Monday March 30, 2026 | SAANICH, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Building upgrades will improve Camosun engineering technology programs say the Ministry of Infrastructure and Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
The campus renewal will bring better learning spaces and new job opportunities to Victoria, the government said in a news release on March 26.
- Funding has been approved to renovate civil and mechanical engineering technology spaces at Camosun College’s Interurban campus (note: campus tour on April 10)
- Project will create local jobs and modernize learning spaces for high-demand post-secondary programs
- Construction is planned to begin in fall 2026, with completion targeted for spring 2029
Modernized learning spaces:
Renovations will replace aging infrastructure, such as labs and classrooms, and ensure students train on tools and technology that reflect current industry standards.
This supports the Province’s Look West economic development strategy by helping people gain the skills they need to support BC’s growing economy.
“Investments like this one at Camosun College strengthen the foundations of our communities modernizing the spaces where students learn and grow to prepare them for good jobs in high-demand fields,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure.
“These renovations will ensure students have the modern tools and training they need to pursue careers in engineering and technology, helping them build stronger futures,” says Ma.
Two buildings, two phases:
The Province, through the Ministry of Infrastructure, is investing $32 million to upgrade and extend the life of two buildings at the Interurban campus through a two-phase project:
- Phase 1- Jack White Building – Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026 and be complete by early 2028
- Phase 2 – Technologies Building – Construction is expected to begin in early 2028 and be completed by spring 2029
Supporting students and local jobs:
The project will help students build skills for high-demand careers, preparing a workforce ready to meet the needs of a changing economy. Modernized learning spaces will support the creation of local jobs during construction and ensure students can access high-quality education close to home.
“By upgrading learning spaces at Camosun, civil and mechanical engineering students will have access to the hands-on training they need for the in-demand careers that will shape BC’s future,” said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
“This investment aligns with our Look West strategy to build the skilled workforce BC needs to deliver major projects and keep B.C. growing as the economic engine of Canada.”
Camosun offers engineering programs.
Investing in BC post-secondary education infrastructure:
Since 2017, the Province has committed more than $4 billion to post-secondary education infrastructure, including:
- $2 billion for student housing, creating nearly 7,300 new student beds in B.C., with more underway, though in Budget 2026 a pause was put on student housing expansion at the University of Victoria. On-campus housing part of a strategy to ease up rental housing spaces in the surrounding local community (primarily Saanich, Oak Bay and Victoria).
- more than $2 billion for campus infrastructure, including new campuses and specialty buildings
As part of the Province’s Look West strategy, building a skilled workforce is essential to growing the economy and delivering the major projects that will drive strong, sustainable growth and positioning B.C. as Canada’s economic engine.
Improving post-secondary buildings and facilities ensures students have the tools they need for in-demand careers and supports long-term economic growth.
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