Fort Richmond residents are looking at ways to crack down on illegal rooming houses around the University of Manitoba.
South Winnipeg-St. Norbert Coun. Janice Lukes told CTV there are up to 100 illegal rooming houses in her ward.
Lukes said houses in the ward are zoned as single family homes. These residences are legally allowed to house no more than two boarders.
The councillor said residents have told her of homes housing up to 10 students.
Lukes said people living in the area are concerned about the safety hazard of close-quarter living, and the problems it may create with upkeep in the area. Some residents have told her they’re worried about students not taking care of the properties and holding loud, late night parties.
Ross Campbell, who lives in Fort Richmond, said the situation has snowballed in the last two years. He wants the university to take accountability for off-campus student housing.
Barry Stone, head of Student Residences at the University of Manitoba, said a new off-campus housing website aims to give students and landlords more information about legal rentals.
Landlords who submit ads will be vetted by staff to ensure what's offered in the ad adheres to the city bylaw. The website does not, however, have the capacity to ensure the rental property itself is up to code.
Stone said at one point this summer as many as 500 students were on a waiting list for on-campus housing, but that number is now down to around 200 students.
Janice Lukes is holding a community meeting to address the issue September 30 at the Pinnacle Club from 7 to 9 p.m.
- with a report from Beth Macdonell
