It is a common understanding currently in Canada that within the large housing crisis lies a student housing crisis. The affordability and availability challenges that were once concentrated in Toronto and Vancouver now hit most college towns in the country....
Thought Leadership
I Love Student Housing in Canada, but the Game Has Changed and Only the Best Will Survive
I absolutely love student housing. I think it will be the best performing real estate class in Canada over the next decade. My goal here is to simply make you aware of some of the realities that are going on in the market and hopefully help you navigate some of the...
Food Matters: Shaping Student Minds through Sustainable Agriculture
Food matters. I want to reinforce the idea that food matters. The food that you as housing operators provide on campus and the way that our students live their lives in the residences is forming the way that they think for the future. I say this as a grandmother and a...
Capitalizing on the Underserved Student Housing Market in Canada
Industry Overview and Capital Raising Structures The rising demand in the underserved student accommodation market in Canada has created an entry point for private sector investment. Full-time post-secondary enrollment across Canada has grown at a significant pace,[1]...
Why is GEC growing its PBSA portfolio in Canada?
Canada's government policies have made the country an attractive destination for international students. Supportive visa processes, welcoming immigration policies, off-campus working opportunities, and a strong emphasis on multiculturalism have contributed to the...
The Energy Consumption Trap on University Campuses: How Innovations in Smart Thermostats are Changing the Game
Student housing facilities are responsible for a significant amount of energy consumption on university campuses. The high demand for heating and cooling in these buildings coupled with high vacant times can result in high energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions....
“I think we need a Master Plan – Now what?”
Suggestions from a Consultant’s Perspective The decision to get into a relationship with a consultant for any planning exercise or operational review is a significant one. There are issues of control, cost, justification, and scope to address before the RFP ever gets...
The View from Canada: International Student Enrollment Surge Places New Demand on PBSA
Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) has witnessed growing investor interest across major English-speaking nations in recent years. Institutional investors are increasingly engaged in major transactions in mature PBSA markets such as the UK and USA, while Canada...