CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — UPEI hopes to break ground on a new nine-storey, $60-million student residence this spring, says Jackie Podger, vice-president of administration and finance for the university.
However, the public is going to have input first.
Charlottetown city council passed a resolution at its regular public meeting last Monday to send UPEI’s request for a site-specific exemption in the institutional zone of the zoning and development bylaw to a public meeting.
That is supposed to happen on Tuesday, March 24, in the Georgian Ballroom of the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, beginning at 7 p.m. However, while the city hasn't postponed the meeting yet, people are advised to check as the date nears based on current restrictions around the coronavirus outbreak.
The new student residence will include 260 beds, as well as classroom space and a 400-seat theatre. The building’s roof would be stepped, a type of design meant to disguise the scale of a building.
UPEI currently has 420 beds for students, so this project would see residence capacity increase by 50 per cent.
“The students will fill it from September to April, and we do have summer programs so students will (also) occupy the space in the summer,’’ Podger said.
Any available rooms not taken up by students in the summer months would be available for night-time rentals.
“We want to increase our conferencing business, so that will be helpful as well,’’ she said, referring to summer rentals.
The following is information on a proposed building at UPEI:
- Asking City of Charlottetown for a site-specific exemption in the institutional zone of the zoning and development bylaw as it pertains to 55 University Ave.
- Proposing nine-storey student residence
- Would include 260 beds, classroom space and a 400-seat theatre
- A public meeting is currently scheduled to be held Tuesday, March 24 at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel at 7 p.m. but those interested are advised to check ahead due to the situation with restrictions around the coronavirus.
Podger said any revenue generated from summer rentals goes back into UPEI’s budget, first to cover costs such as maintenance and then into student programs.
The residence, which will measure 184,000 square feet, will be located on the vacant field between University Avenue and the Andrew Hall student residence.
The project is expected to be completed by 2022 in advance of the 2023 Canada Winter Games being hosted by P.E.I. This will complete UPEI’s transformation to the athletes’ village where competitors from across the nation will take up temporary residence for the duration of the Games, after which UPEI students can begin moving in.
The building will also ease the shortage of student housing in Charlottetown.
“This is much needed. We want to make sure it’s going to try and help meet the needs of student housing, absolutely.’’
Podger said the building does not have a name yet, but the university would love to provide a naming opportunity by having a donor step up.
“It’s probably going to be our largest building, if not the largest, and it’s in a very high profile place.’’
