Capilano University announced its first on-campus student housing project on the University’s main campus. The six-storey, 8,250 square metre complex will include 362-bed accommodation, a dining hall building, laundry facilities, student study areas, lounge space and a kitchen on each floor.
“Offering on-campus student housing marks a major step forward for Capilano University,” says Paul Dangerfield, Capilano University president. “Creating this opportunity for learners to live where they study will bring a pivotal revitalization to our main campus, reduce housing barriers and enhance the CapU experience for student residents.”
Project overview:
There will be 362 beds with shared washrooms facilities, and rooms will include 52 singles (12 accessible), 154 doubles and one two-bedroom suite for the residence life facilitator.
A café and dining hall will be located on the main floor, and can seat 250 people.
There will be a kitchen on each floor, resident support offices, a multipurpose room, an Indigenous-focused reflection space, laundry facilities, student study areas, lounge space and secure bike storage.
The Province is providing $41.5 million towards the $58.2-million project and CapU is investing $16.7 million. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2023 and complete in late 2024.
CapU said the project will help address the high demand for student housing at the university, which saw 40 per cent more applicants than spaces available in fall 2019 for its off-site leased accommodations.
Designated for first- and second-year students, there will be priority access for Indigenous students and will include a First Nations-focused reflection and gathering space. There will be a mix of single- and double-occupancy rooms, 12 of which will be accessible units.
“There’s a lot to be excited about at Capilano University. Earlier this year, my ministry announced funding for a new Centre for Childhood Studies and I am so pleased to be here today to announce funding for the university’s first on-campus student housing,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training.
The building will be sustainably designed and align with the province’s CleanBC priorities and climate action goals.
“We are grateful to the many people behind the scenes involved in this project,” said Dangerfield. “The shared efforts of these individuals will help bring the vision of on-campus student housing to life for future students at CapU.”
