CSU to Mandate a Referendum On Affordable Student Housing

Have you ever lived in an apartment that was decidedly less than ideal, or dealt with an absentee landlord? Ever stopped to ask yourself why you’re paying so much rent for services you were promised and yet aren’t receiving? I have.

Having access to quality, affordable housing is something that can make or break your student experience. More than that, it’s a social justice issue!

While Montreal has always enjoyed relatively cheap rent (compared to other big cities), the cost of living has been rapidly increasing while solid, unproblematic living situations seem to be becoming increasingly rare.

Most of us have dealt with bad landlords, broken appliances, poorly-heated apartments, pest problems—the list goes on. Research shows that students are among the most vulnerable residents and occupy some of the worst apartments in Montreal.

Dealing with apartment drama in a Montreal winter while you’re bogged down with homework and trying to finish your degree is a special kind of hell.

That’s why voting in support of the CSU’s initiatives to address student housing conditions and support cooperative housing is a revolutionary act that will shape the future of student life in the city.

The CSU is currently engaged in conversations with UTILE, (Unité de travail pour l’implantation de logement étudiant) about developing awesome student spaces. As students, we have the opportunity and responsibility to be a part of that process.

Currently university residences in Montreal can only house five-per cent of students. UTILE’s survey of students housing expenses indicates that the median rent paid by students from outside Quebec living in the city is $605 per room with services, while the equivalent for students from the province is $495.

Collectively, we can work to keep rent prices affordable and develop solid living situations for ourselves and for others around us.

The referendum question is this: “Do you as a member of the Concordia Student Union approve the continued prioritization of efforts being made to address student housing conditions and actively support student cooperative housing as a student space initiative?”

Home is a sacred space. Having access to good, affordable housing is something that affects us on an individual level, but it also contributes to structural and societal change that affect everybody. I encourage all of you to vote yes!