The University of Ottawa is moving ahead with a major student housing project after its Board of Governors gave the plan its approval, clearing the way for work that could begin on campus this month.

The project — described by the university as a landmark initiative — will ultimately add 2,600 new student beds through a series of new buildings on and around the downtown campus, according to a University of Ottawa news release. The first of those buildings will rise on the site of the Brooks Complex, where demolition could begin as early as this month, depending on permits.

The university said the added capacity will help it maintain its long-standing guarantee of a residence space for every first-year student, while addressing concerns about student housing affordability and increasing housing density near the Sandy Hill campus.

A focus on affordability and design

The new facilities are planned to reflect current standards for comfort, sustainability and affordability, the university said. Design elements will include pedestrian and active mobility corridors, social hubs, and features meant to maximize natural light and organic elements throughout the complex.

"The goal is to create a culturally responsive and welcoming environment by respectfully integrating the unique character of the Sandy Hill neighbourhood and Indigenous perspectives into the design," Geoffrey Frigon, associate vice-president, facilities, said in the news release. "The core strategy will emphasize wellness and sustainable building practices, prioritizing student well-being and ecological health through a commitment to environmental stewardship, enhancing biodiversity, appropriate material selection and construction methods."

University president and vice-chancellor Marie-Eve Sylvestre said the development will do more than expand capacity.

"Not only will this new development expand our current housing capacity, but it will also profoundly enhance the living, learning and belonging experience for our entire community," Sylvestre said in the release.

She added that keeping rents affordable is central to the planning process.

"It's one of the values we're putting forward," she said.

Private-sector partnership

The university is developing the project in collaboration with the private sector. A consortium of four companies operating as Integrated Campus Solutions (ICS) has been selected as the preferred proponent and will begin negotiations with the university, with the goal of reaching an agreement and starting construction in the spring of 2026, according to the University of Ottawa news release.

Student services within the new complex will continue to be delivered directly by the university, the release said. A fairness adviser is overseeing the procurement process to ensure it is conducted openly, transparently and fairly.

The university said it will share information about temporary alternate parking arrangements with the campus community as the Brooks Complex demolition approaches. Students and community members were told to expect an information and question-and-answer session about the project.