AFFORDABLE STUDENT HOUSING

SSMU External Affairs believes that clean, safe, and affordable housing is a human right. We recognize that exorbitant rent prices cause significant financial stress for students, negatively impacting their mental health and academic success. By educating students about their rights as tenants and providing affordable housing, SSMU External Affairs endeavours to reduce the negative impact of studentification on neighbourhoods.

Le Meridien

SSMU External Affairs advocates for the decommodification of housing, and views cooperative, public, and non-profit housing as alternatives to market-based housing. SSMU is currently partnering with the non-profit UTILE to build Le Méridien, a student housing project expected to house 281 residents. Due to SSMU’s contribution, McGill undergraduates will be prioritized as tenants when the building opens in 2026.

Read more about SSMU’s relationship with UTILE here.

Affordable Student Housing Committee

Established in 2019, the ASHC brought together SSMU councillors, urban planning students, and community members to explore avenues for securing and promoting affordable student housing. 

The Committee had five main objectives:

1. Engage with the student body concerning housing
2. Advocate for tenants’ rights
3. Build affordable housing for students
4. Partner with the Milton-Parc Citizens’ Committee
5. Advocate for public ownership of former hospital sites (Royal Vic, Hotel-Dieu)

The ASHC was disbanded in 2024 due to low participation. Anyone interested in restarting it can contact the Community Affairs Commissioner at commaffairs@ssmu.ca.