A new mixed-use university district

The University of Victoria is planning for the development of a new mixed-use university district including housing and supporting commercial uses at the Ian Stewart Complex (3964 Gordon Head Road) and Campus Storage Facility (3957 Gordon Head Road).

udistrict map
Map of UVic property to be converted into mixed-use university district site


The goals of the project are:

• To establish a potential mixed-use university district that provides new housing opportunities to support a more vibrant campus and surrounding community.

• To ensure a financially sustainable model for the university district that generates revenue to support university priorities.

New development will be aligned with the university’s strategic priorities, generate revenue through housing and commercial uses and respond to pressing regional housing shortages.
 
Other academic institutions in British Columbia have successfully built university communities benefiting university employees, students, and the community as well as providing new sources of revenue to support the university’s academic mission.

Community engagement

Community engagement is an essential part of planning for a new mixed-use university district. The campus and neighbourhood engagement process will follow the university’s Community Engagement Framework. Please check back for opportunities to get involved. Opportunities for future engagement will be shared broadly.
 

History of the site

The university acknowledges and respects the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples on whose traditional territory the site stands and the Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

The Ian Stewart Complex was UVic’s primary recreation centre from 1991 to 2015. Remaining uses within the building include storage, office space, two academic laboratories and an ice arena. In 2015, UVic completed the Centre for Athletics Recreation and Special Abilities, meaning that almost all athletic uses were transferred to this new complex. The remaining ice arena was constructed in 1970 and is well beyond its estimated life of 40 years. The university will be undertaking a planning and approval process for the project while also preparing decommissioning plans for existing facilities including the ice arena. This will provide time for existing users to transition programs to other facilities.
 
The Campus Storage Facility, located adjacent to Field 8, is used to support campus operations. The building was completed in the 1980's and no longer meets the needs of the university.

 

For further information, contact Mike Wilson, Director - Campus Planning and Sustainability at 250-472-5433 or