Simon Fraser University (SFU) has officially commenced construction on a new eight-storey student residence at its Burnaby Campus, marking a significant step in its ongoing housing expansion. This latest development, known as Phase 3, will introduce 445 additional beds. Additionally, they will comprise a mix of self-contained studios, four-bedroom apartments, and two- and four- bedroom townhouses. Designed with sustainability in mind, the building will utilize mass timber construction and aim to meet the highest standards of the BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Code. Once completed, this project will increase the total number of student beds on the Burnaby campus to over 3,000.
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Expanding Child Care Facilities for the SFU Community
In tandem with the housing project, SFU is set to enhance its child care offerings. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year on a stand-alone child care facility, which will provide 160 new spaces for children. This includes 36 infants and toddlers and 124 for children aged three to five. This addition will augment the existing 410 child care spaces available at the Burnaby campus and SFU’s Sapperton location, bringing the total to over 570.
The combined cost for both the student residence and child care facility is estimated at CAD$196.6 million. In addition, funding is shared between the provincial government and SFU. Notably, the child care centre has received $16 million through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, supported by both provincial and federal investments under the Canada-British Columbia Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.
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BC’s Commitment to Student Accomodation
These developments are part of a broader initiative by the B.C government, which has committed $2 billion since 2018 to expand on-campus housing across the province. To date, this investment has resulted in the creation of 6,100 new student beds, with an additional 4,600 currently underway. SFU President Joy Johnson expressed gratitude for the continued support, stating, “We are grateful for the Province’s continued investment in student housing and child care across the province. I look forward to continued growth of SFU’s resident student community on Burnaby Mountain. Furthermore, to continued partnership with the provincial government as we move forward.”
SFU Student Residence Project Overview
Project Name: SFU Student Residence and Child Care Centre Expansion
Location: Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Campus
Structure: Eight-storey building
Capacity: 445 beds for upper-year undergraduates, 160 new child care spaces
Total Project Cost: $196.6 million
Amenities: Study Lounges, Laundry room, communal kitchen
Unit types: Self-contained studios, quad units, two- and four- bedroom townhouses
Expected Completion: Fall 2027
