In the fall of 2025, the Student Housing Commons at North Island College (NIC) in Courtenay at the Comox Valley campus will be a new home for students heading to fall classes.
“Student housing is more than just a place to sleep—we know that it is a community where students can find belonging, support, and the space to grow personally and academically,” said Mez Jiwaji, associate director, Student Life. “Student housing is also a space where lifelong friendships are built, and the foundations for future successes are laid.”
While the new student housing is under construction, Student Life is currently working with the rest of the college community to write policy and handbooks, select furniture for the dorms and prepare the application and room assignment process.
Urban One is the general contractor for the project, and construction work started last September following preparation to clear the site, and it continues toward completion.
“The structures are now complete. We’re working hard to close the buildings in, so the buildings are water-tight for the winter weather,” said Allan Beron, Urban One president. “Work is starting to move inside.”
The housing being built is in response from students stating that housing was one of their greatest needs at the college. In Feb. of 2022, the provincial government announced funding for housing. In Jan. 2023, land was cleared for construction and NIC and K’ómoks First Nation held a site blessing.
Indigeneity has been in the forefront, with involvement of the K’ómoks First Nation helping plan the project. The housing will feature Indigenous art and other elements.
The completed project will provide housing for 217 students with a mix of different housing set ups. There will be single occupant units (nano and studio suites), quad units for up to four people and family units for students with dependents. Applications for housing will open in early 2025.
“There is growing excitement as we look forward to January 2025 when we will open student housing applications for the Fall 2025 term,” Jiwaji said. “Competitions to recruit staff and student employees for housing will open in Spring 2025.”