Burnaby Council Rejects 1,400-Unit Student Housing Proposal

The Burnaby City Council voted against a proposal to build a privately operated student housing complex that would have included approximately 1,405 residential units near the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Burnaby campus. The decision, made last week, highlighted concerns about the site’s environmental sensitivity and its proximity to Burnaby Mountain’s forested areas.

The proposal, submitted by Toronto-based Forum Asset Management, sought to transform a land assembly on Rathburn Drive, currently composed of 16 single-family homes, into a four-building complex. This complex would have included 950 dedicated student housing units and 450 rental housing units, aiming to address the growing need for off-campus accommodation for students. The site is strategically located near Burquitlam Station, making it accessible for students commuting to SFU.

The proposed design, developed in collaboration with architectural firm Gensler and urban planning firm Urban Strategies, featured buildings ranging from 11 to 16 storeys. The layout included a variety of unit types, from compact 215 sq. ft. micro studios to larger three-bedroom units of approximately 900 sq. ft..

During the council meeting, city staff recommended allowing continued discussions with the developer to refine the proposal, citing the need for more student housing options in Burnaby. They emphasized that the project could help alleviate housing affordability issues in the area. The staff report noted, “City staff support the continuation of work with the applicant on the development concept… recognizing the need for additional student housing options in the area.”

Despite staff support, the proposal faced opposition from most council members, with only Councillor Pietro Calendino advocating for further consideration. Calendino pointed out that students had expressed a preference for more off-campus housing, and that the site’s location made it suitable for development.

Opponents of the proposal raised significant environmental concerns. Councillor Alison Gu highlighted the potential risks associated with natural hazards, such as flooding and wildfires, particularly given the sensitive ecological context of the site. Councillor Sav Dhaliwal voiced apprehension over the impact of nearby construction on the health of Stoney Creek, a waterway adjacent to the proposed development, which has already suffered from pollution and ecological degradation.

The council’s decision reflects ongoing tensions between the need for more student housing and the imperative to protect local ecosystems. Stoney Creek, which flows from Burnaby Mountain through residential areas and parks, has experienced ecological challenges, including increased sediment from construction activities and contamination from previous industrial practices.

Moreover, there were concerns about the potential livability of the proposed micro units, which would likely be offered at market rates given the private nature of the development. Gu remarked on the necessity for quality and affordability in student housing, contrasting it with SFU’s record in providing on-campus accommodation.

The discussion around the proposal comes amid a broader context of rising demand for student housing in Metro Vancouver. In recent years, the region has seen a surge in privately-owned student housing developments, driven by the unmet demand from students.

According to Forum Asset Management’s website, the company has extensive experience in developing purpose-built student housing across Canada, particularly in locations close to university campuses. They have successfully operated similar projects in Eastern Canada, addressing the gap in student accommodation.

In parallel, SFU has been working to expand its on-campus housing options. Over the past seven years, the university has built a total of 941 new student housing beds, with current projects aimed to accommodate more than 3,000 students by 2027.

The future of student housing in Burnaby remains uncertain, as city officials contemplate new zoning rules that could better regulate privately operated student accommodation. The recent council decision may prompt further discussions on how to balance development needs with environmental stewardship in the area.