More action needed on housing for post-secondary students

Delays in addressing the growing need for student housing in St. John’s, Corner Brook, Labrador West and St. Anthony is impacting student education and government must start living up to their commitment to construct new residences in the province, says Marshall Dean, Opposition Education Critic.

“In September, there were approximately 200 Memorial University (MUN) students who were on a waitlist for on-campus housing,” said Mr. Dean. “These waiting lists were the longest that university officials had seen for many years. In addition, vacancy rates for housing in St. John’s are at 2.2 per cent, an all-time low. Although there was money allocated for the construction of two new residences at the MUN campus in the 2007 budget, the project is at a stand still and the space originally intended for the new buildings is currently being used as a parking lot. More action is needed to ensure the allocated funds are spent and students can access this much needed housing.

“Government also made a commitment to provide additional residence space at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College (SWGC) in Corner Brook, but that project has also been delayed. The west coast city is experiencing a vacancy rate of 0.6 per cent which is the lowest rental vacancy rate of any large community in the province. Government must let students know when this committed project will move forward for the benefit of those looking for reliable housing.”

Dean also raised issues facing the College of the North Atlantic campuses in Labrador West and St. Anthony. Both campuses are in need of on-campus housing to ensure students have a place to live and increased educational opportunities can be offered.

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