Planning for the future: a vision for SFU Burnaby in 2065

By Kevin Cherney

Share your feedback at an open house on Nov. 13

Imagine the following: After stepping off the SFU gondola atop Burnaby Mountain, you make your way to the west side of campus, catching glimpses of the scenic North Shore mountains through the pillars of the iconic Academic Quadrangle. Just beyond West Mall Centre you arrive for a meeting at your favourite café in the expanded student residence district. Afterward, you catch the autonomous electric shuttle on your way back east. It travels along a mobility corridor lined with native flora and fauna, alongside pedestrians and cyclists. After passing several parks and fields to the south of Convocation Mall, you disembark at the SFU Art Museum in UniverCity.

Though this scenario might seem like a distant future, much of the groundwork to realize this vision is already being laid. In fact, the scenario is drawn entirely from a draft version of the SFU Burnaby 2065 Campus Master Plan, a framework that will guide the Burnaby campus’s physical evolution over the next 50 years.

The SFU community and UniverCity residents are invited to share their final feedback on the plan at an open house on Nov. 13 in the Saywell Hall Atrium.

“SFU’s Burnaby campus is renowned for its academic reputation and architectural character, and for the community values it represents,” says Elizabeth Starr, campus planner. “However, the campus has grown dramatically and needs a cohesive vision to guide its future development.”

“From transportation to sustainability to culture, there’s something for everyone in this plan. We are excited to bring it back to the community, show the culmination of their input to date and gain additional insight.”

This long-term comprehensive plan is the result of nearly two years of research, engagement and consultation. Its purpose is to ensure SFU’s rich architectural history is respected and preserved while setting out a bold vision for the future: a sustainable, world-class, academic and community experience at a connected and vibrant campus.

“We want the campus plan to thoughtfully complement Arthur Erickson’s and Geoffrey Massey’s original architectural identity while enhancing connectivity, fostering sustainability and positioning the campus as a local destination for active engagement,” says Starr.

“Ultimately, we want to build a complete community on Burnaby Mountain and we look to our community members to help us do that.”

Open House Details
What: Burnaby 2065 Campus Master Plan Open House
When: Nov. 13 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Burnaby Campus, Saywell Hall Atrium

For more information on the planning process, or for details about the work to date, visit: sfuburnaby2065.ca.