GOOD NEIGHBOUR GUIDE
SEPTEMBER 2025
Information for University students, Niagara residents and property owners
We’re here to help you!
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 residents to ensure that challenges 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.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
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 2025-2026 year.
19,000 students
USER-GRADUATE
BROCK IS HOME TO OVER
Welcome Brock students!
Lesley Rigg President and Vice-Chancellor
Mayor,
Hello Badgers and congratulations on choosing Brock. We're excited to welcome you to our community. Brock is known for offering one of the top student experiences in Canada, shaped by dedicated faculty members, including nationally recognized educators. Our instructors are committed to helping you thrive both academically and personally. As a proud part of the Niagara region, Brock has strong roots in the local community. As you begin your journey here, remember that you’re not just a student - you’re an ambassador for our university. This region is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, and your actions help strengthen the bond between Brock and our neighbours. We encourage you to take full advantage of everything Brock and Niagara have to offer, both in and outside the classroom. Be respectful, stay engaged, and show the true spirit of a Badger. Welcome again to Brock and the vibrant Niagara community. We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make.
On behalf of Thorold City Council and our community, I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning students at Brock University. To those returning, welcome back — I trust you had a restful and enjoyable summer break. To our new students, we are delighted to have you join us and wish you every success as you begin this exciting new chapter. This year is particularly special for Thorold as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary as a City — a milestone that reflects our rich history, vibrant community, and promising future. As we mark this significant occasion, we invite you to be part of the continuing story of growth and opportunity here in Thorold. The City of Thorold offers a wealth of opportunities and amenities to enrich your experience. Located centrally within the Niagara Region, we take pride in being the fastest-growing municipality in Niagara, the fourth fastest in Ontario, and the eighth fastest in Canada. Our vibrant community boasts scenic outdoor trails, charming cafés, diverse restaurants and pubs, and a variety of locally owned boutiques within our revitalized downtown core. Brock University students have long been valued members of our community, contributing not only as learners but as neighbors, volunteers, employees, and patrons. We encourage you to engage actively in the life of our city and embrace the many opportunities to connect and contribute. To stay informed about community events and resources, please follow our Facebook and Instagram pages and visit the Student Page and Community Events Calendar on our website at thorold.ca under the “Living Here” section. These platforms will assist you in making the most of your time in Thorold. We wish you a safe, fulfilling, and successful academic year. We hope that you find meaningful employment opportunities during your time here and consider making Thorold and the Niagara Region your home following graduation. In closing, please remember to be kind, respectful, and engaged members of the community.
On behalf of St. Catharines City Council, I’m pleased to welcome all new and returning students to our community. Whether you’re here for the first time or returning for another year, we’re glad you’ve chosen to make St. Catharines your home. Nestled in the heart of Niagara, St. Catharines is a city rich in natural beauty, culture, and community spirit. Known as the Garden City, we’re proud of our extensive green spaces, scenic trails, and vibrant neighbourhoods. From the escarpment views to the diverse local dining, arts, and entertainment options, there's something here for everyone to enjoy. Each year, Brock University students add energy and vitality to our city. Many fall in love with what St. Catharines has to offer and become lifelong residents, while others carry fond memories with them wherever they go. No matter your path, we’re excited for the contributions you’ll make during your time here. As you settle in, we encourage you to explore the city, connect with your neighbours, and be an active, respectful part of the community. The Good Neighbour Guide is a great place to start…it’s full of helpful information to ensure your time in St. Catharines is safe, positive, and enriching. If you’re ever looking for things to do, visit lovestc.ca to discover businesses, attractions, and things to do across the city. Welcome to your home away from home. Make the most of it, enjoy the journey, and thank you for being part of what makes St. Catharines such a special place. Stay safe and have a great year ahead!
Terry Ugulini
City of Thorold
Mat Siscoe
Mayor, City of St. Catharines
Off-campus living
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.
Good Neighbour Awards
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
Off-Campus Living newsletter
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. Scan here to sign up!
Student Life and Success
Brock’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, cocurricular engagement, faith and life, honour societies, leadership development, off-campus living and neighbourhood relations, student event and activities support, transition and first year experience, and volunteerism and community engagement. Visit brocku.ca/studentlife-success for more information.
PEOPLE-GROUP
Brock Society of Off-Campus Students
Brock SOCS (Society of Off-Campus Students) is an organization at Brock University specially designed for students living off-campus. Our team of off-campus students works to support students with getting involved on campus, navigating off-campus housing and exploring everything that Niagara has to offer. Students in all years of study are welcome to join Brock SOCS. Signing up is simple: students can signup online through ExperienceBU or attend a SOCS events to learn more about membership. For more information, visit the SOCS website at brocku.ca/off-campus-living/students/socs
Learn more about
Brock is proud to be “NIAGARA’S UNIVERSITY”
• 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.
Students
You are part of a vibrant community in Niagara!
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 explore Niagara. We wish you every success in the year ahead!
Tips on being a good neighbour:
Say hello!
• 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.
Be mindful of curb appeal
• 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.
Follow parking and traffic rules
• 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.
Be considerate and respectful
• 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.
Eliminating noise
• 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.
Follow garbage schedules and rules
• 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. 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 X @NiagaraRegion and Instagram @niagararegionca
Handle problems politely
• 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).
Contribute to the community
• Volunteering and getting involved in the community will show your neighbours the positive impact that students make.
Get involved
Brock University Volunteer Association
There are many ways to get involved with your local community to make connections and do something good. By becoming part of the Brock University Volunteer Association (BUVA), students join a dynamic group of likeminded Brock students who are committed to improving their local community through volunteering. BUVA members attend two monthly meetings that contain both social and training elements and commit to contributing 20 volunteer hours over the academic year.
Brock Cares
Brock Cares is a volunteer program that provides students with monthly, coordinated opportunities to volunteer together in the Niagara community. Join us on Saturday, September 6th for our 17th annual Brock Cares Day of Service and participate in an afternoon of volunteering with various community partners. Brock Cares is an
easy and fun way to connect with other students, build your resume, learn about the Niagara Region and contribute to your local community as a volunteer.
For more information on volunteering visit experiencebu.brocku.ca/organization/ volunteering
Student clubs
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 on the BUSU Clubs Directory and follow @brockbusuclubs on Instagram for the latest club information.
about all student groups and clubs at Brock is available at:
Responsible gatherings
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, especially during your municipality’s quiet hours. Be sure your guests follow parking and traffic laws and adhere to all regional and provincial regulations.
• 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.
• Remember — it is a serious crime to sell alcohol without a license, including selling cups at a keg party.
Noise/nuisance bylaws
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.
Residents in Niagara
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 relationships.
Forming relationships with students
Introduce yourself
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.
Communicate
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.
Be reasonable
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.
Talk to the landlord
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.
Handle problems politely
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.
Homestay Program - 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
If you run into problems
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 may 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.
Problems with your property owner?
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/offcampus-living/students, 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. Appointments are available by emailing ocl@brocku.ca
Property owners
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.
Community relations for property owners
Tenancy agreements
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-ontarios-standard-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.
Comply with fire code regulations
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.
Comply with municipal bylaws
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.
Maintain community standards
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.
Be a visible landlord
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.
Help your tenants be good neighbours
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.
We’re here to help!
Legal questions?
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.
Landlord/tenant issues
Brock’s Off-Campus Living team can provide you with assistance in handling landlord/ tenant issues that might arise throughout
Listing Service
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/off-campus-living/listing-service
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 OffCampus Living staff will be able to guide both landlords and tenants toward a solution.
Information sessions for property owners
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 year-round operations of our team, OffCampus 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 OffCampus Living team, Niagara Regional Police Service and St. Catharines Fire Prevention. All sessions also include a discussion period. Please check brocku.ca/off-campus-living/ neighbourhood-relations for updates.
Interested in Homesharing?
In collaboration with SpacesShared, Brock’s OffCampus Living team has another listing option for students and local hosts. If you are interested in sharing your home with a current Brock student, SpacesShared is for you! SpacesShared’s on-line matching platform helps students find hosts who have a home and lifestyle that is similar to their own. SpacesShared helps hosts create rental agreements and manage their homesharing agreement. Homesharing is exclusively for homeowners who live in the home and share a bathroom or kitchen with their student guests. For more information, visit spacesshared.ca/home
Useful contacts & resources
Getting settled in your community
Community services are safe and available to everyone. If you have a concern or question, you are always welcome to call non-emergency lines for local services such as police and fire.
If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911. light-emergency-on
Citizens First (For St. Catharines related inquiries) citizensfirst@stcatharines.ca 905-688-5600
Thorold City Hall thorold.ca 905-227-6613
Community Services
Helpline 211ontario.ca
Dial 211
Crime Stoppers of Niagara crimestoppersniagara.ca
1-800-222-8477 (tip line) or 905-938-5463 (administrative line)
Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural CenterSettlement Services 85 Church Street folk-arts.ca 905-685-6589 x225
Niagara Regional Police Services niagarapolice.ca 905-688-4111
Niagara Region Public Health niagararegion.ca/health 905-688-8248
Niagara Region Transit nrtransit.ca 905-687-5555
Niagara Region –Waste Management niagararegion.ca/waste 905-356-4141
Toll-free: 1-800-594-5542
Ontario Energy Board oeb.ca/contact-ontarioenergy-board 1-877-632-2727
St. Catharines City Hall stcatharines.ca 905-688-5600
St. Catharines Fire Services 905-684-4311
Thorold Fire
Head Quarters - Station 1 fireshared@thorold.ca 905-227-6412
Rental resources
BUSU Legal Clinic brockbusu.ca/services/ legalclinic
Landlord and Tenant Board tribunalsontario.ca/ltb 1-888-332-3234
Off-Campus Living and Neighbourhood Relations brocku.ca/ocl 905-688-5550 x3721
Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office ontario.ca/page/officefire-marshal 647-329-1100
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
Rental Housing Enforcement Unit ontario.ca/page/solvedisagreement-your-landlordor-tenant 416-585-7214
Toll-free: 1-888-772-9277
Steps to Justice
stepstojustice.ca
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