Here’s everything we know about what’s happening at the soon-to-be Capilano University dorms.
Several people informed The Squamish Chief that people living in rental apartments in the former Quest University student housing on the new CapU campus were served with 60-day eviction notices.
The current residents in the buildings, which are owned by Bethel Corporation and Southern Star Developments LP, were told they needed to vacate by May 1.
“Capilano University will commence classes at the University campus in Squamish in 2024. As such, the dorm buildings will be returning to their original intended use as student housing,” reads a vacate notice forwarded to The Squamish Chief.
When initially asked about the notices, a spokesperson from Bethel Corporation deferred The Squamish Chief to CapU.
A CapU representative, Linda Munro, said the university is aware that the residents of the buildings were asked to leave, and they hope they are able to find new suitable living situations. Munro also said the buildings in question are zoned for student housing and, therefore, are not suitable for permanent living situations.
“Growing municipalities require a variety of housing options to meet the needs of its residents,” wrote Munro. “Purpose-built student housing plays a pivotal role in easing the housing pressure within the District of Squamish. It offers dedicated accommodation options designed for students that reduces the demands on traditional housing, apartments and suites that are more appropriate for families and individuals. Student housing right next to university also reduces traffic and the environmental impact of the campus community.”
However, neither CapU nor Bethel Corporation answered questions about when exactly students would be occupying the dorms.
The buildings are zoned by the District of Squamish under what’s called University Campus 1 (UC-1).
Under the UC-1 zoning, these buildings can be used as short-term rental and tourist accommodations from May 2 to Aug. 31 of each year.
When asked to comment on the timing of the vacate notices coming a day before this zoning permission, a spokesperson for Bethel Corporation did not reply.
Buildings for sale
Furthermore, the buildings in question are also listed for sale by NAI Commercial for an undisclosed price. The brochure for the sale describes the buildings as “vacant.”
The brochure advertises 416 units exist between the four buildings, it is unclear how many were occupied by local residents and for how long. Quest University closed in April 2023 and the sale to CapU occurred in August 2023, which did not include the dorm buildings.
The agent on the listing, Marshall MacLeod, said the buildings have been for sale since “late August 2023” and maintained that the price is confidential.
CapU’s Munro said on April 30 that the university could not provide any further comment when asked about the sale of the buildings.
Not within DOS jurisdiction
The Squamish Chief also asked the District of Squamish about the evictions.
“We empathize with residents faced with evictions in our community and we are acutely aware of the urgent need for affordable and diverse housing in Squamish. Local governments do not have jurisdiction over landlord/tenant agreements or terminations of, which are regulated at the provincial level through the Residential Tenancy Branch,” wrote District spokesperson Rachel Boguski.
RTB investigating
The Squamish Chief contacted the Ministry of Housing, which noted the Residential Tenancy Branch was investigating the evictions.
“The Residential Tenancy Branch’s (RTB) Compliance and Enforcement Unit (CEU) is looking into this matter and assessing the complaint as they receive more information. Due to privacy concerns, we are unable to comment further or share information on specific cases,” wrote a spokesperson with the ministry.
“The CEU ensures compliance with tenancy laws in B.C. by providing information and direction, intervening early, taking on cases of repeated and serious contraventions, and holding those who seriously flout the law accountable. In scenarios like this, we encourage anyone who is facing issues to contact an RTB Information Officer at 1-800-665-8779, who can direct them to the CEU if appropriate or outline other options.”
One resident of the buildings, Chris Brossard, said the situation was difficult for many who were housed there beyond himself, as he said some people who were staying there were in vulnerable situations.
Brossard said he had a month-to-month contract for up to two years that started in November 2023. He realized that meant his living situation could change, but it was still tough to get the notice. Upon receiving the notice, he said he immediately tried to “cope” with the situation by looking for cars to live in or jobs that come with accommodation. Fortunately, he found a job with accommodation, but he left Squamish to take it.
“In this country, it's hard to get accommodation, and it's also expensive. And so this sort of solves all the problems at once,” he said of taking the new job.
