BCIT begins work on ‘Tall Timber’ student housing project
It is the first student housing development at the school in 40 years.
Key Takeaways:
- The $119.7-million project will add 470 units of student housing to BCIT’s Burnaby campus.
- The 12-storey building will be built using mass timber and incorporate design elements from local Indigenous groups.
- Work on the project is expected to wrap in 2025.
The Whole Story:
Construction is underway on a new 12-storey mass-timber building for housing students at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) Burnaby campus.
Officials say that once complete, the project will provide 470 students with affordable on-campus housing.
“Building secure, stable and affordable housing is essential for students to be successful at their studies,” said Selina Robinson, minister of post-secondary education and future skills. “The former government neglected student housing, only building 130 beds over 16 years. Our government is rapidly building new student housing units across B.C., which will help students focus on their classes and lay the foundation for their future. By building over 7,700 student beds in less than six years, we’re helping students save money on rent and travel, while also reducing demand on the local rental housing market.”
The B.C. government is providing $108.5 million toward the $119.7-million development. Once built, it will be the first student housing development at BCIT in 40 years and will more than double the supply of on-campus housing at BCIT. The building will be constructed using mass timber and designed to reflect Indigenous culture in the region, including the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil Waututh Nations. The building will include studio suites, private rooms with shared bathrooms and kitchens, study rooms, common areas and a collaboration space.
“Housing is a top priority for people across B.C. and our government. Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home, and students should feel secure enough to focus more on their studies, and less on finding a place to live,” said Ravi Kahlon, minister of housing. “That’s the goal of our Homes for People strategy – to close the gap between supply and demand and find creative solutions for the housing concerns facing British Columbians.”
BCIT’s Tall Timber Student Housing building is estimated to be completed in spring 2025.
