tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ Construction

tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ is UBC’s latest residence project, which will help us meet the significant demand for on-campus student housing at UBC’s Vancouver campus.

In addition to nearly 750 new beds for students, tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ includes new academic and social spaces to support community and connectivity outside of the classroom. This residence will further enhance the vibrance and vitality of this northeast area of campus, which—with the recent completion of the AMS Nest, UBC Life Building, Aquatic Centre, bus exchange, and Exchange Residence—is fast becoming a dynamic urban hub.

Learn to pronounce tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ

tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ | The Houses of the Ones Belonging to the Saltwater

 

Applying to live in tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ, Walter Gage or Exchange?

If you’re planning to add Gage, Exchange or tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ to your preferences in your residence application, you should know that residents of these areas will likely be impacted by this construction project. We want you to make an informed decision when you apply.

Project Details

Location

The construction site is located on the south side of Walter Gage residence (along Student Union Boulevard), on the east side of Walter Gage residence (along Wesbrook Mall), and on the northeast corner of Wesbrook Mall and Walter Gage Road.

Construction Timeline

Construction began October 2019
Construction is expected to be complete in 2021 (Buildings 1 and 2) and 2022 (Buildings 3, 4 and 5)

Ongoing schedule

Construction will typically occur during UBC’s standard approved hours of work: Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–7 pm, and Saturday, 9 am–5 pm.
Some workers will arrive on-site before the construction start time to begin getting ready for their day

Construction hours may be extended (e.g., earlier start time; extended to Sundays) to ensure the project is completed on time.

Noise & disruptions for residents of tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ, Walter Gage and Exchange

Residents at Walter Gage, Exchange and tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ (Buildings 1 & 2) should expect to hear noise from heavy equipment, industrial traffic and construction – and beginning in late-2020, additional noise as the concrete plaza at the south entrance to the Walter Gage Commonsblock is excavated to prepare for a redesigned courtyard.

There are also pedestrian and vehicle traffic disruptions in the area, along with an increased level of dust. Some residents will be less affected, if their units do not face directly onto an area under construction.

As you are likely aware, construction at UBC is an everyday activity, and safe, prudent construction practices are always followed. Nevertheless, while UBC can reduce the impact to residents and the campus community, it cannot be avoided altogether.

Questions?

Are you offering a discount?
No. While these residences are in close proximity to the project, construction at UBC is an everyday occurrence that we should all be prepared for and that the UBC community will ultimately benefit from.
What if I don't want to live near a construction site?
If you do not want to live near the tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ construction site, we recommend that you do not indicate Gage, Exchange or tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ as preferences in your application.
How noisy will my room be?
While construction noise will be kept within reasonable limits, every person responds to noise and disruption differently. With that in mind, we cannot anticipate how noisy your particular room will be or how the construction noise will affect you.
Will any units in Gage, Exchange or tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ not be affected?
Any resident of Gage, Exchange or tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ (Buildings 1 & 2) might experience some noise disruptions in their unit or another part of their residence area.
What if I move in and the disruptions are worse than I expected?

If you choose to move into Gage, Exchange or tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ, but you find the impact of noise to be more than you bargained for, you still have a couple of options:

  • First, speak to your RLM for strategies to minimize the impact of noise disruptions
  • Ultimately, if you would prefer to live elsewhere, you can apply for a room transfer.

Have additional questions? Email information@housing.ubc.ca.