UFV breaks ground on new student housing building in Abbotsford
ABBOTSFORD — With upbeat enthusiasm and eager anticipation for what lies ahead, UFV administration, student leadership and contracting partners gathered Tuesday (Feb. 6) to ceremoniously break ground on a new 398-bed Student Housing building on UFV’s campus in Abbotsford.
Scheduled for completion by summer 2025, the six-storey building will feature a variety of living arrangements, with accessible units on every floor.
The B.C. government will contribute $62.3 million toward the new student housing structure that carries a price tag of $73.7 million, increasing the on-campus student accommodations to 598 beds.
UFV President Dr. Joanne MacLean was joined by student leaders, senior administration, and construction and design partners for Tuesday’s groundbreaking.
“This is an exciting community-focused project that fills a critical housing need in the Fraser Valley and our greater region,” MacLean said.
“Creating this new opportunity on a UFV campus is another example of our commitment to being a student-ready university – one that’s proud to engage learners, transform lives, and build community.”
UFV Student Union Society president Ashley McDougall believes the new Student Housing building will foster a genuine sense of belonging among students.
“We look forward to this becoming a place where students thrive academically, socially, and personally, and where they find not only a place to live, but a true sense of belonging on campus,” she said.
Image: Supplied by Turner Construction / A rendering of the new 398-bed Student Housing building on the UFV Abbotsford campus.The new residence will be located at the north end of parking lot 10 near G Building (the Peter Jones Learning Centre, which houses the library).
After a public request for proposals, DIALOG + Group 2 was selected as the project’s architectural team, while Clark Builders and Turner was chosen as the builder.
Dialog partner and architect Marion LaRue says the firm will aim to create a welcoming and efficient student housing building utilizing leading-edge techniques and materials.
“This is an excellent opportunity to collaboratively create something special for UFV,” LaRue said. “Working closely with our project partners, Dialog’s skilled and experienced team is very eager to contribute to this incredible new community space where future students will live and learn.”
Scott Benoit, a director of project development with Clark Builders, says the company is eager to get boots on the ground.
“We’re delighted to work with UFV on this project that will provide modern and efficient student housing that the entire UFV community can be proud of,” Benoit said in a prior news release. “Clark Builders and Turner embrace relational contracting approaches that utilize the skills of our team members to their utmost. We’re excited to continue working with UFV to bring sustainable and innovative student housing to UFV, together with great partners.