Image Credit: Thompson Rivers University

During a closed council meeting, Kamloops city council declined a proposal from Thompson River University to build temporary housing for students.

The buildings were designed in accordance with Alberta building codes and would have been built to be similar to temporary work camps. However, they do not meet B.C. building codes, so councillors said no to the proposal on Sept. 21.

TRU brought the proposal to the City in order to provide "emergency facilities" for their students who are having difficulties finding housing in Kamloops, according to a letter to the university from City chief administrative officer, David Trawin, following council's decision.

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"While we do understand the seriousness of TRU’s predicament — including the arrival of students for whom TRU has not yet secured housing — the City is of the view that using temporary housing that does not meet the legislated (and widely accepted) health and safety requirements would exacerbate rather than cure TRU’s dilemma," the letter from Trawin to TRU vice president, Matt Milovick, reads.

The portables don't meet provincial fire alarm standards. They lack the required fire department access routes and proximity to fire hydrants, according to Trawin. The portables do not have a shared ventilation system as designed, and the exit stairs do not meet the provincial standard. The diesel generator needed for one of the sites would have also fallen short of fire codes.

"The City is not requesting anything unreasonable," Trawin's letter reads, "If TRU is able to secure an alternate solution, such as modular structures that meet the (building code), the City would be in a much better position to assist TRU and the students who need housing."

An emailed statement from a TRU spokesperson says the university is disappointed that the request was denied and they will continue to seek immediate affordable housing options for students.

"The situation experienced today is the result of a number of factors that have strained the city’s affordable housing supply including the influx of out-of-town workers to support pipeline and other construction activity, wildfire evacuees, and the loss of spaces to social housing and future developments," the statement reads.

On campus there are 1,366 beds for students, while the university has 712 fewer students this semester compared to the fall of 2019. However, that has not left enough space for students on campus due to the ongoing housing crunch in Kamloops.

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"We know housing is a complex and larger issue than a university can unilaterally resolve," the TRU statement reads. 

In the closed council meeting, an unanimous vote carried a motion which requires university student housing portables to meet the B.C. Building Code.

The City also examined the use of the term "emergency facilities," which was agreed upon by a City legal team to fall short of the building code definition.

"Emergency facilities" are reserved for situations "involving sudden or unforseen events that require emergency action to protect lives or property," the letter reads.

The City believes the current student need for housing does not meet the appropriate criteria for emergency facilities.

"We believe we put forward a solution that provides a full commitment to the health and safety of students and addressed a critical need due to a sudden and unforeseen shortage of affordable housing in the city," the TRU statement reads.

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— This story was updated at 4:54 p.m., Sept. 23, 2021, with comment from Thompson Rivers University.

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