In early 2011 City staff began developing a long-term (30 year) vision for the area around the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), known as the ‘U District’. The U District is located to the south of Highway 1, within the City’s Urban Development Boundary (UDB). It is approximately 365 acres in size and has a population of over 2,000 residents. The U District is home to the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) and the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre (AESC). UFV has been rated one of the best public universities in British Columbia and is quickly reaching capacity at its existing facilities.
The development of the U District vision was informed by an extensive public consultation process that engaged UFV staff and students, U District land owners and residents, the development industry, City committees, City staff and the public. The intent of the U District vision is to provide a conceptual illustration of future development in this strategic location, in a manner that supports the long-term growth and diversification of UFV and attracts economic development into the area. The vision also provides planned and predictable development direction. This direction offers residential, commercial and applied research investment opportunities that encourage mixed-use, amenity-rich and ‘green’ development supporting UFV and the AESC, and capitalizing on the new McCallum Interchange and future transit expansions.
For more information about the U District contact Mark Neill, Manager of Community Planning at 604-864-5513.
Click here to view the U District DRAFT Vision Document Online