Access to safe, affordable housing is a core necessity for student success, yet in communities across Ontario, this basic need remains out of reach for far too many. Whether in large urban centres like Toronto, mid-sized cities like Kingston, or smaller college towns, students face similar challenges: limited housing options, rising rents, and insufficient oversight to ensure safe and habitable conditions. While some students have the financial cushion to weather these pressures—benefiting from family support or personal savings—far too many others struggle to keep up, working extra hours or taking on larger debt loads just to secure a roof over their heads.
As someone who has seen these struggles firsthand in Kingston, I can attest that these issues aren’t unique to one community. Students at Queen’s University navigate a tight housing market and often find themselves competing with many students—upper years or first years—for scarce vacancies. This scenario plays out in countless other post-secondary hubs across Ontario, making it clear that housing affordability is not just a local problem—it’s a provincial one.
So, what can we do about it? While on-campus supports can help students understand their rights and responsibilities as tenants, the root of the issue runs deeper. At the provincial level, we need a comprehensive approach that acknowledges the breadth and urgency of this crisis and invests in tangible, long-term solutions.
- Increasing the Supply of Affordable Student Housing
Ontario must prioritize the creation of more purpose-built student accommodations. These developments, when supported by proper incentives and funding, can provide stable, quality housing that’s geared to student budgets and timelines. Expanding residence options for upper-year students and integrating mixed-income models can reduce competition for rental housing and keep costs more manageable for everyone.
- Strengthening Tenant Protections and Accountability
Students should not have to settle for subpar conditions simply because they have few alternatives. Provincial guidelines must hold landlords accountable to strict safety, maintenance, and livability standards. Stronger enforcement mechanisms, streamlined dispute resolution processes, and thoughtful rent stabilization policies would ensure that students—regardless of their financial situation—can secure a decent place to live.
- Encouraging Municipal and Institutional Collaboration
Local governments and universities each have a role to play in alleviating the student housing crunch. Municipalities can explore zoning reforms that encourage affordable development, while universities can partner on projects that integrate student housing into the community fabric. By working together, these stakeholders can ensure that a growing student population doesn’t overwhelm local housing markets.
- Centering the Student Voice in Policy Discussions
Advocacy groups like the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) are critical in making sure policymakers understand the full scope of the housing crisis. By engaging with provincial decision-makers, OUSA can bring forward student experiences from across Ontario and propose evidence-based solutions that reflect the diverse realities of today’s learners. As students, our stories, struggles, and solutions must guide the decision-making process at Queen’s Park.
A Call to Action
No student’s academic journey should be derailed by housing insecurity. If Ontario is serious about fostering the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators, we must remove housing as a barrier to success. By increasing the supply of affordable options, enforcing robust tenant protections, and centring student voices, we can create an environment where every learner can thrive—no matter where they come from or what their financial circumstances might be.
However, these solutions require political will—and that is where we, as students, come in. With the provincial election around the corner, our votes carry the power to shape the policies that will affect our everyday lives. By turning out to the polls in large numbers, we can make housing affordability a priority for candidates. Your ballot is your voice—use it to demand comprehensive housing strategies, better enforcement of tenant rights, and targeted investments in student-specific accommodations.
It’s time for Ontario to invest in student housing as an essential pillar of the post-secondary experience. Through coordinated, province-wide efforts and by exercising our right to vote, we can build a system where safe, affordable, and accessible housing isn’t just an ideal, but a reality for all. Let’s ensure that when we cast our ballots, we’re voting for a future where no student’s success is undermined by the lack of a secure, affordable home.
Next Steps
- Register to Vote: Make sure you’re registered and have the necessary ID.
- Learn About the Issues: Read up on candidates and party platforms.
- Get Involved: Encourage your friends and classmates to vote; share resources and information.
By showing up at the polls, students can send a strong message that housing is not optional—it’s foundational to our success.