GOOD NEIGHBOUR GUIDE
Information for University students, Niagara residents and property owners SEPTEMBER 2024
Are you a... University student, Niagara resident or property owner? Continue reading to find important information!
Brock is home to over 19,000 STUDENTS
We’re here to help you!
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.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
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 2024-2025 year.
Welcome, Brock students
Lesley Rigg President and Vice-Chancellor
Hello Badgers, and congratulations on your decision to join Brock University. 2024 is a special year as Brock celebrates its 60th anniversary. You've chosen an institution renowned for its commitment to delivering the best student experience in the country, backed by its outstanding reputation. Brock's faculty, including many distinguished 3M National Teaching Fellows, are amongst the most exceptional instructors nationwide Brock University is indeed a unique and integral part of the Niagara community, which played a pivotal role in its establishment in 1964. As you embark on your new journey here, remember that you are a vital ambassador for Brock. Living in this vibrant region offers you the opportunity to explore and engage with a community that was instrumental in our university's founding. Please act with courtesy and respect toward our neighbours and demonstrate what it truly means to carry the Badger pride. Once again, welcome to Brock and the Niagara region, and we look forward to seeing the contributions you will make.
Terry Ugulini Mayor, City of Thorold
On behalf of Thorold City Council and our community, I would like to welcome new and returning students back to Brock University. The beginning of the academic year is always an exciting time and we hope your time at Brock University is a positive experience. The City of Thorold has many activities for everyone to enjoy and our central location, in the heart of Niagara, is a great attribute. We are the fastest growing municipality in Niagara, 4th fastest in Ontario and 8th fastest in Canada, it is an exciting time in our City! Great outdoor trails, quaint cafés, unique restaurants/pubs and locally-owned boutiques in our Revitalized Downtown await you. Historically, Brock University students have been a wonderful addition to our City and we hope that you will be keen to play your part. Each of you are not just attending university, you are an important and valued member of our Community. You are also our neighbours, volunteers, employees and our customers. We encourage all students to stay involved by following our Facebook and Instagram Pages, as well as, our Students Page and Community Events Calendar under Living Here, on our website (thorold.ca). Have a gratifying, safe and productive school year, while enjoying everything our City has to offer. Hopefully, you find employment opportunities during your time here and consider making the City of Thorold and /or the Niagara Region your home.
Mat Siscoe Mayor, City of St. Catharines
On behalf of the St. Catharines City Council, I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning students who have chosen to make the City of St. Catharines their home. Situated in the heart of the Niagara Region, St. Catharines stands out as the largest city, boasting sprawling gardens and trails that are beautifully set against the backdrop of the Niagara Escarpment. Renowned as the Garden City, St. Catharines offers a diverse range of attractions, from a vibrant arts and culture scene to an array of top-notch dining options, cozy cafes, and lively bars. The city is also blessed with an abundance of green spaces, extensive hiking trails, and charming parks that cater to every taste and interest. Many students who come to St. Catharines find themselves captivated by its unique charm and allure, often choosing to make it their permanent residence. Whether you are a familiar face returning to St. Catharines or a newcomer to the area, we eagerly anticipate the positive impact that Brock University students will bring to our city. Welcome to St. Catharines, a city that is eager to be explored and shared with newcomers like you. Embrace the opportunities that await you, make lasting memories, and be a part of the vibrant tapestry that makes our city so special. We are excited to have you here and look forward to the experiences and contributions you will bring to our community.
Student Life and Success
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 co-curricular learning experiences to enrich the communities at Brock, in Niagara, and beyond. Our activities support Brock students’ development and success.
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, transition and first year experience, and volunteerism and community engagement.
By students, for students; with Niagara, for Niagara.
PEOPLE-GROUP
Brock Society of Off-Campus Students
Brock SOCS (Society of Off-Campus Students) is an organization at Brock University that supports and engages students living off campus. Brock SOCS offers various events, resources, and community-building activities to help off-campus students connect with other students and the broader university community. Off-Campus Ambassadors work to support first year off-campus students during the first 9 weeks of the term, and the rest of our SOCS team hosts events all year long. Students in all years of study are welcome to join Brock SOCS and attend events. Signing up is simple: students can sign up online through ExperienceBU or attend a SOCS events to learn more about membership. For more information, visit the SOCS website at brocku.ca/off-campus-living/students/socs
Off-campus Living
Brock University’s Off-Campus Living & 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, working through conflicts and much more.
Off-Campus Living
Brock University
905 688 5550 x3721
ocl@brocku.ca
brocku.ca/off-campus-living
Good Neighbour Awards
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.
For more information on the Good Neighbour Awards and the nomination process, please contact us at ocl@brocku.ca.
Off-Campus Living Newsletter
Stay up to date with all things off-campus! Our newsletter provides information to students living off-campus or thinking about living off-campus, including: tenant rights and responsibilities, housing trends and services, important rental timelines, upcoming events and resources.
905 688 5550 x3721 brocku.ca/ocl ocl@brocku.ca
Learn more about
• Good neighbour tips for students, property owners, and residents of the Niagara region.
• 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.
Brock is proud to be
“NIAGARA’S UNIVERSITY”
Students
You are part of a vibrant community in Niagara!
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 explore Niagara. We wish you every success in the year ahead!
Tips on being a good neighbour
Say hello!
• 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.
• Give your neighbours your contact information and let them know they are welcome to contact you if they have any concerns.
Be mindful of curb appeal
• Keeping your property tidy is part of being a good neighbour and is often enforceable by bylaw.
• Keep the exterior of your home clean and tidy.
• Inform your neighbours who is responsible for lawn care, snow removal and external maintenance of your home.
Follow parking and traffic rules
• Always drive safely and slow down in residential areas — remember that children live in these areas too.
• Be aware of any parking regulations in your area, including no parking signs and rules for overnight parking.
• If you’re hosting a party, plan for parking and never let guests drive away from your house after drinking.
Be considerate and respectful
• Being considerate and respectful of your neighbours’ differences can have a positive impact on how you interact.
• 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.
Eliminating noise
• 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.
• 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.
• To avoid potential fines, be mindful of your municipality’s quiet hours and move gatherings indoors where possible and safe.
Follow garbage schedules and rules
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• If you are throwing out large household items, you may be eligible for free large item pick-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.
• Download the Niagara Region Waste App and Follow Niagara Region on Facebook and Twitter @NiagaraRegion and Instagram @niagararegionca
Handle problems politely
• Being aware of local laws, bylaws and general neighbourhood expectations will improve your living situation.
• Try talking to your neighbour. You’ll probably find that resolving issues is easy and can usually be done through a friendly conversation.
• Contact your neighbours regarding something that may affect them such as hosting a party or getting a new pet.
• 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).
Contribute to the community
• Volunteering and getting involved in the community will show your neighbours the positive impact that students make.
Get involved
Brock University Volunteer Association
There are many ways to get involved with your local community to make connections and do something good. By becoming part of the Brock University Volunteer Association (BUVA), students join a dynamic group of likeminded Brock students who are committed to improving their local community through volunteering. BUVA members attend two monthly meetings that contain both social and training elements and commit to contributing 20 volunteer hours over the academic year.
Brock Cares
Brock Cares is a volunteer program that provides students with monthly, coordinated opportunities to volunteer together in the Niagara community. Join us on Saturday, September 7th for our 16th annual Brock Cares Day of Service and participate in an afternoon of volunteering with various community partners. Brock Cares is an
easy and fun way to connect with other students, build your resume, learn about the Niagara Region and contribute to your local community as a volunteer.
For more information on volunteering visit experiencebu.brocku.ca/organization/ volunteering
Student clubs
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 on the BUSU Clubs Directory and follow @brockbusuclubs on Instagram for the latest club information.
Responsible gatherings
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.
• 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.
• Monitor the noise level and keep the party indoors, especially during your municipality’s quiet hours. Be sure your guests follow parking and traffic laws and adhere to all regional and provincial regulations.
• Keep guests off your neighbours’ property.
• 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.
• Clean up the exterior of your place afterward — broken glass and garbage are unattractive and dangerous.
• Remember- it is a serious crime to sell alcohol without a license, including selling cups at a keg party.
Noise/nuisance bylaws
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.
Residents in Niagara
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 relationships.
Forming relationships with students
Introduce yourself
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.
Communicate
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.
Be reasonable
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
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.
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.
Homestay Program
“Experience the world without leaving your home.”
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 eslbrock@brocku.ca.
If you run into problems
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 may help. Call 905-688-5550 x3721, or email ocl@brocku.ca
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.
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.
Problems with your property owner?
Leases, housemates, deposits, rent, fire safety, maintenance, and other legalities can be overwhelming for student renters. If you have questions about landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities, start by checking out Brock’s Off-Campus Living website brocku.ca/off-campus-living/students, 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, Niagara Community Legal Clinic and more. Appointments are available by emailing ocl@brocku.ca
MOUSE-POINTER
Property owners
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.
Community relations for property owners
Tenancy agreements
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. Students are being educated about the Ontario Standard Lease form, and are actively encouraged to request this from landlords. Most properties in Ontario are legally required to provide a copy of the Ontario standard Lease. For more information, please visit ontario.ca/page/guide-ontarios-standardlease
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.
Comply with fire code regulations
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.
Comply with municipal bylaws
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.
Maintain community standards
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.
Be a visible landlord
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.
Help your tenants be good neighbours
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.
We’re here to help!
Legal questions?
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.
Landlord/tenant issues
Brock’s Off-Campus Living team can provide you with assistance in handling landlord/ tenant issues that might arise throughout
Listing service
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/off-campus-living/listing-service
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 OffCampus Living staff will be able to guide both landlords and tenants toward a solution.
Information sessions for property owners
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. In addition to the year-round operations of our team, OffCampus Living offers a course for landlords. The 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 OffCampus Living team, Niagara Regional Police Service and St. Catharines Fire Prevention. All sessions also include a discussion period. Please check brocku.ca/off-campus-living/ neighbourhood-relations for updates.
Interested in Homesharing?
If you are interested in sharing your home with a current Brock student, SpacesShared is for you! SpacesShared’s on-line matching platform helps students find hosts who have a home and lifestyle that is similar to their own. SpacesShared helps hosts create rental agreements and manage their homesharing agreement. Homesharing is exclusively for homeowners who live in the home and share a bathroom or kitchen with their student guests. For more information, visit spacesshared.ca/home
Useful contacts & resources
Getting settled in your community
Community services are safe and available to everyone. If you have a concern or question, you are always welcome to call non-emergency lines for local services such as police and fire.
If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.
Citizens First
(For St. Catharines related inquiries) citizensfirst@stcatharines.ca 905-688-5600
Community Services Helpline 211ontario.ca Dial 211
Crime Stoppers of Niagara crimestoppersniagara.ca
1-800-222-8477 (tip line) or 905-938-5463 (administrative line)
Niagara Folk Arts
Multicultural CenterSettlement Services 85 Church Street 905-685-6589 x225 folk-arts.ca
Niagara Regional Police Services niagarapolice.ca 905-688-4111
Niagara Region Public Health niagararegion.ca/health 905-688-8248
Niagara Region Transit nrtransit.ca 905-687-5555
Niagara Region –Waste Management niagararegion.ca/waste 905-356-4141
Toll-free: 1-800-594-5542
Ontario Energy Board oeb.ca/contact-ontarioenergy-board 1-877-632-2727
St. Catharines City Hall stcatharines.ca 905-688-5600
St. Catharines Fire Services 905-684-4311
Thorold City Hall thorold.ca 905-227-6613
Thorold Fire Head Quarters - Station 1 fireshared@thorold.ca 905-227-6412
Rental resources
BUSU Legal Clinic brockbusu.ca/services/ legalclinic
Fire Safety Campaign knowfire.ca
Landlord and Tenant Board tribunalsontario.ca/ltb 1-888-332-3234
Off-Campus Living and Neighbourhood Relations brocku.ca/ocl 905-688-5550 x3721
Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office ontario.ca/page/officefire-marshal 647-329-1100
Ontario Human Rights Commission ohrc.on.ca 1-800-387-9080
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing ontario.ca/page/ministrymunicipal-affairs-housing 1-866-220-2290
Rental Housing Enforcement Unit 416-585-7214
Toll-free: 1-888-772-9277 ontario.ca/page/solvedisagreement-your-landlordor-tenant
Steps to Justice stepstojustice.ca
smi lee DENTAL CENTRE