As a new year and semester begins, questions are raised regarding the highly anticipated updates on the current capital projects being built at UFV. David Shayler, director of Facilities Management (FM) Operations, shared his insights on the project’s positive impact on the community.
“This is going to amplify the dynamics [of] campus life. I think having an extra 400 beds here is going to change the community dramatically.”
He added that these campus projects are going to help revolutionize different aspects of UFV such as athletics, labs, and the campus grounds.
Set to be six storeys high with 398 beds, the 14,200 square metre student housing project began in 2024 and is expected to be completed for Fall 2025 occupancy.
Shayler said that the prowess required for these projects to come to life stems from a collaborative effort. UFV departments such as FM, capital planning, the academic department, Information Technology Services (ITS), Educational Technology Services (ETS), purchasing, logistics, finance, and the sustainability division gather to discuss the most productive outcome. He emphasized that, during this process, everyone should be receptive to different viewpoints.
“All of those voices have to come together so everybody feels like they’re getting something that they want. Not all of our needs will be met. Not everybody gets what they want. But if we can at least give something to everybody, and everybody’s satisfied coming out of it, it’s a good feeling.”
The new student housing building isn’t the only construction project students have to look forward to. The cafeteria expansion in Building B began in early 2024 and is also expected to be completed by Fall 2025. The Cascade Café is projected to increase its seating capacity by 229 seats. There will be a second floor with an elevator and they will provide a diverse range of food options.
Shayler anticipates how these constructions will brighten the campus.
“[It] is really going to be a beautiful physical feature for a real vibrant community.”
The significance these buildings have on the students is not lost on Shayler, who appreciates the wonder freshman experience when they first step on campus.
“The first year they wander around here and they see these big rooms and lecture halls, and I love it. It’s like, ‘Oh, wow, this is a big space.’ And it’s not really, but I get it.”
When asked what motivated him to be part of these projects, Shayler emphasized the connection and meaning of growing as a community.
“You have to know why you’re here. You have to look at what inspires you to continue on and to continue to grow and lift your people up, and keep them wanting to grow.”
Shayler goes on to explain how the impact these buildings have on students and faculty built up the spirits of his team, especially in the face of the wearisome aspects of work and life.
“They work on every acre, on every piece of land that we have. So, they see everything that goes on … And what they do is connected to almost everything we do here.”
He added that it’s important to put things into perspective and addressed the benefits of building for a community.
“You can really get bogged down with everyday life and everyday routine … But when you provide value to a community, and you feel that coming back to you, it’s a great feeling. It gets you motivated and keeps you going, [and] it makes you want to do better.”
The architects’ presentation and 3D renderings of the projects are available on UFV’s Campus Planning web page, which was shared on March 6, 2024.
Shayler recognizes the desire to see these projects to their competition but emphasizes the time required to do these projects justice.
“These are not small projects. They’re going to take two or three years to do. And that’s the majority of a student’s life here on campus.”
Shayler understands that students want the housing project to be completed before they graduate.
“We try to move these things along as fast as we can. But they take time for a reason.”
