Those looking to pursue post-secondary school in Nanaimo will be happy to hear that more on-campus housing beds are being constructed.
According to the province, construction of 266 new beds are underway at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Nanaimo campus.
“Students need a place to call home when they are studying and preparing for their future careers,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure.
“As more people seek higher education, we’re working to build the student housing they need, while also easing pressure on local rental markets and helping communities become healthier and more affordable.”
The 10-storey building will use mass timber, a renewable resource with a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional concrete construction.
According to the province, the new addition will also include a new 200-seat dining hall, study rooms, lounges, shared kitchens, a multi-purpose room, bike storage, shared laundry and office spaces for staff.
“I’ve lived in VIU student residences for three years and have enjoyed every second of it,” said Samantha Overland, a third-year geography student at VIU.
“Living on campus and having access to all the resources the university has to offer within walking distance has definitely contributed to my success as a student,” she added.
“It is almost impossible to find housing now as a young person, so the new housing building is going to take a lot of stress away from people who are worried about finding a place to live.”
The project will also achieve Rick Hansen Foundation accessibility certification as it offers extensive accessibility features for students, such as seven accessible units and multiple barrier-free facilities, including washrooms, kitchen and lounge areas on each floor.
The Province is committing up to $103 million to support construction on the project, which began in fall 2024 and is expected to be complete by 2027.
