Quebec isn’t the only Canadian province where university students are bearing the brunt of the housing crisis.
For example, the University of Calgary Student Union points out that its members live on the outskirts of the city. The commute to the university can take one to two hours a day.
She adds that some who have found housing close to campus live in a precarious situation. Others chose to remain in their vehicles.
Shane Royal, senior director of ancillary services at the University of Calgary, said the waiting list for on-campus housing is growing, a situation not seen in nearly a decade.
“After the COVID-19 crisis, we have seen a dramatic increase in residence permit applications,” he said.
The waiting list has grown to 750 students this year, but Mr Royal said it has been reduced to 74 students as most of those waiting have found off-campus accommodation.
This is the case of Luis Sanchez Diaz, who, by sheer luck, managed to find a small shared apartment five minutes from the school.
Luis Sanchez Diaz, a fourth-year international political science student, was studying online in Cuernavaca, Mexico during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. In the fall of 2021, he moved to Calgary and resided on campus there until losing his spot in April.
“It was a lottery, so it doesn’t matter how early you apply, whether you’ve paid your dues, whether you’re a good tenant,” said Mr. Sanchez Diaz, 24.
generalized problem
Similar concerns have been raised across the country as vacancy rates fall and rents rise in many cities.
For example, the Calgary City Council could implement the recommendations of an affordable housing task force in the fall. These recommendations include increasing and diversifying the housing supply and improving living conditions in rented apartments.
In Halifax, an organization that helps women and children find housing says it was surprised this week when a local university approached it to help students who couldn’t find housing.
“I was really amazed that anyone would come to an organization like ours,” said Sheri Lecker, executive director of Adsum for Women and Children. We are the wrong people and also overwhelmed.
Ms Lecker said all housing providers are struggling to find a safe place for people sleeping in tents, on benches or in cars.
Difficult to meet demand
Some universities have tried to ease the crisis but say it is difficult to keep up with demand.
The University of British Columbia opened a new student residence in Vancouver earlier this month, which is expected to provide 316 additional beds for students in the fall.
“The biggest challenge is the same one we’re currently facing across the country, which is the lack of affordable housing,” said Andrew Parr, associate vice president for student housing and community services.
Students have very limited access to affordable housing near campus. “It creates a huge demand for what we offer to students,” he added.
This need is increasing every year, despite the fact that 5,500 beds have been added to the campus over the last 12 years. In 2010, the student residence waiting list peaked at 3,200 students. This year the number of students has increased to 8000.
The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations has called on the federal government to invest $3.2 billion over the next six years in building 15,000 student residences across the country.
The lack of affordable housing for all Canadians, including students, was a key concern at this week’s cabinet meeting.
Politicians promised real action on housing but offered no concrete new programs.