New $77 Million Student Housing Project Opens at North Island College

On September 19, 2023, North Island College (NIC) officially opened its new student housing complex, named tul’al’txw, which translates to “a house (place) of learning.” The ceremony, led by the K’ómoks First Nation and the K’ómoks Connection Committee, included blessings, naming rituals, and community reflections to celebrate the significance of the project. This development aims to address the pressing need for accessible and culturally appropriate housing for students on Vancouver Island.

The tul’al’txw project, which began construction in September 2023, will provide a total of 217 beds for students. It features two linked buildings offering 157 beds for individual students, alongside a third building housing 60 family-friendly units. Each structure has been given a name that honors the diverse First Nations of the Comox Valley. The west wing is named tl’emstan, the east wing is called gukwa’las, and the family housing wing is known as ʔayɛs kw ǰɛǰɛnxwɛgəs.

Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure, emphasized the impact of this initiative, stating, “Students of all ages will benefit from North Island College’s first student housing project. This $77 million project uses locally sourced mass timber, which is a more sustainable choice of building material and demonstrates that smart infrastructure investments can strengthen communities and create lasting benefits.”

The new housing complex is designed to alleviate a critical shortage of affordable accommodation in the region. Many NIC students, particularly those from rural, Indigenous, or low-income backgrounds, have faced significant barriers to pursuing or completing their education due to the lack of suitable housing options.

Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, noted the importance of campus living for student success. “Whether you’re a student on your own or with a family, having the option to live on campus makes it easier for you to succeed in your studies,” she stated. “These family-oriented suites and apartments mean that more people on Vancouver Island can pursue an education and build a better life for their families.”

The buildings utilize mass timber, aligning with British Columbia’s Wood First program to reduce environmental impact. Significant portions of the project were constructed off-site, enhancing efficiency and minimizing waste during the building process. Furthermore, the new complex meets Step 4 of the B.C. Energy Step Code, which represents the highest energy-efficiency standard for commercial buildings.

The project received substantial financial backing, including $75 million from the provincial government and $2 million from North Island College. The completion of tul’al’txw marks a significant step forward in addressing the housing crisis faced by students in the area, ensuring that more individuals have the opportunity to pursue their educational goals in a supportive and sustainable environment.