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What is the status of on-campus student housing?

• In July 2024, the B.C. government announced funding approval for the first-ever student housing project at 91��������.
• BTY has been hired as project managers: BTY plays a key role in guiding the project, providing expert project management, as well as business and corporate management consultation services to ensure project success.
• Dialoge and Thinkspace have been hired as prime consultants: Dialoge and Thinkspace will lead the design phase, foster community engagement, and help bring our vision of a vibrant campus community to life. 

What is the scope?

• Plans include construction of a six-storey, timber-frame building that will accommodate over 400 beds / 118 kitchens in a variety of suite configurations on the Lansdowne campus on the Oak Bay side of the main parking lot off Foul Bay Road.
• Two small commercial spaces – a coffee shop and a student-needs retail store.

What is the cost and timeline?

• The approved total project cost is $154.7 million with $151.7 million in provincial government funding and $3 million from the college.
• Construction is anticipated to start in 2026.

Can neighbours provide input on the design of the building?

• 91�������� is committed to being a good neighbour.
• The college is actively engaging with neighbours, stakeholders, and community groups to review and provide input on the proposed design of the building.
• The Student Housing Open House in June 2025 builds on the  public engagements that have taken place since 2023 (open house and online survey).
• Neighbours can reach out to the college at communications@camosun.ca.

Any plans to bring student housing to Interurban?

• We know both campuses can accommodate student housing.
• Our initial focus is on building student housing on the Lansdowne campus by virtue of its location to services, shopping, transit and other amenities.
• A future phase includes bringing student housing to the Interurban campus and is part of the college’s annual capital project submission to the ministry.

What are some of the building features?

• The building includes a combination of single (dormitory/traditional-style), studio (single suite) and quad (four-bedroom, apartment style) units.
• Two small commercial spaces: a coffee shop and a student-needs retail store.
• 350 bicycle parking spaces.

Will the units be affordable?

• Rental costs will be comparable to student housing at other post-secondary institutions, will be below the regional average and will include utilities, security, internet and furniture.
• Exact costs will be finalized closer to project completion.

How will the building support Indigenization?

• Through ongoing engagement with local First Nations, the college will ensure the building is culturally relevant and welcoming with Indigenous needs and values.
• There will be provision for indoor smudging ceremonies in the event space.
• Indigenization will be included in indoor and outdoor design elements.
• The college will also ensure increased representation of Indigenous peoples and underrepresented groups in the construction and design of the project as part of the Procurement and Project Terms.

Will the new building displace parking spaces?

• The student housing building reduces the need for parking.
• The existing parking lot is underutilized. During the peak demand of 2024, only 68% of the available parking spaces were utilized, representing 223 empty parking stalls on campus.
• We do not expect any parking disruptions as finding parking at Lansdowne is not a challenge.
• The loss of parking in P8 and P6 will be offset by available capacity in other lots.

Will the building be accessible?

• The project integrates 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, and diverse unit types.

Will the building be sustainable?

• 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.
• Meet BC Energy Step Code 4 Net Zero Ready, exceeding code requirements.
• Minimize embodied carbon emissions of building materials with the use of light wood frame structural design.
• Photo-voltaic panels and green roofs are being explored to generate and offset building energy use.
• Water efficient systems and equipment that reduce both water and energy use are being explored.
• Support the use of alternative transportation by providing bicycle storage facilities, easy access to bus routes, and electric vehicle ready (EV Ready) parking spaces.
• Reduce light pollution with strategic and carefully designed site lighting

Does the project include a dining area?

• Feedback from students through focus group discussions underscored the preference for access to a full kitchen. This reflects a desire for privacy, independence, and connection to cultural and dietary traditions.
• To better cater to on-campus residents, the college is exploring an adjustment to food service hours, as well as providing residents with the option to purchase grocery items and grab-and-go food.

How will you allocate housing?

• The housing on Lansdowne will be available to students from both campuses. 
• Approximately 40 per cent of domestic students have a postal code from outside the Capital Regional District but we also know many local students have a problem finding affordable housing.
• We expect demand to outstrip supply so we will be giving thought to developing a transparent and fair housing assignments protocol.
• The college will prioritize Indigenous learners and former youth in care students.

What are the next steps?

• We are actively working on the design phase, fostering community engagement and bringing the vision of a vibrant campus community to life.
• The college has submitted an official community plan (OCP) and a zoning bylaw amendment to allow for student housing.
• The college is actively researching and designing housing operational policy, procedures and organizational structures to ensure our vision for a healthy, safe, and inclusive living community is realized.