First-ever student housing building coming soon for Camosun College

The BC government announced that the first-ever student housing building will be constructed at Camosun College’s Lansdowne campus. 

The development will consist of a six-storey building that will have the capacity to house 429 students. 

The aim of this project is to reduce the pressure on students and the local housing market in Greater Victoria by providing an additional housing option. 

“Building the first-ever student housing at Camosun College is a major step forward for the campus community,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. 

“This new building will give students modern, sustainable spaces to live, study and build community, while strengthening the infrastructure the college needs for the future.”

The project will feature a mix of single-bedroom dorms, as well as studio and four-bedroom apartment-style units. 

Furthermore, the Province says there will be temporary accommodation space for students in crisis.

Some amenities will include a coffee shop, a meeting space, secured bicycle parking spaces, communal laundry rooms, lounges and there will be quiet study rooms on every floor. 

According to the Province, the building will also include a welcoming space aligned with Indigenous culture and values. 

“It’s exciting to see the student housing project finally come to life,” said Riley Lam, Lansdowne executive, Camosun College Student Society. 

“Student housing is vital for the college community and will be a gamechanger for many students.”

The BC government is providing $151.7 million and Camosun College is contributing $3 million for the project.

The goal is to have the new student-housing ready by early 2029.