Years after former Windsor city councillor Ron Jones warned some student housing in the city was a fire hazard, a candidate running for election in Ward 1 is calling for a rental housing registry.
Darcie Renaud wants to start a pilot project in wards 1 and 2.
"We need to ensure these residential units are safe. That they require regular inspections and that they meet City of Windsor property standards," she said. "I know that the City of Windsor failed to pass that in February, but from what I'm hearing from residents and students, it's absolutely necessary, and I think that's what every other city has ended up doing."
Related story: Windsor to increase rental enforcement
She said a pilot project in just two of the ten wards would be a compromise, and if it is successful, it could be rolled out across the rest of the city.
Windsor Fire Service at the scene of a fatal fire on Rankin Ave. in west Windsor, October 26, 2016. (Photo by Maureen Revait)
Jones, a retired firefighter often expressed his concerns to city council during his tenure from 2002 to 2014. In October 2016, Jones' fears were realized when 19-year-old Andrew Kraayenbrink died when his rental student home went up in flames.
Renaud is also calling for a near campus strategy to address housing shortages and overcrowded city buses near the University of Windsor and St. Clair College. A task force would report to city council and improve communication between post-secondary schools and Transit Windsor.
"Transit was caught off guard in January and didn't have services in place to accommodate the influx of students," she said. "That's unacceptable to me. I think we need to better communicate with each other to be better aware that services will be needed."
Renaud believes Transit Windsor needs more buses to meet the demand.
Windsor does have an advisory committee that is supposed to address issues that arise between residents and the city's student population; the Town and Gown Committee.
"I was surprised to find out they only met once this year, in March. So, I think they need regular quarterly meetings," she said. "They need a standing agenda item related to increasing enrolment and the pressure it will put on city services and housing."
Renaud said by being proactive on student housing demands, the city can better address its shortage of affordable housing for all.
Renaud is running against incumbent Fred Francis, Matt Ford, Krysta Glovasky-Ridsdale, and Wiquar Husain in Ward 1.
The election is next Monday, October 22.
