Simon Fraser University (SFU) students now have access to more on-campus housing with the official opening of a new residence hall at the Burnaby campus.

The two building Courtyard Residence is providing an additional 383 beds for students on the Burnaby campus, bringing the number of on-campus student beds to more than 2,450.

The Courtyard residence primarily features single occupancy rooms intended for first-year students, private shared washrooms, a house lounge and kitchen, 24/7 front desk support, laundry room and multi-functional spaces. It also houses the new main administration office of SFU Residence and Housing.

The student housing project was built in two phases by Ledcor. Phase 1 included 482 single-room dormitory-style student beds, which opened in 2021. Phase 2 includes 383 student beds.

Government is providing $73 million toward the $108-million development. The building will include mostly single-room dormitory-style beds targeted at first-year students. The building will be designed to reflect Indigenous culture in the region, including the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. It will include a drumming circle and an outdoor space that connects to nature.

The opening of Courtyard Residence marks the completion of Phase 2 of SFU’s five-phase Residence and Housing Masterplan, which will see housing options at Burnaby campus continue to expand to accommodate a total of 3,250 students – about 10 per cent of the student population – by 2035.

“Affordable on-campus housing is a win-win for everyone because it decreases pressure on the rental housing market, while enriching the university experience of our students. We are excited to welcome nearly 400 additional students to Burnaby campus with the completion of this building, and many more in the years to come,” said Joy Johnson, president and vice-chancellor, Simon Fraser University.

Photos: Ledcor