Wind fluttered through the banners over Montrose Avenue, where UFV’s newest degree program made its mark on the Abbotsford community. The Bachelor of Regional and Community Planning (BRCP) is a four-year degree that draws connections between environmental studies, art, natural sciences, policy and law, urban design, history, and communications. Through work-integrated learning projects such as Banners and Banter and Arts in the Alley – the program’s inaugural community activation events – the BRCP gives students a unique opportunity to impact city development right here in the Fraser Valley.   

For Banners and Banter, students from Associate Professors Cherie Enns and Jennifer Deon’s Community Planning Studio class were tasked with creating a sustainable, inclusive event in Steam Alley. This included a banner design contest to bring the community together in an under-utilized space. With federal funding through Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL), they brought their learning to the streets of Abbotsford.   

“The funding provided by the CEWIL Innovation Hub (iHUB) created a memorable opportunity for our students to fully immerse themselves in this innovative work-integrated learning experience, while eliminating the barriers and financial constraints. It covered the students’ extensive time investment and any logistical expenses, while additionally supporting the students from several equity-deserving groups,” explains Experiential Education Coordinator Larissa Horne. 

“The challenge is, not enough people come down to historic Abbotsford unless there are events, and then certain demographics are very much absent from the downtown area,” says Cherie.   

“So we were able to work in Steam Alley and activate the space in a way that would foster inclusion. That links broadly to sustainability,” she adds. “People are exploring downtown, people of all ages are engaging, people are getting to know that we’re building community. And that’s all part of creating a more sustainable and resilient community.”  

The cobblestone alley was filled with music and art. Banter Ice Cream provided complimentary refreshments while attendees participated in the banner-making competition.  

At Arts in the Alley, people of all ages designed banners and enjoyed musical performances from young Indigenous drummers.  

“The banners tell a story about community, about sustainability. About resilience, really,” says Cherie.   

The event partnered with UFV’s Graphic and Digital Design (GDD) program, the UFV Centre for Experiential and Career Education, the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association, and Tourism Abbotsford.   

“It was so inspiring to work alongside UFV students and watch them apply imagination, intuition, vigilance and perception in creating opportunities for our community to engage, driving community spirit and engagement at every turn,” says Barb Roberts from Tourism Abbotsford. “It is so motivating to see a group that genuinely cares about creating positive spaces and experiences for people to connect and enjoy.”  

Events like this are a valuable part of the BRCP, with much more to come. UFV is one of only three institutions in BC that offer an undergraduate degree in community planning. The new program is uniquely positioned to shape our cities for the better; it prepares graduates to create well-designed communities centred around the people who live in them. Spaces that focus on human-centred design support the needs and wellbeing of the occupants, making them a healthier, happier place to live.   

“These projects are integral for students to understand the impact of design on their communities and the importance of visual communication and interaction design in public placemaking. Working in partnership with BRCP students and faculty helps GDD students realize the interdisciplinary nature of our practice and the need for designers to seek out sustainability and community-building initiatives. Students also get valuable lessons on managing the wants and needs of various stakeholders in a project while working against real deadlines. It has been a great experience,” Jennifer says.  

As UFV celebrates its 50th anniversary and looks 50 years forward, the BRCP is one of many programs creating future leaders. When its graduates go on to build joyful, sustainable communities, they help UFV create a legacy that future generations will be proud of.