Update to Wesbrook Construction: Phase 3  

The Wesbrook Mall corridor between Student Union Boulevard and Chancellor Boulevard is being upgraded in phases to repair the condition of the roadway and enhance safety and user experience for all modes of transportation.

Wesbrook Mall between Walter Gage Road and Chancellor Boulevard remains fully closed to traffic until September 30. 

The work on Chancellor Boulevard will move into the eastbound lane starting August 8 resulting in a full closure of the eastbound lane until mid-September. This work will also affect nearby sidewalks.

For the most up-to-date information about this project, visit: planning.ubc.ca/wesbrook-mall-upgrades

New job strategy session (NJSS): July 19 & July 26

Construction Office

  • Biological Sciences Building North Wing: Level 2 lab renovation 
    • Work needs to be completed before the upcoming term (September 2022) 
    • No budget in mind, estimate required. 
       
  • Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports CentreSupply and install concession counter per the following:  
    • “U” shaped counter with a front pass-thru 
    • Lift-up counter is to have a Lift-A-Syst soft close mechanism installed 
    • Front counter does not have interior cabinetry or working countertop. 
    • Return counters at sides are to have open all-laminate cabinetry. The walls will extend with infill panels to close in the counter sides at the angled concrete support structures. 
    • Face of counter is to match existing concessions (no bulkhead over) 
    • Solid surface countertop is based on Avonite Mango as Corian  
    • Supply and install condiment counter  
    • Approx 12-0” of new cabinetry to match other locations 
    • Re-use existing Corian Sun countertop from storage. 
    • Replace server countertop downstairs with deeper laminate countertop  
    • Approx 8-0” of 26” deep countertop with a 9” tall front apron 
    • Repair damaged metal laminate to base and bulkhead at existing concession 

TBD 

  • Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports CentreRemove the existing cage area 
    • Athletics would like an estimate to remove the existing cage area and replace with walls and doors. 
    • Code consultant will need to be hired. 

Partial Handover Notice: MacLeod Renewal  

The MacLeod Renewal project has been granted full occupancy on July 28, 2022. This is a partial handover notice and includes the handover of the Electrical and Fire Life Safety Systems (including elevators), custodial, waste management, plumbing, and electrical systems to Facilities effective July 29. The one-year warranty period start date will be confirmed by Project Services prior to the final handover.   

Please note the following: 

  1. Any service requests put in for the handed-over systems will come to Facilities through regular channels. Any items deemed to be a deficiency by the trades should be identified to the Facilities Manager, Mark Donald-Jones, who will in turn engage Project Manager, Noel McNally at Project Services. 
  2. For the remainder of the systems, any service requests put in by the faculty/students will be routed from the service center to Project Services for further action. This will include compressed air, building management system (BMS) controls, hot/cold issues, temperature adjustments, and any general heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) issues. 
  3. Final handover will take place after the remainder of the demonstrations are complete. 

If you receive a service request for this building and are unsure whether it is considered a project deficiency or should be covered under the warranty period for the handed-over systems, please contact Mark Donald-Jones (mark.donald-jones@ubc.ca).


Sean Zheng from Stores putting Lean Six Sigma into practice 

Sean Zheng, a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt graduate and Stores Operator in Municipal Services, recently implemented a simple yet effective process improvement that not only results in a 50% decrease in average custodial order pick time but also reduces operators' risk of back pain from material handling. 

Thank you Sean for demonstrating that simple incremental changes can make a huge difference in the workspace and the team! 

Read the full story to find out how Sean drove continuous improvement in his workspace.


New Treasury Offices: Piloting design and technology to support hybrid work across the VPFO

Treasury and Infrastructure Development have been working together for several years to plan for a space that would accommodate the entire Treasury team at UBC. Last month, the Treasury team started to move into their new space after their current office space in the Old Administration Building was renovated.

After multiple rounds of consultation, the newly renovated, open-plan office now includes 12 workstations, six collaborative spaces, and five meeting rooms, accompanied by technologies necessary for brainstorming, team building, and collaboration, including hot-desking software. 

“This pilot shows one exploration of new opportunities for how our physical workspaces can support remote and hybrid work arrangements,” notes Jay Hiscox, Director of Project Services in UBC Facilities. “We look forward to working with other teams to create a workplace environment that provides flexibility while ensuring ongoing connection and community.” 

Read the full article and view photos of the new space


Outdoor Fitness Training: August 3-31

Summer is definitely here and it is a great time to get fit outside!  

Join Matt Kore, Kinesiologist and Varsity Trainer, on Wednesdays from 4:30 – 5:15 pm at The Centre for some daily exercise in a group setting while enjoying the summer sun. Sessions will be composed of a variety of cardio, bodyweight, and strength training exercises that are sure to get your sweat on.  

For more information or to register, contact Linda Roseborough at 604.822.1327 or linda.roseborough@ubc.ca. Drop ins are welcome with pre-registration.  


Welcome to the team  

  • Sean Lynch has been promoted to become new Director, Custodial Services effective August 2, 2022. Congratulations, Sean!
     
  • Gillian Zhang has been promoted to Sourcing Lead, Construction in Finance & Operational Excellence as of July 25. This new role continues to support Project Services in Infrastructure Development and expands the scope of her work to include more time on strategic sourcing, standards, processes and workload management. Congrats, Gillian! 
     
  • Farewell to Genesis Magat, NAV Data Systems Analyst from Infrastructure Development. His last day at UBC is August 5. Thank you for your contribution, Genesis!  
     
  • Farewell to James Heth, Assistant Treasurer, Contracts & Leases. Over the past 11 years, James has overseen the leasing and licensing of UBC’s property and space, housing loans, and more. His last day will be August 19. Thank you for your contribution, James!

Job openings 

All positions at UBC are available on the UBC HR Careers website, or through the career application in your Workday account. Please note that applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the posting end date. The following VPFO positions are currently open:

  • Labourer 3 (JR8791) – 2022-08-04
  • Procurement Officer - Construction (JR8841) – 2022-08-05
  • Truck Driver Medium/Labourer (JR8935) – 2022-08-11

Don't forget to apply as an internal candidate! Please review the Apply for an Internal Job Posting guide in the Workday Knowledge Base for instructions on how to apply. Reminder to attach a copy of your resume when you apply for a career opportunity in Workday.


In case you've missed it 

Here is a quick recap of key events and information that you may have missed. For more details, please click on the links below or refer to our weekly portfolio newsletter, VPFO Update.


EDI – Intersectionality: What it is and why it matters

At UBC we believe excellence cannot be achieved without inclusion. But how we are included is shaped by how we present ourselves, the ways we are seen by others, the systems and norms of our campus, and how they all intersect. 

Wheel of power and privilege

This wheel diagram, the Wheel of Power/Privilege, is a simplified way to reflect on the many intersecting identities and power structures that we all engage with. Consider how your social identities play into your privilege. 

  • What areas sound like you?
  • What types of privilege aren’t on the wheel?
  • How are others you work with represented on the wheel?

Learning about intersectionality and how it affects all of us, both in our work and personal lives, allow us to respectfully communicate with peers, and deepens our understanding of the ways in which diversity, equity, and inclusion are relevant to our community.

Read the full VPFO EDI article.


Workplace Strategies for Mental Health – The connection between thoughts, emotions and actions

There is a direct connection between what we think, feel, and do. Here's an example:  

You receive a work-related email late Sunday night from someone requesting to meet with you first thing the next morning. Your first thought is, "Oh great, I wonder what this could be about ?" Feelings of anxiety start bubbling up inside of you. You think about how hard you've been working, and begin to wonder if your efforts are appreciated – you feel upset. They've just ruined your weekend. You have trouble sleeping, thinking through all the things you're going to say and in the morning you're already exhausted for the work week. You think to yourself, "My week is ruined already." 

Have you ever been there? When something happens to us, our mind often jumps to automatic negative thoughts (ANTs). These thoughts then trigger emotional reactions in us, and our feelings impact the way we behave.   

The first step to beating this cycle is to train your brain to recognize those automatic, negative thoughts. If you recognize them, you can practice adjusting them before they impact your mood and actions, using the attached worksheet.  


Emergency tip: Pet preparedness

In the event of a disaster, having these simple items in your emergency kit will help keep your pets safe: 

  • A collar with their name and your contact information on it in case you get separated  
  • At least 72 hours of food and water for your pet (4L/day per average dog, 1L/day per average cat) 
  • A spare leash   
  • Special medication and the veterinarian’s contact information 
  • A blanket and toy 

For a more detailed list, visit the Get Prepared website.  


Managing your mental health

Human Resources has collected mental health resources to help you manage your ups and downs. To view workshops, webinars and events, visit the HR event listing.

Our HR representatives are always available for a confidential conversation:

  • Monica Haab (monica.haab@ubc.ca): Building Operations, Energy & Water Services, Customer Services & Informatics, and Municipal Services
  • Gregor MacDonald (gregor.macdonald@ubc.ca): Custodial Services and Infrastructure Development

Thanks for reading!

Find this newsletter and past issues on the Facilities website
facilities.ubc.ca/facilities-weekly

For questions and content submission
 Email: facilities@vpfo.ubc.ca.

 
 

UBC Facilities is part of the VP Finance & Operations (VPFO) Portfolio, and includes six departments—Building Operations, Custodial Services, Customer Services & Informatics, Energy & Water Services, Infrastructure Development, and Municipal Services.
 

UBC Facilities
The University of British Columbia
Campus & Community Planning (C&CP) Building
2210 West Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
facilities.ubc.ca

VP Finance & Operations (VPFO)
The University of British Columbia
Koerner Library, 6th Floor 
1958 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
vpfo.ubc.ca

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