Burnaby City Council Rejects 1,400-Unit SFU Student Housing Plan

Burnaby City Council has voted against a proposed development for a privately-owned student housing complex near Simon Fraser University (SFU) that would have provided approximately 1,400 residential units. The decision came during a council meeting last week, where members expressed concerns regarding the suitability of the site for high-density residential use.

The proposal, submitted by Toronto-based Forum Asset Management, aimed to redevelop the land at 9809-9998 Rathburn Dr., which is currently home to 16 single-family houses. The site is strategically located at the southeast base of Burnaby Mountain, just a short distance from the university and approximately a 10-minute walk from Burquitlam Station. This location falls within the provincial government’s designated 800-metre Transit Oriented Area radius, making it a potentially ideal spot for student housing.

According to the development plan, the project would consist of four terraced buildings, with two buildings on the southern portion reaching up to 16 storeys, while the northern buildings would be up to 12 storeys high. The proposal included a total of about 1,405 units, with 950 intended for purpose-built student housing and 450 for general rental use. This arrangement could potentially accommodate thousands of residents, particularly addressing the needs of “latter stage post-secondary students,” as SFU’s on-campus facilities currently lack sufficient capacity.

The city staff had recommended further consideration of the proposal, acknowledging the need for additional student housing options. A report from the staff indicated that they supported ongoing discussions with the developer to refine the project. “City staff support the continuation of work with the applicant on the development concept and the proposed relaxations to unit sizes, recognizing the need for additional student housing options in the area,” the report stated.

Despite this recommendation, the council ultimately rejected the proposal, with only City Councillor Pietro Calendino voting in favor. Those opposing the plan raised environmental concerns, particularly about potential impacts on the adjacent forested area and Stoney Creek. City Councillor Alison Gu emphasized the need to consider natural hazard risks, such as flooding and wildfires, that could arise from high-density development in this location.

Gu also expressed doubts regarding the project’s livability, particularly due to the planned micro studio units and the potential for market-rate rents, which might not meet affordability targets. “I’m incredibly supportive of student housing. I’m incredibly supportive of working with SFU,” Gu stated, highlighting the university’s capacity to provide quality housing that a private development might lack.

The rejection of this proposal underscores the ongoing challenges related to student housing in the area. SFU has made strides in increasing its on-campus accommodations, having built three new purpose-built student housing buildings in the last seven years. The most recent addition, the Courtyard Residence, opened in 2023, adding 383 beds for first-year students. When the current construction project is completed in Fall 2027, SFU will have over 3,000 on-campus beds, accommodating around 10 percent of its student population.

Forum Asset Management, known for its focus on purpose-built student housing, has a significant portfolio in Eastern Canada. The company aims to address the growing demand for student housing that often spills into the general rental market, particularly in urban centers. In Metro Vancouver, the demand for privately-owned student housing has surged, with various companies stepping in to meet this need.

As Burnaby City Council moves forward, the decision highlights the complexities of urban development, especially in areas where environmental and community concerns intersect with the growing need for student housing. The city is in the process of potentially developing citywide zoning regulations for privately-operated student housing, which may influence future proposals and their acceptance. The conversation on how to balance development with environmental stewardship is likely to continue in the coming months.