Opportunity Knocks!
If there ever was a time when the University of Guelph and the City of Guelph could work together to help ease the problem of student housing and the misbehavior of some students off campus, this is it.
Clearly there is an increase in the number of students attending the University and since there is a constant 5% vacancy rate at University residences (as told to us by staff at a recent meeting), then there must be a reason why a large number of students prefer to live off campus. Either it is the lack of rules to obey in private housing or the University is not meeting the students’ needs in the type of housing they prefer.
Now that the City of Guelph staff has recommended the demolition of some homes on the campus, leaving a large tract of land available, why not build some student housing? Robert Carter, Assistant V.P. of Physical Resources states in a recent Guelph Mercury newspaper article; “the removal of these houses is an important step in implementing our Campus Master Plan.” We hope that the “Master Plan” doesn’t include the abrogation of the University’s responsibility for housing their students and we heartily recommend that they consider providing some student friendly housing on these newly available lands.
Carter goes on to say that “the removal of these prefabricated houses will facilitate the creation of a corner treatment that provides a picturesque landscape that takes inspiration from Johnston Green. This will enhance our image and presence at what is considered to be the primary access to the University from the south”. Has Mr. Carter ever driven north to the University from Arkell Road or Clair Road? Has he not seen the proliferation of garbage and “pre-drink” cups that are strewn along the roadway, particularly at bus stops, leading to the University from the south end? What about the constant mess in front of 803 Gordon Street, especially on weekends? These are the images that are presented to visitors and residents alike as they approach the University from the south. We can only hope these visitors don’t take a side trip down Kortright West or Ironwood or Cole Roads, etc., etc.
Our City Council is poised to make a decision on this matter on Monday, October 4th. Can they find it in themselves to say no to the University and delay or deny this request to demolish these houses? While no one will deny the need to remove these buildings for all of the reasons stated, but shouldn’t City Council investigate the “Master Plan”? Surely that property could be put to better use than just a landscaped façade.
Even Mayor Farbridge who claims that “the south end is against the downtown” (whatever that means), “the real estate community is against people who want to live in peace in their neighbourhood” (nothing could be further from the truth) and that “the taxpayer is against the University” ( again, whatever that means) could see a win-win situation here. (All quotes are from Guelph Tribune, September 14, 2010)
Building some student housing of a different kind than is already on campus, may help alleviate the concentration of student housing in certain south end neighbourhoods. It will also show a commitment from the University, an additional plan to address the student housing situation, to augment those that are currently operating. It would also show a commitment to those taxpayers who are forced to live with off campus rowdy behavior that yes; the University and the City really are trying to correct the problem.
Alas, we fear that once again, from this council and its leadership, they are missing the point.S.E.R.P.A.
South End Rate Payers Association