Student Housing Workshop

Okay, I was hoping that the workshop was going to be productive but it turned out to be a complaining session. With the exception of 4 people, all of the participants were people who live around Algonquin College. The workshop was to be limited to 25 people but there were many more than that in attendance. I thought that a small group would sit around a table to comment and exchange views on the discussion paper - that didn't happen at all. My random thoughts below:

a) I feel for the residents because their neighbourhood has changed and it will continue to change. Some have lived there since the early 1972. They aren't happy that the area around Algonquin is fast becoming like Sandy Hill. Some of the things they complained about are outside the control of landlords. Things like streaking, condoms on the sidewalks, students cutting thru backyards, and driving fast. They also had some legit beefs.

b) Rick Chiarelli (College Ward councilor) was there. He took plenty of heat from longtime residents for not having fixed the student rental "problem" after 20 years in office. Far too many moving parts to blame a single person IMO.

c) Most of the complaints had to do with the lack of enforcement of the existing bylaws - mainly property standards. Then, the same people said that a new licensing bylaw will fix everything because, well, it will be enforced unlike the current bylaws. Head shaker.

d) There is an application with the city to build a large student rental building at the corner of Woodroffe and Baseline. That entire plot of land will be developed. High density mixed use right beside the LRT station.

e) Algonquin College will be offering full time courses all year round and not just between September and April. Strong demand. Good for us student housing providers in that area, yes?!

f) The term slum landlord was frequently used.

g) I had a chance to speak. Twice. Introduced myself as a realtor and investor. Got some interesting looks. I told the room that I don't support licensing. Just enforce the existing rules. Licensing isn't revenue neutral. The licensing fees will leave less money for landlords to maintain their props (you know, property standards stuff!).

h) One man said that he knows one investor who grossed $60,000 in rental income and could therefore easily afford to pay licensing fees. He's a community board member and he perpetuated the myth that all investors are filthy rich.

I) Rick Chiarelli said that it's unlikely that city wide licensing will be approved because there is a group of councilors who oppose it.