North Island College has officially opened its first on-campus student housing complex, which includes a total of 217 beds, with two connected buildings featuring studio apartments and shared units, and a third building offering two-bedroom suites meant for students with families. Amenities include a play area, multi-faith room, and gardens.
Construction began in September 2023 and the design was developed in partnership with the K’ómoks First Nation and K’ómoks Connections Committee. Named in pentl’ach, one of the languages of the K’ómoks First Nation, the student-housing project is called tul’al’txw, which means “a house (place) of learning.”
The buildings are made of mass timber to reduce environmental impact and support B.C.’s Wood First program. In addition, much of the project was built off site, improving efficiency and minimizing waste. The three buildings meet Step 4 of the B.C. Energy Step Code, the highest energy-efficiency standard for commercial buildings. The $77-million complex includes a $75-million investment from the provincial government and a $2-million contribution from North Island College.