Eco Accessible Student Housing Initiatives

 The Guelph Campus Co-op operates a fully accessible lodging house at 7 College Ave and a townhouse unit in Campus Co-op Commons. The lodging house features an elevator and both provide wheelchair ramp access. Both feature barrier free appliances and bathrooms. Both projects are a partnership with the Central Students' Association and the Undergraduate Students of the University of Guelph. We built a fully integrated, accessible co-operative living experience for our members, which had not been previously available to them. Many students with accessibility issues have not had the option of living in a communal lodging house during University, which has prevented them from taking part in an important facet of University life. Campus Co-op Commons townhouses were built in 2013 and contains a fully accessible unit.

We envision a student controlled lodging house promoting a climate of empowerment and fellowship for students which is organized under the principles of co-operation.

Our housing is outfitted with a number of environmentally intelligent features:

  • hot water is heated by solar collectors

  • oriented due south for maximum passive solar exposure

  • all rainwater is collected in large storage tanks which are used for flushing toilets

  • a greywater collection system was in operation until 2013 , and was studied by UofG Engineering and the City of Guelph. It was discontinued due to mechanical problems 

  • low-flush toilets to reduce water consumption

  • energy-efficient and barrier-free appliances

  • energy efficient lighting

  • a green roof installation as well as wall climbing vines to encourage cooling

  • in-floor radiant heat that is efficient, economical and comfortable

Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI)

Individuals with accessibility issues face a number of challenges securing safe and affordable housing in the Guelph community. University of Guelph students with accessibility issues face a number of challenges; in particular transportation to and from the campus, and the expense of on-campus accommodation and meal plans. In response to the needs of these students the Guelph Campus Co-op has partnered with the Central Students' Association (CSA) Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI) to create accessible and affordable lodging house accommodation close to the University campus.

The Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI) was created by the University of Guelph undergraduate students through a student fee referendum in 2003 with a semesterly fee of $.87 per student per semester which is administered by the CSA. The CSA AHI committee administers the fund with representation from on-campus student groups and the Centre for Students with Disabilities. The Guelph Campus Co-op was chosen as the first recipient of the fund for the 7 College Ave. W. Accessible Student Lodging House Expansion Project.