A long awaited announcement on funding for renovations of the residence buildings on the Tenth Street Campus of Selkirk College was made on Nov. 9.

A grant application the college made to the Western Economic Diversification's Community Adjustment Fund was successful, as was one to the Columbia Basin Trust's Community Development Program. Through these the college will receive over $7 million to make the old residence livable again.

"I'm very, very grateful to the people who worked tirelessly to submit these grant applications. Today we see the fruits of their labour," said Selkirk College President Marilyn Luscombe.

The college first applied for renovation funding through the federal government's Knowledge Infrastructure program in March. Its initial request was unsuccessful, but college staff persisted. They've been waiting to hear back about this second attempt for funding since June.

"As students, we desperately need more affordable housing," said Zachary Crispin, External Director of the Selkirk Student Union. "Every year I hear of people living out of their cars or in tents as they go to school. Some will choose to go to different schools because they can't find housing here."

The Nelson college residences, first opened in the 1960s, have been out of use since spring of 2003. In recent years, as a lack of affordable housing has become a growing problem in the city, the residence has been eyed as a potential solution.

When the residence renovation is complete, it is expected to house over 100 students in two- and three-bedroom apartment-style units, with in suite kitchenette and bathroom facilities. Gone will be the rows of single-occupancy rooms and centralized bathroom and kitchens, that make the building feel more like a hostel than a place you'd want to call home.

The improvements will be done to incorporate LEED certified eco-friendly building methods.

"This is not only a good project for the community, but it's also an environmentally responsible project," said Colin Mayes, Conservative MP from Okanagan-Shuswap speaking on behalf of the federal government.

The federal and provincial governments contributed $3.45 million each to the project, while the CBT added $100,000. The city of Nelson contributed $5,000.

"This project is a prime example how all levels of government can come together and make a real difference to a small community in rural British Columbia," said Nelson Mayor John Dooley.

Through the requirements of the grants, the renovation project must be completed by mid-2011.