Student union says concerns over housing have intensified
For the fourth year in a row, Queen’s University’s Alma Mater Society will not be awarding the Golden Cockroach Award to the worst landlord in the “student ghetto.” Inaugurated in 2006, the Golden Cockroach was intended to be awarded annually in order to highlight students’ rental rights and the need for quality housing off campus. However, for the past four years, the AMS has not received any nominations for the award. That doesn’t mean housing concerns don’t exist. Hilary Windrem, AMS municipal affairs commissioner, said that due to growing tensions in recent years, students might not feel comfortably openly criticizing their landlords. “It’s challenging when you’re dealing with an adult who can use high pressure tactics,” she said. Queen’s other housing award, The Key to the Village, which goes to the ghetto’s best landlord was awarded to John McNevin, of Kingont Investments.