Minister Gregor Robertson hears ideas on accelerating student housing

Student housing plays an important role in a national housing strategy and can support a long-term talent strategy for Canada, concluded a roundtable convened at the University of Toronto earlier this fall. 

The roundtable of experts in building student housing came together with federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, Gregor Robertson, to discuss how to build student homes that enhance learning and contribute to community wellbeing. Increasing the housing supply in Canada is among the federal government’s top priorities. A recently launched federal agency, Build Canada Homes, is leading construction of deeply affordable housing while also aiming to grow the supply of homes for middle-class families.  

Participants from divisions of the University of Toronto’s Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships, Ancillary Services, industry and development partners such as The Daniels Corporation, Toronto Metropolitan University and Trent University, and House —  a student-led affordable housing organization —  shared challenges and proposed solutions with the Minister.  

The conversation was held at Oak House, the university’s most recently opened residence on the St. George Campus, and led by Scott Mabury, Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships.  

With 508 new residence spots for students at all levels of study, Oak House is responding to demand for modern, amenity-rich on-campus housing. The university’s goal is to build 5,000 residence spaces over the next decade. 

Roundtable participants underlined that supporting postsecondary institutions to build student housing that will last for decades is an investment in the country’s talent and future economic growth. Student services leaders shared that students who live on campus can see as much as a 10 per cent bump in their grades. In addition, for students in intensive programs including graduate studies, campus housing and food services provide a social and safe place to call home as they train for in-demand careers.  

Finally, with an estimated shortage of over 3 million affordable homes nationally, housing for students eases housing demand for everyone. To grow the supply of student homes, participants suggested prioritizing several strategies. 

Build Faster: 

Delays in zoning, permitting, and construction approvals remain a barrier to building student housing. Developers cited multi-year lags — up to five years in some cases — before projects could even begin. Each lost year can increase construction costs, eroding affordability. 

In this context, participants welcomed Ontario’s Bill 185, which reduced red tape and allowed institutions to advance projects faster while maintaining community engagement. 

Build with a Long-Term Perspective: 

Student housing projects must be self-sustaining for 40 to 50 years, financially resilient to interest rate fluctuations, and designed to be repurposed. 

Participants urged government to consider programs that support long-term affordability through upfront capital investment. One-time grants that permanently reduce construction costs will yield lower rents for decades, ensuring affordability even if debt markets fluctuate. 

Recognize the Need for Different Solutions for Different Regions: 

 Student housing rents vary by region. In smaller markets, a gap between rent revenue and construction costs can make student housing financially risky without government support. 

Federal programs can allow non-profit and co-op providers across the country to access financing tools currently targeted to private developers. 

Address Student Housing through a National Talent Framework: 

Student housing can be a cornerstone of Canada’s long-term talent strategy. Students who live in residence perform better academically. For international students, university housing is an important element in feeling welcome in a community and contributes to building a national talent pipeline.  

Affordable, well-located housing promotes learning outcomes and national workforce development. Federal investment in student housing is as an investment in Canada’s future labour force.  

Seek Collaborative Solutions: 

The most successful models pair universities (providing land and long-term stewardship) with private developers (bringing capital and construction expertise). Federal and provincial governments can act as catalytic partners by offering early-stage capital and land or by subsidizing specific units to ensure mixed affordability.  

The roundtable’s consensus was that student housing is infrastructure — a form of social and economic investment that underpins Canada’s growth. Building faster, smarter, and in partnership with the private and public sectors will not only relieve pressure on the general housing market, but also secure the country’s ability to retain and attract top talent.