The local landlord's association wanted to send out a message to the public relating to the recent international student housing dilemma that was big news in the North Bay area recently.
Last week more than 20 international students camped outside the Canadore College Commerce Court Campus in protest for a lack of student housing available to them. International students claimed that many others had been living in hotels or even commuting from Toronto due to the housing issue.
See related: International student housing dilemma resolved
The college and the students came to a resolution late last week as the college compromised to allow for more online learning for international students who cannot find a home in the North Bay area.
"The Near North Landlords’ Association (NNLA) understands the importance of a positive economic impact that newcomers, including International Students, bring to our communities and country," the Association stated in a release.
Members of the association admit the challenge for Nipissing District, and the rest of Canada, is that there is a housing supply shortage while there is a rising demand.
"Post Covid in Nipissing District, many of the student detached homes were sold to the influx of home-seeking GTA buyers," the release noted.
"While others retired and sold multi-residential to outside investors."
NNLA members are disheartened to read in recent media, letters about the plight of the International Students to find accommodations.
The NNLA had prepared its members to assist the influx of newcomers, with the Multicultural Centre, Nipissing University and Canadore College’s International Student Services presenting and educating our members.
Landlord and property manager, Mr. Stephane Roy, Northern Property Partners, shared his experience in recent weeks.
“I’ve been bombarded with applications. I’ve been doing everything I can to help find the International Students rooms,” Roy added in a release,
“After attending the NNLA training, I now understand the federal government has a vetting process that is far superior from our usual practice.”
Ms. Tricia Marshall, NNLA President, asserts, “Too many landlords don’t appreciate that International Students can make good tenants.”
In the end, the NNLA and its members of small and medium-size landlords are doing our best to assist our International Students and New Comers find accommodation.
