As noted in last week’s blog, we notice a sudden boom in the residential development projects happening in the city of Thorold. With residential developments on an upward incline, it's no wonder there's also a sudden need for additional student housing. The Niagara Region has noticed an increase in population, as well as an increase in students relocating to Niagara to attend either Brock University or Niagara College. This being said, where are all these additional students going to live? Well, in recent weeks the Four Points by Sheraton located in Thorold has been considering a potential rezoning for the property to potentially convert into student residence.
Student Housing
With post-secondary students choosing Niagara as their ideal destination to attend school, the amount of available rental properties are diminishing. In Niagara, there are many residential areas currently housing post-secondary students due to the lack of student housing around the schools. This has caused students to rent homes with their friends in family neighborhoods. An increase in student housing closer to the schools would assist with reducing the number of students that rent in primarily single family residential neighbourhoods.
The Current Four Points
The Four Points by Sheraton is currently the only hotel in the city of Thorold. This being said, why isn’t the hotel sold out of rooms? In recent news, it has been noted that the existing hotel is facing challenges as well as having difficulties with renting out rooms. It has also been mentioned that the hotel is in need of some upgrades and would cost millions to keep the hotel’s rating at its current level. There are many hotels in close proximity and in more desirable locations than in Thorold. Within a few minutes drive, tourists could rent a hotel room in St. Catharines, Niagara-on-the-Lake, or Niagara Falls.
Potential Changes to the Four Points
If the hotel were to be approved and converted to student housing it could accommodate 129 units, with a total of 277 beds. The current idea being mentioned is having two students share each room, with a common section for studies and meals. The rooms would have no cooking amenities other than a microwave, however, the rental plan would include a meal plan.
The proposed student housing in Niagara could help reduce the number of students living in residential neighbourhoods due to a shortage of student housing. Not only would this assist with cleaning up some of the nearby neighborhoods but it could potentially make the south end of St.Catharines a desirable place for families again.
