UBC Okanagan Campus Profile
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Intro
Welcome to the UBC Okanagan Campus Profile
This is a snapshot of the physical spaces and places on campus, the people who learn, work, and live here, and the policies and trends impacting the future of the campus.
Land Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge that the UBC Okanagan campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation. The Syilx Okanagan People have been stewards and caretakers of this land. UBC Okanagan is committed to forging meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships with the Okanagan Nation. ⓘ Click the buttons below to learn more about the Syilx Okanagan Nation's current and historical relationship with the land and with UBC Okanagan.
Image: aerial looking southwest of UBC Okanagan campus.
1. Setting
Where is the campus located?
For millennia, the Syilx Okanagan People have been stewards and caretakers of these lands. The UBC Okanagan campus consists of 373 acres (151 hectares) of land located within the northeast quadrant of the City of Kelowna. It is bordered by a mix of agricultural, residential, recreational and industrial uses, regional roads and the Kelowna International Airport.
ⓘ Click the button below to view the Okanagan Nation Territory Map.
ⓘ Click the buttons below to zoom into:
A diverse landscape.
The campus has a diverse landscape of pine woodland, open grassland and wetlands, with approximately 23% of its lands within areas classified as ecologically sensitive. Positioned along the McKinley Escarpment ridgeline, the campus’ topography has been a significant factor in its evolution—in the placement and orientation of its buildings, roads, and open spaces. Situated within the Okanagan Very Dry Hot Ponderosa Pine zone, the campus is characterized by some of the driest woodland regions in BC, with hot, dry conditions in summer and cool conditions with little snow in winter.
Image: Ponderosa Pine trees on campus.
A growing region.
As one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, Kelowna is rapidly evolving. Its economy is diversifying and many of its neighbourhoods are transforming. Kelowna is becoming a more urban and dynamic city, and is expected to reach 180,000 by 2040.
An increase of 45,000 residents presents an important opportunity for UBC Okanagan to consider how and where the campus grows to reflect the growth of the city and the surrounding region.
Image: aerial image looking southwest toward downtown Kelowna.
2. Background
In 2004, recognizing the need to further expand post-secondary opportunities in the province, the Province of BC announced a plan to create the UBC Okanagan campus.
To establish the campus, the Province of BC assigned the Okanagan University College's North Kelowna campus, consisting of 259 acres (105 hectares) of land. The university has subsequently acquired a further 111 acres (45 hectares) of land located immediately west of the campus, referred to as the West Campus Lands, as well as some industrial property on the east side of campus. Today, the campus totals 373 acres (151 hectares).
Image: Okanagan University College in 2004.
Okanagan Nation and UBC Okanagan.
In September 2005, the Okanagan Nation Alliance welcomed UBC to traditional Syilx Okanagan territory in an official ceremony, Knaqs npi'lsmist, where UBC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Okanagan Nation. This relationship was renewed again on October 5, 2023.
Image: Chief Clarence Louie (left) and UBC Okanagan Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Lesley Cormack sign the memorandum of understanding between the Okanagan Nation Alliance and UBC Okanagan.
The evolution of this place.
Further development of the campus has occurred rapidly since it opened its doors to 3,500 students in 2005, and this growth has been guided by campus plans from 2005, 2009 and 2015. Now there are 12,000 students at UBCO, and where there were 12 buildings on the campus in 2005, there are 54 in 2024 – a 350% increase.
ⓘ Move the slider over the image to view the campus in 2004 (right) and 2021 (left).
Planning for growth.
By 2012, The UBC Okanagan Master Plan had reached its horizon and a new plan for future development was required that would be linked to the strategic Vision for the University and the Okanagan campus.
Developed in consultation with the UBC Okanagan campus community and approved in 2015, the UBC Okanagan Campus Plan (2015 Campus Plan) identifies how and where to manage future campus growth in a way that best supports the university's strategic plan and academic mission, and has guided the physical evolution of the campus over the last decade. The 2015 Campus Plan provided for a potential doubling of the 2012 campus population and academic and residential facilities, based on historical city, regional and university growth patterns.
The University of British Columbia’s Okanagan Campus aspires to be a centre for learning and innovation and produces global citizens through transformative personal growth and collaboration. Its people, places, and activities are linked by a shared commitment to fostering community, and supporting social and ecological well-being. Deeply connected to the landscape, the campus is an accessible, intimate, and welcoming environment – a catalyst for positive change. - 2015 Campus Plan Vision Statement
ⓘ Click the button below to read the UBC Okanagan Campus Plan.
Image: Okanagan Campus Plan cover page (left), illustrative plan of UBC Okanagan campus (right).
UBC Okanagan Outlook 2040.
In 2018, UBC's Board of Governors requested that university leadership offer a long-term academic vision for the Okanagan campus to inform future capital and resource needs for the campus. Okanagan Outlook 2040 (“Outlook 2040”) projects a 20-year view for the campus and identifies the steps needed to move the university towards even greater impact and service to the people and communities of British Columbia.
ⓘ Click the button below to read the UBC Okanagan Outlook 2040.
Image: students walking along the campus' East-West Promenade.
Planning at UBC Okanagan.
Development on the campus is subject to the City of Kelowna's bylaws, permits, and approval processes. UBC and the City have developed a collaborative working relationship on land use and planning issues.
For example, the City adopted site-specific zoning for the main UBC Okanagan campus to facilitate the university's anticipated growth. This zoning is consistent with the City of Kelowna's Official Community Plan (OCP) and permits a range of academic, research, residential, and supporting land uses essential to a university.
Further, most of the university's West Campus Lands are zoned to permit primarily agricultural use, and are located in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). Transport Canada retains a regulatory role given the campus' proximity to the Kelowna International Airport, to ensure compliance with the building height limitations imposed by the Kelowna Airport Zoning Regulations.
Image: campus street signs.
3. UBC Okanagan Campus Today
UBC’s Okanagan campus is an intimate learning community embracing bold new ways of thinking. We attract exceptional students and faculty who aim to change the world.
Image: students studying on campus.
An ongoing relationship with Okanagan Nation.
The university works with the Syilx Okanagan Nation in respectful acknowledgement of the Syilx Okanagan People’s stewardship of their territory for thousands of years. With UBC Okanagan’s Declaration of Truth and Reconciliation Commitments , the university has formally committed to supporting and implementing recommended actions towards reconciliation. UBC became the first North American university to commit to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) with the launch of the 2020 Indigenous Strategic Plan , taking a human rights-based approach to its Indigenous strategic framework.
ⓘ Click the button below to learn more about Indigenous Engagement at UBC Okanagan.
Image: Story Poles in the central courtyard by Syilx artist Les Louis.
Main Campus.
The Main Campus lands consist of academic, research and supporting land uses essential to a university. The 2015 Campus Plan identifies 11 campus places, each distinguished by unique features that support a range of opportunities for interaction, enjoyment and learning year round.
ⓘ Click the button below to read the 2015 Campus Plan.
West Campus Lands.
As UBC Okanagan continues to grow, the West Campus Lands have been identified as an area for land-based agricultural, ecological and Indigenous teaching and research, and the protection and enhancement of agricultural and unique ecological areas in alignment with Provincial ALR regulations and City zoning.
ⓘ Click the button below to read the UBC Okanagan West Campus Lands Conceptual Structure Plan.
Innovation Precinct.
The Innovation Precinct occupies the northeast quadrant of the campus and is intended to provide opportunities for research, innovation, collaboration and industry partnerships that support UBC Okanagan’s academic mission. The Campus Plan Update will explore and refine the vision in the 2018 Innovation Precinct Structure Plan.
ⓘ Click the button below to read the UBC Okanagan Innovation Precinct Structure Plan.
Innovation Precinct Concept Map
4. Demographics
UBC Okanagan welcomes up to 15,000 people to the campus each day. Made up of students from 115 countries and territories, and faculty and staff spanning areas of interest and expertise from the arts and social sciences, to engineering, health, management studies, and beyond.
Source: UBC Okanagan Campus Facts 2022 Image: students walking in The Commons building.
Spotlight on students.
12,000 total students
10,600 undergraduate students 1,400 graduate students
Source: UBC Okanagan Campus Facts 2022 Image: students studying on campus.
Spotlight on faculty, staff and alumni.
1,950 total faculty & staff
700 faculty 1,250 staff
Source: UBC Okanagan Campus Facts 2022 Image: UBC Okanagan staff member.
5. Academic Spaces
Teaching and learning on campus.
UBC’s faculty, staff, students and partners rely on the University’s academic spaces to teach, research, work, and learn on campus. These spaces provide opportunities to engage with peers, interact with the latest tools and technology, and generate new ideas.
UBC Okanagan's Infrastructure Development is responsible for the planning, development, renewal and renovation of campus facilities.
Image: students studying in the Engineering, Management and Education (EME) building.
Academic spaces on campus.
ⓘ Click the button below to view academic buildings on campus.
- Arts & Social Sciences
- Creative and Critical Studies
- Education
- Engineering
- Health and Social Development
- Management
- Science
- Medicine
- Graduate Studies
ⓘ Click the buttons below to explore the map of UBC Okanagan's academic spaces. Click on buildings to learn more about them.
Central Courtyard
University Commons
EME Amphitheatre
University Centre
Nechako Housing Commons
The Commons Building
Informal learning space at The Commons building
The Pond
Robert Lake
Source: UBC Facilities Planning 2023 (internal data)
6. Student Housing
Living on campus.
Over 2,100 students call the UBC Okanagan campus home. On-campus student housing supports students by making it more convenient to engage with on-campus academic and extracurricular activities, build community, and get to class.
Image: students walking through residence hallway.
Student housing on campus.
ⓘ Click the button below to view student residences on campus.
ⓘ Click the buttons below to explore the map of UBC Okanagan's student housing. Click on buildings to learn more about them.
Source: UBC Facilities Planning 2023 (internal data).
7. Services + Amenities
Thriving on campus.
The campus provides a range of services and amenities to meet the daily needs of its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. These include food, beverage and retail services, fitness facilities, child care services, and trails and open spaces.
Image: students at The Hangar fitness facility.
Services and amenities on campus.
ⓘ Click the buttons below to explore the map of UBC Okanagan's student housing. Click on the pins to learn more about them.
8. Connectivity + Transportation
Getting to campus.
Located at the north end of Kelowna, UBC Okanagan is adjacent to the busy Highway 97 corridor, has a transit exchange served by seven bus routes connected to the Kelowna and Vernon regional transit systems, and is directly connected to the Okanagan Rail Trail, providing an active transportation connection to downtown and beyond.
Source: 2022-23 Annual Sustainability Report Image: BC Transit bus at campus transit exchange.
Getting around campus.
Throughout the campus, walkability, safety and accessibility are prioritized. Pedestrian routes are being promoted and new pedestrian-only areas have been and continue to be created while auto-oriented activities have been moved to the edges of campus. Improving walkability, cycling and micromobility infrastructure help support a vibrant, socially sustainable campus.
Image: wayfinding signage on campus.
Transportation Plan.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) has developed a Transportation Plan for the Okanagan Campus to guide the planning, design and delivery of transportation services, programs and infrastructure for decades to come.
The Transportation Plan identifies actions that are central to UBC’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and respond to the climate emergency. Responding meaningfully to this emergency will require radical change and a dramatic shift in how people move to, from and around campus.
UBC Okanagan's Transportation Targets
- 55% of all trips to and from campus will be made by sustainable modes of transportation (walking, biking or transit) by 2040.
- Total annual GHG emissions associated with commuting will be reduced by 40% of 2013 levels
- 35% of all trips to and from campus will be by transit by 2040
- at least 20% of all trips to and from campus will be by active modes (biking and walking) by 2040
- Through 2040, total daily automobile traffic to and from campus will not exceed 14,000 vehicle trips per day.
- By 2040, at least 35% of all automobile trips to and from campus will be by carpooling, ridesharing and vanpooling.
ⓘ Click the button below to read the UBC Okanagan Transportation Plan.
Image: UBC Okanagan Transportation Plan cover page (left), map showing time to transit to/from campus (right).
9. Sustainability
Shaping a sustainable campus.
To achieve the campus' whole systems goals and Climate Action Plan 2030 targets, UBC Okanagan has policies and guidelines in place that guide sustainable practices, energy efficiency, waste reduction strategies, and environmental rehabilitation strategies across campus operations and construction projects. This includes UBC's Green Building Action Plan , UBC Okanagan's Institutional Green Building requirements , UBC's LEED Guide , UBC's Design Guidelines to clarify requirements for new buildings and major renovations on campus, and environmental assessments that guide best management practices for habitat and species protection.
Understanding that a sustainable campus extends beyond its infrastructure, UBC Okanagan has ongoing initiatives and engagement campaigns for community members, faculty, staff, and students to understand what actions and behavioral changes can be done to advance UBC's sustainability goals. UBC Okanagan continues to encourage its community and present opportunities to Get Involved and Take Action .
Image: students gathering in open spaces adjacent to student residence buildings.
Climate Action Plan 2030.
The UBC Okanagan Climate Action Plan 2030 establishes a course of action to accelerate the reduction of core operational emissions by 2030 and also identifies measures to reduce emissions from our day-to-day activities, including commuting, food, waste and business air travel.
UBC Okanagan's Sustainability Targets
- 65% operational GHG emission reduction below 2013 levels by 2030
- 40% reduction in commuting emissions from 2013 levels by 2030
- 50% less waste (per capita) compared to 2020, progressing to a zero waste community
ⓘ Click the button below to read the UBC Okanagan Climate Action Plan.
Source: 2022-23 Annual Sustainability Report Image: students walking through forested area on campus.
Whole Systems Infrastructure Plan and Rainwater Management Plan.
Whole Systems Thinking is a method to understand how things (elements and systems) are related, and how they influence one another within a whole. An example of systems thinking is how elements like water, sun, soil, air, plants, animals and human beings interact and support one another as a system.
In addition to its extensive, visible built environment, UBC Okanagan embraces a whole systems approach to infrastructure, aligning it with the unique connection between the campus and the surrounding landscape and ecology. This approach includes the responsible management of rainwater and sustainable accommodation for future campus growth that respects natural hydrological processes, safeguards existing environmental values, and manages associated risks.
ⓘ Click the buttons below to read the UBC Okanagan Whole Systems Infrastructure Plan and Rainwater Management Plan.
UBC Okanagan's Skeena Residence was designed utilizing a whole systems approach. It is the first Passive House Certified dormitory in Canada.
Image: Integrated rainwater management on campus (right).
End
Thank you for reading the UBC Okanagan Campus Profile, created by UBC Campus Planning. We are a team of planning, design, engagement, and community building specialists dedicated to building a vibrant and sustainable campus community. Learn more about who we are and what we're working on by visiting our website .
