Construction is officially underway on a significant new mixed-use building at Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) Burnaby campus. This project, valued at approximately $197 million, represents a key expansion of on-campus capacity, addressing the growing needs for student housing and childcare on Burnaby Mountain.
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This third phase of SFU Burnaby’s student housing master plan will introduce 445 new student beds, representing a 100% net gain in on-campus accommodation upon completion. It also includes a major new childcare facility, adding 160 spaces. The development underscores a continued investment in essential campus infrastructure to support students and families.
Project Details and Capacity
The new eight-storey building features mass-timber construction and is located north of existing student residences like Pauline Jewett and Barbara Rae. It will house 445 students in a mix of unit types, including studio and four-bedroom apartments, as well as two- and four-bedroom townhouses. This addition is designed to significantly boost SFU Burnaby’s on-campus housing availability.
Upon its anticipated completion in Fall 2027, Phase 3 will bring SFU Burnaby’s total on-campus bed count to just over 3,000. This will allow the university to house approximately eight percent of its student population on Burnaby Mountain, a crucial step towards its goal of housing 10 percent upon completion of future phases. Expanding on-campus housing helps alleviate pressure on the competitive Metro Vancouver rental market and provides students with convenient access to campus facilities and community.
Construction site of the new SFU Burnaby student housing and childcare building, Phase 3 development.
Significant Childcare Expansion Included
In addition to student housing, the development includes a standalone childcare facility. This building will provide 160 new childcare spaces, marking a 39 percent increase in SFU’s total childcare capacity across its Burnaby and Sapperton locations, bringing the total to 570 spaces. The inclusion of a large childcare centre highlights the university’s commitment to supporting students, faculty, and staff with families.
Construction for the childcare building is expected to begin in Fall 2025, with both the housing and childcare facilities slated for completion by Fall 2027. Both buildings were designed by PUBLIC Architecture, aiming to create functional and integrated campus spaces.
Ground preparation underway for SFU Burnaby's Phase 3 student residence expansion.
Funding and Investment Breakdown
The total cost of the Phase 3 project is approximately $197 million. This significant investment is primarily supported by the provincial government, which is providing $132 million in funding. Simon Fraser University is contributing the remaining balance to cover the total project expenses.
This substantial provincial contribution underscores the government’s focus on expanding student housing and childcare capacity across British Columbia. According to SFU President Joy Johnson, “The post-secondary sector is united in our efforts to support British Columbians in tackling shared challenges, from housing to health care and beyond, as we make a difference for students and for communities across B.C.”
Architectural rendering showing the exterior design of the planned SFU Burnaby Phase 3 student housing building.
Context and Broader Impact
The Phase 3 project continues a period of significant growth for SFU Burnaby’s campus facilities. Since 2018, the university has added three new student housing buildings, contributing a combined total of 941 new beds prior to this latest phase. This includes the Courtyard Residence, completed in 2023, which added 383 beds primarily for first-year students.
The expansion is seen as vital for improving student life, reducing commute times, and allowing students to focus more effectively on their studies. As Bowinn Ma, B.C. Minister of Infrastructure, commented, “A safe and secure place to live and conveniently located child care can be transformative for students and parents working or studying on campus.” Projects like this are key components of provincial strategy aimed at investing in infrastructure that directly supports residents.
Visual concept of the multi-storey mass-timber SFU Burnaby student housing project.
Future phases (Phase 4 and 5) are also planned as part of SFU’s master plan, which will eventually allow the university to offer on-campus housing to 10% of its student body. This ongoing expansion reflects a strategic effort to meet the demands of a growing student population and provide essential support services.
The Courtyard Residence, a recently completed student housing building at SFU Burnaby.
Outlook and Next Steps
With construction now commenced, the focus shifts towards the multi-year building process leading up to the Fall 2027 completion target. The successful delivery of this project on time and within the updated budget will be critical. Potential risks include typical construction challenges such as material costs and labor availability.
The addition of 445 student beds and 160 childcare spaces represents a tangible impact on campus life and the broader community. It aligns with provincial goals to enhance affordability and accessibility in post-secondary education and support families. The university and the province are expected to continue collaborating on future phases to further expand SFU’s on-campus capacity.
To learn more about previous developments or the context of SFU’s campus growth, explore articles covering the SFU Courtyard Residence or the initial funding announcements for Phase 3.
