New family housing opens on SFU’s Burnaby campus

Simon Fraser University is adding purpose-built, sustainably designed family housing to the Burnaby campus this fall, giving students with families a broader range of affordable accommodation options.

Located in UniverCity on the east side of the Burnaby campus, the two new buildings include 90 rental units—including three accessible units—consisting of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. The units are reserved for SFU students with a spouse or common-law partner and/or children. Students who are interested in living in this unique residence community can learn more and apply at the SFU Residence and Housing website.

“SFU is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all SFU students, and that means building appropriate accommodations for students at every stage of their life journey,” says Joy Johnson, SFU’s president and vice-chancellor. “I cannot wait to welcome even more students and their families to our vibrant residence community on Burnaby Mountain.”

Reflecting SFU’s commitment to sustainability, the residence units have been built with a high level of thermal efficiency and design features to support passive heating and cooling, minimizing energy usage.

The development is within walking distance to shops, restaurants, an elementary school, daycare and the SFU Burnaby campus. The two low-rise, wood-framed buildings are positioned around a central courtyard and a stand-alone community space, providing opportunities for parents and children to meet, play and build a sense of community. The buildings also feature study rooms, secure bike storage and a bike workshop space.

“We are thrilled to be opening these new residence halls and welcoming SFU students and their families to our SFU residence community,” says Zoe Woods, Director, Residence and Housing. “These residence halls are ideal for couples and families as they have been designed with community connection in mind. We know these accommodations are in high demand and are proud to be offering housing that is dedicated to SFU students and their families. This is an important part of our ongoing commitment to expanding on-campus housing options.”

SFU’s family housing complements the university’s five-phase Residence and Housing Masterplan. Phase 2 is currently underway and will provide additional housing to more than 350 students when it opens in 2023, providing students with lively, public spaces, rooms for socializing, and flexible spaces for experiential programming. When completed, the masterplan will see housing options at Burnaby campus expand to accommodate 3,250 students by 2035.

As the fall 2022 term begins, Residence and Housing is still accepting applications from SFU students with families for two-bedroom apartments within the Family Housing residence. Applications can be made through MyPlace@SFU.