North Island College engaged Scion Advisory Services to complete a multi-phase engagement that commenced with a Market & Demand Analysis of the College’s largest campus Comox Valley and the Campbell River campus.
Following the completion of the Market & Demand Analysis, Scion worked with NIC to develop a program plan and business case for future student housing on the campus. This included a business case for housing in the size and style indicated by the updated study and engagement sessions with the College. The goal of this project was to present a case to the Province that was helping colleges and universities create student housing through a combination of grants and loan funding.
Scion assessed the College’s off-campus housing market, conducted a student survey, and led large group and individual feedback sessions with key College stakeholders and students. The results of these endeavours informed Scion’s initial demand figures for future student housing.
After delivery of the Market & Demand Analysis, Scion conducted an impact workshop, which focused on planning the program for future residence space on campus, unit mixes for the appropriate students, and additional services/facilities/ amenities. Scion also presented several delivery options, including the potential to convert an existing hospital into student housing. Feedback from the impact workshop and the result of a financial analysis informed the completion of the Housing Program Plan & Business Case.
The Business Case was submitted to the Province and included cost estimations, design and unit concepts, demand, unit type and mix, proposed amenities, and recommended delivery model. NIC was granted approval and funding for their project.
With the submission of the Market and Demand Analysis & Housing Program Plan and Business Case, North Island College received approval for a Loan/Grant from the B.C. government. Subsequent to approval, Scion has also assisted in architectural and campus planning reviews.
The Comox Valley Campus of North Island College is aiming to provide studio and four-bedroom apartment style housing for 148 single students and 20 two-bedroom townhomes for students with families.