Due to Lose Treasured Basketball Court, UBC Neighbours Seek Replacement of Equal Value
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Published by the University Neighbourhoods Association
Volume 12, Issue 3 MARCH 22, 2021
Due to Lose Treasured Basketball Court,
UBC Neighbours Seek Replacement of Equal Value
Empty patch of land has served as community basketball court for past decade;
UBC has decided it should be transitioned to new role on campus
John Tompkins
Editor
A search has started at UBC for a parcel
of land on which young residents may play
community basketball.
The patch on which they have done so for
the last decade is needed for something
else. UBC has plans for constructing a ‘hy-
drogen highway refuelling’ station at the
site just west of Thunderbird Parkade on
Thunderbird Boulevard.
The UNA has expressed concern about the
removal of what has become a vital com-
munity amenity – an important outdoor
gathering place that is used by residents
from across campus.
UNA Board and staff members have been
in discussions with UBC and have con-
firmed UBC’s commitment to:
• Ensure that construction of the hydrogen Popular outdoor basketball court to be replaced by Hydrogen Fuelling Station.
station will not commence until a relocated
court is in place and that there is no disrup-
tion to basketball court access; • Work with the UNA on this process in- the replacement court will include public Testbed, on Thunderbird Boulevard west of
• Ensure the replacement court provides a cluding site selection; engagement. the parkade and neighbouring skate park.
like-for-like outcome; • Ensure that the development permit for
In response, the UNA has stated it will con- The public phase of the Hydrogen High-
tinue to actively engage UBC on this mat- way project at UBC began February 1,
New Set of UNA Bylaws / ter and will update the community with any
further developments. Meanwhile, UBC is
2021 when a development permit applica-
tion was received from the UBC Clean En-
soliciting public comments regarding the ergy Research Centre group.
Constitution, More project on their website.
It continued February 11 when the appli-
Democracy in Boardroom UBC has also asked the public to please
note that the construction activity current-
cation was reviewed by the UBC Develop-
ment Review Committee.
ly taking place close to the Thunderbird
There will be no appointed vices to residents, representing the interests Parkade is an expansion of infrastructure A virtual public open house event was
of residents, and fostering stronger partner- to support electrical vehicle charging and hosted on February 25. Registrants were
Directors from now on, only
ships with the UBC Board of Governors will not disrupt access to the basketball invited to make a brief presentation by the
elected ones; the change has and the UBC academic community. court. project architect followed by a question
been years in the making and answer period with the applicant team
The new Bylaws and Constitution were ap- The UBC proposal for which a Develop- and UBC Campus and Community Plan-
proved by members at a Special General ment Permit is sought is referred to as a hy- ning staff. The public was then given until
The University Neighbourhoods Associa- Meeting held on September 30, 2020. Un- drogen generating and refueling station, part March 4 to provide comments.
tion (UNA) has announced that its new set foreseen complications with insurance cov- of the UBC Clean Energy Research Centre:
of Bylaws and Constitution have been filed erage delayed the filing and operationaliza- Clean, Connected and Safe Transportation BASKETBALL continued on Page 3.
with the Province and are now in effect. tion of the Bylaws. This issue has not been
fully resolved. However, UBC has agreed
A key highlight of the new Bylaws in- to take a proactive role, alongside the UNA,
cludes provisions for more democratic in dealing with this challenging issue. In the
governance, with a fully elected Board of meantime, UBC has agreed that the UNA
Directors and the transition of UBC-ap- could file the amended Bylaws while they
pointed Directors to non-voting observer- work together to resolve the issue.
participants. A separate Agreement was
created with the UBC Alma Mater Society The UNA and UBC have also finalized the
(AMS) that allows them to designate an Neighbours Agreement 2020 to update the
AMS member to attend and participate in previous agreement from 2015. Changes to
Board meetings. the Neighbours Agreement were made con-
currently to align it with the new Bylaws and
Key highlights of the new Constitution in- Constitution.
clude provisions that address the UNA’s
purpose of providing municipal-like ser- BYLAWS continued on Page 4. Hydrogen Fueling Station information signage outside basketball court fencing.
page 2 THE CAMPUS RESIDENT MARCH 22, 2021
Prod and Eleanor Laquian of Hampton Place
Celebrate 58 Years of Productive Partnership - Part 1
Professor Aprodicio “Prod” Laquian vice contributed to the impeachment and
has an illustrious international career as political demise of President Estrada.
academic, writer, and public servant. His
wife Eleanor del Rio-Laquian has a col- In retirement Prod continued interna-
orful career as international civil servant, tional consulting on metropolitan devel-
investigative journalist, editor, author, re- opment planning for the World Bank and
searcher, administrator, and activist com- the Asian Development Bank. He has in-
munity organizer. ternational recognition and reputation as
one of the world’s top researcher-practi-
They have been married over 58 years and tioners in the integrated fields of compre-
lived 28 of them (1993 to date) in Hamp- hensive city and regional planning, local
ton Place where Prod was an elected di- government reforms, and effects of popu-
rector and chair of the UNA Board of Di- lation policies and programs on people’s
rectors from 2008 to 2012. Eleanor was lives.
a critic of the UNA in its early years. In
2011 she organized the first protest group Eleanor became interested in immigration
in Hampton Place, Residents for Change, after hearing about racial discrimination
to address residents concerns and pri- from Filipino immigrants in Toronto. In
orities. In 2012 her group became OUR 1969 she conducted the first nationwide
(Organization for U-Town Residents) survey of Filipino immigrants in Canada
when Richard Alexander, John Dickin- for her MA in Public Administration
son, Sheldon Nathanson, and Claire Rob- thesis, published in 1973 by the United
son from other housing areas joined her Council of Filipinos in Canada as A Study
as co-founders (The Campus Resident, of Filipino Immigrants in Canada, 1962-
July 16, 2012). With its slogan “OUR Prod and Eleanor Laquian at a book signing in 2014. 1972. In 1985 she wrote the entry “Fili-
town, OUR Voice” OUR campaigned for pinos in Canada” in The Canadian En-
three candidates for the UNA board that cyclopedia (Hurtig Publishers, Alberta).
year, who won to champion OUR goals postings, Eleanor learned the language of York Times then and was at Tianan-
at the UNA. every country where they lived for more men daily interviewing students day and Barely 20 after college, Eleanor’s first job
than two years. She spoke fluent Thai, night. Around midnight shortly before was as information writer for the United
Prod and Eleanor have authored 20 books Swahili, Fijian and Mandarin Chinese. the tanks rolled onto Beijing on June 4, Nations Food and Agriculture Organi-
and published many journal articles on They moved household 27 times in their she and other Western journalists were zation (FAO) in Bangkok, then at the
rural-urban migration, Filipino immigra- marriage. taking pictures from the rooftop of a gov- UN Information Center (UNIC) in Ma-
tion, Philippine politics, slum upgrading, ernment hotel overlooking Tiananmen nila and the World Health Organization
provision of housing and basic services to Prod’s first project in Canada was on ru- Square. (WHO) Regional Office for Asia and the
the urban poor, and the planning and gov- ral-urban migration in eight cities (Band- Far East.
ernance of mega cities and Asia’s mega ung, Indonesia; Caracas, Venezuela; When it was time for Prod to return to
urban regions. Ibadan, Nigeria; Istanbul, Turkey; Kuala New York as head of UNPF Evaluation While Prod was in China for the UNPF
Lumpur, Malaysia; Lima, Peru; Manila, Division, the Chinese farewell ceremo- (1984-1990), Eleanor was researcher and
Prod has a BA in public administration, Philippines; and Seoul, Korea). nies in his honor were held at the Great bureau manager for the New York Times
cum laude, from the University of the Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square. Beijing bureau working with Pulitzer
Philippines (1959) and a Ph.D. in political In 1977 he and Eleanor were sent by (Not the usual place for a departing UN awardees Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl
science, major in urban studies from MIT IDRC to Nairobi, Kenya as “circuit rid- official, but the head of China’s Family WuDunn and China hands John Burns
(1965) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ers” to recruit graduate students to be Planning Commission said China was and Edward Gargan.
trained in social science research. They thankful because about 24 million births
Eleanor has a BA in journalism and lit- covered nine countries (Ethiopia, Ugan- were averted in the six years that Prod From 1991 to 2000, Eleanor was re-
erature from Maryknoll College, an MA da, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, managed the UNPF program). searcher and manager for administration
degree in public administration from the Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland). Prod and programs at UBC Institute of Asian
University of the Philippines, and did taught research methods to graduate stu- Prod retired from UBC in 2000 as Profes- Research. As primary researcher of the
postgraduate studies at the School of dents at the University of Nairobi. sor Emeritus of community and regional Institute’s Asian Immigration Project,
Public Communications, Boston Univer- planning after being a tenured professor she organized, secured funding, and
sity, Massachusetts. Prod covered the most number of coun- for 10 years and Director of the UBC managed the international conference on
tries in a single posting as the UN Popu- Centre for Human Settlements (1991- Asian Immigration and Racism in 1998.
Prod and Eleanor started their global lation Fund regional representative for 2000). She wrote a chapter for the resulting
careers in 1971 with the International the South Pacific based in Suva, Fiji. The book, Asian Immigration and Racism in
Development Research Centre, a crown region, stretching from Palau to Ameri- In January 2000 he became Philippine Canada, which she edited with Prod and
corporation established by Lester Pear- can Samoa, included the Federated States President Joseph Estrada’s Chief of Staff Professor Terry McGee.
son, Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Maurice of Micronesia (Yap, Ponape, Truk. Kos- and Eleanor was Presidential Media Ad-
Strong in Ottawa and headed by W. Da- rae), New Caledonia, Vanuatu, The Mar- viser. Soon they realized that doing their Eleanor retired from UBC in 2000 but con-
vid Hopper. In 10 years, their IDRC jobs shall Islands, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, jobs was like swimming with crocodiles. tinued her volunteer work with the Com-
took them to more than 100 countries in Nauru, Tuvalu, Tonga, and Samoa. After According to local and international me- mittee for Domestic Workers and Care-
Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle two years in this Pacific paradise, UNPF dia, their early departure from public ser- givers Rights as a passionate advocate for
East and Europe. During their foreign moved Prod to the world’s most populous social justice. She wrote funding proposals
country–China–with its 1.3 billion popu- and organized the “Singing Nannies” as a
lation. fundraiser, with herself as guitarist.
From 1984 to 1990 Prod was the Coun- From 2016 to date, she is the editor of
try Director of the UN Population Fund CanadianFilipino.Net, where she ad-
for China with concurrent responsibility vocates for marginalized Filipino im-
for Outer Mongolia and North Korea. His migrants. CFNet is the only nationwide
$14 million annual budget improved Chi- twice-a-month online news magazine for,
na’s contraceptive factories and family and about, Filipinos in Canada. It had
planning programs to minimize abortions over 4.5 million hits on its 4th year of
under China’s one child policy. He taught publication last year.
research methods to graduate students as
honorary professor at Peking University. The Laquians immigrated to Toronto in
1969 because they found midtown Man-
Prod and Eleanor witnessed China’s hattan not ideal for raising their children
rapid modernization from 1984 when it George, 5 and Helen, 3. Due to their for-
was just emerging from the ravages of eign postings, they became Canadian citi-
famine and the Cultural Revolution un- zens only in 1983.
til the Tiananmen student revolt in 1989.
The Battle of Beijing was memorable for Please turn to Page 8 to read
Eleanor because she was with the New Part 2 of this story.
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT MARCH 22, 2021 page 3
Editor & Business Manager
John Tompkins
Email: CampusResident@myuna.ca
Tel: 604-827-3502
Design Production
Rebecca Ind
Published monthly by the University Neighbourhoods Association Email: Rebecca.Ind@myuna.ca
#202-5923 Berton Avenue, Vancouver BC, V6S 0B3
Saving Mid-Campus Basketball Court at UBC
Thunderbird Boulevard basketball coincidence of social media interventions, the original ballcourt was not as ‘profes- This all took place under cover of a pan-
court is one-of-a-kind community where students and residents called out the sional’ as the one we eventually got on demic. None of the planning documents
planners and reminded them of the history Thunderbird, it was to be an undersized made any significant reference to the
amenity on campus; it is under behind this special basketball court. child friendly installation. Consequently, hard work that went into establishing that
threat of demolition no ballpark was included in the final Com- ballcourt. Nor was there any recognition
The basketball court goes back to before munity Centre design that was built. But of how over the years that ballcourt has
Charles Menzies the UNA’s Old Barn Community Centre we did eventually get a ballcourt. been a central gathering spot enhancing
UBC Professor of Anthropology was built. The original plan included a and contributing to community well be-
basketball court in front of the commu- A group of community youth, including ing.
and former UBC Governor nity centre. Right where that court would my sons (who were in elementary school
have been is a popular children’s play- at the time), organized a children’s peti- By accident, a confluence of UNA resi-
ground. tion. They lobbied hard to have a ballpark dents and students came together on social
established. They attended public meet- media to bring attention to the coming
There is an outdoor basketball court on I was one of the community members on ings, lobbied, and at the end of the day an destruction of the ballcourt. Within a few
Thunderbird Boulevard, just a bit east of the planning committee along with folks arrangement was made to create a ballpark days of the one and only public hearing
East Mall. It’s a well used court that brings from UBC Recreation, UBC Planning, across the street from the arena and Os- on the issue, a group of people were able
members of the university community to- and UBC Properties Trust (UBCPT). borne where it is currently located. The to gather and argue for the keeping of the
gether in ways that few social amenities use of the ballcourt was even included into ballcourt. Sadly, the current court will still
do. This future of the court is, however, The head of UBCPT, along with other se- the storied Neighbours’ Agreement that be destroyed by the hydrogen gas station.
up in the air. A private business/univer- nior development and community folks, regulates the relationship between UBC But, we actually did get a public commit-
sity partnership plans to build a hydrogen took issue with “ghetto blasters and loiter- and the UNA. ment that a UNA acceptable replacement
gas station on top of the community bas- ing youth.” They strongly opposed there space will be found and that the old court
ketball court. They would have done this being any kind of ball court near the Old The years pass and by accident we found will not be destroyed until the replacement
without much trouble except for a happy Barn Community Centre. For reference, out the ballcourt was to be torn down. court is up and running.
BASKETBALL continued from Page 1. (Menzies), drew attention to this issue and
the UNA raised it directly with Campus &
At its website, Campus and Community Community Planning. As a result, the proj-
Planning states it will work closely with the ect website was altered to state that UBC is
project team and the UNA to find an appro- committed to working with the UNA on this
priate location for this “valued community matter. The website message is premised on
amenity”. Siting options are “already be- being able to find another site that is accept-
ing identified and technically assessed for able to the UNA and the community.”
viability.” A development permit will be
required for the new location and “commu- Mr. Holmes stated his position as follows: if a
nity consultation will be an important part site acceptable to the UNA is not found, UBC
of selecting the new site.” cannot proceed with locating the hydrogen
facility on the basketball court without the
Several residents have spoken openly about UNA’s consent. Were UBC to do so, it would Development Permit Application outside basketball court fencing.
the controversial basketball issue, Bill be in breach of the Neighbours’ Agreement.
Holmes, a UNA director among them. said, “I am happy to learn that there will munity planning, said, “Thank you for rais-
Eagle Glassheim, Acting President of the finally be a consideration of the basketball ing this issue.
Mr. Holmes cites Schedule F of the Neigh- University Faculty and Staff Tenants As- court.
bours’ Agreement 2015 (the agreement sociation (UFASTA) and a Professor of “You are correct that we need to clearly
between UBC and the UNA) which con- History at UBC, said, “I agree with Charles “However, it would seem fair and consid- explain the intention to replace the basket-
tains the following provision in Schedule on the need for a clear plan to relocate the erate to community interests to pause the ball court as part of the project scope for the
F: Residents will have long-term enhanced basketball court as part of the process for gas station development until there is clar- new Hydrogen Fueling Station, and will be
access to the following existing university considering the hydrogen fueling station. ity on the basketball court. updating the information on the website.
facilities (‘basic facilities’): The basketball court is an important and
• UBC Aquatic Centre Pool and Empire well-used community resource. “Furthermore, destruction of the basketball “Campus and Community Planning is com-
Pool (or replacement) court should not proceed until construction mitted to finding an alternate location for the
• Thunderbird Winter Sports Centre Rink “The court draws local residents from on the new one (or better relocation of the court and will work closely with the UNA
(or replacement) the Hawthorn Place neighbourhood, high hydrogen project) commences. to find an appropriate location for this val-
• Thunderbird Fields (1 field dedicated for school students from several UBC neigh- ued community amenity. Siting options are
community usage) bourhoods, staff from the hospital and “I totally appreciate the excitement of your already being identified. A Development
• Tennis Centre Outdoor Tennis Courts (or health science facilities, and UBC students. team in getting up and running a show- Permit will be required for the new location
replacement) Basketball is healthy, and the shared enjoy- case project to boast impact of ongoing and community consultation will be an im-
• Gymnasium space (Osborne Centre) ment by so many groups from our overlap- research. That said, the failure to adequate portant part of selecting the new site.
• Outdoor Basketball Court – Thunderbird ping communities is invaluable. account for community engagement and
Boulevard & Health Sciences Mall. the historical process that put the basketball “We will update the Hydrogen Fueling Sta-
“How about putting the court (or the fuel- court where it is in the first place is not as tion project website to reference the com-
Mr. Holmes said, “Notwithstanding UBC’s ing station) somewhere in the space oc- understandable. mitment to locating the court and that there
obligation under this provision, UBC has cupied by the parking lot between East will be a future process inviting the com-
not consulted with the UNA. Nor was it ap- Mall and Health Sciences Mall, north of “I look forward to observing in practice the munity to participate.
parent from the proposal documents what Thunderbird? Regardless, the plans and engagement principles that Michael (White)
UBC’s intention was with respect to replac- consultation process for the fueling station introduced at the start of his tenure as associ- “Thank you again for emphasizing the im-
ing the basketball court, other than a brief are incomplete without full details on the ate vice-president with this project.” portance of this basketball amenity to the
statement buried in a lengthy document. relocation of the basketball court.” community and apologize for not being
In response, Karen Russell, manager, UBC clear in our communications about the in-
“Community members, including Charles A former UBC Governor, Mr. Menzies development services, campus and com- tention to replace it.”
page 4 THE CAMPUS RESIDENT MARCH 22, 2021
Gloom Gives Way to Hope As Vaccines Roll Out at UBC
Happy news related to vaccines; ment, this will not be a typical Zoom town there are families with health issues who do
end of pandemic hopefully in sight hall with an active chat window. not want more face to face instruction; this is
not to denigrate anyone or eliminate options
Instead, participants will be encouraged to for those with special circumstances.
share their own stories and feedback via a
monitored e-mail address throughout the “We are solely focused on getting more in-
“Hope all is well with you” says David Eby, event. struction time and a focus on youth connec-
MLA for Vancouver Point Grey and Attor- tion and mental health for those who want
ney General for British Columbia. “My colleagues and I recognize both that a and need it.”
lot of dedicated teachers are working very
“Our family is home from Port McNeill hard to make this system work and have Please view B.C.’s COVID-19
(Vancouver Island) and happy to be back been doing so many long months, and that Immunization Plan on Pages 6 and 7.
on familiar turf, even if we’re still restricted
from seeing everyone we’d like to see.”
David Eby and family.
Addressing constituents in his monthly
newsletter, Mr. Eby was especially upbeat.
Jubilation in UNA Boardroom
As New UNA Bylaws /
“We have some happy news related to vac- vaccine which is recommended for use for
cines in the province – the schedule for all front-line worker vaccination and work on
adults to have their first vaccination has been planning for distribution of these doses is
moved up to July. well underway at the Ministry of Health in
partnership with the Public Health Officer.
Constitution Become Operative
“If you’re like me, the beginning of the end
of COVID is hopefully finally in sight and I In other COVID-related news, Mr. Eby said Documents were filed March 18 be decisive. In the meantime, UBC agreed
that the UNA could file the amended bylaws
couldn’t be happier about this news. his office has been overwhelmed by corre- in the office of the Registrar of
spondence from concerned high school par- although its insurance coverage remains un-
Companies; local history was settled.”
A recent decision to move to a four month ents worried that their children are suffering
interval between vaccination doses is sup- ill effects from attending high school for as
therein made
ported by public health officers across Can- little as an hour and a half a day, while chil- Neighbours’ Agreement 2020 which spells
ada and the Canadian National Advisory dren at all other school boards in the province out the relationship between UBC and the
Committee on Immunization, and is part of are receiving 75% of their typical instruction UNA, also came into effect March 18.
the reason for the revised schedule. time while following safety protocols that Directors of the University Neighbourhoods
have been proven effective. Association were in high spirits Thursday “Another often delayed objective attained.
“When you get a vaccine will depend on pri- March 18, 2021. That said, before the ink on the Agree-
oritization set on the basis of public health “With my MLA colleagues from across ment had dried, the UNA and UBC agreed
evidence about vulnerability and outbreak Vancouver, we are hosting a zoom forum so They had learned that after years of effort on that NA2020 would be amended, this time
vectors (people in jobs or situations that may that these parents can share their very sensi- their part (and the part of others), the UNA to harmonise the insurance provisions in
cause them to spread COVID or be particu- tive stories with you, with us, and hopefully was operating under a new constitution and NA2020 with whatever insurance is ulti-
larly vulnerable to COVID) led by Dr. Henry with Vancouver School Board trustees.” set of bylaws. Directors past and present re- mately put in place.
and our outstanding public health team. ceived the news by way of a letter from fel-
In order to ensure the comfort of these fami- low Director Terry Mullen. “I think we are all pleased that, what started
The province also recently received news of lies in sharing these very personal stories in as a walk around the park and ended as a
70,000 additional doses of the AstraZenica what has become quite a polarized environ- Mr. Mullen played a major role in the project marathon, has finally crossed the finish line.
to have the constitution amended. In his letter,
he said, “To all the persons who gave of their “The bylaws and the constitution represent a
time and wisdom to amending the bylaws and significant improvement over where we be-
constitution, I am pleased to send you certi- gan, particularly with respect to governance.
2021 fied copies of these documents. They were
S P R I NG / filed today in the office of the Registrar of “I am confident that the Board, comprised of
Companies. The bylaws and constitution are UNA members elected by UNA members,
S U MM E R
now official and operational.” will be more effective in serving the needs
of the residents and more responsive to the
Perhaps the key way that new UNA Boards voice of the residents. I think it is notewor-
of Directors will vary from old ones is in the thy that we have achieved our governance
matter of Board composition. Old Boards goals without losing the valuable opinions
PROGRAM offered seats to two appointees from UBC
and one seat to the Alma Mater Society as
and knowledge that the non-voting UBC
Members bring to the Board.
GUIDE well as elected representatives. New Boards
will seat only elected representatives. “Perhaps I should not tell you, but I will
anyway: a committee has been established
Despite this good news, Mr. Mullen said to consider further amendments to the by-
work needed to be done on the file. laws and an extensive rewrite of parts of the
Neighbours’ Agreement 2020. Perhaps this
The Old Barn & Wesbrook In his letter, Mr. Mullen writes, “The mat- process will never end.”
Community Centres ter which has held up filing the bylaws since
the September 30th, 2020 Special General Mr. Mullen concludes his note in upbeat
Meeting - obtaining insurance for the UNA manner, “At this time there remains only
- has not been resolved but UBC agreed to one outstanding matter… the need for a pan-
take a proactive role, alongside the UNA, in demic-appropriate party to celebrate reach-
ONLINE NOW! dealing with this challenging issue. ing this milestone. I would be delighted were
one or more persons to volunteer to create
“Insurers have become cautious over the such an event.
past year and are increasingly risk averse.
We hope that the impact UBC will have in “Warm regards and whole-hearted thanks,
discussions with brokers and insurers will to all of you.”
myuna.ca/recreation BYLAWS continued from Page 1. that the best interests of UNA residents are
kept in the forefront.
The UNA Board would like to send their
sincerest thanks to everyone who was in- “It’s been a long journey and I’m thankful to
UNIVERSITY volved in this process. The significant im- finally have a clearer governance picture in
NEIGHBOURHOODS
ASSOCIATION provements to the Bylaws and Constitution place,” said UNA Chair Richard Watson. “It
have come about due to many years of care- brings hope for the future.”
ful consideration and consultation to ensure
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT MARCH 22, 2021 page 5
Letter from UBC President
Looking Towards A Post-Pandemic Future
Just over a year ago, the World Health I am proud of how the UBC community ad- officers, to accommodate more on-campus
Organization declared the outbreak of the justed to the restrictions imposed during the activities. This includes transit planning;
COVID-19 a pandemic and B.C.’s provin- pandemic. Despite the challenges, classes quarantine arrangements for international
cial health officer declared a public health were still taught, research was still under- students (if required); options for on-site
emergency. taken, and graduates received their degrees. immunization; and the availability of study
It wasn’t easy, but we pulled through, and I spaces.
In the past 12 months, COVID-19 has had thank everyone for their patience and their
a profound impact on all of us, on individu- perseverance. For Summer Session, Term 1 (May – June
als, on cities, provinces and nations, and on 2021) and Term 2 (July – Aug 2021), for
institutions, including, of course, UBC. But now, with vaccinations well underway, most courses, remote instruction will re-
we can start looking towards a post-pan- main in place. However, additional oppor-
Students, faculty and staff stayed home. demic future. However, it is important to tunities to expand in-person instruction will
Most classes became virtual. Milestone stress that the health and wellbeing of our be considered, where it is safe to do so.
events such as graduation and homecoming UBC community remain our first priority.
also went virtual. Many of our public venues Although the majority of courses in Sum-
closed their doors. The Point Grey campus As such, we are embarking on further plan- mer Session will be taught through remote
itself was much less busy than usual. ning, in collaboration with public health instruction, we anticipate that it may be
possible to expand the number of in-person
courses, in a measured way. Faculties and
Schools will determine further opportuni- Professor Santa J. Ono.
ties for in-person instruction – taking into Photo credit Paul Joseph, UBC.
consideration factors such as academic
rationale and public health requirements.
Specific updates will be provided by Fac- Updates regarding the Fall course sched-
ulties and Schools, ahead of the student ule and various orientation activities will
registration period for the 2021 Summer be provided in the coming weeks. We will
Session. also provide specific information regarding
student housing and course registration as
For Winter Session, which starts in the we approach housing allocation and regis-
Fall, we are looking forward to resuming tration periods.
on-campus activity, based on the advice
of Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie As we work towards more in-person ac-
Henry. tivity, we will support our community in
maintaining the preventive practices of
daily health self-assessment; hand hygiene;
wearing non-medical masks; early detec-
tion and testing; and isolation, when indi-
cated — the public health and social mea-
sures that we have all become familiar with
and responsible for over this past year.
We will keep you informed as planning
progresses. In the meantime, you are en-
couraged to visit covid19.ubc.ca for gener-
al updates as they become available. I look
forward to seeing you on campus someday
soon. In the meantime, stay safe.
Best wishes,
Photo credits UBC Brand Santa J. Ono
and Marketing. President and Vice-Chancellor
Harassed Wesbrook Residents UNA Board Briefs
Report Big Drop in Noise Level Outdoor Tennis Court during the following times.
• Mondays & Thursdays: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
High-pitched noise is heard day investigating the source of this noise and The outdoor tennis court located adjacent to
• Tuesdays & Fridays: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
have worked closely with the UBC compli- the UBC Tennis Centre off of East Mall is set
and night; investigation remains to open for public use as of April 1st, 2021.
• Saturdays: 10:00am – 12:00pm
ance office. The most recent details in this
under way investigation are as follows: The court is bookable 24 hours in advance
Signage will be updated to include the hours
• a building has submitted a request and ex- and is free for UNA residents and surround-
above and remind all users about the neces-
pects to perform preventative maintenance ing community members to use. Bookings
sary precautions needed to facilitate track
The UNA has received reports from resi- in March to address the underground intake can be made at the following link recreation.
and field activities safely.
dents in Hampton Place and Wesbrook noise issue. ubc.ca/tennis/court-booking. UNA residents
Place that the irregular high-pitched noise • a second building has repaired the boiler, need to have created a UBC Recreation pro- New Charging Station
which has been disturbing them during and a mechanical technician will be on- file prior to booking the court. If your UNA
The new Level 2 EV charging station in
daytime and nighttime hours has subsided site to perform preventative maintenance status has not been previously verified by
Wesbrook Place was developed in partner-
significantly over the past month. in March. In March also, UNA staff will UBC Athletics and Recreation then this will
ship with UBC Campus and Community
follow up and review the most up to date involve sending a photo of your UNA card to
Planning, UBC Properties Trust, and the
One resident—a UNA Board member—re- maintenance records. UBC Tennis Centre so that the client profiles
UNA. Campus and Community Planning
ported hearing no noise at all in this period. • In October 2021, UNA staff will follow can be linked.
was successful in securing funding from
“It’s stopped,” he said at the March 19 vir- up and review quarterly maintenance re- the Federal Zero Emission Vehicle Infra-
tual Board meeting. However, the cause of cords prior to winter season as preventative Rashpal Dhillon Track and Field Oval
structure Program to establish a Level 2 EV
the noise—which is being investigated— is measures. The UBC Athletics and Recreation program charging station in Wesbrook Place. The
still undetermined. • The UNA will continue to monitor the would like to remind community members station will have room to support an electric
high pitch noise situation later in winter that the UBC Track and Field Team has ex- Modo car share vehicle as well as room for
The UNA has taken several actions into 2021. clusive access of the track and field facility charging privately owned vehicles.
page 6 THE CAMPUS RESIDENT MARCH 22, 2021
B.C.’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan is designed to save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19.
This information is taken from gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/plan and is updated frequently.
It is subject to change, based on vaccine availability and the latest COVID-19 data. Last updated March 18, 2021.
Front-line Priority Workers Immunization in B.C.
Starting in April, front-line priority work- • Manufacturing workers Cost ethically to people in B.C. following na-
ers can receive their first dose of the As- • Wholesale/warehousing employees tional ethical frameworks and BCCDC’s
traZeneca/SII COVISHIELD (AZ/SII) • Staff living in congregate housing at The COVID-19 vaccine is free for every- COVID-19 Ethical Decision-Making
vaccine. places like ski hills one living in B.C. who is eligible to re- Framework.
• Correctional facilities staff ceive it.
Front-line priority workers identified by • Cross-border transport staff Progress to date
the COVID-19 Workplace Task Group • Sectors or settings prioritized due to out- Ethical approach
and public health include: break response (currently happening) The BCCDC COVID-19 dashboard is
B.C. is committed to an ethical approach updated regularly with B.C.’s progress on
• First responders (police, firefighters, If you are a front-line priority worker, to immunization phases. The COVID-19 vaccine dosage.
emergency transport) do not call your local health authority. vaccine will be distributed equitably and
• K to 12 educational staff
• Child care staff All AstraZeneca/SII COVISHIELD (AZ/
• Grocery store workers SII) vaccine appointments will be orga-
• Postal workers
• Bylaw and quarantine officers
nized by employers. Appointment infor-
mation will be communicated clearly and
Immunization Phases
directly to each sector and employer.
Vaccines in Canada
The COVID-19 vaccine is saving lives. Safety
Vaccines do more than protect the people
getting vaccinated, they also protect ev- Health Canada has conducted a rigorous
eryone around them. The more people in a scientific review of the available medical
community who are immunized and pro- evidence to assess the safety of the ap-
tected from COVID-19, the harder it is for proved COVID-19 vaccines. Feeling wor-
COVID-19 to spread. ried or unsure is completely normal when B.C.’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan and the public health leadership commit-
something is new. happens in four phases. tee. NACI recommends certain popula-
The best source of COVID-19 vaccine tions receive prioritization for early CO-
information is the BC Centre for Disease • No major safety concerns have been Eligibility for all phases is based on the VID-19 vaccination.
Control (BCCDC). identified in the data Health Canada re- age you are turning in 2021.
viewed Vaccine choice
Approved vaccines • We can be reassured that Health Cana- The phased approach is based on expert
da has a thorough approval process that advice and guidance from the National All COVID-19 vaccines in Canada are ef-
The COVID-19 vaccines that have been makes sure the vaccines and medicines Advisory Committee on Immunization fective and are safe and the best vaccine is
approved by Health Canada are safe, ef- we take are safe (NACI), B.C.’s Immunization Committee the one available to you first.
fective and will save lives. To date, four
vaccines have been approved for use by Supply
Health Canada.
Learn about the Pfizer vaccine, the Mod-
Vaccine supply is distributed by the Gov-
ernment of Canada and B.C. receives an
Phase 1 and Phase 2:
erna vaccine, the AstraZeneca vaccine,
and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at
allocated number of doses of vaccine on a
weekly basis. The allocated amount is ex-
High-risk population immunization
www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/ pected to increase throughout 2021.
drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/ The focus of Phase 1 and Phase 2 is protecting those
drugs-vaccines-treatments/vaccines.html
most vulnerable to severe illness first.
Reminder:
Provincial Health Officer (PHO) orders
and guidelines remain in place for Timeline: December 2020 to February 2021
everyone, regardless if they have • Residents and staff of long-term care fa- ties and assisted living residences
cilities • Hospital health care workers who may
received the vaccine. • Individuals assessed for and awaiting provide care for COVID-19 patients in set-
long-term care tings like Intensive Care Units, emergency
departments, paramedics, medical units
Visit www.gov.bc.ca for up to date details. • Residents and staff of assisted living resi-
dences and surgical units
• Essential visitors to long-term care facili- • Remote and isolated Indigenous commu-
nities
THE CAMPUS RESIDENT MARCH 22, 2021 page 7
Phase 3 and Phase 4:
General Population Immunization
Vaccines in Phase 3 and Phase 4 will primarily be
distributed in five year age increments. Monthly
(Current phase) breakdowns for dose one (D1) are estimates and may
change based on vaccine availability.
Timeline: February to April 2021
Public health immunization clinics Priority groups (no call-in required) Second doses will be administered approximately
(call-in required starting March 8) 16 weeks after dose one.
• Hospital staff, community general prac-
• Seniors born in 1941 or earlier not immu- titioners (GPs) and medical specialists not
nized in Phase 1 immunized in Phase 1
• Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and In- • Vulnerable populations living and work-
uit) peoples born in 1956 or earlier, Elders ing in select congregated settings
and additional Indigenous communities not • Staff in community home support and
immunized in Phase 1 nursing services
Moving Between Phases Timeline: April to June 2021
People aged 79 to 60, in five year incre- • 64 to 60 (D1 April/May)
The timeline for B.C.’s COVID-19 Im- opportunity to get it in 2021. ments: • Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit)
munization Plan is dependent on vaccine • 79 to 75 (D1 April) peoples aged 64 to 18 (D1 April)
supply and availability. The federal govern- You will not miss your chance to the get the • 74 to 70 (D1 April) • People aged 69 to 16 who are clinically ex-
ment is working to obtain as much vaccine vaccine when a new phase starts. Once you • 69 to 65 (D1 April) tremely vulnerable (D1 March/April)
as possible to distribute to provinces and become eligible, you are always eligible.
territories. For example:
It’s important to understand the timeline If you are in Phase 2, you can get the vac-
for each phase may change due to vaccine cine in Phase 3 or Phase 4
availability. All people in B.C. recom- If you are in Phase 3, you can get the vac-
mended to receive the vaccine will have the cine in Phase 4
Timeline: July to September 2021
People aged 59 to 18, in five year incre- • 39 to 35 (D1 July/August, D2 August/
ments: September)
• 59 to 55 (D1 July, D2 August) • 34 to 30 (D1 August, D2 September)
• 54 to 50 (D1 July, D2 August) • 29 to 25 (D1 August/September, D2 Sep-
• 49 to 45 (D1 July, D2 August) tember)
• 44 to 40 (D1 July, D2 August) • 24 to 18 (D1 and D2 September)
Register to get Immunized Proof of Immunization
You will have the option to receive a paper cessible to you, public health and your doctor.
preferred method of communication. This and digital copy of your immunization re-
Immunization clinics
is how we will contact you to book a vac- cord card. We recommend registering for Example of a paper immunization record
cine appointment. Health Gateway, where your digital immu- card:
Immunization clinics are being organized
nization record card will be available only
in 172 communities in B.C. and will be
Registration opens in April. No action is after you receive the vaccine.
overseen by your local health authority.
Immunization clinics details will be avail- required yet and no one will be able to
book their appointment before the regis- Note: Health Gateway is not a source of
able before Phase 3 of B.C.’s Immuniza-
tration system is launched. vaccine or immunization information.
tion Plan.
Step 2: Book an appointment Your immunization record will be also be
The clinics will be held at large centres
When you are contacted to book a vaccine stored in the online provincial database, ac-
including:
• School gymnasiums appointment, you will be asked to:
• Arenas • Complete a pre-screening
• Convention halls
• Community halls
• Select a location, date and time
Community Immunity
You will be able to make your appoint-
ment online or by phone. Vaccines do more than protect you from • Number of people immunized and level
Mobile clinics will be available for some of community immunity
COVID-19, they also protect everyone
rural communities and for people who are • Number of COVID-19 cases in the province
Step 3: Appointment day around you. The more people in a com-
homebound due to mobility issues. • Health care system capacity
Come prepared to your appointment and munity who are immunized against CO-
arrive a few minutes before your sched- VID-19, the harder it is for the virus to
How to get immunized in Phase 3 spread. Layers of protection
uled time. At the immunization clinic you
and Phase 4 will:
• Complete a check-in process Community (herd) immunity could be Going back to normal life will take time.
The process to get immunized will happen • Get your vaccine dose reached when a large majority of people Even if you have received the vaccine, you
in three steps. • Wait in an observation area for about 15 in B.C. are immunized against COV- must follow provincial health orders and
minutes ID-19. When you choose to be vaccinated protect others by:
Step 1: Registration against COVID-19, you are helping save • Washing your hands
British Columbians in Phase 3 and 4 will lives by protecting your household and • Staying home when sick and getting test-
register through HealthConnect, a simple
Getting the second dose
your entire community from the virus. ed
online registration system, or by phone. • Keeping a safe distance from others
People who get their first vaccine dose
will be notified by email, text or phone Lifting restrictions • Wearing a mask in public indoor spaces
Registration will help us book appoint-
call when they are eligible to book an ap-
ments quickly and easily. When it’s time Lifting current restrictions will be based on Together, we can keep each other safe.
pointment for their second dose.
for you to register, you will select your many factors, including:
page 8 THE CAMPUS RESIDENT MARCH 22, 2021
Prod and Eleanor Laquian of Hampton Place
Celebrate 58 Years of Productive Partnership - Part 2
After Prod and Eleanor’s political misad- usually started outside their door. The
venture in the Philippines with President demos began with “No blood for Oil” on
Joseph Estrada in 2000, they returned to placards but as the Iraq war issue heated
their quiet home in Hampton Place but up, posters with “Impeach Bush*t!” ap-
found no peace at home. People and me- peared. The hyperpolitical DC residents
dia were phoning and emailing non-stop. did not want a war with Iraq.
They received death threats from Estra-
da’s supporters. Then in winter, a blizzard paralyzed the
city for days, prompting the mayor to
To avoid the turmoil, they went on a appeal on radio and TV for volunteers
cruise but were not left alone even in to dig out snow-buried fire hydrants and
the middle of the ocean because most clear impassable sidewalks.
cruise ship crews were Filipinos. (About
700,000 of the world’s mariners come Tension rose again the following sum-
from the Philippines, being the world’s mer, and a Code Orange terrorist alert
largest source of seafarers. In 2019, they caused a run on duct tape and plastic
sent home the equivalent of US$6.14 bil- sheet. Living close to important govern-
lion in remittances alone). ment buildings, the Laquians stocked up
on duct tape and plastic sheet too. For
After the cruise, Prod and Eleanor decid- days, Black Hawk helicopters hovered
ed to visit their grandchildren in Boston overhead at all hours to enforce a no-fly
for peace and quiet. Then one normal day zone over the White House and the Capi-
in September they turned on the TV that tol. A brace of Humvee-mounted surface
fateful morning to watch the news and -to-air missile launchers were stationed
saw one of the twin towers being hit by just blocks from their condo.
a plane.
Demos continued. Prod was writing a
After the 9-11 horror had abated, Prod ac- book so he joined them only on week-
cepted a job as Acting Director of MIT’s ends but Eleanor marched with her new-
Special Program in Urban and Regional found activist friends whenever there was
Studies (SPURS) and to teach a course one. The demos were well organized and
on urban planning for graduate students. supported by businesses. There were free
Eleanor had often wondered why Prod sandwiches, cookies, fruits and bottled Prod and Eleanor Laquian with former Vancouver Mayor, Gregor Robertson.
took his Ph.D. in political science in an water at every corner for the marchers,
engineering school when he had a Har- and clean porta-toilets and first aid tents.
vard acceptance. This time she found out. In 2007, Prod was hired as a consultant HABITAT. He authored the chapter on
MIT is at the frontier of scientific and With much distraction, it was a wonder by the Asian Development Bank to take Asia and the Pacific for the Third Global
technical research. It has pioneered the that Prod finished two books while they 25 senior civil servants and government Report on Decentralization and Local
application of mathematical and natural were there. These were: Beyond Metrop- officials from India on a study tour to Democracy (GOLD III) published by
science methods to the social sciences. olis: the Planning and Governance of observe China’s urban development UCLG, Barcelona, July 2014.
So while MIT is perhaps best known Asia’s Mega-Urban Regions (2005) on planning and management. They visited
for its programs in engineering and the the planning and governance of Asia’s Beijing, Suzhou and Shenzhen’s Special From 2012 to 2013 Prod was one of
physical sciences, it has become strong 14 largest cities (Bangkok, Beijing, Del- Economic Zone; its population was less the World Smart City (WSC) Advisory
in other areas—notably economics, po- hi, Dhaka, Guangzhou, Jakarta, Karachi, than 100,000 in 1985 and over 10 million Board of nine international urban experts
litical science, urban studies, linguistics, Kolkata, Manila, Mumbai, Osaka, Seoul, by 2007. Beijing had changed too from preparing for the WSC summit and con-
and philosophy. Shanghai, Tokyo)) and The Inclusive a rundown city in 1980 to a prosperous vention in Amsterdam.
City: Infrastructure and Public Services mega city in 2007.
In 2001 Prod received a grant as resident for the Urban Poor in Asia (2007). Both When not consulting, the Laquians went
scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center were published by Woodrow Wilson Suzhou revealed more dramatic changes. on Alaska, Caribbean and Mediterranean
for International Scholars in Washington Center Press and The Johns Hopkins As one of China’s most beautiful cities, it cruises, a Danube river cruise, and land
DC. The generous award enabled them University Press. managed to stay that way by preserving tours of the Canadian Maritimes, U.S.
to live in a posh area between the White ancient buildings and streets and putting National Parks, all of Southeast Asia,
House and the U.S. Capitol, a short walk Back in Vancouver in 2004, Eleanor industrial estates such as the Singapore- Eastern Europe, Portugal, Spain and Mo-
to Prod’s WWC office, fantastic free mu- decided to write another cookbook to China industrial estate with its techno- rocco, London, Paris, Rome, etc.
seums and good restaurants where it was supplement her first, Filipino Cooking logically advanced enterprises in the
common to spy government officials din- Abroad (1977) written when she was suburbs. In 2014 Eleanor had a stroke. Deter-
ing not too far from one’s table. learning to cook. It became a best seller mined to walk, she worked daily with
so the publisher had been asking her to Prod’s impressions of China’s rapid de- physio and occupational therapists. The
A sniper scare that summer sent nervous write another. It took a year to finish Fili- velopment between 1980 and 2007 were UBC Brain Behaviour Lab invited her to
pedestrians walking in serpentines to pino Cooking and Entertaining Here and published in two monographs by ADB: participate in its after-stroke studies us-
avoid becoming easy targets. Then there Abroad, published in 2005 by National Urban Development Experience and Vi- ing rehab machines for brain stimulation
were demos. Eleanor happily participated Book Store in Manila. sions – India and the People’s Republic with magnets and direct current. Years of
in peaceful antiwar demonstrations which of China followed by City Cluster Devel- experimental treatments enabled her to
opment, Toward an Urban led Develop- walk again with only a slight limp.
ment Strategy for Asia (2008).
In 2016 Prod had a fall which fractured
In 2008 Eleanor and Prod co-authored his skull. With Eleanor limping and Prod
Seeking a Better Life Abroad (A Study of using a walker, they knew their travelling
Filipinos in Canada 1957-2007) based days were over but they had no regrets.
on Eleanor’s updated nationwide survey They considered themselves fortunate to
of Filipinos in Canada. Published by An- live in Hampton Place where neighbours
vil Publishing Inc. Manila. support and look after each other.
More trips. In 2010 Prod was Coordina- Occasionally, Eleanor laments that she can
tor for a study of basic urban services in no longer play the guitar because her left
700 cities and towns in 16 Asia Pacific hand is still somewhat paralyzed. But still
countries, sponsored by UCLG (United they see themselves blessed, surrounded by
Cities and Local Governments) in Barce- loving family and friends. Their home is
lona, Spain and UN Habitat in Nairobi. warm with photos of people fondly remem-
bered, and souvenirs of interesting places,
More writing. In 2011, he wrote the exciting times, and a great life. They have
chapter on governance, finance and ur- many wonderful and happy memories
ban management for The State of Asian to sustain them in this pandemic and, by
Cities, 2010-2011, published by UN- God’s grace, for as long as they live.
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