Conestoga College buys several properties in Waterloo to expand student housing

In an effort to expand student housing, Conestoga College says it has bought two properties and leased another in Waterloo, Ont.

The college announced in a press release that it has bought the building on 400 Albert St. as well as 419 Hazel St., and leased the former Inn of Waterloo.

The inn closed its doors for good in December following a fire that took place in February 2021 that caused $1 million in damages.

The college says following renovation work, the buildings on Hazel and Albert will add 155 beds. The former inn is expected to add 300 rooms.

The college said it has secured eight properties over the last 10 months to increase student housing.

In Waterloo region, those properties include 60 University Ave., which is set to open later this year, and 22 Frederick St. in Kitchener. The college says it has other properties in the works in Brantford and Milton.

"As our community grows, it is essential that we provide modern and accessible housing options for our students," Conestoga's vice president of students Trish Weigel Green said in a release.

"We know that housing is an integral part of the student experience. By investing in new facilities, we are helping create a supportive environment that promotes personal and academic success."

Conestoga said the additional student housing units aims to meet the needs of students and address challenges around housing.

Conestoga College has come under fire in recent weeks for the high number of international students it admits, which some have said has led to problems in the local housing markets. The college's president John Tibbits has defended the school's intake of international students and said the college's graduates are necessary to fill job vacancies throughout the province.