Edmonton to create 550 new housing units for students
Posted March 20, 2026 10:22 am.
Last Updated March 21, 2026 9:12 am.
The City of Edmonton is looking to expand student housing through five new projects this spring.
The projects will create 550 new units through the City’s Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan, which launched in 2024.
“A vibrant downtown depends on a thriving student population. These projects are not just addressing a critical housing need but adding new life and growth into our city’s core,” said Mayor Andrew Knack. “This investment will bring over 550 new, purpose-built student housing units downtown, making it more inclusive and accessible for the thousands of students who choose to make Edmonton their home.”
The projects are to help students stay at or below the average monthly rental rates in Edmonton.
With various post-secondary institutions in downtown Edmonton like MacEwan University and Norquest College, the City says that “expanding student housing also advances the Downtown Action Plan.” With this, the projects will take place downtown at the following locations:
- The Vantage (10145 106 St.) – 92 units
- Falcon Two (10003 104 St.) – 67 units
- Quarters Student Housing (10316 96 St.) – 150 units
- Warehouse Block (10189 106 St.) – 150 units
- Lilac Park (10154 108 St.) – 108 units
A City-led survey last fall found that over half of Edmonton’s post-secondary students lowered their spending on food or other necessities to afford housing.
“The launch of the Downtown Student Housing Incentive and the selection of its first projects sends a strong signal that Edmonton is serious about revitalizing its core,” said Kalen Anderson, CEO of BILD Edmonton Metro. “Housing is foundational to a thriving downtown, and incentives like this help close viability gaps so projects can move forward and pro formas can work in today’s market. By supporting a diverse mix of housing options, this program advances the City’s goal of increasing downtown’s population to 19,000 residents and building a more vibrant, resilient urban centre.”
The City is expecting the overall cost of the student housing projects to be around $15 million.
