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The ÌÇÐÄvlog¾«Æ· Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (Conestoga) is committed to offering housing options and related services, supports, and resources that enhance the academic success and well-being of all students. For more information, please see the Student Housing webpage.  In alignment with the Ontario Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024, and Conestoga's institutional goals of quality, sustainability, and capacity, this policy outlines the principles, commitments, and resources to support students in securing suitable housing both on and off campus. By providing a variety of housing options, fostering sustainable community partnerships, and maintaining essential infrastructure, Conestoga aims to create a supportive and inclusive housing environment that contributes to the overall student experience.

This policy applies to all student housing services offered by the College, which include residence housing, off-campus housing and support services for housing. This policy is designed to guide all related services and expectations set by the Ontario Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024, and the College.

ÌÇÐÄvlog¾«Æ· maintains a glossary of terms specific to the institution. The ones in use for this document are defined below.

1. Principles and Commitments
1. Access to Information: Conestoga will ensure that information for finding housing, housing services, supports, and resources is easy for all students to access.
2. Range of Housing Options and Support Services: Conestoga will provide a suitable range of options in proximity to Conestoga campuses wherever possible and based on campus-specific enrollment levels. This includes Conestoga-owned and leased spaces as well as spaces provided through partnerships. Students are supported in accessing non-College housing options such as private rental listing sites and home-share programs through the Campus Residence and Housing email.
3. Inclusive Housing Options: Conestoga is committed to providing inclusive housing options supporting students' range of needs and desires for accommodation.
4. Community Partnership: Conestoga will consider the local community environment and context and develop community partnerships, such as municipal committees and local landlord associations, when appropriate.
2. Institutional Infrastructure
1. Campus Residence and Housing: Conestoga will maintain dedicated staff to provide personal support, information, resources, and guidance to all students regarding housing options. The Campus Residence and Housing services will serve as the primary contact for all housing-related inquiries and provide appropriate referrals to other College and community partners as required.
2. Digital Resources: Conestoga will maintain webpages and digital resources that include but are not limited to information on how to safely and successfully source and access housing, community resources, information about legal rights and responsibilities, Landlord and Tenant Board/ Rental Tenancies Act and contact information for Campus Residence and Housing. For more information, please see the Student Housing website.
3. Off-Campus Housing Resources
1. Endorsed Third-Party Partnerships: Conestoga will maintain and continue to establish partnerships with institutionally vetted and endorsed third-party housing platforms and databases to assist students in finding safe and reliable off-campus housing.
2. Housing Search and Legal Support: Students will have access to resources and support for their housing search, including workshops on navigating the Ontario rental market, tenant rights, referrals to legal consultation for lease agreements, and general housing education.
3. Safety & Resources: Conestoga will provide students with on-campus and off-campus safety information resources to support their housing search and safe living experience, such as how to contact Campus Security, transportation information, municipal by-law office, and community-based emergency management services.
4. Short-Term Housing Information: Conestoga will provide students with an active directory of available short-term housing options to support them during transitions or emergency circumstances.
5. Financing Opportunities & Assistance: Students will be provided with resources on financial support opportunities and assistance for securing housing in an emergency, including the Emergency Support Bursary provided by Conestoga Student Inc. and Emergency Bursary by Student Financial Services.
4. Incoming Students Supports and Services
1. Conestoga provides international transitional advisement to support students in finding suitable housing within the community through dedicated staff, educational resources, and workshops. Conestoga includes housing resources and supports within the Incoming International Students offer letter.