Demand for on-campus housing up in Charlottetown amid low vacancy rates

With off-campus rental housing in short supply in Charlottetown, both UPEI and Holland College say they have seen big demand for on-campus housing for the upcoming fall semester.

Both UPEI and Holland College have wait lists for residence rooms this fall

Nakshi Pandit · CBC News · Posted: Aug 14, 2018 5:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: August 14, 2018

There are about 100 people on the wait list for on-campus housing at UPEI for the upcoming school year. (Brittany Spencer/CBC)

With off-campus rental housing in short supply in Charlottetown, both the University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College say they have seen big demand for on-campus housing for the upcoming fall semester.

Charlottetown has a record-low vacancy rate of just 0.9 per cent, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

At UPEI, there is a wait list of about 100 people who want a spot in a residence, said Jonathan Oliver, the school's director of ancillary services. That's up significantly from just three years ago.

Residences at UPEI are currently all full, with a significantly longer wait list than three years ago. (Brittany Spencer/CBC)

"As of right now, we would like to refer to it as we are 100 per cent occupied," he said.

He said there is still a chance spots might become available in early September, and a staff person is dedicated to working with students to help them find alternative places to live.

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New residence not enough to meet demand

Holland College said it's also seen an increase in the number of students living on-campus due to the low vacancy rates in Charlottetown. It will open a new 80-bed residence this fall. All of the beds in the new residence and the existing one are spoken for, and there is a wait list.

"We definitely needed the additional capacity," said Michael O'Grady, a vice-president with the college. "A bed to sleep in is just as important as a seat in a classroom."

Holland College will open a new 80-bed residence this fall, but it is already full with a wait list. (Shane Hennessey/CBC)

Homestay Program, which is aimed at international students, is also seeing an increase in applications.

"It has been a growing program," said P.E.I. program coordinator Amy Palmer. "Even two years ago, we probably only had 15 to 20 students. Last year we placed close to 30. This year I am hoping to get 35 to 40 placements."