Universities in Canada Have Been Developing Housing Near Campus for Decades

Universities in the Vancouver area and across Canada are developing housing and investing in amenities, and getting a return on investment that helps the bottom line

1 minute read

December 6, 2017, 9:00 AM PST

By snewberg @JoeUrbanist


Point Grey

The University of British Columbia, at its scenic location on Point Grey. | Josef Hanus / Shutterstock

The University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University are developing real estate, creating housing and amenities. This not only provides much-needed housing options for students, but provides additional revenue for the schools.

Starting in the 1980s, the University of British Columbia began developing housing. Its program continues on, with projects that include ground floor retail and grocery stores. Simon Fraser University expects to some day have 10,000 students living in its UniverCity development.

Elsewhere in Canada, the University of Guelph in Toronto and the University of Calgary are following suit. Generally, universities are held to a higher standard and expected to be civically more responsible, have better design principles, preserve natural spaces and overall contribute to the community more than typical developments. 

Tuesday, November 28, 2017 in University Affairs

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

3 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8, 2025 - CBS News Chicago

Close-up on e-scooters parked in painted designated parking area on city street.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide

How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

45 minutes ago - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of Bozeman, Montana with mountains in background.

‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana

Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.

1 hour ago - Daily Montanan

Illustration of nighttime city with white lines connecting nodes to illustrate technology and connectivity

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities

An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’

2 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive