Capilano University to take over Quest University campus in Squamish

Quest University campus at 3200 University Boulevard, Squamish. (Colliers International)

Four months after the financially troubled Quest University shut down its operations in April 2023, there is a new use in sight for its former campus in Squamish.

The provincial government announced this morning it has provided Capilano University with $48 million towards the $63.2-million acquisition of Quest University’s former campus in Squamish.

Quest University’s campus at 3200 University Boulevard was built in 2007, spanning 18 acres and 132,000 sq ft of building floor area. The turn-key ready facilities include academic teaching and learning spaces, a library, a cafeteria, an athletic centre, an all-weather sports field, a cultural and creative activity area, and two large parking lots.

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Capilano University’s first classes at its new Squamish campus are scheduled to start in Fall 2024, with registration beginning in early 2024.

Upon opening, it will initially serve about 100 students, before seeing its capacity expanded to nearly 400 students. This campus is intended to provide more post-secondary institution options for Sea to Sky Corridor residents.

“The Sea-to-Sky region is growing quickly. 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,” said Selina Robinson, the BC Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, in a statement.

Quest University 3200 University Boulevard Squamish

Quest University campus at 3200 University Boulevard, Squamish. (Colliers International)

Its programs will include early childhood care, education, literacy, arts, science, and business, as well as outdoor recreation and other programming in collaboration with the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations.

Some minor renovations will be needed to serve the university’s specific needs, and the campus could potentially see the addition of a childcare facility with a capacity for 74 kids.

“Capilano University inspires imagination, prioritizes health and well-being, and positively contributes to people and the planet,” said Paul Dangerfield, the 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.”

In 2020, Quest University, a private, non-profit, post-secondary institution, became insolvent and filed for creditor protection. Their financial problems existed long before the pandemic, but they were exacerbated by the health and economic crisis. Their campus has been listed for sale since 2020, with multiple commercial real estate firms charged with the task of selling the property over the years.

Graduation for Quest University’s class of 2023, its final class ever, occurred in April 2023.

Quest University’s student enrolment before its closure was a small fraction of its previously stated capacity of up to 700 students, with employment for over 100 faculty and staff.

Capilano University’s new Squamish campus joins the post-secondary institution’s main campus in the Lynnmour area of North Vancouver Township, and its satellite campuses on the Lonsdale waterfront in North Vancouver City, Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast, and Mount Currie near Pemberton.

The acquisition enables Capilano University to expedite its long-planned expansion in Squamish. In 2022, the university announced it had entered into a purchase agreement to develop a waterfront campus at the Oceanfront Squamish development in downtown Squamish. The agreement was not finalized, and the property became available for purchase in February, after the term of the agreement ended. Instead of the downtown Squamish location, the university is now focusing its presence at the former Quest University campus.

Quest University campus at 3200 University Boulevard, Squamish. (Colliers International)

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