A year ago, a corner of the NIC Comox Valley campus was mostly empty, having been prepared for construction to begin.
A year from now, the new Student Housing Commons will be home to students heading to fall classes.
"Student housing is more than just a place to sleep we know that it is a community where students can find belonging, support, and the space to grow personally and academically," said Mez Jiwaji, associate director, Student Life. "Student housing is also a space where lifelong friendships are built, and the foundations for future successes are laid."
Urban One senior project manager Quinton Bugiera (second from left) guided representatives from NIC, along with guests from the K'ómoks First Nation, municipal governments, the regional district and MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard on a tour of the new Student Housing Commons site at the Comox Valley campus on Sept. 5. Here, they visit the bridge area between two wings of the residences.
As housing goes up on the Comox Valley campus, Student Life is working with the college community on everything from writing policy documents and handbooks, to selecting furniture, to customizing the application and room assignment processes that will support student housing operations.
Urban One is the general contractor for the project, and construction work started last September following preparation to clear the site, and it continues toward completion.
"The structures are now complete. We're working hard to close the buildings in, so the buildings are water-tight for the winter weather," said Allan Beron, Urban One president. "Work is starting to move inside."
The project was a response to messages from students that housing was one of their greatest needs. In February 2022, the provincial government announced funding for the project, and in January 2023, NIC and K'ómoks First Nation held a site blessing to set in motion work to break ground, clear trees and get the land ready for construction.
The footings were put in last winter, and in the spring, work to erect the walls began, as the panels for walls and floors were assembled at Ron Anderson & Sons Ltd. (RAS) in Chemainus and sent to Courtenay.
Indigeneity has been a key element, and K'ómoks First Nation has been involved from planning on throughout the project. The site will feature Indigenous art and other elements.
Sustainability has also been another feature, as the project adheres to Step 4 Energy Code, which is the highest energy rating for commercial buildings. During clearing work, the target was to retain as many trees as possible, with more to be planted on site as it develops.
When the project is complete, the housing will provide rooms for 217 students, with a mix of options, including single occupant units (nano and studio suites), quad units for up to four roommates and family units for students with dependents. The process for students to apply will open in early 2025.
"There is growing excitement as we look forward to January 2025 when we will open student housing applications for the Fall 2025 term," Jiwaji said. "Competitions to recruit staff and student employees for housing will open in Spring 2025."
