University of Victoria to Build 510 New Student Housing Units

The University of Victoria (UVic) is set to expand its on-campus housing facilities with a new project that will introduce 510 beds, supported by a total investment of approximately $178 million. The British Columbia government will contribute $121 million, while UVic will provide $57 million for the construction of high-density student housing, aimed at addressing issues of affordability and availability for students.

Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure, emphasized that the initiative supports the increasing demand for housing both on campus and in surrounding communities. “With over 500 new beds on campus, more students can learn closer to home while relieving pressure on the local rental market,” Ma stated. The new accommodations will cater primarily to upper-year undergraduate and graduate students.

The housing development will consist of a 17-storey highrise tower and a seven-storey mid-rise, designed to align with the Campus Greenway. This project will offer a variety of living spaces, including studio and four-bedroom apartment-style units, with an emphasis on compact designs to maximize outdoor spaces and amenities such as seating areas and bike parking. The adjacent seven-storey wing is planned to include 150 studio apartments specifically for graduate students.

Public transportation access is a key consideration in the development, with the housing units located within 400 meters of the UVic Transit Exchange. Grace Lore, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Victoria-Beacon Hill, described the housing construction as a significant investment in both education and the community. “Affordable, accessible housing is key to student success. By expanding on-campus options at UVic, we’re not only supporting learners, we’re also helping to reduce demand on the broader rental market,” Lore remarked.

Robina Thomas, Acting President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Victoria, highlighted the benefits of on-campus living for students. “Living on campus gives students better access to academic and wellness supports and strengthens their connections to peers, which allows them to help focus on what matters, their education,” Thomas said.

Since 2018, the British Columbia government has committed $2 billion to develop on-campus student housing across post-secondary institutions in the province. To date, nearly 6,900 student housing beds have been constructed, with an additional 4,800 beds currently in progress.

The public is invited to provide feedback on the housing project until October 13, 2023, through an online survey available on the university’s website. Construction for the new housing units is expected to commence in spring 2026.