John Metras

Chief Campus Operations Officer pro tem

John is responsible for overseeing Facilities, Safety & Risk Services, and VPFO Strategy, Planning & Performance. He has over 20 years of experience in facilities development and operations including his previous roles as Managing Director, Infrastructure Development and Director of UBC Plant Operations (now Building Operations).

John has played an integral role in helping UBC evolve into a global leader in sustainability. He has worked on a wide range of initiatives including the Campus as a Living Lab program, the 20-Year Sustainability Strategy, LEED Platinum and LEED Gold certified building projects, and the development of the Brock Commons Tallwood House student residence.

John has a Bachelor of Engineering Science from the University of Western Ontario, a Master of Business Administration from the University of British Columbia, and is a registered Professional Engineer.

Leadership vision

“I am an inclusive, action-oriented leader. I engage and empower my team and collaborate with stakeholders to build and maintain a safe, clean, sustainable and inspiring physical environment that has a long-term transformative impact on learning, research and campus life at UBC.”

John Metras
Chief Campus Operations Officer pro tem

Updates related to Chief Campus Operations Officer portfolio

  • UBC’s Furniture Reuse Program wins Sustainability Award

    UBC’s Furniture Reuse Program received the 2026 Recycling Council of BC’s Circular Economy Award in Upstream Innovation for its outstanding accomplishments in waste reduction.

    Read more: UBC’s Furniture Reuse Program wins Sustainability Award
  • UBC Five-Year Capital Plan approved by Board of Governors

    The UBC capital priorities page has been updated to reflect UBC’s Five-Year Capital Plan 2027–2028 to 2031–2032, approved by the Board of Governors in June 2026. The page highlights UBC’s capital priorities and planned investments that support academic excellence, student…

    Read more: UBC Five-Year Capital Plan approved by Board of Governors
  • Metro Vancouver water remains safe to drink as flow direction resets early July 

    As part of the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel Project, adjustments are being made to the water flow and some residents in Vancouver (including UBC) may notice cloudiness or slight discolouration in their water for a few days in early…

    Read more: Metro Vancouver water remains safe to drink as flow direction resets early July