TCM fights back against fee hike — Trinity College

Devin Botar, Varsity Staff

Trinity College announced a major increase to residence fees last week. While Toronto rent prices are at the lowest average in four years, the cost of single rooms at Trinity proper and St. Hilda’s will go up from $14,241 to $16,500 (or $2,000 a month) for 2026–2027, with rates for doubles and triples seeing similar increases. At the new Lawson Centre for Sustainability, a standard single room will cost $20,400. The minimum price of Trinity’s mandatory residence meal plan has also been increased by over $1,000. 

In a message from Provost Nicholas Terpstra and the included FAQ, the increases were made due to “rising operational expenses, higher costs associated with delivering services and programming, and to support the long-term financial sustainability of the College.” Terpstra added that the rates were “mandated by the College’s governance bodies in fulfillment of their fiduciary responsibility for the financial health of the College.” 

At a session of the Trinity College Meeting (TCM) on March 24, students voted unanimously to demand that the administration show why it opted for a fee increase over possible alternatives, reveal where the funds will go, and provide a detailed plan for how the college “intends to reach a state of financial viability.” 

Open hostility towards the administration has been rare at the TCM since March of last year, when Provost Nicholas Terpstra promised to reverse many of the college’s restrictions against student traditions. 

Two explosions heard after propane tanks rupture on roof — Richmond Street

Ella MacCormack, News Editor

On the evening of March 27, loud explosions and black smoke were seen coming from a commercial building under construction on Richmond Street. The fire’s source was ruptured propane tanks on the roof. Toronto Fire has said the fire did not spread, and no injuries have been reported. 

Avi Lewis chosen as next NDP leader — Ottawa

Celesta Maniatogianni, Associate News Editor

Activist and documentary filmmaker Avi Lewis has been named the next leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP). Lewis received 56 per cent of the votes and won on the first ballot, defeating four other party candidates. 

His policy goals are centred around promoting wealth equality, affordable housing, transitioning towards renewable energy sources, tackling collapsing healthcare, and fighting growing fascism. 

Lewis is faced with the challenge of regaining the NDP’s official party status, as the last federal election saw the NDP go from holding 24 seats to just seven, and later six after Nunavut MP Lori Idlout crossed the floor to the Liberals. The NDP will need 12 seats to regain official party status.