Saanich council calls on BC to reinstate UVic housing project funding

During this week’s council meeting, a motion was adopted that urges the BC government to reinstate funding for a major student housing project on the UVic campus.

The motion stems from council approving a Development Variance Permit for 3800 Finnerty Road, the site of the proposed project.

Following the approval of the permit for the site, Councillor Susan Brice brought forward a motion arising that directs the mayor to write to the Province and request funding for the project to be reinstated. 

The motion was seconded by Councillor Teale Phelps Bondaroff, and was unanimously adopted.

“We implore the Province to reinstate funding for new student housing at UVic,” said Councillor Brice. 

“The province’s decision to delay this project in the February budget and ‘replace some of its priorities,’ means students will continue to rely on already scarce rental housing in Saanich, leaving fewer options for other renters in our community.”

The proposed project would create 510 new student housing units on campus.

The accommodations would include 360 beds in 90 four-bedroom apartment-style units for upper-year undergraduate students and 150 studio apartments for graduate students. 

In total, the housing project would have a capacity for over 3,500 students.

“Students need and deserve safe housing near campus, rather than currently being pushed into an already overstretched rental market. This project will also help ease pressure on our wider community,” said Tam Aljundi, director of campaigns and community relations, University of Victoria Student Services. 

“I believe that long-term community planning begins with supporting students who choose to study, live, work, and build their futures here. With the permit approved, the next step is clear, our provincial government must reinstate the funding and help construct these 510 beds.”

The project was announced in October 2025, and construction was expected to begin this spring. The hope was that this project would be complete by fall 2029. 

The Province had previously committed $121 million of the total $178 million budget, with UVic covering the rest. 

However, when the Province announced Budget 2026, they effectively delayed several capital projects, including the UVic student housing expansion. 

Since the delay’s announcement, UVic has confirmed that the project’s new estimated completion date has been pushed back by five years to 2034.

Saanich council believes that the delay will have implications beyond the university, adding pressure on the private rental market.

“Delaying this project means students will face more years of housing insecurity, greater exposure to high rents in the private market, and fewer opportunities to live close to their classes, services, and campus supports,” said Councillor Phelps Bondaroff. 

“The Province needs to reinstate funding and help ensure students have access to the housing they need.” 

Because the motion was approved, Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock will now call on the Province to restore funding.