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The Latest in UW Innovation – A Toronto Residence

Note: This article is hosted here for archival purposes only. It does not necessarily represent the values of the Iron Warrior or Waterloo Engineering Society in the present day.
Ever had trouble finding accommodation for co-op jobs in Toronto that included a bed, a desk, and a chair (and maybe some hot water) without clearing out your wallet? Well, the latest and greatest in UW creativity and innovation might result in a new residence building—right in the heart of T-Dot.
Currently featured in the form of a Facebook group named “UW Innovative Residence—Toronto”, this new idea for a Toronto-based residence has been steadily gaining popularity among many Waterloo students. The founder, Natalia Moudrak, started the group after she spent five of her co-op terms in Toronto and found it increasingly difficult to get short-term, furnished accommodations to fit her student-budget. Other Waterloo students with whom she consulted before starting the group also agreed.
A hot discussion topic in the group, named “What’s the Problem?!”, has students complaining about various aspects of finding accommodation at Toronto. Numerous students have reported of finding fully-furnished accommodation costs up to $1500 a month—nearly impossible to pay for unless you’re willing to live with a roommate. Male students also have a tougher time trying to find living spaces, due to fear from the landlords that the place will get trashed. There are a few cheaper alternatives—U of T residences are willing to rent to other students for $600-$800 during the summer. However, with the high demand of co-op jobs in the GTA, it would be impossible (and embarrassing) to house all Waterloo co-ops at other universities’ residences.
Currently, steps are being taken to implement the UW/Toronto Residence idea, although the planning is still in its earliest stages. Moudrak contacted Chris Read of UW Housing, UW Business and Development, and CECS six months ago with her idea. As per the Facebook information page, Moudrak noted that “innovation would have to be in the core of the design – this residence would have to be something UW students can be proud of: modern design, technologically advanced, environmentally friendly, and a great space for networking.” Furthermore, Moudrak also constructed a survey that was sent to UW students currently on work terms in Toronto. The results indicated that the need for a new residence was vital—students who filled out the survey expressed that they wanted the residence to be “fully furnished, with a kitchen, and on the TTC route”. A feasibility study will be conducted in four months.
However, there are many doubts about the likelihood of implementing such an idea. Some students feel that this project is too “hyped up” at its current stages, and interested students are expecting eye-catching residences well beyond the scope of possibility (and price range). Others also feel that having a residence in central Toronto with student pricing lacks practicality. However, Moudrak believes this is more of a “misconception” than an actual “problem”.
“The main misconception comes from the name chosen for the group . . . the word “innovative” [has] an association with luxury and looking fancy,” wrote Moudrak in a recent e-mail. “To clarify . . . “innovative” meant looking at cost savings solutions and seeing if installing greenroofs, utilizing grey water, etc. makes sense.”
“UW has a spirit of innovation,” she added. “If the project goes through, it should ideally portray this image and showcase the technological abilities of its students.”
The Facebook group further adds a list of ways UW students from all academic fields—not just engineering, but also fields such as mathematics, economics, and more—can play a crucial role in the design of this project. No definite time frame, or even confirmation of carrying forward this idea, has been given as of yet. The upcoming feasibility study is crucial in implementing this project, especially to determine how the finances will work out given student rents.
If you’d like to add your own ideas to “UW Innovative Residence – Toronto!”, or would simply like to spread the word, visit the Facebook group! After all, this is just one more way to show that whether it’s Waterloo or Toronto, UW will, eventually, RTW.
http://www.facebook.com/#/group.php?gid=347187355296&ref=ts

Ever had trouble finding accommodation for co-op jobs in Toronto that included a bed, a desk, and a chair (and maybe some hot water) without clearing out your wallet? Well, the latest and greatest in UW creativity and innovation might result in a new residence building—right in the heart of T-Dot.
Currently featured in the form of a Facebook group named “UW Innovative Residence—Toronto”, this new idea for a Toronto-based residence has been steadily gaining popularity among many Waterloo students. The founder, Natalia Moudrak, started the group after she spent five of her co-op terms in Toronto and found it increasingly difficult to get short-term, furnished accommodations to fit her student-budget. Other Waterloo students with whom she consulted before starting the group also agreed.
A hot discussion topic in the group, named “What’s the Problem?!”, has students complaining about various aspects of finding accommodation at Toronto. Numerous students have reported of finding fully-furnished accommodation costs up to $1500 a month—nearly impossible to pay for unless you’re willing to live with a roommate. Male students also have a tougher time trying to find living spaces, due to fear from the landlords that the place will get trashed. There are a few cheaper alternatives—U of T residences are willing to rent to other students for $600-$800 during the summer. However, with the high demand of co-op jobs in the GTA, it would be impossible (and embarrassing) to house all Waterloo co-ops at other universities’ residences.
Currently, steps are being taken to implement the UW/Toronto Residence idea, although the planning is still in its earliest stages. Moudrak contacted Chris Read of UW Housing, UW Business and Development, and CECS six months ago with her idea. As per the Facebook information page, Moudrak noted that “innovation would have to be in the core of the design – this residence would have to be something UW students can be proud of: modern design, technologically advanced, environmentally friendly, and a great space for networking.” Furthermore, Moudrak also constructed a survey that was sent to UW students currently on work terms in Toronto. The results indicated that the need for a new residence was vital—students who filled out the survey expressed that they wanted the residence to be “fully furnished, with a kitchen, and on the TTC route”. A feasibility study will be conducted in four months.
However, there are many doubts about the likelihood of implementing such an idea. Some students feel that this project is too “hyped up” at its current stages, and interested students are expecting eye-catching residences well beyond the scope of possibility (and price range). Others also feel that having a residence in central Toronto with student pricing lacks practicality. However, Moudrak believes this is more of a “misconception” than an actual “problem”.
“The main misconception comes from the name chosen for the group . . . the word “innovative” [has] an association with luxury and looking fancy,” wrote Moudrak in a recent e-mail. “To clarify . . . “innovative” meant looking at cost savings solutions and seeing if installing greenroofs, utilizing grey water, etc. makes sense.”
“UW has a spirit of innovation,” she added. “If the project goes through, it should ideally portray this image and showcase the technological abilities of its students.”
The Facebook group further adds a list of ways UW students from all academic fields—not just engineering, but also fields such as mathematics, economics, and more—can play a crucial role in the design of this project. No definite time frame, or even confirmation of carrying forward this idea, has been given as of yet. The upcoming feasibility study is crucial in implementing this project, especially to determine how the finances will work out given student rents.
If you’d like to add your own ideas to “UW Innovative Residence – Toronto!”, or would simply like to spread the word, visit the Facebook group! After all, this is just one more way to show that whether it’s Waterloo or Toronto, UW will, eventually, RTW.
http://www.facebook.com/#/group.php?gid=347187355296&ref=ts

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