Why is the University pursuing this project?

• To provide students with greater housing alternatives. 
• To respond to students’ needs while also generating a new revenue stream to offset capital costs for core academic buildings. 
• To pursue good development opportunities on Trent-owned land that will complement the goals of the Endowment Lands Master Plan, generate new revenue and protect the University’s Nature Areas.

Why is a 99 year lease proposed?

• To make the project viable, the developer requires a 99 year lease to secure their investment.
• The 99 year lease is similar to other agreements that the developer has negotiated for similar developments at other institutions (i.e. the University of Guelph, the University of Western Ontario and UOIT)

Is this development consistent with the zoning for this property?

• Yes.  The property is zoned for University use.  This zoning has been in place since the property was obtained by the University.  The permitted uses are explained fully in the City’s Zoning By-law.

Why did Trent choose this location to place these residences – why are they not being located on core Trent campus lands?

• The zoning allows for University use of the lands.
• From the consultations on the Endowment Lands Master Plan, feedback was received indicating that students desired townhouse and apartment style residence accommodations closer to the core campus.
• The site was chosen because of its proximity to University facilities and services.
• In anticipation of the project, water, sewer and electrical services already exist at this site, unlike other Trent lands that are not serviced.
• The proposed project is located at a location that is compatible with the entrance to the campus and to arterial roadways.
• The project is consistent with the University’s Endowment Lands Master Plan, which was approved by the Board of Governors in 2006.

How was the developer chosen?

• The University conducted a careful, year long Requests for Proposal process to solicit input on proposed developments for the property. Three other proponent’s proposals were reviewed and ultimately rejected.
• The project location and the selection of the developer were carefully considered over the course of a year and were chosen because of the quality work that RDC has completed in other communities with similar projects and the developer’s sound operating practices.

How will revenue from the lease be used by the University?

• The lease will provide a long term revenue stream that will be used by the University to offset capital costs for academic buildings on the core campus.

Is the land designated as a part of a green corridor or a park system?

• No.  The land on which the project will be built is zoned for College/University use.  The land is also designated by the University’s Board of Governor’s as Endowment Land, land that is to be developed for the purpose of revenue generation.    The green corridor of land on the east side of Water Street, abutting the Otonabee River, will not be impacted by this project.

For more Q&As about the project please read Trent’s newspaper insert.