Lansdowne Student Housing Project

Camosun College has received funding approval from the provincial government for its first-ever student housing project.

Construction plans include a six-storey, timber-frame building on the Lansdowne campus with 423 affordable beds. The building is expected to be ready for students in fall 2027.

On-campus housing has many academic, personal and social benefits including greater retention rates, while freeing up rental spaces in the surrounding community.

Please email communications@camosun.ca to share your thoughts or provide input.

Artist renderings

Student housing artist renderings (Lansdowne) - July 2024

Project updates

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the status of on-campus student housing?

  • In July 2024, the B.C. government announced funding approval for the first-ever student housing project at Camosun College.
  • BTY has been hired as project managers: BTY will play a key role in guiding the project, providing expert project management, as well as business and corporate management consultation services to ensure project success.
  • Finalizing a prime consultant for architectural services: The college is in the process of selecting a prime consultant who will lead the design phase, foster community engagement, and help bring our vision of a vibrant campus community to life. We anticipate the consultant to be on board in 2025.

What is the scope?

  • Plans include construction of a six-storey, timber-frame building that will accommodate 423 beds on the Lansdowne campus on the Oak Bay side of the main parking lot off Foul Bay Road.

What is the cost and timeline?

  • The approved total project cost is $154.7 million with $151.7 million in provincial government funding and $3 million from the college.
  • Student occupancy is expected in fall 2027.

Can neighbours provide input on the design of the building?

  • Camosun College is committed to being a good neighbour.
  • With funding from the B.C. government now confirmed, we can continue with planning for the first on-campus student housing.
  • The next step is procuring a professional Project Management Services team for the design and development of the project.
  • Once we have a design team in place, the college will actively engage with neighbours, stakeholders, and community groups to review and provide input on the proposed design of the building.
  • The public engagement will build on the two open houses and online survey that took place in 2023.

Any plans to bring student housing to Interurban?

  • We know both campuses can accommodate student housing.
  • Our initial focus is on building student housing on the Lansdowne campus by virtue of its location to services, shopping, transit and other amenities.
  • A future phase includes bringing student housing to the Interurban campus and is part of the college’s annual capital project submission to the ministry.

What are some of the building features?

  • The building includes a combination of single (dormitory-style), studio (single suite) and quad (four-bedroom, apartment style) units for a total of 423 beds.
  • Retail and food services will be included as well as meeting rooms and space for student support services, plus a music room, lots of space for bikes and an event space for cultural and community activities.

Will the units be affordable?

  • Rental costs will be comparable to student housing at other post-secondary institutions, will be below the regional average and will include utilities, security, internet and furniture.
  • Exact costs will be finalized closer to project completion.

How will the building support Indigenization?

  • Through ongoing engagement with local First Nations, the college will ensure the building is culturally relevant and welcoming with Indigenous needs and values.
  • There will be provision for indoor smudging ceremonies in the event space.
  • Indigenization will be included in indoor and outdoor design elements.
  • The college will also ensure increased representation of Indigenous peoples and underrepresented groups in the construction and design of the project as part of the Procurement and Project Terms.

Will the new building displace parking spaces?

  • We do not expect any parking disruptions as finding parking at Lansdowne is not a challenge.
  • The loss of parking in P8 and P6 will be offset by available capacity in other lots.

Will the building be accessible?

  • The project integrates universal design principles, creating an accessible and inclusive environment.
  • Special emphasis has been put on features like non-denominational reflection rooms, universal washrooms, barrier-free units and communal kitchens, and diverse unit types.

Will the building be sustainable?

  • Sustainability measures are included in the design and operation of the building.
  • The building will align with CleanBC initiatives and targets BC Energy Step Code, Level 4 and LEED Platinum certification.
  • Climate change mitigation strategies include sustainable cooling, improved air filtration and drainage designed for increased rainfall volume.

Does the project include a dining area?

  • Feedback from students through focus group discussions underscored the preference for access to a full kitchen. This reflects a desire for privacy, independence and connection to cultural and dietary traditions.
  • To better cater to on-campus residents, the college will adjust food service hours and provide the option to purchase grocery items and grab-and-go food.

How will you allocate housing?

  • The housing on Lansdowne will be available to students from both campuses. 
  • Approximately 40 per cent of domestic students have a postal code from outside the Capital Regional District but we also know many local students have a problem finding affordable housing.
  • We expect demand to outstrip supply so we will be giving thought to developing a fair housing priority policy.
  • The college will prioritize Indigenous learners and former youth in care students.

What are the next steps?

  • Once a prime consultant is in place, we will be working on the design phase, fostering community engagement and bringing the vision of a vibrant campus community to life.
  • The college still needs to go through the appropriate rezoning and permit processes.
  • The college will also need to ensure the right staffing and housing policies are in place.