B.C. invests $48 million on new Squamish campus

SQUAMISH, B.C. – The Province of British Columbia is investing $48 million into a new Capilano University campus in Squamish, B.C.

Using funding from the B.C. government, Capilano University has purchased the former Quest University campus with a $63.2 million investment after the institution shut down in April 2023.

“The Sea-to-Sky region is growing quickly. Capilano University’s purchase of the former Quest University campus in Squamish will provide post-secondary education opportunities closer to home for people living in the area, which is fantastic news for local high school students and those who want to go to university at any age from the Squamish, Whistler and surrounding areas,” said B.C. Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Selina Robinson in a statement.

Built in 2007, the campus property is 18 acres and includes 12,234 square metres of existing university infrastructure and includes an academic building, library, cafeteria, recreational and athletic facilities, an all-weather sports field and two large parking lots.

The university is partnering with local First Nations communities to define program priorities and to co-create specific First Nations programs that enhance Indigenous learner participation, a release said.

“The Squamish Nation has worked closely with Capilano University for many years, and we are pleased to support the return of in-person learning to the District of Squamish. The new campus will provide opportunities for our youth in Squamish to seek post-secondary education close to home. We look forward to continuing discussions with Capilano University about how to best serve our members and how we can help Indigenize the university’s programs,” Elected councillor and spokesperson for Squamish Nation Wilson Williams said.

In spring 2024 the new campus will serve students studying early childhood care and education and literacy programming, followed by arts, science and business programs, as well as outdoor recreation and programming with the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations in September 2024, the release said.

Capilano University is also looking at options for operation of a new 74-space child care centre on campus property. Minor renovations will include upgrading some classrooms for the university’s specific programming needs.