Applications are now being accepted for student housing at Okanagan College's Salmon Arm campus.
Okanagan College spokesperson Kevin Parnell said the new 60-unit dormitory building at the campus will be open for the January 2025 semester. In a video with Mayor Alan Harrison shared by the city on Tuesday, Dec. 3, Parnell explained the majority of the apartments are one-bedroom studio style, with a small number of two- and four-bedroom units available.
In March 2021 the B.C. government announced new student housing projects for Okanagan College's 麻豆精选, Vernon and Salmon Arm campuses. Construction began in 麻豆精选 in 2022, while the Vernon and Salmon Arm projects broke ground in spring 2023. The Salmon Arm campus dorms were expected to be ready for September 2024, but in July the college announced the opening would be delayed to winter.
The college explained the construction schedule for January and February would have seen drywall installed; however, "the unusually cold and wet weather forced a delay, and by the time the conditions were more favourable, the availability of skilled trades professionals was limited."
鈥淲hile we had planned for the student housing in Salmon Arm to be completed this summer, that鈥檚 just not the reality today, due to factors beyond our control,鈥� said Dr. Samantha Lenci, OC鈥檚 provost and vice president academic, in the media release.
鈥淭he delay is not what we wanted 鈥� but it is worth the wait. Once this building is fully constructed and open, it will have a significant impact on our Salmon Arm campus and learners from across the Shuswap and the Interior鈥� who need a place to call home while they鈥檙e completing their studies."
Asked about use of the new Salmon Arm dorm's in the summer, Parnell suggested "when units are free there is opportunity to work with communities and try to have housing available for the community."
For more information and/or to apply, visit okanagan.bc.ca/housing/campus-housing-in-salmon-arm.
