Bishop's University announced it is extending Paterson Hall, one of its seven on-campus student residences. This development will provide additional housing options for students who are interested in residing on campus during their studies. The new wing of the building is expected to open in time for the incoming Fall 2026 student cohort.
Erected on the south side of Paterson Hall, the four-story extension will add 30,000 square feet of dwelling space and 63 beds, allowing the University to accommodate a student population that is expected to increase to 3,000 students in upcoming years. Once completed, the total capacity in Paterson Hall will increase from 164 to 227 residents.
Paterson Hall is the only residence on campus to provide suite-style accommodations, and the new wing will extend this unique offering. Student units will include two bedrooms with a shared washroom and a common area. The wing will also include individual units for residence staff; a large, shared kitchen for house activities; a zen room for lounging; study rooms; and floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light. Construction activities will have minimal impact on natural surroundings, and the new infrastructure will blend harmoniously with the existing building. The wing will meet all new requirements for accessibility outlined in the building code as well as provide inclusive spaces that align with the Bishop's University Housing Plan vision for safe and comfortable lodging.
"It is often said that the lack of student housing should not be a barrier to access education. On-campus housing options, such as those at Bishop's, are always welcome because they help create vibrant communities and foster connections among students who benefit from these living environments. The realization of this project is therefore excellent news, and I thank everyone who contributed to it," said Pascale Déry, Minister of Higher Education.
This project is made possible through a generous $6.3M special grant from the Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur (MES). The MES is also providing a $600,000 grant to upgrade the residence's energy efficiency, which will help Bishop's further its ambitious sustainable development goals. The University has approved a budget of $18.9M for the Paterson Hall expansion project. Local, family-owned firm Les Constructions Yves Lessard Inc. won the tender and will be the general contractor responsible for the project.
Ms. Geneviève Hébert, MNA for Saint-François, added: "By offering on-campus housing to students, we are investing directly in the future of our region. This new expansion, in addition to meeting the growing needs at Bishop's University, will provide students with quality accommodations close to their learning spaces. It's a win on all fronts."
"Significant on-campus housing opportunities are at the core of the unique educational experience Bishop's provides to its students" notes Principal and Vice-Chancellor Sébastien Lebel-Grenier. "The Paterson Hall extension will provide students with modern, environmentally responsible and community-oriented accommodations while also helping to preserve the integrity of the local housing market."
The Bishop's University community extends its sincere gratitude to the Government of Québec for its vital support in making this transformative project a reality.
On the photo:
Anthony Dumas-Stephenson, President Student Representative Council (SRC), Bishop's University
Geneviève Hébert, MNA for St-François
Sébastien Lebel-Grenier, Principal and vice-chancellor, Bishop's University
Kylie Côté. Vice-Principal Finance and Administration, Bishop's University.
