UFV celebrates opening of new student housing and expanded dining hall

The University of the Fraser Valley marked an exciting milestone on March 17, welcoming students, community members, and government partners to its Abbotsford campus for the official opening of new student housing and a revitalized dining hall.

The celebration included a ribbon cutting for Lá:léms Ye EverGreen, a six-storey student housing building that adds nearly 400 new student beds, as well as the expanded Cascade Café dining hall, which significantly increases space for students to gather, connect, and share meals.

The Honourable Bowinn Ma, B.C.’s Minister of Infrastructure, joined UFV leadership and students for the event, highlighting the importance of student housing in supporting access to education and student success.

“This is a meaningful day for UFV and for our community,” said Jackie Hogan, UFV’s Vice-President, Administration. “These new spaces create more opportunities for students to live on campus, build connections, and fully experience university life.”

Designed to support a diverse student population, the new residence includes a mix of living arrangements along with shared spaces for studying, gathering, and cultural connection. The project also features an active transportation hub with secure bike storage and shower facilities.

The building is currently referred to as Lá:léms Ye EverGreen, a name that reflects a sense of home, belonging, and continuity grounded in the Halq’eméylem language and the connection between people and place on Stó:lō territory. The name and spelling were guided by Siyamiyateliyot (Dr. Elizabeth Phillips) to ensure cultural and linguistic accuracy, and will continue to be explored through a broader, consultative process.

For Dr. James Mandigo, UFV President and Vice-Chancellor, the new spaces represent an important investment in both student success and community.

“When students live on campus, share meals, and build community together, their university experience becomes something much richer,” Mandigo said. “Spaces like Lá:léms Ye EverGreen help create an environment where students can connect, support one another, and grow into leaders who will strengthen our communities.”

UFV student Afeef Alam shares his experience living on campus during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Student speaker Afeef Alam, a third-year computing science student, reflected on the impact of living on campus.

“University is more than just academics — it’s the experiences you have, the connections you make, and the lessons you learn along the way,” he said. “Living on campus has helped me build friendships, get involved, and grow both personally and academically.”

The expanded Cascade Café dining hall will support the growing number of students living on campus, offering more seating and improved food services for the UFV community.

Made possible through funding from the Province of British Columbia, the project is part of a broader commitment to strengthening post-secondary infrastructure and supporting students across the province.

For UFV, the opening marks an important step forward in its vision of being a gathering place for learners, leaders, and seekers.

Click here to view our photo gallery from the event.

For more details, read the Province of British Columbia’s announcement about the project.

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For media inquiries:
Stacy Kirpichova, MA
Acting Director, UFV Communications
stacy.kirpichova@ufv.ca