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.
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 2023-2024 year.
Brock is home to overHello Badgers, and welcome to your new home!
I want to start by congratulating you. You’ve made an excellent decision in choosing Brock. It was less than a year ago that I too chose Brock.
Rigg President and Vice-ChancellorLike you, I was attracted to Brock by its outstanding reputation. It’s hard not to be impressed by a place that is so dedicated to providing the absolute best student experience in the country. Whose faculty include so many 3M National Teaching Fellows, considered the most exceptional instructors in the country. An institution whose researchers regularly make breakthroughs! Improving the way we live, impacting both our society and our environment and solving some of the biggest challenges we face.
Brock University is indeed a special place. As is the surrounding Niagara community, which advocated so fiercely for the founding of this institution nearly 60 years ago.
As you join this fantastic community, I want to remind you that you are an important ambassador for our institution and play a critical role in maintaining the excellent relations Brock enjoys with its neighbours. Please be courteous and respectful to our fellow Niagara residents, and show them what Badger pride looks like!
Congratulations again on starting your new adventure, and welcome to Niagara!
On behalf of Thorold City Council and our community, I would like to welcome new and returning students back to Thorold. The return of students is always an exciting time for us; they make our City more energetic, more informed and more prosperous. The City of Thorold has many things for everyone to enjoy. If you are new here, you can feel confident that you have come to a City filled with warm welcomes, located in the heart of Niagara. Thorold has something for everyone, from amazing trails, cafés and bars, and locally owned shops located in our downtown. Brock students make a fantastic contribution to our community and we know that you will be keen to play your part.
Each of you are not just attending school, you are an important and valued member of our community. You are our students, neighbours, volunteers, our customers at shops and restaurants, and we are thrilled to have you here. I encourage all students to get involved and stay in touch with events and happenings at City Hall. We will make your stay here memorable. We will do everything we can to give you the opportunities to work here and we will do our best to tempt you to stay after your studies! So, we hope you have fun, stay safe and enjoy everything we have to offer, and remember to be a good neighbour.
On behalf of St. Catharines City Council and your new community, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome new and returning students to the City of St. Catharines –the largest city in the entire Niagara Region. With acres of beautiful gardens and trails framed by the Niagara Escarpment, the City of St. Catharines is officially known as the Garden City.
The City of St. Catharines has something for everyone, from our rich and diverse arts and culture scene to brilliant restaurants, cafés, and bars, as well as lush greenery, vast hiking trails and picturesque parks. So many students fall in love with our City and often never leave, and those that do always take a part of St. Catharines with them.
Whether you are a returning student or new to the area, we look forward to the contributions Brock University students make to our City. We hope you have fun, stay safe and enjoy everything we have to offer.
Welcome to St. Catharines. We can’t wait to share it with you!
Lesley Terry Ugulini Mayor, City of Thorold Mat Siscoe Mayor, City of St. CatharinesBrock’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, student rights and responsibilities, transition and first year experience, and volunteerism and community engagement.
By students, for students; with Niagara, for Niagara.
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.
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.
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
• 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”
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!
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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).
• Volunteering and getting involved in the community will show your neighbours the positive impact that students make.
Brock Society of Off-Campus Students (SOCS) brings together students who live off-campus at Brock University. Brock Society of Off-Campus Students 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. Brock Society of Off-Campus Students connects you to others based on where you live off-campus. Students who are a part of Brock SOCS have access to upper year students called Peer Mentors who are 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 will help ensure you have an exceptional first year and off-campus experience by connecting you to amazing
people, events, involvement opportunities, resources and services to support your success.
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.
Information about all student groups and clubs at Brock is available at: experiencebu.brocku.ca
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. Be sure your guests follow parking and traffic laws and adhere to all Regional and Provincial regulations.
• Keep guests indoors after 11:00pm and reduce noise to avoid complaints and respect all members of your community, including working professionals and families.
• 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.
• 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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. Mouse-pointer
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/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, Niagara Community Legal Clinic and more.
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.
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-ontariosstandard-lease
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 yearround operations of our team, Off-Campus 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 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.
Getting settled in your community
Niagara Region –Waste Management niagararegion.ca/waste
905-356-4141
Toll-free: 1-800-594-5542
Niagara Folk Arts
Multicultural CenterSettlement Services
85 Church Street
905-685-6589 x225 folk-arts.ca
Community Services
Helpline
211ontario.ca
Dial 211
Niagara Region Transit www.nrtransit.ca
905-687-5555
Ontario Energy Board oeb.ca/contact-ontarioenergy-board
1-877-632-2727
St. Catharines City Hall stcatharines.ca
905-688-5600
Citizens First
(For St. Catharines related inquiries) citizensfirst@stcatharines.ca
905-688-5600
Thorold City Hall thorold.ca
905-227-6613
Enbridge Gas Distribution enbridgegas.com
1-866-763-5427
Be healthy and stay safe
For emergencies, call 911 Niagara Regional Police Services niagarapolice.ca
905-688-4111
Niagara Region Public Health niagararegion.ca/health
905-688-8248
St. Catharines Fire Services
905-684-4311
Thorold Fire and Emergency Services
905-227-6412
Crime Stoppers of Niagara crimestoppersniagara.ca
1-800-222-8477 (tip line) or 905-938-5463
(administrative line)
Rental resources
Off-Campus Living and Neighbourhood Relations
brocku.ca/ocl
905-688-5550 x3721
Landlord and Tenant Board
tribunalsontario.ca/ltb
1-888-332-3234
BUSU Legal Clinic
brockbusu.ca/services/ legalclinic
Steps to Justice
stepstojustice.ca
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
Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office
ontario.ca/page/officefire-marshal
647-329-1100
Fire Safety Campaign knowfire.ca
905-688-5601 x4208
Rental Housing Enforcement Unit
416-585-7214
Toll-free: 1-888-772-9277
ontario.ca/page/solvedisagreement-your-landlordor-tenant