Conestoga College announces student housing expansion into 2026

A new school year has just begun and Conestoga College has announced it’s making investments into its student housing offerings.

In a release, the school notes its expansion and increase of bed capacity over the last year, including the opening of a new building at 60 University Ave. E in Waterloo.

The school said that investment is in addition to 300 new beds at the Inn of Waterloo.

“At Conestoga, we are committed to providing our students with the support they need to succeed both academically and personally,” said Trish Weigel Green, vice president of students at Conestoga College. “The expansion of our student housing reflects our dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, ensuring more students have access to safe and comfortable accommodations close to our campuses.”

Green also responded to questions on how this announcement relates to recent controversy involving allegations of a lack of student housing and services for students at post secondary institutions in Ontario, Conestoga College included.

“There are just so many factors that go into why an individual chooses a particular place to live. We’ve been committed to providing great supports to students all the way along. Certainly anytime that we heard about students living in situations that weren’t safe we we’re able to get involved and get them the services that they needed.”

Green added, “I think a lot of times there can be a lack of awareness of all the things that are available to newcomers in general. Until they are with us and get some of the experiences we can provided to them there can still be gaps in their knowledge. Certainly once students realize everything that we do have to support them here, we’re generally able to make sure there in really great circumstances and setup for success.”

Existing properties in Kitchener are expected to see additional capacity added with the renovation of a vacant office building at 22 Frederick Street. The school said that building will be converted into a mix of student residences offering more than 300 beds.

The college also plans to expand into Milton, by adding student townhouses to the city by 2025.

In addition, properties in Waterloo and Brantford have nearly 500 beds available for incoming students and late arrivals in the 2024-2025 school year. The college notes it’s looking into expanding access to these properties to students at other institutions in the future.

The school said its long-term plan is to add close to 1,800 new beds across the local community for future and existing students by 2026.

In addition to housing, the institution said it will be investing approximately $78 million during the 2024-2025 year on domestic and international student support services including, to health and wellness programs, food security and nutrition programs, and housing and employment supports.