Capilano University announces first on-campus student housing complex
362-bed and 250-seat dining hall to be built on main campus
News release: Capilano University announces first on-campus student housing complex (PDF)
North Vancouver B.C. April 12, 2022 – Capilano University (CapU) is pleased to join the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training in announcing the first on-campus student housing project on the University’s main campus. The six-storey, 8,250 square metre complex will include 362-bed accommodation, a dining hall building, laundry facilities, student study areas, lounge space and a kitchen on each floor.
“Offering on-campus student housing marks a major step forward for Capilano University,” says Paul Dangerfield, Capilano University president. “Creating this opportunity for learners to live where they study will bring a pivotal revitalization to our main campus, reduce housing barriers and enhance the CapU experience for student residents.”
The Province is providing $41.5 million towards the $58.2-million project and CapU is investing $16.7 million. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2023 and complete in late 2024.
The project will help address the high demand for student housing at the university, which saw 40 per cent more applicants than spaces available in fall 2019 for its off-site leased accommodations. Designated for first- and second-year students, there will be priority access for Indigenous students and it will include a First Nations-focused reflection and gathering space. There will be a mix of single- and double-occupancy rooms, 12 of which will be accessible units.
“There’s a lot to be excited about at Capilano University. Earlier this year, my ministry announced funding for a new Centre for Childhood Studies and I am so pleased to be here today to announce funding for the university’s first on-campus student housing,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training. “To make life easier for students, we are building thousands of student housing spaces throughout the province. The spaces being built at Capilano University will provide affordable and convenient housing for students, reducing a major barrier to education.”
In addition to helping student success and reducing barriers to enrolment, the new student housing will also offer part-time student employment as residence advisors.
The building will be sustainably designed and align with the province’s CleanBC priorities and climate action goals.
Project overview
- Accommodation: 362 beds with shared washrooms facilities. Rooms will include 52 singles (12 accessible), 154 doubles and one two-bedroom suite for the residence life facilitator.
- Dining: Café and dining hall located on the main floor (250 seat capacity)
- Amenities: A kitchen on each floor, resident support offices, a multipurpose room, an Indigenous-focused reflection space, laundry facilities, student study areas, lounge space and secure bike storage.
“We are grateful to the many people behind the scenes involved in this project,” said Dangerfield. “The shared efforts of these individuals will help bring the vision of on-campus student housing to life for future students at CapU.”
About Capilano University
Capilano University is a teaching-focused university based in North Vancouver, with programming serving the Sunshine Coast and the Sea-to-Sky corridor. The University offers 94 programs, including bachelor's degrees, in areas as diverse as film, early childhood education and tourism management. Capilano University is named after Sa7plek (Chief Joe Capilano), an important leader of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation of the Coast Salish Peoples. We respectfully acknowledge that our campuses are located on the territories of the LíỈwat, xʷməθkʷəỷəm (Musqueam), shíshálh (Sechelt), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and SəỈílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
For more information, or to schedule interviews, please contact:
Linda Munro
Senior Communications Officer
Capilano University
t: 604 220 8937
e: lindamunro@capilanou.ca
www.capilanou.ca
Submitted by: Communications