Studentification Unveiled: Navigating Socioeconomic Shifts, Housing Pressures, and Community Cohesion in Aging Communities
Loading...
Authors
Savage, Caley
Date
2025-04-15
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Geography , Urban Planning , Demography , Economic
Alternative Title
Abstract
This thesis explores the interconnection between studentification, demographic change, and the financialization of housing in Kingston, Ontario. As university enrollment grows and housing becomes increasingly commodified, tensions can arise between students, older adult residents, and municipal policymakers. The study investigates how these dynamics impact housing affordability, social cohesion, and the urban landscape. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines spatial analysis of housing trends with qualitative insights from nine semi-structured interviews with students, older adults, and professionals. The findings reveal that homes marketed to student investors are spatially concentrated near the university and sell at a premium compared to homes for owner-occupiers. Statistical analysis shows that unoccupied dwellings, indicative of student rental investments, are strongly linked to specific neighbourhood characteristics. Housing in student-dominant areas fails to meet Canadian affordability standards, with students and older adults facing significant challenges in securing affordable housing. These results highlight the need for policy interventions to address affordability disparities and ensure housing stability for vulnerable populations. Downtown Kingston also plays a significant role in shaping student-resident relations. While students frequent the downtown core for nightlife and services, older adults engage more deeply with local businesses, highlighting differences in place attachment. Interviews with the Kingston Business Improvement Area (BIA) and a longitudinal analysis of storefront operations reveal concerns over the growing presence of chain stores catering to students, potentially displacing local businesses and altering the downtown character. To address these issues, the thesis offers four recommendations: (1) strengthen communication channels between students, the city, and local organizations through outreach positions and orientation programs; (2) enhance housing regulations to ensure landlord accountability and improve housing conditions; (3) promote intergenerational living to foster social connections and provide financial benefits to homeowners; and (4) activate public spaces that encourage interaction between students and long-term residents. Ultimately, this study highlights the need for inclusive urban planning that recognizes students as temporary but vital members of the community. By fostering connections between students and older adults, Kingston can work towards a more cohesive and resilient urban fabric, mitigating the negative effects of studentification while embracing its potential for positive change.