January 15, 2016
Province Building Affordable Housing for Brandon University Students
– – –Student Family Housing Complex Part of Commitment to New Affordable Housing: Minister Saran
The Manitoba government is investing more than $12 million in a new student family housing complex that will provide 42 affordable housing units for low- to moderate-income Brandon University students, Housing and Community Development Minister Mohinder Saran announced today.
“Better access to safe, clean and affordable housing will help address challenges students face in the housing market, while also allowing them to concentrate more fully on their studies and achieve their long-term goals,” said Minister Saran. “This initiative will create jobs and help strengthen the local economy and is part of our commitment to ensure families across the province have access to improved housing.”
The student family housing project includes a three-storey, 24-unit apartment building, as well as 18 townhouse units. Sixteen of the 24 apartments will be three bedrooms, with eight two-bedroom units. All townhouse units will have three bedrooms.
Tenants will be low- to moderate-income students. Rents will be set at affordable rates for the Brandon area, with half of the units on a rent geared-to-income basis.
“Brandon University has a reputation for offering students a first-class education where students can get individual attention from instructors,” said Municipal Government Minister Drew Caldwell. “This new housing complex will help ensure greater access to the career path of their choice by making it easier for out-of-town students to live and study in Brandon.”
Brandon University will donate land, valued at $850,000, for the project. The province and university will enter into a sponsor-managed agreement to manage the housing units once complete.
“Accessible and affordable housing for students with families is an important factor influencing the decision to attend Brandon University for many people,” said Gervan Fearon, president, Brandon University. “The new residences will support the educational goals of students and their families, help to address the housing shortage in Brandon, and represent another example of how the partnership being forged with Brandon University benefits the growth and vitality of the community at large.”
“Increased affordable housing space designated for students will alleviate the local housing shortage, while allowing low-income students to live close to campus,” said Nick Brown, interim president, Brandon University Students’ Union (BUSU). “With the residence complex being full this year, there is no better time to increase residence options. The new student family housing project will allow us to provide unique services to our mature and family students. This opportunity increases the ability of BUSU to provide that community and home feeling that students appreciate and desire on campus.”
The housing complex is designed to be accessible and all units will meet visitable housing standards, with design features such as one-level, no-step entries, and wider doorways and hallways. Six will be fully accessible. The complex will also qualify for Manitoba Hydro’s Power Smart New Buildings program.
Total project costs are estimated at $13.5 million, Minister Saran said, adding construction is expected to start this summer.
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