Housing, Transit, and Community Development

Students are important members of their municipalities, facing many of the same concerns that their neighbours face in terms of housing, transit, and community development. However, students also face unique challenges and barriers to living safely and comfortably in their communities. Access to quality and affordable housing, a lack of education and information about rental housing and tenant rights, and gaps in provincial legislation and dispute resolution pathways raise concerns for students about rental housing. These issues are compounded by barriers to accessible transit and discriminatory by-law enforcement that leaves students unfairly targeted and hinders their ability to feel a sense of belonging and build positive relationships with their communities. Provincial support is needed to ensure municipalities are able to meet the needs of all residents, including students, and to foster strong, positive relationships between universities and their municipalities.