Housing project to triple beds at B.C.’s University of the Fraser Valley

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — Funding has been secured for a student housing project at the University of the Fraser Valley’s (UFV) Abbotsford campus.

The six-storey mass timber project will triple the number of beds available and expand dining facilities.

“We know that finding housing near UFV’s Abbotsford campus can be a challenge. That is why our government is working hard to deliver more than 8,000 new on-campus student beds throughout B.C. by 2028,” said Anne Kang, minister of advanced education and skills training, in a press release. “This fantastic project at UFV is part of the Homes for B.C. plan, and it will help so many students focus on their studies. With the new space at UFV, we now have more than 6,800 new student housing beds open or underway.”

The province will contribute $70.3 million towards the $82.3 million project. The new housing will increase on-campus accommodations for students from 200 to 598 beds.

“This beautiful and modern new building will transform UFV’s Abbotsford campus, and this means nearly 600 students will call our campus home during their studies. Their energy will revitalize our spaces and their presence will provide a lively key element in Abbotsford’s growing UDistrict,” said Joanne MacLean, UFV president. “UFV is grateful to government for its support of this important and community-focused project that fills a critical housing need in our region.”

The Cascade Café, an existing food service on campus, will also receive major improvements, including another storey and increased floor space. These changes will double the size of the dining hall and increase seating capacity from 121 to 350 seats. The completed space will offer more food options and expanded operating hours.

Dining hall construction is expected to start in early 2023, with completion in early 2024. Student housing construction is expected to also begin in early 2023, with the first students to move in by fall 2024.