Student Housing Expansion
The student housing expansion project will deliver 510 new beds for upper-year and graduate students in a sustainable, high-density residence on campus. The project supports UVic’s goals for housing affordability, student success, and climate action.
Project Summary
Student housing expansion is a critical project to help meet the growing demand for on-campus student housing at UVic. Currently in the design phase, the project will deliver over 500 new beds in a purpose-built residence tailored for upper-year and graduate students.
The new building will be located on a portion of Parking Lot 5, within the heart of the residence precinct, and will support student success, sustainability goals, and campus vitality.
What's Proposed:
- 510 new student beds (150 studio units and 90 quads)
- 17-storey high-rise with a 7-storey mid-rise along the Campus Greenway
- Compact design to preserve green space and minimize site impacts
- Pedestrian and cycling connections to campus and Cadboro Bay
- Enhanced outdoor spaces, seating areas and bike parking
- Sustainable building design targeting LEED Gold certification
- Located within 400m of the UVic Transit Exchange
To learn more, view the Project Information Boards from Phase 2 Engagement here.
Project Timeline
This project is in the design phase, which is informed by community consultation. The project is targeting a construction start date of Spring 2026 to support occupancy for September 2029.
Engagement
UVic has conducted two phases of public engagement to date:
- Phase 1 (January 2025): UVic shared preliminary planning concepts and collected initial feedback through stakeholders presentations, two Open Houses, and an online survey. Over 350 community members provided input during this phase.
- Phase 2 (September - October 2025): UVic provided a project update and collected feedback on the proposed design, including building form, transportation features, and public realm amenities through stakeholders presentations, two Open Houses, and an online survey. Over 450 community members provided input during this phase.
Community feedback has highlighted strong support for increasing on-campus housing and prioritizing a compact, sustainable design that preserves green space and supports active transportation.
Read the January 2025 What We Heard Report here.
*Phase 2 What We Heard Report coming soon*
For further information on the project contact Campus Planning and Sustainability at planning@uvic.ca