Trent University and Peterborough have grown side by side since 1964, enriching one another through shared opportunities and a common goal of building a thriving, connected community. In some ways, you might think of Trent University as a connected village within the City of Peterborough.

When universities and their home communities work together, they can create opportunities to grow, to foster a sense of belonging, and to work on community challenges together. Nowhere is this more relevant than right here in Peterborough.

One pressing challenge we are facing together is housing.

Peterborough’s ambitious goal of creating 4,700 new homes by 2031 as part of its Municipal Housing Pledge is a call to action—one that Trent is answering, in part, with plans to contribute over 1,500 new spaces to the housing mix.

Through our five-year housing strategy, we’re adding nearly 1,300 student residence spaces (a 69% increase) by 2028/29, both on campus and in the city. These include Gidigaa Migizi, our newest college residence, and the revitalization of Otonabee College on the east bank of campus. Just off campus on Water Street, Trent is working with Residence Development Corporation to create 324 townhouse-style spaces for upper-year students by fall 2026. Together, these projects will help ease pressure on our local rental market.

Trent’s commitment extends beyond student housing. Understanding the growing need for seniors’ housing in the Peterborough region, we are developing an Integrated Seniors Village on University lands, featuring over 200 long-term care spaces. Initiatives like this have the added value of increasing intergenerational connections that strengthen the fabric of our community.

As part of Trent’s commitment to healthy aging, we are connecting seniors and students in innovative ways. Through SpacesShared—a collaboration with Trent, Fleming College and Age-Friendly Peterborough—students seeking affordable housing are paired with seniors who have extra space, creating benefits for both groups, including positive mental health and of course, safe housing.

These initiatives align with Trent’s core values of sustainable growth and community collaborations. By contributing nearly one-third of Peterborough’s housing target, we are working with the City to address immediate needs while creating lasting solutions.

Trent was founded on the bold vision of a dedicated group of citizens who believed in the power of education to serve future generations. Today, we are striving to honour that legacy by working with a broad range of community partners with joint goals. Together with the City of Peterborough, we can continue to build a resilient, connected, prosperous and vibrant Peterborough.

Dr. Cathy Bruce is president & vice-chancellor of Trent University – and a long-time resident of the City of Peterborough.