The University of Guelph is exploring a plan to expand and diversify its student housing offerings by redeveloping two sites on University-owned land to create more than 2,500 beds for mixed-use student housing. Over the next 10 years, the University is looking to build additional units at the current student housing community of Wellington Woods and create a new residence for graduate and upper-year undergraduate students at the corner of Gordon St. and College Ave. W.

These plans are in addition to the recently announced first-year student residence to be located at College Ave. W and McGilvray St. With all three sites combined, the University aims to add more than 4,000 new student housing beds by 2035. Plans for the sites are guided by the University’s new long-term Real Estate Land Use Vision and Strategy, which will set a bold vision for maximizing the potential of some of its land holdings.

“We’re embarking on an exciting journey to hopefully create thousands of new student housing beds over the next decade,” says Sharmilla Rasheed, vice-president (finance and operations). “We recognize housing availability and affordability is crucial to academic well-being and are committed to doing what we can to not only increase the quantity of student housing, but the diversity of housing options that will best meet unique student needs.”

U of G has issued a Request for Expressions of Interest to solicit feedback from the development community on its goals for both sites and to gauge interest in partnering to potentially design, build, finance, maintain and operate these student housing projects. The two projects are also subject to governance approvals and U of G will be engaging with its community and key external stakeholders throughout the development process.

Multi-phase redevelopment of Wellington Woods, new landmark gateway to main campus

Wellington Woods is currently part of U of G’s student housing inventory with 138 townhouse units for students with families across nearly 13 acres of land. The site is located within an intensification corridor as defined by the City of Guelph Official Plan and is well-positioned to accommodate an expansion of housing units.

Early plans for the site call for a gradual, multi-phase build across four development blocks, prioritizing housing continuity for tenants and mitigating construction impacts. The site will eventually be home to more than 2,200 beds in diverse housing types, from studios that would be best suited for upper-year undergraduate and graduate students to townhomes best suited for students with families.

U of G is also looking to create a new residence geared towards graduate and upper-year undergraduate students at the west side of the Gordon St. and College Ave. W intersection. The conceptual design proposes an eight-storey building with capacity for approximately 280 beds along with retail space, a lecture hall and student study space.

This new residence, situated at a key entry point to the University’s main campus, promises to be a hub for student life by creating a space for both academic and non-academic uses, attracting increased foot traffic and pedestrian activities. The units are envisioned to be self-contained studios with full washrooms and kitchens, making them ideal for graduate and upper-year undergraduate students.

Real Estate Land Use Vision and Strategy charts path for student housing developments

The three sites the University is progressing for near-term student housing development – Wellington Woods, the graduate student residence, and the first-year student residence – are part of its new Real Estate Land Use Vision and Strategy.

The Real Estate Land Use Vision and Strategy evaluates the best use of several non-academic land holdings for the long-term success of U of G and its surrounding communities. It takes an over 40-year view to transforming these lands into dynamic, interconnected and complete communities that enhance the University’s academic mission while addressing emerging trends and needs.

The Ontario government’s Bill 185, Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024, enables the University to realize the Strategy’s housing projects faster to better meet the needs of students. “As we progress down this path and look to begin implementing our long-term vision, we are committed to working with the City of Guelph and other key partners to advance this work together,” says Rasheed.

The Real Estate Land Use Vision and Strategy is subject to Board of Governors approval and more information will be shared in the coming months.