Thousands of students heading back to college and university who couldn’t get into residence are struggling to find housing in an increasingly hot rental market. Both University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University report that the demand for student accommodations far exceeds the capacity of campus residences and the availability of affordable off-campus housing. 

“It’s no longer first year [students], it’s everyone looking for housing. It used to be … people would just want to live here for their first and second years, but now everyone needs something.” said Tracey Mason-Innes, SFU’s director of housing and residence.

Since secure housing is a key socio-economic determinant for well-being, the housing crisis in BC warrants serious consideration. 

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