Welcome to the VP Finance & Operations portfolio
The nine divisions of the VPFO are responsible for the stewardship of UBC’s physical and financial assets, as well as safety and risk management for our university community.
We oversee a $3.98 billion budget, a $3.38 billion endowment, and all facilities on both campuses, as well as managing the university’s relationships with UBC Investment Management and UBC Properties Trust. In all the portfolio’s responsibilities, we are committed to the values of innovation, unity and accountability.

VPFO Strategic Plan 2024–2027
Having a strategic plan gives us a clear path, keeping everyone on the same page. Learn more about where we’re going next and how we plan to get there.
News from the VPFO
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Read more: Increase in mileage rate as of March 31, 2023

Increase in mileage rate as of March 31, 2023
UBC will be updating its mileage rate in alignment with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) prescribed rate: 68¢/km for the first 5,000 km driven and 62¢/km driven after that. The new rates will be available in Workday as of March…
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Read more: Increase in CRA Prescribed Interest Rate effective April 1, 2023

Increase in CRA Prescribed Interest Rate effective April 1, 2023
The CRA Prescribed Interest Rate will increase to 5% as of April 1, 2023. This rate will be in effect from April 1–June 30, 2023. This is the interest rate used to calculate taxable benefits for employees from interest-free and low-interest loans, which will…
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Read more: Educating young children on solid waste collection on campus

Educating young children on solid waste collection on campus
The Waste Management team in Municipal Services within UBC Facilities recently paid a visit to the Berwick Child Development Centre to educate young children about the vehicles and equipment used for solid waste collection on the UBC Vancouver campus.
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Read more: Be a voice for campus safety!

Be a voice for campus safety!
UBC Vancouver Campus Security is taking a look at its services and organizational model to better understand how it can best meet the needs of a rapidly changing community. One important part of this review will be a community engagement…
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Read more: Upcoming road closures on UBC Vancouver campus as of March 17, 2023

Upcoming road closures on UBC Vancouver campus as of March 17, 2023
The following road closures are expected around the UBC Vancouver campus as of March 17, 2023. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Leigh Clark successfully keeping used furniture out of landfill
Leigh Clark successfully keeping used furniture out of landfill
Since Leigh joined UBC Vancouver as a Facilities Planner with Infrastructure Development just two years ago, she has successfully identified and implemented a solution for keeping redundant furniture out of landfill and putting it to use elsewhere at the university.
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Read more: Siu Tse joins Energy & Water Services as Director of Engineering & Utilities
Siu Tse joins Energy & Water Services as Director of Engineering & Utilities
Siu joins us from the City of Port Coquitlam as their Deputy Director of Engineering & Operation and previously worked in City of Richmond, and Metro Vancouver.
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Read more: François Desmarais promoted to Senior Facilities Manager in Building Operations
François Desmarais promoted to Senior Facilities Manager in Building Operations
François is the successful candidate to take on this newly created role with all of the Building Operations’ Facilities Managers reporting directly to him. François will continue to be responsible for the Brown Zone and also manage the day to…
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Read more: Announcing a new Associate Vice-President role for the VPFO
Announcing a new Associate Vice-President role for the VPFO
Following approval from UBC’s Board of Governors,the VPFO will be adding a new Associate Vice-President. Trish Pekeles has agreed to step forward as acting in the new AVP role until the search committee completes their work.
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Read more: Bryan Antenor and Marcos Kwong join Financial Operations management team
Bryan Antenor and Marcos Kwong join Financial Operations management team
The Financial Operations team is pleased to welcome Bryan Antenor as the department’s new Customer Support Manager, and Marcos Kwong as the Manager of Procurement Services.