In a strategic move to support Peterborough’s student housing needs, Trent University and Fleming College have announced a new partnership with SpacesShared, Canada’s renowned home sharing platform. This initiative will increase safe, affordable housing solutions for students while fostering community engagement and support for the adult and older adult population in the region.

Partnered with over 20 post-secondary institutions across Canada, SpacesShared is a home sharing technology that uses a sophisticated algorithm and experienced team to match compatible students and hosts interested in home sharing.

“Trent's commitment to safe and affordable housing, community support, and aging studies makes our partnership with SpacesShared a strong match,” shares Dr. Leo Groarke, president & vice-chancellor of Trent University. “Together with our community partners, Trent is proud to be creating housing opportunities that are mutually beneficial for students and homeowners in Peterborough and the surrounding areas.”

“This new agreement with SpacesShared will give our students more options when it comes to finding safe and affordable housing in our campus communities,” adds Maureen Adamson, Fleming College president. “Connecting students with our community while supporting local homeowners is an invaluable step forward.”

Rylan Kinnon, CEO and co-founder of SpacesShared, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, sharing, “We are committed to ensuring a mutually beneficial experience for both hosts and students. Working with Fleming College, Trent University, and Age-friendly Peterborough, we aim to support a thriving community in the city. Our platform is a fully self-contained system further enhancing convenience, that facilitates the entire process from listing details of the property and having a conversation with the host to drafting the rental contract, processing monthly payments, and submitting regular feedback, all within the platform's secure environment.”

To further advocate for this partnership and encourage older adults in the city to sign up to the program as hosts, SpacesShared, along with the two postsecondary institutes, are joining forces with Age-friendly Peterborough. This collaborative initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for older adults by addressing their needs and fostering a supportive community.

“The Age-friendly Peterborough Community Action Plan stresses the importance of celebrating multi-generational opportunities to build a strong community for all. SpacesShared empowers two key groups to meet and learn from each other: older adults and a younger generation,” says Dawn Berry Merriam, chair of Age-friendly Peterborough.

Become A Host on SpacesShared

“The development and maintenance of intergenerational relationships is a protective factor against social isolation not only for older adults, but crucially also for students,” explains Jackie Tanner, CXO and co-founder of SpacesShared. “But the feeling of safety must be there for it to work. This is where SpacesShared strives to cover the gap and ensure home sharing becomes a rewarding experience for both hosts, as well as students.”

SpacesShared prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of its community members by thoroughly verifying host and student identities, conducting criminal background checks, and ensuring accurate listing information.

Trent University, Fleming College, Age-friendly Peterborough and SpacesShared invite those interested in exploring home sharing to a free information session about the program on Thursday, May 30, between 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Lions Community Centre, 347 Burnham St., Peterborough.

Visit www.spacesshared.ca for more information.

About Trent University 
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful, and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate, and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives, and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty, and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA. 

For Trent University media inquiries please contact Olivia Flynn, Communications & Media Relations Officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6180 or oliviaflynn@trentu.ca

About SpacesShared  
SpacesShared is a home sharing technology platform that empowers two key groups to meet each other: older adults and students. Launched in 2023, SpacesShared is responding to the growing need for housing solutions that prioritize connection, comfort, and community. Students looking for a safe, affordable place to stay can now quickly and affordably connect with older adult hosts who would like some extra income, help around the house, and an opportunity to give back. The platform is entirely self-contained on its website, including application, agreement, rent, and relationship management. It’s a new way to honour an old tradition: opening homes to people and experiences that enrich lives and communities. For more information about home sharing through SpacesShared, or to register for a free account as a host or a student, visit spacesshared.ca.  

For SpacesShared media inquiries, please email Asmita@spaceshared.ca