Trent University has entered into a land lease with Residence Development Corporation (RDC) that will see RDC build and operate a new building with approximately 215 beds for upper-year students on Trent lands near the Symons Campus in Peterborough, contributing much-needed housing within the City of Peterborough.  

Located on a four-acre parcel of land on Water Street, adjacent to and south of Tim Hortons, this newest student housing complex is anticipated to open in late 2024. It will be built and operated by RDC, the same corporation that built the successful and well-received University residence units further north on Water Street at Nassau Mills Road, on land leased from the University.  

“We are thrilled to announce this new project by RDC to build additional student housing. RDC has a proven track record of building and operating safe, quality student housing, and this development will provide more housing options for upper-year students close to the Symons Campus,” said Julie Davis, vice-president, External Relations and Development. “There is a need for more housing in Peterborough, and this new student housing project is just one of the ways Trent is working to help alleviate some of the housing pressures in our community.”  

RDC has leased approximately four acres of University land identified in the Trent Lands Plan for future University initiatives, and already zoned for residential use. RDC will build and operate the three-storey townhouse-style building with approximately 215-beds for upper-year Trent students. This project continues the tradition of Trent students living in communities throughout Peterborough in a variety of neighbourhoods and residential settings. RDC will work with the City of Peterborough on studies and building approvals. 

“RDC has been working with the University since 2008 as we began the process of building out the Water Street student housing development. We have worked closely with a number of campus stakeholders since then, and are proud to be part of the Trent community,” said Brian Freeman, senior vice president of strategy and development at Campus Living Centres. “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to build on the success of the original development, and add these beds that will contribute to enhancing the Trent student experience for upper-year students and the housing inventory for the City of Peterborough.” 

This new project is the latest initiative by Trent University to support creative housing solutions as part of a community-wide approach to addressing the low vacancy rate in the region. In addition to the approximately 215-beds associated with the RDC development, plans are underway to build a new residence on the Symons Campus which will be followed by a full replacement and expansion of Otonabee College, adding more than 700 new beds to the University’s current complement of residence spaces. The University-Integrated Seniors Village will be anchored by a 224-bed not-for-profit long-term care home expected to break ground in 2024.  

Updates on the new RDC housing development will be shared as the project moves through the planning approval process.