Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes: UBCO Campus Construction

The leaves aren’t the only thing that’s changing at UBC’s Okanagan campus.

John Hindle Drive

There are lots of exciting projects underway at UBCO and some major changes to the campus. One of the most exciting developments this year was the opening of John Hindle Drive,  which has been a much anticipated access route for many students and staff.

The 1.6 km extension of John Hindle provides both road access from Glenmore, as well as safer pathways for cyclists and pedestrians. The project was completed just in time for the start of the academic year.

The Commons

Something that many students are looking forward to is the opening of the new Commons building.

The Commons is a $35-million addition to the north side of the Library. Once completed, this will offer more than 65,000 square feet of space, including facilities such as the Hon. D. Ross Fitzpatrick Great Hall, the Lois and Cliff Serwa Reading Room, a 400-seat classroom, Visualization and Emerging Media Studio, UBC Studios Okanagan, and Special Collections and Archives.

The Commons is expected to be ready for the beginning of term 2, which will help to address the current lack of both classroom space and study space on campus.

Residence Expansion

UBCO has also approved two new projects as part of the residence expansion.

The Nechako Housing Commons will be built between the University Centre and the Commons Field, and will feature a 500-seat dining hall in the lower level and 220 beds in four upper storeys.

Skeena residence will be a new 220-bed residence building, located adjacent to Purcell residence.

Construction is expected to begin in 2019.