UFV’s plan to significantly upgrade the Cascade Café is officially underway. Building B will remain the location of the cafeteria, but another floor will be added to the layout. The much larger dining hall will increase the existing seating capacity from 121 to 350, and provide space for an expanded array of food options. Students can expect the dining hall to open sometime in 2025. The Cascade had the opportunity to interview Lily Chan, the director of Capital Projects, which is overseeing the expansion.
The renovation was driven by the need to accommodate the growing student population, especially with new student housing being built concurrently. “In order to support the extra students that will be in the new student housing building, and the meal plans that are required, we needed an expanded kitchen,” said Chan. “That inspired the dining hall.”
“It’s beautiful,” said Chan. “The dining hall is very well conceived, and we can see this as being a nexus or hub of student, faculty, and staff activity.” The remodeled cafeteria will be designed for comfort, so it will be easy for students to gather. “Space is always a challenge on campus, just for small groups to get together on projects or to socialize with your friends. It’s all part of that campus culture… and it’s always supported by food.”
“I think that the campus community, and how that community supports a young person in their learning journey, is very important. The experience of being a part of a community is part of that learning journey. I think it’s not just about going to class — it’s also everything else — the support system that supports your learning.” Chan notes that part of that support comes not from the university, but from peers. The new dining hall can facilitate that support by providing “opportunities to meet people you otherwise might not. You end up learning from those people as well.”
Chan is encouraged to see the effect the reimagined facility will have on the student body, and the formations of relationships. “As a young person, the experiences you have influence you so deeply for the rest of your life. To provide the infrastructure and environment where positive experiences can happen, I think is part of the administration’s aim and what they’re trying to do here.”
In March, Capital Projects will host an open house where guests can see visuals and rendering of the projects. Architecture and design teams, builders, and organizers will also be on-hand to answer questions from the community in greater detail. Plans are also in development to upgrade and expand the Chilliwack campus’ facilities at a later date.
Veronica is a Staff Writer at The Cascade. She loves to travel and explore new places, no matter how big or small. She is in her second year at UFV, pursuing the study of Creative
Writing.