GUIDENEIGHBOURGOOD SEPTEMBER 2022 Information for University students, Niagara residents and property owners
Are you Universitya...student,Niagararesidentorpropertyowner? Continue reading to find important information!
Brock University acknowledges the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Agreement. Today this gathering place is home to many First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and acknowledging reminds us that our great standard of living is directly related to the resources and friendship of Indigenous people. We encourage Brock students to reflect on the history that has brought you to reside in the Niagara Region. We hope you seek to understand your place within our history, and in the place you have chosen to live and call “home” for the 2022-2023 year.
Brock is home to 19,000overSTUDENTS
The Brock University Good Neighbour Guide provides information about neighbourhood relations and community resources for students, property owners and long-term residents. This publication is distributed widely across the Niagara region and is available online, at locations across the university, and is shared with community members throughout the year. The range of off-campus and community services that the university offers reflects Brock’s commitment to work with our community partners and with local residents to ensure that issues related to off-campus student living are identified and addressed effectively. We’re here to help and you’re encouraged to contact our Off-Campus Living team for information, resources, and supports.
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Walter Sendzik, Mayor, City of St. Catharines
As Mayor of St. Catharines, I want welcome you to our community. We hope all students have a healthy and happy start to this new academic year and that you will experience all that St. Catharines has to offer while you attend Brock University. Having students back in our community is a testament to your resilience. The last two years of COVID-19 restrictions presented challenges for everyone, but students lost out on valuable academic and social opportunities. Yet you persevered and are moving forward with your education, creating new friendships and making memories during this pivotal time of your life. You will also play a vital role in our recovery as you enjoy all our City has to offer. As a community, we are poised to give you every opportunity to explore the beauty of nature in our parks and trails, attend a full slate of concerts and sporting events at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and the Meridian Centre, and discover our vibrant culinary scene in downtown St. Catharines. The Canada Summer Games have just wrapped up and the world-class Canada Games Park and Walker Sports and Abilities Centre facilities are an important legacy that Brock students and faculty, and our community at large, will be able to enjoy for decades to come. This year presents a fresh start. We welcome our student population with great anticipation and hope that you thrive here while you pursue your dreams and unleash your potential. Our future is your future, and our hope is that your future includes St. Catharines.
Welcome, Brock Students
On behalf of Thorold City Council and your new community, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Thorold –the heart of Niagara. The City of Thorold has some amazing things for everyone to enjoy, including trails, cafes, bars, restaurants, and many locally owned shops in our downtown core. Whether you are beginning or continuing your educational journey in our community, we encourage you to become involved in your home away from home. We look forward to learning, exploring, and growing together. We promise to make your experience here a memorable one, and we will do our best to leave a lasting impression on your future. We hope you’ll connect with us online by using #ThoroldON, and consider subscribing to our e-newsletter to stay updated on City News, community events, and all the exciting things happening in and around our great City. So, welcome to the City of Thorold, all! We’re honoured to be part of your educational journey. And remember, have fun, stay safe, and be a good neighbour.
Terry Ugulini, Mayor, City of Thorold
On behalf of everyone here at the University, welcome to Brock! I urge you to spend some time getting to know the area and its people since the Niagara region is a fun and interesting place to live and explore. Brock has a strong connection to this neighbourhood; in fact, it was locals who provided the impetus behind the establishment of Brock in 1964. You play a crucial role as a representative of Brock in the neighbourhood as a student living off-campus, so I hope you use this chance to educate your neighbours about what it means to be a Badger.
Lynn Wells, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, Provost and Vice-President, Academic
905StudentSuccessLifeandSuccess6885550brocku.ca/student-life-success studentlife@brocku.ca
Brock’s Student Life and Success department provides opportunities for everyone in the Brock community to be active and engaged at Brock and within its surrounding communities. We facilitate engagement opportunities for Brock students that encourage extra-curricular and cocurricular learning experiences to enrich the communities at Brock, in Niagara, and beyond. Our activities support Brock students’ development and success.
By students, for forwithstudents;Niagara,Niagara.
Student Life and Success program and service areas include: academic learning services, co-curricular engagement, faith and life, honour societies, leadership development, off-campus living and neighbourhood relations, student event and activities support, student rights and responsibilities, transition and first year experience, and volunteerism and community engagement.
Student Life and
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As a part of the Student Life and Success department, the Off-Campus Living and Neighbourhood Relations team offers year-round housing information to students, property owners and residents in the Niagara region. The team provides a point of contact for neighbourhood relations activities associated with off-campus student living, including mediation and conflict resolution; developing educational materials; and presenting at community forums regarding campus and community relations. Visit brocku.ca/ocl for rental listings, tips for finding housing, meeting others and making connections, dealing with problems and concerns, and a variety of other topics.
Off-Campus Living
Good Neighbour Awards
For
ocl@brocku.ca envelope Comment For more information brocku.ca/oclvisit Off-Campus Living Brock University 905 688 5550 ocl@brocku.cax3721 Off-Campus Living Newsletter Stay up to date with all things offcampus! Our quarterly newsletter provides information to students living off-campus or thinking about living off-campus, including: housing services, covid-19 safety and rental implications, important rental timelines, upcoming events and resources. home
The Good Neighbour Award initiative recognizes student tenants, property owners, and community members for making an effort to create positive relationships in their neighbourhoods. Recipients of a Good Neighbour Award receive a small token of appreciation and a certificate. more information on the Good Neighbour Awards and the nomination process, please contact us at
Off-Campus Living, Student Life and Success 905 688 5550 x3721 brocku.ca/ocl ocl@brocku.ca TROPHY
• Information about how Brock students can have a positive impact in their community.
• Resources and information on how to handle concerns or problems.
• Information on how Niagara residents can help address the housing needs of Brock students.
• Good neighbour tips for students, property owners, and residents of the Niagara region.
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Brock is proud to UNIVERSITY”“NIAGARA’Sbe
• Knowing your neighbours by name is a great way to start to build a connection. Welcome new residents to the neighbourhood and take time to get to know them. This can be as easy as a chat in the driveway.
• Keeping your property tidy is part of being a good neighbour.
• Some residents may be apprehensive about living next to a student house - be the one to change their perspective! We are all part of the community, students and permanent residents alike.
For those who are living off-campus this year, we hope you will embrace and respect this community as your own. Find safe ways to #ExploreNiagara. We wish you every success in the year ahead!
YouStudentsarepartofavibrantcommunity in Niagara!
• Being considerate and respectful of your neighbours’ differences can have a positive impact on how you interact.
Tips on being a GOOD NEIGHBOUR
• Keep the exterior of your home clean and tidy.
• Give your neighbours your contact information and let them know they are welcome to contact you if they have any concerns.
HAND-PEACE users
Be considerate and respectful
Be mindful of curb appeal
Follow parking and traffic rules
• Be aware of any parking regulations in your area, including no parking signs and rules for overnight parking.
• Always drive safely and slow down in residential areas —remember that children live in these areas too.
Say hello!
• If you’re hosting a party, plan for parking and never let guests drive away from your house after drinking.
• Inform your neighbours who is responsible for lawn care, snow removal and external maintenance of your home.
• Download the Niagara Region Waste App and Follow Niagara Region on Facebook and Twitter @NiagaraRegion and Instagram @niagararegionca.
• Contact your neighbours regarding something that may affect them such as hosting a party or getting a new pet.
• Garbage is collected every-other-week, and there is a limit of two bags/cans per residential unit for low-density residential homes. Your Blue Box, Grey Box and Green Bin are collected every week. There’s no limit to the amount of recycling and organics that can be placed at the curb. More information: niagararegion.ca/waste
Follow garbage schedules and rules
• Ensure that uncollected materials or containers are removed from the curb by 7 p.m. the day of collection. Blue/Grey Boxes and Green Bins are available at subsidized prices and can be purchased online.
• Volunteering and getting involved in the community will show your neighbours the positive impact that students make.
• If you are throwing out large household items, you may be eligible for free large item pick-up up. Book online or call 1-833-621-0726, up to two business days before the regular garbage day. Don’t leave furniture, appliances, etc., out on the curb for your neighbours to see.
• Being aware of local laws, bylaws and general neighbourhood expectations will improve your living situation.
Eliminating noise
• Try talking to your neighbour. You’ll probably find that resolving issues is easy and can usually be done through a friendly conversation.
• How much noise is too much? If a neighbour can hear noise from your home on the edge of their property, it’s too loud.
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Contribute to the community
• If you’re having difficulty resolving an issue between yourself and a neighbour, contact Brock’s Off-Campus Living team for assistance (ocl@brocku.ca).
Handle problems politely
• Only put out your garbage on collection days, stay within the bag/container limits, and use your Blue/Grey Boxes and Green Bin. Please ensure that recyclables are properly prepared for collection. All materials should be at the curb by 7 a.m. on the day of collection.
• If you go over the container limit, garbage tags must be purchased for $2.50 (available online, or at a variety of retailers listed on the Niagara Region website) and placed on any extra garbage bag/container. Invest in garbage pails with lids; they hold more and keep animals out.
• The Niagara community has a diverse population of families, working professionals, senior citizens and students. It is important to take the different lifestyles of your neighbours into consideration and make sure that disturbances are avoided when going about your day.
• To avoid potential fines, be mindful of your municipality’s quiet hours and move gatherings indoors where possible and safe.
Information about all student groups and clubs at Brock is available at: experiencebu.brocku.ca
InvolvedGet
Off-Campus Communities bring together small groups of incoming students from similar academic programs and personal interests. Your Off-Campus Community is a place where students living off-campus can connect with other first year students, make friends, attend events, ask questions, and learn about resources. Communities are formed based on your similar programs of study and personal interests. There are approximately 40-60 students in your Community. Each Community is led by a trained upper year student called a Peer Mentor who is dedicated to supporting your individual goals and needs and will connect you to services and resources, involvement opportunities and answer your questions related to life at Brock. Your Peer Mentor
Did you know there are over 100+ clubs at the Brock University Students’ Union? Clubs are an excellent space to meet new people, enhance your student experience and propel you in your desired career. With 100+ clubs, there is a club suited for everyone’s interest whether they are faculty-based, activitybased or interest-based. Interested in starting a new club? Contact BUSU Club Manager clubs@brockbusu.ca for assistance. Check out a full list of clubs at our BUSU Clubs Directory and follow us @brockbusuclubs on Instagram for the latest club information.
and your Off-Campus Community will help ensure you have an exceptional first year experience by connecting you to amazing people, events, involvement opportunities, and resources and services to support your success.
Student clubs
Noise/nuisance bylaws
Tips for responsible partying
• Monitor the noise level and keep the party indoors. Be sure your guests follow parking and traffic laws and adhere to all Regional and Provincial regulations.
• Keep guests off your neighbours’ property.
Hosting a party is a major responsibility that presents several serious risks. Whether you are providing the alcohol, or your guests are bringing their own, you are responsible for their actions during and after the party. If the party gets out of control, someone gets injured, or someone drives home impaired, you could be held criminally and/or civilly responsible for their actions. This could lead to fines, arrests, criminal records, and even expensive civil lawsuits. Please consider all the factors carefully to make smart choices and keep in mind the message of responsible gathering, partying, and drinking.
• As the host of a party, stay sober so that your judgment is not impaired, and you are able to handle any problems that arise.
• Keep guests indoors after 11:00pm and reduce noise to avoid complaints and respect all members of your community, including working professionals and families.
• It is illegal to sell alcohol without a license, including selling cups at a keg party.
Local nuisance bylaws refer to damaging public property, loitering, fighting, applying graffiti on public places, urinating, vomiting, or spitting in a public place. A strict enforcement policy has been adopted with associated fines of $300 - $5,000 or more in St. Catharines, Thorold, and surrounding municipalities. The Niagara Regional Police has advised that noise, nuisance, and public safety issues will be dealt with fines or criminal charges.
Parties Amidst the Pandemic
• Clean up the exterior of your place afterward — broken glass and garbage are unattractive and dangerous.
• Monitor your guests and ensure that they are consuming responsibly. Make sure everyone arrives home safely. Be prepared for people to stay over. Do not let anyone drive home impaired.
• Let your neighbours know you are planning a party and make sure they are comfortable coming to you with any concerns.
• If a neighbour, by-law, or police official comes to your door, approach their concerns co-operatively and do what you can to remedy the situation.
If you have a problem with the behaviour of neighbouring tenants, let them know how you feel. They may not realize that what they are doing is disruptive or offensive to you.
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Residents in Niagara
Communicate
Forming relationships with students
Student tenants are people like any other neighbours you might have. They are paying to live in their accommodation and have the right to enjoy it. Of course, you should expect them to be considerate and follow the law, but make sure you have reasonable expectations and realize that this is possibly the students’ first time in a place of their own.
Talk to the landlord
Be reasonable
While you might own your home, students probably do not. This means that they are not necessarily responsible for lawn care, snow removal, or other issues that might become problematic in your neighbourhood. Talk to the students first, but contact the landlord if they are not fulfilling the expected responsibilities.
Your new neighbours are likely to be more considerate and have a better understanding of your needs if they know you. We recommend you make a point of meeting the new tenants moving into your neighbourhood, and introducing yourself and your family. A simple hello will go a long way to start. Give them your name and phone number and offer them any assistance they might need. Remember that tenants change from year to year — expect the best every year and you will probably get it.
Handle problems politely
If you've made a point of meeting your student neighbours and being friendly, and you have reasonable expectations, it's likely that you'll get a friendly reaction as well. If you do have problems, avoid letting them develop into major disputes. Losing your temper or harassing your neighbours is unlikely to generate a positive change.
Introduce yourself
Living in an area that is home to a major post-secondary institution, you will no doubt come in contact with a number of students throughout the year. This might happen on campus, in your community, or right next door. Regardless of circumstance, Brock University encourages students and community members to develop a positive and co-operative relationship. As a resident, your actions play a large part in the establishment of such a relationships.
“Experience the world without leaving your home”
Homestay Program
Ask for assistance: If you have been unable to come to an understanding with the landlords or tenants at a specific property, please discuss any problems or concerns relating to noise, parking, property standards, fire code, etc. with the appropriate authorities. Each city will have different bylaws or processes regarding these issues. Contact information is available in the Useful Contacts section of this guide.
Talk to the experts: Brock’s Off-Campus Living team is a good place to start if you’re having difficulties with student neighbours. The Off-Campus Living staff will listen to your situation, suggest ways for you to handle it, and direct you to any additional resources that can offer help. Call 905 688 5550 x3721, or email ocl@brocku.ca
If you run into problems
Homestay helps introduce new international students to Canadian culture and the community in the Niagara Region; all while improving their English skills. Since 1983, the ESL Services Homestay Program has connected thousands of students with local host families. Becoming a Brock Homestay host family will give you the opportunity to help students learn English intensively, discover and learn about other cultures, offer a supportive environment for an International student, grow lifelong friendships and make connections around the world. For more information about Homestay, please email homestay@brocku.ca
Leases, housemates, deposits, rent, fire safety, maintenance, and other legalities can be overwhelming for student renters. If you have questions about landlord/tenant issues, start by checking out Brock’s Off-Campus Living website (brocku.ca/ocl), or by contacting our team. We have information covering a wide range of rental issues. The Off-Campus Living staff can provide guidance on how to handle problems or assist you in accessing other useful resources, such as the Landlord and Tenant Board.
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Problems with your property owner?
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Your concerns about student housing: “Town & Gown” is a term which conveys the relationships between post-secondary institutions – universities and colleges – and the communities that host them. The St. Catharines Town and Gown Committee and the Thorold Town and Gown Committee both meet regularly to discuss and address issues relating to student housing and neighbourhood relations. These committees have representation from the local municipalities, Brock University and Niagara College, Niagara Regional Police, Fire Prevention, Regional Waste Management, long-term residents, landlords and students. Issues or concerns can be brought to either committee by contacting your local municipal councillor or city hall.
Comply with municipal bylaws
If you are renting part of your property, you must meet the legal requirements for fire separations, means of escape, smoke alarms, and electrical safety. For a copy of Ontario Fire Code regulations, call 1 800 668 9938. Visit knowfire.ca for more information.
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Let your tenants know the rules and expectations. Make sure your tenants understand the responsibility of having their own home, and they will be more respectful of your property and the neighbourhood. Be clear and up front regarding lease restrictions, extra housemates, sublets, cars, noise, garbage removal, etc.
Maintain community standards
Be a visible landlord
All home occupancies are subject to compliance with provincial and municipal laws. Charges may be laid for violations of zoning regulations, property standards, building codes and other municipal bylaws. It is the homeowners’ responsibility to ensure that they are knowledgeable of and in compliance with local regulations.
Tenancy agreements
As a local landlord, you’re providing an important service to your tenants. We appreciate your willingness to share a part of your home, a house or apartment that you own with students who are often new to both renting and living on their own. We hope you will provide a warm welcome to your student tenants and treat them with the same respect and integrity you would give other tenants.
Comply with fire code regulations
Make sure your property has adequate parking provisions for your tenants. Establish clearly whether you or the tenant is responsible for yard maintenance and snow removal, and make sure both of you are aware of any bylaws or regulations that may be in effect in the community. Consider investing a portion of your annual rental income on improvements.
Property Owners
Community relations for property owners
Whether you’re renting a house, an apartment, or a basement suite, you should have a written Tenancy Agreement, signed by both of you as landlord and tenant. The agreement should outline the roles and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords and indicate things such as tenancy term, interior and exterior maintenance, monthly rent, and provision of services.
Your job is not over once the lease is signed. Not only are your tenants paying for a place to live, but they are also paying for services from you. Visit your property regularly and talk with your tenants on how things are progressing. Make sure they have a way to contact you at all times in case an urgent situation arises.
Brock’s Off-Campus Living team can provide you with assistance in handling landlord/ tenant issues that might arise throughout your rental experience. We encourage landlords and tenants to communicate their expectations with each other. Our mediation service can provide a forum through which to discuss issues and concerns. The Off-Campus Living staff will be able to guide both landlords and tenants toward a solution.
Landlord/tenant issues
Listing service
Let the neighbours know that students will be moving in. Try to introduce the students to their neighbours and make sure residents feel free to contact you any time there is a problem. If there is a recurring problem between your tenants and their neighbours, help them to work through it co-operatively. Your presence and attentiveness will help to ease any concerns.
Help your tenants be good neighbours
Please realize that you are entering into a business relationship between you and your tenants, with legal obligations on both parts. In most cases, these obligations are outlined by the Residential Tenancies Act, which states rules about rent payment and increases, maintenance and repairs, terminating tenancies, etc. The Landlord and Tenant Board (1 888 332 3234) can provide you with more information about this legislation.
Legal questions?
Whether you’re simply thinking about offering housing to Brock students, or if you’ve been renting to students for years, there is always something new to learn. OffCampus Living offers a course for landlords titled “Be a Successful Landlord for Brock Students”. The three-hour session discusses the complex issues facing landlords throughout the renting process, including advertising, the student market, the Residential Tenancies Act, human rights and housing, neighbourhood relations, fire safety, and so on. Past courses have included presentations by the Off-Campus Living team, Students’ Ombudsperson and members from the Landlord and Tenant Board, Niagara Regional Police Service and St. Catharines Fire Prevention. All sessions also include a discussion period. Visit brocku.ca/ocl for notification about upcoming sessions.
The Off-Campus Listing Service is a great way for you to let Brock students know that you have rental accommodations available to them. Not only is it affordable, but your ad will be specifically targeted to the student population. Brock students looking for housing are directed to our team and we hold various information sessions for students and landlords throughout the year. You can get more information about our service at brocku.ca/ocl.
Information sessions for property owners
We’re here to help!
Rental resources
Useful Contacts & Resources
Niagara Region Public Health – Covid-19 or905-688-8248covid-19/default.aspxniagararegion.ca/health/1-888-505-6074,press 7
905brocku.ca/ocl6885550 x3721
905stcatharines.ca6885600
Landlord and Tenant Board 1sjto.gov.on.ca/ltb8883323234
1enbridgegas.com8667635427
1energy-boardoeb.ca/contact-ontario-8776322727
Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office ontario.ca/page/ office-fire-marshal 647 329 1100
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing ontario.ca/page/ministrymunicipal-affairs-housing 1 866 220 2290
St. Catharines Transit 905yourbus.com6875555
Niagara Region Public Health
Toll-free:905niagararegion.ca/waste356414118005945542
St. Catharines Fire Services 905 684 4311
For emergencies, call 9-1-1
1bell.ca844310 7873 (internet)
Niagara Regional Police Services 905niagarapolice.ca6884111
Ontario Human Rights Commission
Be healthy and stay safe
905thorold.ca2276613
Community Services
Helpline
Dialincommunities.ca211
Bell Canada
Crime Stoppers of Niagara
Followniagararegion.ca/covid19COVID-19:Forniagararegion.ca/healthinformationabout@nrpublichealth
Cogeco Cable 1cogeco.ca8557014881
1crimestoppersniagara.ca8002228477 (tip line) or 905 938 5463 (administrative line)
Thorold City Hall
Getting settled in your WasteNiagaracommunityRegion–Management
1 866 797 8686 (TV)
Thorold Fire and Emergency Services 905 227 6412
Fire Safety Campaign knowfire.ca 905 688 5601 x4208
Ontario Energy Board
Off-Campus Living and Neighbourhood Relations
Citizen’s First (For St. Catharines related inquiries) citizensfirst@stcatharines.ca 905 688 5600
1ohrc.on.ca8003879080
St. Catharines City Hall
Enbridge Gas Distribution
ThankSponsorsyoutoourGoodNeighbour and Welcome Wagon Sponsors! Student Life and Success www.brocku.ca/student-life-success For helpful off-campus resources, visit brocku.ca/ocl
