Fleming College

Plans will help meet demand for student housing and support City’s housing efforts

Peterborough, ON (August 15, 2019) – Trent University and Fleming College are taking further steps to provide housing in Peterborough.

Both institutions are in various stages of initiating housing strategies that can help improve the housing situation while accommodating first-year and upper-year students.

“Peterborough is unique in having two very successful institutions which are attracting a growing number of students. Together Trent and Fleming contribute $1 billion in economic benefit annually to the community,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University and Maureen Adamson, president of Fleming College. “The housing strategies of both institutions recognize the partnership with the City and our community that we greatly value.”

Each institution has identified next steps in their housing strategies.

Trent University Student Housing

Trent University’s Board of Governors recently approved next steps for a housing strategy to address increasing enrolment and respond to housing pressures in the Peterborough community. The first phase of the plan, which focuses on the Peterborough campus, includes a proposal for building a new 400-bed college residence on the Symons Campus and adding 150 residence spaces at Traill College. A second phase of the project would include a 150-bed addition to an existing college on the Symons Campus as well as the renovation of residence spaces at Otonabee College.

The housing strategy was developed after extensive engagement and dialogue with key stakeholders in the Trent community, including students. The planning process began in the fall of 2017, with an identification of the mission, vision, and values and the establishment of a set of guiding principles for housing students in residence Trent University. Throughout the 2018-2019 academic year, the University developed a 10-year facilities renovation plan, and partnered with The Scion Group to assess student housing market and demand. The final housing strategy details initiatives relating to renovation, new construction, and programming.

On July 22, 2019, the University issued two requests for proposals to seek the expertise required to create both a housing development plan as well as a financial strategy to fund the plan.

Following the selection of successful bidders, the University will continue to engage in conversations and dialogue with the Trent community and relevant stakeholders as we work with partners to confirm the academic and residence needs, and possible locations. It is anticipated that construction of the news residence would begin late 2021.

The University is also in the midst of updating its campus master plan, and is envisioning a residential community that would feature leading edge sustainable buildings and a community designed around innovative approaches to the environment. Possibilities include a long-term care village that would meet regional needs for elder care.

Trent continues to work with homestay to identify families and staff members interested in hosting international students in their homes.

Fleming College Student Housing

Fleming College currently has over 480 beds at the Sutherland Residence Village in Peterborough. In September 2018, Fleming College partnered with Campus Living Centres, a private residence operator, to provide more residence space at the Severn Court property, adjacent to the Sutherland Campus. Fleming College currently manages 48 of over 360 beds at the property, a short walk from the College.

Fleming is committed to working with the City of Peterborough and all levels of government to play an active role in addressing housing needs of the communities it serves. The College has recently undertaken a process for space assessment and renewal, including its housing portfolio and housing partnerships in Peterborough, Lindsay and Haliburton.

The College will continue to work collaboratively with the City, our student governments and college administration on housing issues, including building awareness of renter rights and responsibilities. The College launched RentSmart as part of an initiative led by the City of Peterborough Housing department. This effort supports the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy. RentSmart is an online module that helps renters and landlords ensure a stress-free renting experience. The program teaches students the key to living successfully in our community, and teaches students how to find and secure suitable housing, understand tenant rights and responsibilities, communicate effectively with landlords and budget for affordable housing.

The College has also recently added an additional homestay provider to assist with student exchanges and international student accommodations.

About Trent University

One of Canada’s top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that’s personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent’s unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent’s students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent’s Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.

About Fleming College

Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 5,900 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 71,000 alumni.

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For more information contact:

Cara Walsh, communications & media relations officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6240 or carawalsh@trentu.ca

Sara O’Halloran, communications officer, Fleming College, (705) 749-5530 x1366 or sara.ohalloran@flemingcollege.ca