Building Ontario Fund invests in student housing at Trent University

The Government of Ontario announced an investment of $100 million through Building Ontario Fund (BOF) to build two new student residences and new academic spaces at Trent University.

The project will provide 1,400 students with convenient on-campus housing options along with approximately 134,000 square feet of new academic and student space to support the university’s long-term growth.

“By expanding academic spaces and student residences at Trent University, our government is ensuring that more students can focus on getting the skills they need to launch rewarding, good-paying careers while continuing to support Trent’s long-term growth and sustainability,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.

The two new student residences, Gidigaa Migizi College and Otonabee College, are located on the East Bank of Trent University’s Symons Campus. The addition of 1,400 student beds will expand Trent’s accessible and supportive living environment while also easing pressure on the local rental market. The development will also feature modern and state-of-the-art amenities including lecture halls and student support spaces. Construction of the project is expected to be completed in August 2029.

The $100 million investment will be repaid after the residences are occupied and generating revenue, then reinvested into other projects across six priority areas including affordable housing, energy, transportation, long-term care, municipal and community infrastructure, and critical minerals.

“This investment reflects Building Ontario Fund’s mandate to unlock priority infrastructure that delivers long-term public benefit through responsible, commercially disciplined investment. By partnering with Trent University, HOOPP and Knightstone Capital Management, we are helping deliver much-needed student housing, attracting institutional capital to Ontario, and creating a model that can be replicated across the province,” said Michael Fedchyshyn, CEO, Building Ontario Fund.

Featured image: (BOF)