Groundbreaking marks new milestone for UFV’s Student Housing project

SUS President Ashley McDougall (l) and UFV President Dr. Joanne MacLean (r) ceremoniously break ground on UFV’s new 398-bed Student Housing project

Ground has officially broken on a new 398-bed Student Housing building on UFV’s Abbotsford Campus.

With UFV’s existing Lá:lem te Baker student housing in the background, student leaders, senior administration, and project partners stand on the future site of UFV’s new, larger Student Housing building.

UFV President Dr. Joanne MacLean was joined by student leaders, senior administration, and construction and design partners for the Feb 6 event. Slated for completion in summer, 2025, the six-storey building will feature a variety of living arrangements, with accessible units on every floor.

The project was made possible with considerable support from the Province of British Columbia.

(See a short video of the groundbreaking here.)

“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 said the new Student Housing building will be more than just a place to live and study.

“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.

As B.C.’s Acting Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, Brenda Bailey recognized UFV’s Student Housing project as a critical resource for generations of students.

“Access to affordable on-campus student housing is crucial for student success,” she said.

“Our government is rapidly building new student housing beds so that students can focus on their classes and lay the foundation for their future. With the Homes for People action plan, we’re committed to building 12,000 student beds across B.C.”

To learn more about UFV’s Student Housing project, and also the university’s new Dining Hall project and Mission campus redevelopment, click here.

See photos of the groundbreaking program here.