A new campus housing project at Douglas College in New Westminster will provide students a place to live where they learn. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2023, with anticipated completion in summer 2026.
The college’s first on-campus housing will be a 20-storey building with 368 student beds, academic space and parking. This will be the largest provincial capital investment into a post-secondary institution, benefitting both students and local renters.
“Students at Douglas College have told us everything we need to hear. They need access to affordable housing so they don’t have the barrier of long commutes and expensive rent,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training. “I’m incredibly excited by this project and historical investment by our government. We’re going to change lives, both at Douglas College and in New Westminster.”
The $292.5-million project received $202.3 million in provincial funding, while Douglas College provided $90.2 million. The new building will have 368 student beds in one-, two-, and four-bed units, as well as academic space, including more than 30 classrooms, student collaboration space, labs and offices, and food services. The student residence will be built over the academic space.
With classes moving to the new academic building, space will become available for other purposes, including a potential expansion of the college’s child care facility.
“The new building, 808 Royal, is the culmination of years of consultation and collaboration to develop a unique building that reflects the kind of supportive community that students have come to expect from Douglas College. This will be a welcoming and accessible space that inspires students to achieve their educational goals and to become resilient global citizens,” said Kathy Denton, president, Douglas College.
The building will be constructed using natural products, including stone and wood, consistent with the province’s CleanBC plan. Designed by Stantec Architecture, the project will aim to achieve BC Energy Step Code 4, LEED Gold BD+C certification, and zero-carbon certification.
