Former Squamish university campus bought by Capilano University, classes to begin in fall

A post-secondary campus in Squamish is about to be reimagined as Capilano University’s newest campus, as it announces it has bought the former Quest University site for $63.2 million.

In a statement Wednesday, the North Vancouver-based university says it reached the sale agreement with the land owners. The university says $48 million in funding from the provincial government helped make the purchase a reality.

“As a university that serves Vancouver’s North Shore, the Sunshine Coast, the Sea-to-Sky region, and beyond, we are excited to open a new Capilano University campus in the District of Squamish,” said Paul Dangerfield, president of Capilano University.

“As we expand our presence in Squamish, we look forward to delivering new opportunities for learners to pursue post-secondary studies and have a distinct university experience in their home community, and to offer unique academic opportunities that attract people to this region.”

Quest, a private non-profit university that formerly operated at the site, suspended classes at the end of the spring term this year as it struggled with financial security.

The decision to close the university was announced in February, with the university citing that it had been “unable to secure” additional funding required to operate past the spring.

CapU says along with operating the university, it is also looking into providing child care and is “exploring options to offer housing for students at the Squamish campus.”

“The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) has worked closely with Capilano University for many years. We are pleased to support the return of in-person learning to the District of Squamish. The new campus will provide opportunities for our youth in Squamish to seek post-secondary education close to home. We look forward to continuing discussions with Capilano University about how to best serve our members and how we can help Indigenize the university’s programs,” said Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams, spokesperson for the Nation.

In a statement, the province says the new university will initially have approximately 100 students, nearing 400 in “later years.” CapU says classes are slated to begin in the fall of this year.

“͞The Sea-to-Sky region is growing quickly,” said Selina Robinson, minister of post-secondary education. “Capilano University’s purchase of the former Quest University campus in Squamish will provide post-secondary education opportunities closer to home for people living in the area, which is fantastic news for local high school students and those who want to go to university at any age from the Squamish, Whistler, and surrounding areas.”