Nearly 450 students at Simon Fraser University's (SFU) Burnaby campus will benefit from the province's latest post-secondary housing project.
The B.C. government announced the new facility will include a mix of self-contained studio and quad units as well as two- and four-bedroom townhouses. The project will also include a 160-space child care centre.
Construction is expected to be finished by fall 2027.
“When students don’t have access to student housing they are forced into the local rental housing market with higher costs, increasing competition with other renters,” Premier David Eby said in a news release.
“By providing hundreds of additional students with on-campus homes every year — as well as increased access to convenient child care — we are helping them focus on their studies and their futures, while also relieving pressure on local renters who aren’t students.”
JUST IN: @Dave_Eby has announced $187.6 million in funding for phase 3 of SFU’s housing master plan. Excited to see our community grow with 445 new student beds and 160 child care spaces. Read more: https://t.co/zxt7QyVXR6 pic.twitter.com/KnZb2Hz5BY
— Simon Fraser University (@SFU) July 12, 2024
The university says the project will be constructed using mass timber and is targeting optimal BC Energy Step Code as well as Zero Carbon Code compliance.
The total cost currently sits at $187.6 million, with $132.2 million coming from the province and the remaining $55.4 million contributed by SFU.
“Housing on campus is more than just a place to stay, it is a supportive community for students who are living alone for the first time," Burnaby-Lougheed MLA Katrina Chen added.
"When students have safe, affordable, quality housing, they are better able to focus on their studies, foster community and enjoy university.”
The province says once the new project is completed, there will be a total of 3,016 beds available at the Burnaby campus.
