Selkirk College students now have access to new on-campus housing at Castlegar and Nelson-Silver King campuses.
"The opening of these new student housing buildings at Selkirk College is a significant step in ensuring students have access to safe, affordable and comfortable homes while they pursue their education," said Lisa Beare, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. "These projects demonstrate our commitment to supporting students and easing pressures on local rental markets, ensuring our communities remain vibrant and affordable."
The Castlegar campus has 114 new student beds and the Nelson-Silver King campus has 36 new beds. Both buildings will provide post-secondary students housing at below-market rates.
"Providing on-campus housing is essential to the future vibrancy of Selkirk College and we are grateful to the provincial government for helping us deliver such an important amenity to students," said Maggie Matear, president, Selkirk College. "Having secure housing options that are affordable for learners in our programs is a key element of our mission, vision and values. This will enhance student life and educational outcomes for those who choose this option, leaving a memorable post-secondary experience for our alumni."
The main floors of each building feature fully accessible communal areas that include study spaces, kitchens, dining spaces, living and game rooms, and laundry facilities. Each building has a dedicated spiritual space for reflection that incorporates Indigenous traditions, such as smudging. The Castlegar campus will have four accessible units and the Nelson-Silver King campus will have two for independent living on Selkirk College campuses.
Aligned with the Province's CleanBC plan, the buildings were constructed using natural products. Both buildings have achieved Step 4 of the BC Energy Step Code and meet CleanBC's energy-efficiency requirements for new buildings. The student housing buildings were constructed with mass timber and modular-wood materials, aligning with B.C.'s Wood First Initiative.
The Province invested $35.6 million in this $37.7-million project, with the remaining funding being contributed by the college and Columbia Basin Trust. Expanding access to student housing is part of the Homes for People action plan, which commits more than $2 billion toward developing 12,000 student beds on campuses in the province. To date, 10,766 student beds are complete or underway. This investment in student housing will help students access post-secondary education and will further ease pressure on the local rental markets.
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