Section 5 – Implementing the Vision through Actions

As was evident from the planning and consultation process, while we provide for academic priorities, there is an eagerness to protect natural areas and redirect the type of development to occur on campus. While the preceding sections provide the foundation and the framework for future change and stability, there is more work to be undertaken to ensure that these directions are fully implemented and that the University’s future policies and capital projects are consistent with them.

This section identifies a variety of actions that are an outcome of the plan. Not all policy directions require a specific action or follow-up as some policy directions will be carried out on a continuing basis or as situations arise.

The University will produce a timetable within six months of the adoption of this plan by the Board of Govenors for the 30 actions which follow. This timetable will include an identification of the resources that are required as well as the associated consultation approaches that will be undertaken. Additional action items may be identified through this process.

5.1 Consultation

Action #1 - Inform and Update Neighbours
Meet semi-annually with neighbourhood associations to provide an update on the University’s physical planning and design initiatives.

Action #2 - Develop a Collaborative Planning Process
Engage in collaborative planning processes, including the University community, nearby neighbours and other interested parties, on substantive physical planning, such as area plans (e.g. Village Centre).

Action #3 - Review of Moratorium on Identified Natural Areas
Within three to five years of the adoption of this plan, identify the process that will be followed to review the future status of the natural areas identified in Figure 3 (p. 22) beyond the 10-year moratorium.

Action #4 - Work with Local Municipalities
Meet regularly with Oak Bay and Saanich Councils and staff to discuss issues of mutual interest; provide an opportunity to municipalities to become involved in substantive physical planning, such as area plans.

Action #5 - Review Role of Campus Development Committee
Review the role and structure of the Campus Development Committee

5.2 Natural and Landscaped Open Space (Refer to Section 2)

Action #6 - More Environmental Study
Undertake further environmental studies on natural areas identified in Figure 3 with an emphasis on identifying all components of a maintenance and restoration strategy. Complete an ecological inventory and map of the entire campus, including areas of ecological value that may exist in the Landscaped and Buildings Area in Figure 3.

Action #7 - Restoration Projects
Implement and monitor restoration projects to steward natural areas to better health, replacing invasive flora with native, drought-tolerant plants. Outline how to involve community volunteers on these projects.

Action #8 - Perimeter Enhancement
Plant additional native, drought-tolerant vegetation around the campus perimeter.

Action #9 - Pathways
Maintain and extend a pathway system through natural areas and landscaped spaces.

Action #10 - Campus Entries
Undertake potential improvements to the campus entrances, as part of the comprehensive way-finding study (Reference: Action 25).

Action #11 - Impact Studies
Engage environmental specialists to undertake impact studies during the planning and design of new buildings and facilities.

Action #12 Outdoor Recreation Strategy
Undertake further planning for outdoor recreation areas.

5.3 Land and Buildings (Refer to Section 3)

Action #13 - Five Year Capital Plan
Present an annual Five-Year Capital Plan that identifies major capital projects that are proposed to be undertaken. These projects are largely dependent on government funding priorities.

Action #14 - Liaison with Local Government
Work with Oak Bay and Saanich to finalize future arrangements for physical infrastructure and protective services.

Action #15 - Faculty Housing Study
Undertake a study of the need for faculty housing, including the possibility of on-campus housing.

Action #16 - Village Centre Planning and Design Study
Undertake a planning and design study for a Village Centre.

Action #17 - CJVI Property Master Planning Study
Undertake a master plan for the CJVI Property.

Action #18 - Southwest Quadrant Planning and Design Study
Undertake a planning and design study for the southwest quadrant inside Ring Road.

Action #19 - Sustainability Office
Provide increased resources to the Sustainability Office.

Action #20 - Sustainability Practices Review
Review sustainability policies, with particular attention to resource conservation, waste reduction, energy utilization, water management and drainage, and reporting and enforcement mechanisms.

Action #21 - Plan Monitoring
Prepare a progress report on the implementation of the policy directions of this plan every three years.

Action #22 - Additional Lands
Acquire additional lands as needs and opportunities arise.

Action #23 - Storm Water Management
Engage appropriate consultants to create a storm water management plan for the University.

5.4 Travel and Parking (Refer to Section 4)

Action #24 - BC Transit
Work with BC Transit and on-campus user groups to encourage the increased use of public transit. Prepare a progress report every two years.

Action #25 - Transportation Demand Management Study
Complete and implement a plan based on the TDM Study. Prepare an annual progress report.

Action #26 - Way-Finding Study
Undertake a comprehensive way-finding study, including safety and security matters.

Action #27 - Ring Road
Undertake a study of traffic options for Ring Road.

Action #28 - Parking Lots
Phase out vehicle parking (Lots A–E) within Ring Road and relocate these outside Ring Road as safety-conscious, well designed decked parking and/or parkades near entrances.

Action #29 - Parking Plan
Prepare a long term parking plan, including a management strategy to improve the efficiency of existing parking lots. Review Lots 1 and 4 for parking decks.

Action #30 - Bicycle Storage
Provide additional weather-protected storage areas.

5.5 Timing and Priorities

The plan sets out a framework for thoughtful and careful growth at the Gordon Head campus. The actions cited in this section are critical to the fulfillment of the long term vision of the plan, in concert with the University’s strategic plan.

Owing to limitations on financial and human resources, not all actions can be undertaken immediately or concurrently. The University’s Executive, however, will strive to ensure that these steps are assigned priority and are taken within a reasonable timeframe. The Campus Development Committee will provide input and advice on timing and priorities on an ongoing basis.