Burnaby City Council Rejects 1,400-Unit Student Housing Proposal

Last week, the Burnaby City Council decisively voted against a proposal to build a privately owned student housing complex with approximately 1,405 units near Simon Fraser University (SFU). The decision highlights the council’s stance on the suitability of high-density residential developments in certain locations. The proposed site, located at 9809-9998 Rathburn Drive, is currently occupied by 16 single-family homes at the southeastern base of Burnaby Mountain.

The Toronto-based firm, Forum Asset Management, submitted the proposal which included plans for four terraced buildings. Two of these structures were intended to reach up to 16 storeys, while the others would rise to 11 and 12 storeys. The project aimed to offer 950 purpose-built student housing units and 450 rental housing units designated for general use. The complex was strategically positioned within an 800-metre radius of the Burquitlam SkyTrain station, enhancing accessibility for students commuting to the SFU campus.

The Burnaby City Council’s rejection came after city staff recommended further discussions with the developer to refine the proposal. City staff noted the critical need for additional student housing options in the area. They highlighted that SFU’s existing accommodation was insufficient for the growing student population. “City staff support the continuation of work with the applicant on the development concept and the proposed relaxations to unit sizes,” the staff report stated.

Despite this support, the council majority voted against the recommendation, citing environmental concerns regarding the site’s proximity to the forested area of Burnaby Mountain and Stoney Creek. City Councillor Alison Gu emphasized the need to consider potential natural hazard risks, such as wildfires and flooding, associated with the development. Councillor Sav Dhaliwal echoed these concerns, describing Stoney Creek as “very fragile” due to recent construction activities in the area, which have negatively impacted the waterway’s ecosystem.

Environmental advocates raised alarms about the potential risks to the endangered fish species residing in Stoney Creek. The creek has experienced ecological degradation due to increased sedimentation, sewage, and stormwater overflow linked to nearby developments. City councillors were wary of repeating past mistakes concerning unchecked development and its impact on local ecosystems.

While city officials expressed commitment to addressing the housing crisis for students, concerns remained about the proposed micro units, which could house several thousand residents but may not meet affordability standards. “I have some level of confidence that they will be trying to meet affordability targets,” said Councillor Gu, referring to SFU’s capabilities compared to the private sector’s often market-driven approach.

The proposed development was part of a broader trend of increasing demand for student accommodations in Metro Vancouver, where privately owned and operated purpose-built student housing has seen significant growth in recent years. Forum Asset Management has a history of developing student housing near university campuses in Eastern Canada and aimed to replicate that success in Burnaby.

Burnaby City Council’s decision reflects ongoing tensions between housing needs and environmental stewardship in urban planning. As the municipality prepares to finalize its Burnaby 2050 Official Community Plan, the focus remains on balancing development with the preservation of sensitive ecosystems. The council’s commitment to addressing student housing needs will have to navigate these complexities in future proposals.

The SFU Burnaby campus itself has been addressing student accommodation challenges by expanding on-campus housing options. Since 2018, three new purpose-built buildings have been completed, adding a total of 941 new student housing beds to the campus. This expansion is part of an overarching master plan aimed at increasing on-campus housing to support 10 percent of the university’s student population by the time all phases are complete.

As the city moves forward, the outcome of this proposal may influence future discussions regarding student housing developments and their environmental implications in Burnaby and beyond.