The Beedie Plaza at BCIT has officially opened, serving as the new landmark gateway for the Burnaby campus. Made possible by a $5 million donation from the Beedie Foundation and led by Ryan and Cindy Beedie, the plaza will enhance the experience of BCIT students by providing expansive outdoor space where students can connect, study, or collaborate.

“Getting to be a part of the new Student Plaza at BCIT is a big moment for my family and the Beedie Foundation,” said Ryan Beedie. “With so many of our family members, friends, employees, and Beedie Luminaries having attended the school, BCIT holds such a big place in our hearts. I’m really looking forward to seeing the plaza become a place for students, faculty, and visitors to connect for decades to come.”

Completed in April, the Beedie Plaza covers an area of 4,000 square metres. It features an Indigenous-designed walkway that anchors the plaza. The mass timber canopy connects to Campus Square, opening up this central part of campus, while the landscaped green space and new seating provide areas for relaxation and reflection or places for gathering. An efficient irrigation system reduces wastewater and supplies the plaza’s rain garden.

Located at the entrance on Goard Way at Willingdon Avenue, the plaza provides a welcoming experience which improves access for pedestrians and transit users who are traveling to and from the Burnaby Campus.

“The partnership between BCIT, the Beedie family, and the Beedie Foundation is a unique example of our shared commitment to enhancing education and strengthening the student community beyond the classroom,” said Paul McCullough, Interim president, BCIT. “The plaza invites learners to realize their potential and symbolizes a gateway to future opportunities. It instills a sense of identity and pride for all who pass through this inspiring space.”