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Artist rendering of what the new student housing project on the Lansdowne campus may look like.

Construction plans include a six-storey, timber-frame building on the Lansdowne campus with 423 affordable beds. The building is expected to be ready for students from both campuses in fall 2027.

“The first student housing project for AV��Ʒ will transform campus life,” says Lindsay Kearns, Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors, who spoke on behalf of the college at the announcement on campus. “Enhancing student life on campus and prioritizing student housing is a goal in the college’s Strategic Plan. We wouldn’t be able to pursue this goal without the support of the provincial government.”

The college’s initial focus is on its Lansdowne campus by virtue of its proximity to transit, shopping, services and other amenities. Plans for student housing at the college’s Interurban campus are part of future planning.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the provincial government in helping the college achieve its priority of affordable on-campus student housing,” says Dr. Lane Trotter, President, AV��Ʒ. “On-campus housing brings social, academic and personal benefits, including greater retention rates, while freeing up rental spaces in the surrounding community.”

“The rising cost and availability of rental accommodation is a challenge for many people in our community, including students at AV��Ʒ. We applaud the provincial government’s step towards building affordable, on-campus student housing on the Lansdowne campus.”

Olivia Bult, arts and science student and Women’s Director, AV��Ʒ Student Society

The project will receive $151.7 million in provincial government funding and a college contribution of $3 million. Student housing will help foster a vibrant campus community with amenity space for programming and social events, fitness, studying, wellness and reflection. The building includes a combination of single (dormitory-style), studio (single suite) and quad (four-bedroom, apartment style) units at below market rental prices in a region with a rapidly growing population and some of the lowest vacancy rates in the country.

The building will integrate universal design principles, creating an accessible and inclusive environment. Special emphasis has been put on features like non-denominational reflection rooms, universal washrooms, barrier-free units and communal kitchens.

Sustainability measures are included in the design and operation of the building. The building will align with CleanBC initiatives and targets BC Energy Step Code, Level 4 and LEED Platinum certification. Climate change mitigation strategies include sustainable cooling, improved air filtration and drainage designed for increased rainfall volume.

The Responding to Community Needs priority with AV��Ʒ's 2023-2028 Strategic Plan includes the goals of enhancing student life on campus and prioritizing student housing.

Updates will be posted to Student Housing.