The Great Plains College in Swift Current is set to soon offer its very first student residency, which will be located on Sidney Street East.

The residency renovations are projected to be completed and ready for students in the 2024 - 2025 academic year. 

President and CEO at Great Plains College, Brad Mahon, is looking forward to the upcoming project and what it will provide.  

"More and more we are seeing students attend the college from beyond our city limits, many of whom need to secure short-term housing accommodations before relocating for their program," he said. "We hope to see this residence eliminate one more barrier to accessing post-secondary education for the future students using it."

The dorms will have 12 bedrooms with shared kitchens and living spaces, full details are still being ironed out.

Although the southwest and Swift Current area aren't seeing the same issues and low vacancy rates, many other Canadian post-secondary institutions are providing similar accommodations.

"The college is looking to proactively respond to this growing concern to best serve our students," added Mahon.

With the location of the residency being within walking distance of the college, it will also provide student tenants with easy access to downtown Swift Current. 

"In addition to providing an affordable housing option, we also see the college residence as a great way to enhance the student experience, giving the students the chance to experience a residence community and build bonds outside of the classroom," Mahon said.