麻豆AV city councillors say they鈥檙e proud of a growing research partnership with UBC Okanagan (UBCO) that鈥檚 tackling some of the city鈥檚 toughest challenges.
At its July 7 meeting, council received an update from staff and UBCO representatives on the two-year pilot project that pairs city staff with university researchers to find practical solutions to local problems.
Coun. Gord Lovegrove, an Associate Professor, School of Engineering at UBCO, said he鈥檚 thrilled to see the work taking shape.
鈥淚've got one foot in both organizations so it's a proud day to have you here, he said. 鈥淭here are so many of our council priorities that are being dealt with. I鈥檓 looking at housing and transportation. I鈥檓 looking forward to what you've got coming down the pipe.鈥�
Coun. Mohini Singh called the collaboration a point of pride for the city.
鈥淭he institution is 20 years young and in just 20 years we鈥檝e come so far,鈥� she added. 鈥淚t is the institution that has put 麻豆AV on the map.鈥�
The Alliance is funded equally by the city and UBCO, with each contributing $100,000 annually to support applied research. Five major projects are currently underway, and there are plans to extend the partnership beyond its initial 2026 end date.
One of the studies focuses on transit. Researchers are exploring ways to improve connections between UBCO, the airport, and downtown 麻豆AV using the Okanagan Rail Trail. The study includes modelling for potential demand and integration of autonomous shuttles into the city鈥檚 existing transit system. That $300,000 project is scheduled to wrap up in June 2026.
Another study is examining how to introduce fast electric charging for the city鈥檚 transit and fleet vehicles, part of the city鈥檚 plan to shift to an all-electric bus fleet. That work is expected to be complete by April 2026 and comes with a price tag of $198,000.
There鈥檚 also research into the viability of rooftop solar power, carbon-capturing bricks made from landfill wood waste, and new technologies to monitor and improve air and water quality at public pools.
Coun. Charlie Hodge said it鈥檚 encouraging to see ideas that council has pushed for 鈥� like solar 鈥� finally getting serious attention through dedicated studies.
鈥淲e've been banging this side about looking into things like solar and that sort of work for a long time,鈥� he said. 鈥淭o see an actual study being done鈥� is very rewarding and very exciting.鈥�
Each research project is required to include a plan for applying the findings to city operations. The Alliance also aims to attract outside investment, with a goal of securing at least $2 in additional funding for every $1 contributed locally.
