Prime Highlights:
The Province of British Columbia is funding the BCIT South Campus Infrastructure Renewal (SCIR) project to enhance student and employee experiences.
Construction begins in early 2026 and will continue until 2029, focusing on the first three of five project zones.
Key Background:
The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is set to embark on a significant infrastructure revitalization at its Burnaby campus, with a $48 million investment from the Province of British Columbia. The BCIT South Campus Infrastructure Renewal (SCIR) project, which will begin in early 2026, aims to enhance the student experience and create a more vibrant, accessible, and sustainable campus environment. This multi-phase project will run until 2029 and represents a major commitment to modernizing the campus’s infrastructure while supporting BCIT’s educational and sustainability goals.
The first phase of the SCIR project includes improvements to the south side of the campus, covering three of the five planned zones. These upgrades will involve critical infrastructure enhancements such as the renewal of electrical, gas, water, and stormwater systems. These changes will improve climate resilience and facilitate future campus developments, ensuring a robust foundation for BCIT’s long-term sustainability efforts.
“Investing in BCIT’s infrastructure is a direct investment in the future workforce of the province,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “These upgrades will help create cutting-edge facilities that provide students with the skills they need for success and help foster future economic growth.”
The campus will also see substantial above-ground improvements, including open spaces, a revitalized urban greenway, and an enhanced campus walkway linking new student housing to the core of the campus. Other improvements will include upgraded wayfinding systems, expanded bicycle networks, and improved accessibility in public spaces. In addition, the project supports the continued daylighting of Guichon Creek, creating a natural habitat for salmon.
The SCIR project will function as a “Living Lab,” providing students in programs like Civil Engineering, Ecological Restoration, and Construction Management with real-world experience through collaboration with industry professionals. It also marks the retirement of the Energy OASIS site, a pioneering microgrid project that demonstrated the potential for large-scale solar energy systems. This ambitious revitalization is expected to play a key role in shaping BCIT’s future, ensuring the institution remains at the forefront of education, innovation, and sustainability.
