In addressing New Brunswick’s housing shortage, experts suggest that rooming houses could play a role in the solution. However, the availability of this once-popular affordable housing option is declining. The former Sunset Hotel in Moncton, owned by New Brunswick Housing, is slated for demolition this fall due to its deteriorating condition, as confirmed by spokesperson Adam Bowie. Safety and security concerns, including non-resident squatters and intermittent hot water supply, have plagued the aging 162 Queen St. building.
Rooming houses, historically favored by single working individuals, face challenges today, notes Julia Woodhall-Melnik, a social sciences associate professor at the University of New Brunswick. Often referred to as co-housing or SROs (single-room occupancies), these arrangements involve unrelated individuals sharing common areas while having private living spaces. Following the closure of the Sunset Hotel, plans are underway to construct a new building with 31 affordable units, including 11 designed to be more accessible.
While rooming houses offer cost-effective rent options compared to apartments, their maintenance and communal living dynamics present challenges. Despite their drawbacks, experts like Woodhall-Melnik advocate for rooming houses, citing successful case studies where residents thrived in shared living environments. The closure of several rooming houses in the province underscores the need for a rental registry to track such housing options, as proposed by advocacy groups like ACORN N.B.
Non-profit organizations are utilizing rooming houses in housing-first programs, particularly for vulnerable populations like youth. Marcel LeBrun, founder of the 12 Neighbours tiny-home community in Fredericton, views SRO housing as a valuable resource in addressing the affordable housing gap. Proper support systems are crucial for ensuring the success of tenants in these shared living spaces, emphasizing the importance of community and neighborly relations.
In conclusion, rooming houses could play a crucial role in alleviating the housing crisis in New Brunswick, offering affordable housing solutions with appropriate support structures in place.
