Local Committee looking to improve Student Housing

The Select Committee on Student Needs is planning to work with the city’s Economic Development Department to create a document, highlighting the upsides and limitations students face while living in Prince George.

“We’re hoping that this prospectus will just make it easier for anyone who is evaluating the business case for building student housing,” says committee head Jillian Merrick, “hopefully it’ll provide a picture of not only how many students are coming to Prince George and seeking housing but what kinds of housing and what features or limitations make that housing more or less appropriate for students.”

The Student Housing Prospectus Project is still in its infant stages, but the committee is already hearing a lot from the city’s young academics. One of the biggest issues touches on rent payments.

“Large fluctuations in utility bills can often catch students off guard,” says Merrick, “they also require, in many cases, established credit before you can take out say a landline or internet bill but many students have never had credit in the past so it’s very difficult for them to access.”

The city’s learning facilities attract not only local students but also ones from across the north, the province, the country, and the world. Those traveling from afar don’t often have a chance to tour the community or look at rentals before moving in. Others without cars rely on public transit and are isolated if living too far from a bus stop.

“Many, many students are without vehicles and even when they do have a vehicle they want to be close to shopping centers, libraries, daycares if they have children, so there are key corridors in the city that are best for student housing.”

Merrick also hopes newer buildings will have better accessibility like elevators and main level access. This makes a world of difference for people with mobility issues, those with strollers, and moving heavy furniture.

The committee will soon release a survey for both tenants and landlords.

The committee hopes to present a finished document to Prince George City Council by the end of the year.