A new 445-bed student housing project is coming to Simon Fraser University (SFU) at its Burnaby campus.
The eight-storey residence will accommodate 445 students with a mix of self-contained studio and quad units, as well as two- and four-bedroom townhouses. The project will also include a 160-space child care centre. Construction is expected to be complete in fall 2027.
“When students don’t have access to student housing they are forced into the local rental housing market with higher costs, increasing competition with other renters,” said Premier David Eby. “By providing hundreds of additional students with on-campus homes every year – as well as increased access to convenient child care – we are helping them focus on their studies and their futures, while also relieving pressure on local renters who aren’t students.”
The project will be constructed using mass timber and is targeting optimal BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Code compliance, underscoring the province and SFU’s commitment to CleanBC goals. The total cost will be $187.6 million, with the province contributing $132.2 million. SFU is contributing the remaining $55.4 million.
“We are grateful to the province for its support and partnership with increasing student housing options at SFU,” said Dilson Rassier, provost and vice-president academic, Simon Fraser University. “Students who live on campus feel a greater sense of belonging, community and are more satisfied with their overall university experience. As we move forward with our residence and housing master plan, we look forward to expanding a diverse student community that encourages academic success, self-discovery and exploration.”
This marks the third phase of SFU’s ongoing student housing expansion. Phase 1 included 482 single-room dormitory-style student beds, which opened in 2021. Phase 2 included 383 student beds and opened in 2023. Once Phase 3 is completed, there will be 3,016 beds on-campus, significantly reducing pressure on Burnaby’s rental market.
