Incoming Students Need Affordable Housing

Incoming students are contacting Selkirk College for help as they embark on a fruitless search for suitable, affordable housing in the region.

"Between 2001 and 2006 the number of rental households declined by over 8% in Central Kootenay and over 15% in Kootenay Boundary, both significantly higher than the provincial decline of 3.6%.” explains George Penfold, Regional Innovation Research Chair for Rural Economic Development, “This indicates a decline in rental housing stock and that presents a challenge for students coming into the area.”

The Silver King campus currently maintains a student housing list for students that will be attending the Nelson campuses; Silver King, Tenth Street and Kootenay School of the Arts. The Castlegar campus has also started a housing list, since the Kekuli Residence now has a wait list.

"We've been looking for a place to live since May," explains the parent of a student enrolled in the music program, "I thought I could secure a place from Kelowna, but after making a lot of unsuccessful phone calls to people, we decided to physically come to Nelson and find something. My son and his two friends, who are also in the music program, have secured two places - they will be staying in one place from August to October, and then will have to move into another residence from October to the end of the school year. It isn't an ideal situation, but at least they have somewhere to live."

According to long time residents Glenn and Gail, providing housing for students has some valuable and interesting perks. “We have been on the Selkirk College housing list since 1999. We really like the students’ company, energy, and the contribution they make to our community.” says Gail, “They are our future, after all. They deserve a good place to live - somewhere that is within their budget, where they can enjoy and pursue their studies without much stress. It’s important they have a good experience while attending school – chances are they will be coming back with friends and family. We've made some good friends throughout the years. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”

Selkirk College is encouraging all Castlegar, Nelson, and surrounding community residents that are interested in providing students with a place to live, to contact the college to have their name added to the housing list. Please call 250.352.6601 in Nelson, 250.365.1273 in Castlegar or email housing@selkirk.ca.

First published on July 23, 2008