In a time when it is more difficult than ever for a student to find an affordable living situation, UVic announced the official opening of a new residence building that will house hundreds of students.
The residence actually opened operationally this September, just in time for the school year, but the province waited on their announcement about the building’s official opening.
“When young people move away from home for school, they need to be able to find safe, secure and affordable housing,” said Premier David Eby.
“But spots in residence can fill up quickly, forcing some students to search for somewhere to live off campus during a housing crisis.”
This new residential hub will house 385 students with a focus on those in their first year of post-secondary.
In addition to the 385 single-room dormitory-style beds, the new residence also features an Indigenous student lounge.
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Last year, another 398-room building opened as the first part of an overarching two-phase project, this latest new residence being just the second part of the initiative.
“We’re helping students in British Columbia and reducing rental housing pressures by building thousands of new student beds throughout British Columbia,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
“This government is acting to build more homes for students. Our commitment is strengthened by our increased investment of $575 million over three years and $1.1 billion over 10 years.”
UVic is beholden to a first-year on-campus housing guarantee which helps new students acclimatize to campus life.
By increasing the number of students they can accommodate, they also increase the number of students they can accommodate.
All in all, the project cost $235.9 million; the Province chipped in $127.7 million toward the lofty endeavour.
The two buildings which now house nearly 1,000 students cumulatively were offered names by members of the Songhees Nation — Sŋéqə ʔéʔləŋ (Sngequ House) and Čeqʷəŋín ʔéʔləŋ (Cheko’nien House)
Čeqʷəŋín ʔéʔləŋ was the first residence built and it was named after the area now known as Oak Bay, while Sŋéqə ʔéʔləŋ was named after what is now called Cadboro Bay.
This hasn’t solved the student housing issue, but it has made a noticeable dent in it for many first-year post secondary students at UVic.
