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Construction
Hours of construction
Construction within residences follows the city of Burnaby construction bylaws. Constructions hours will be as follows:
- Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday: *9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Burnaby Noise or Abatement, by-law
*SFU Student Residence Phase 3 Infrastructure - Construction Noise Variances
Subject to subsections (2) and (4), no person shall carry or cause to be carried on any works in connection with the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair or demolition of any building, structure, improvement or other thing
- (a) before 7:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday;
- *(b) before 9:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. on Saturday; (Construction Noise Variance PDF)
- (c) at any time on Sunday or any statutory holiday.
Resident safety
Due to various construction activities around the residence area, there are a number of construction zones that will impact pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
- Please be cautious and aware around these construction zones
- Watch for hazards and obey signage and/or instructions from flag persons
- Do not enter any closed areas
If you have trouble finding or require assistance to and from Residence, please contact Campus Security at 778-782-7991 to request a Safewalk.
Phase 3 student housing project
EXPECTED COMPLETION: 2027
| Project: | Residence Parking Lot and Surrounding area Project |
|---|---|
Location: |
Residence Main Parking Lot |
| Time frame: | September 15 to fall 2027 |
| Hours of work | In compliance with the Burnaby Noise or Sound Abatement Bylaw |
| Expected noise and disruption | Residents in buildings near the area will be impacted by noise. There may be periodic disruption to traffic along Residence Lane and Terry Fox Lane. |
Construction of Phase 3 Student Housing Project. The work requires some parking spaces to be blocked for the duration of work to facilitate construction project. Permit holders are asked to follow signs, delineators and tape and not park in the construction area. Vehicles parked in the closed area will be subject to towing at the driver’s expense.
Site clearing and DES Extension Summer 2024. Work includes tree removal and debris cleanup. The work requires some parking spaces to be blocked for the duration of work to facilitate their bins and small machines.
Phase 3 construction updates
February 23 - March 3 - University Drive West Temporary Roadway Interruption
Location: The section of University Drive West east of Campus Road
Work to be completed: Tree trimming. This will involve work trucks being staged along University Drive West
Expected interruptions:
- Single lane alternating traffic will be in place while work is in progress
- Temporary traffic delays can be expected along University Drive West
- Temporary traffic delays can be expected on West Campus Road
Comments: Watch for construction signs, equipment, work vehicles, crew and traffic control personnel working in the areas outlined above and please watch for pedestrians and cyclists when travelling in the area.
For more information visit: SFU Traffic Notices
November 18 - December 20 - Residence Main Parking Fire Lane
Location: The Residence Main Parking Fire Lane (located between Dining Commons and Child Care Building)
Detour: Signage will guide you to alternative routes
Construction Schedule: Starting November 18, 2024, and expected to be completed by December 20; typical working hours from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
Safety: Please practice caution around the fenced off construction area and follow the signs.
McTaggart-Cowan Hall exterior envelope
PROJECT COMPLETED FALL 2025/SPRING 2026
| Project: | Mctaggart-Cowan Hall Exterior Envelope Renewal |
|---|---|
Location: |
South side residences |
| Time frame: | Building Closure May 2023 – Fall 2025 |
| Hours of work | In compliance with the Burnaby Noise or Sound Abatement Bylaw |
| Expected noise and disruption | Residents in buildings near the area will be impacted by noise. There may be periodic disruption to traffic along Residence Lane and Terry Fox Lane. |
| Project Status | Now complete |
Built in 1986 McTaggart-Cowan Hall is now 36 years old. Extensive interior renovations were conducted 4-6 years ago to update washrooms, kitchens and the fire suppression system. The roof was replaced in 2020/21. The buildings primary enclosure areas (e.g. Windows and walls) have reached the end of their effective service lives and require replacement. The focus of this project will be on the vertical envelope and supplementary mechanical ventilation of the building. In addition, the implementation of this envelope renewal strategy will bring about positive impacts towards reducing energy usage, improving user comfort, reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as helping maintain a consistent architectural standard across the campus. During this extended closure of the building, Resident room furniture will be replaced, and flooring will be repaired.
McTaggart-Cowant Hall exterior envelope updates
December 1 - 12 – Exterior Building Landscaping
Location: McTaggart-Cowan Hall Exterior of building – December 1, 2025
Anticipated Completion: December 12, 2025
Work to be completed: Landscapers will be completing drip edging, hydro-seeding and re-planting of the gardens on all sides of the building
Impact on Residents:
- Expect some noise early in the morning.
- Workers will be in the front, side and rear gardens of the building
- Regular hours for this work will be 7:00am till 3:00pm Monday to Friday).
Safety and Security:
- To ensure their safety, residents should watch for caution tape, construction fencing, signage and hazard-marking cones that will be in place to keep people away from areas where work is in progress.
- It is suggested that you keep your blinds closed for privacy.
- We recommend that you keep your window closed to reduce noise.
October 14- November 4 – Garbage Enclosure Installation
Location: North West corner of the McTaggart-Cowan Hall building – October 14
Anticipated Completion: November 4, 2025
Contractor: Compass Cladding
Work to be completed: Compass Cladding will be installing the New Garbage Enclosure on the West end of McTaggart Cowan House. The installation will involve metal columns and panels. The work is expected be take up to three weeks. This work will take place from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Impact on Residents:
- Expect some noise,
- Normal hours of work will be 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday (except holidays). Work may occasionally occur on Saturdays between: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Safety and Security:
- To ensure their safety, residents should watch for caution tape, construction fencing, signage and hazard-marking cones that will be in place to keep people away from areas where work is in progress.
- It is suggested that you keep your blinds closed for privacy.
- In order to prevent dust and fumes from entering your room, we recommend that you keep your window closed and latched whenever you are not in your room and whenever work is in progress nearby. We will be sending updates as the final touches are put on these new buildings.
October 7 - 12 – Interior Stair Repairs
Location: Interior stair repairs – McTaggart-Cowan Hall – October 7
Anticipated Completion: October 12, 2025
Contractor: Donald Flooring
Work to be completed: Donald Flooring Will be updating the flooring on all the stairs in the McTaggart-Cowan Hall Building. All stairwells will be updated over a period of time. The work is to start on the east exit stairwell and continue one stair well at a time untill are renewed.
Impact on Residents:
- Expect noise.
- You may notice a smell from the glues used.
- Normal hours of work will be 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday (except holidays).
Safety and Security:
- To ensure your safety, residents should watch for caution tape, construction fencing, signage and hazard-marking cones that will be in place to keep people away from areas where work is in progress.
- Stairs will be closed while work is taking place, please do not enter a stairway if work is on going.
- Stairs may be closed for a period of time while the adhesive sets.
September 25 – Exterior Painting
Location: Interior stair repairs – McTaggart-Cowan Hall – October 7
Anticipated Completion: October, 2025
Work to be completed: Painters will be working on the north west corner and south side of the building painting the lower portion of the building
Impact on Residents:
- There may be some odor from the paint
- You may have workers at window level in front of your room or infront of the building
Safety and Security:
- To ensure your safety, residents should watch for caution tape, signage and hazard-marking cones that will be in place to keep people away from areas where work is in progress.
- Please close your blinds and widows from privacy and security
Shell House closure
BUILDING CLOSED AS OF: FALL 2025
| Project: | Shell House Closure |
|---|---|
Location: |
East side residences |
| Time frame: | Building Closure Fall 2025 |
| Hours of work | In compliance with the Burnaby Noise or Sound Abatement Bylaw |
| Expected noise and disruption | Residents in buildings near the area may be impacted by noise. |
| Project status | Plans are underway to remediate hazardous materials |
Built in 1969, Shell House is the oldest building in residences and will be closing for good. The expected closure date for Shell House will be Fall 2025 and will occur in conjunction with the re-opening of McTaggart-Cowan Hall. For more information on current residence expansion projects including updates to Phase 3, please visit our Residence Buildings page.