Dear members of the UBC community.
I would like to begin by acknowledging that I am speaking to you from the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people.
Last week, I thanked everyone for doing their part in keeping UBC COVID-safe. I’d like to repeat my thanks, as more and more members of the community complete their vaccination declaration and upload their verification of vaccination.
The response has been overwhelming, with a 94% completion rate, and a reported vaccination rate of 97.9%, fully or partially vaccinated. Less than 1 percent have confirmed they are not vaccinated. Over 77% have verified their vaccination status.
If you haven’t yet uploaded your verification of vaccination, please do so as soon as possible at rapidtesting.covid19.ubc.ca.
And if you still need to get vaccinated, I’m pleased to note that there is a vaccination clinic on the UBC Vancouver campus open until October 29. The clinic, which is co-located with the Rapid Testing Clinic, is open Tuesday to Friday at the Ponderosa North Building Ballroom, and no appointment is needed. Just bring your government-approved picture ID and documentation of any previous COVID vaccines. All students, faculty and staff are welcome.
UBC Okanagan community members can get vaccinated today, October 15, in the ADM Lobby, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please, if you’re not yet fully vaccinated, I encourage you to do your part. Vaccination is our most effective weapon against COVID-19.
Finally, I’m pleased to report that an overwhelming 92 percent of metro Vancouver residents support extending Skytrain to UBC, according to the results from Translink’s recent public engagement process.
As we get back to workplaces and campuses, it is once again clear that a robust transit network is crucial for keeping our region moving. SkyTrain to UBC is part of the long-term vision for an integrated regional transportation system that will enhance mobility, affordability, sustainability and access to education for people living throughout Metro Vancouver.
UBC has partnered with Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations and the City of Vancouver to jointly advocate for the line and we are working closely with TransLink and the province to realize the extension of SkyTrain to the Vancouver campus.
Our aim is to enable the project to be built as a seamless continuation of the Broadway Subway Project, now underway, which terminates at Arbutus Street. If we are successful, we could see a station at UBC by 2030. I am grateful that the people of metro Vancouver support this much-needed project.
Thank you and stay safe.
Santa J. Ono
President and Vice-Chancellor