanded programming, new facilities, and student housing in the years ahead.
Part of UFV’s strategy involves the UFV Properties Trust, launched in 2023. This initiative allows UFV to generate funding by leasing under-utilized land for development while retaining long-term ownership of the property.
The Chilliwack campus has set aside 23.4 acres (9.5 hectares) for the Properties Trust. The Trust’s goals include:
For Chilliwack, potential uses of these lands could include health research partnerships, UFV agricultural initiatives, or rental properties such as an Innovation Centre. These projects would rely on collaboration with local stakeholders before moving forward.
However, the inclusion of these lands in the Trust means the remaining campus property must accommodate all future academic and student life needs. UFV’s plan addresses this through denser development, including buildings up to six storeys.
UFV’s revised master plan focuses on making the best use of the remaining campus lands. While still in the early stages, the plan offers a general framework for development, with no firm timeline beyond the university’s current capital funding priorities.
Key elements of the plan include:
The plan outlines development in phases, starting with:
By densifying the core campus, UFV aims to balance the need for growth with preserving open spaces and respecting the campus’s natural surroundings.
While the UFV Properties Trust begins planning for potential projects on its allocated lands, the university will move forward with developing its campus in accordance with the updated master plan. However, it’s important to note that these plans are long-term frameworks, not fixed timelines. UFV will evaluate and adjust its priorities as opportunities and funding become available.
For the community, the updated master plan and the Properties Trust represent significant changes to how UFV uses its Chilliwack lands. As the campus builds out over the coming years, it will aim to balance its academic needs with preserving the unique character of the site.
The next steps will be driven by available funding, ongoing stakeholder input, and the evolving needs of students and the broader UFV community.
