Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is planning to build a pre-fabricated barn on the KPU Farm at the Garden City Lands.
The barn, one of a number of safety and security enhancements being made by KPU, would provide secure storage and emergency shelter space for people working on the farm.
“The farm is exposed to the elements and the existing structures are designed to support plant growth so this barn would help if severe weather rolls in,” says Peter Smailes, KPU vice president, administration.
Other planned safety and security work includes a power upgrade at the Tsawwassen Farm School with the approval of the Tsawwassen First Nation, which owns the land, to allow for the installation of new lighting. Campus-wide external lighting upgrades will be made at KPU’s Surrey and Langley campuses, while similar improvements will be made to two specific areas of KPU Richmond and KPU Tech.
The LED lights will significantly lower lighting power consumption, helping KPU toward its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. To minimize light pollution, the lighting will meet International Dark-Sky Association standards.
“The lighting project will achieve a triple win by enhancing safety for students, employees and visitors, yet also reducing our energy consumption and minimizing light pollution,” adds Smailes.
Work on the safety and security projects is scheduled to begin later this summer and conclude by spring 2024. Construction of the barn is subject to approval of a building permit application.
