Camosun College has broken ground on its first-ever student housing building at the Lansdowne campus, a significant development that will introduce 429 beds to address student accommodation needs. The six-storey residence is expected to be completed during the 2028/29 academic year.
The groundbreaking ceremony saw attendance from key figures including Nina Krieger, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake; Diana Gibson, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head; Kevin Murdoch, Mayor of Oak Bay; and Lindsay Kearns, Chair of the Camosun College Board of Governors. Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure, highlighted the project as a major advancement for the campus community, providing modern, sustainable living spaces that will foster community and strengthen college infrastructure.
The $154.7-million project is primarily funded by the Province of British Columbia, which contributed $151.7 million, with Camosun College adding $3 million. This initiative is part of the provincial government’s “Homes for People” action plan, aiming to create 12,000 permanent on-campus beds across British Columbia, ensuring accessible and affordable post-secondary education.
Riley Lam, Lansdowne Executive of the Student Society, emphasized the project's importance, stating, “Student housing is vital for the college community and will be a game-changer for many students.” The residence will feature a mix of single (dormitory-style), studio (single suite), and quad (four-bedroom, apartment-style) units, offering diverse options in a region known for low vacancy rates. Priority will be given to Indigenous and former youth-in-care students, and the building will include temporary accommodation for students in crisis.
Amenities within the 15,382-square-metre building, located along Foul Bay Road across from the Dawson Building, will include a coffee shop, rental meeting space, secured bicycle parking, and culturally relevant spaces designed with Indigenous needs and values. Dr. Lane Trotter, President of Camosun College, noted the academic, personal, and social benefits of on-campus housing, including improved retention rates and stronger connections among peers, while also alleviating pressure on the local rental market. Mayor Kevin Murdoch of Oak Bay welcomed the project, acknowledging its contribution to urgent housing needs, with 118 units counting towards the District's Provincial housing targets.