Humber is providing more housing options with the official opening of a new student residence as part of the first phase of the Humber Cultural Hub (HCH) at the Lakeshore Campus.
The new, 336-bed student residence will be a hub for student life that also addresses the growing demand for student housing while enhancing the overall campus experience. With the opening of the new residence, Humber now provides 1,800 on-campus beds for students across its campuses along with off-campus housing options.
"Humber’s new residence addresses a critical need for student housing, offering a home away from home for our students as they set out on their post-secondary journey," said Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO of Humber. "This residence demonstrates our commitment to providing an unparalleled student experience in a community where life-long friendships and countless memories will be made."
This new facility, designed by Diamond Schmitt and constructed by Ellis Don, is part of the first phase of the HCH.
Minister of Colleges and Universities Nolan Quinn, in his first official event as minister, attended the opening. Also in attendance was Etobicoke–Lakeshore MPP Christine Hogarth and Etobicoke—Lakeshore MP James Maloney.
“Our government is committed to working with post-secondary institutions to find innovative ways to get more housing built for students across the province,” said Quinn, who noted that his brother is a Humber grad. "Humber's new residence will ensure students have access to affordable and safe student housing with many amenities and services to enhance their learning experience.”
A key aspect of the construction of the HCH is sustainability and the building features mass timber construction sourced from renewable forests. This approach captures and stores carbon, displacing traditional high-carbon building materials such as cement, brick, and steel.
The building will not use any natural gas, relying instead on geothermal, solar and electricity for its energy needs.
The HCH was named a 2024 Clean50 Top Project award winner and also won silver at the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics Awards of Excellence in the Construction Award category. It has also been certified under the Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard v1 by the Canada Green Building Council.
Acting for Stage and Screen student Matthew Adamson is living in the HCH residence building. Adamson, who’s from Winnipeg, knew that the HCH residence was being built and was pleasantly surprised to learn he’d be living there.
“I think it’s really nice and spacious,” said Adamson as he toured the facility.
Once completed, the HCH will include a new 500-seat Performance Hall as well as a 140-seat Music Recital Hall and an informal interior amphitheatre designed for festivals, public events, and community gatherings. There will be classrooms for use by various faculties, a new gymnasium and cafeteria plus labs and more.
The second phase of the facility is slated to open in 2026.
More information about the project and new residence can be found by visiting the HCH website.