Parkside Student Residence

What Parkside Student Residence does

Parkside Student Residence is a purpose-built student housing property located at 111 Carlton Street in downtown Toronto's Garden District, operating since 2015 and professionally managed by Knightstone Student Communities Inc. (KSC), which oversees over 3,200 bed spaces across Ontario and Quebec. The property serves post-secondary students — primarily from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), University of Toronto, George Brown Polytechnic, and OCAD University — including a sizable international cohort drawn from 37+ countries. Its suite portfolio spans Private Studios (standard and accessible), 1-Bedroom Shared, 2-Bedroom Private, and 2- and 4-Bedroom Penthouse configurations, all fully furnished with utilities and WiFi bundled into all-inclusive pricing aligned to academic-calendar lease terms (4, 8, or 12 installments).

The underlying platform combines physical infrastructure (24-hour card-controlled access, electronic unit locks, monitored fire and sprinkler systems) with a curated service stack that includes a compulsory Chartwells-operated dining program, Peloton-equipped 24-hour fitness center, Please Don't Snore roommate matching, Workplace Options 24/7 mental health support, and an integrated renter's insurance program through Summit Commercial Solutions. A separate Summer Stays product monetizes the same inventory during academic off-season at $259/night minimum. Marketing and distribution run through the property's own website and Prospect Portal, an on-site leasing office, university housing office partnerships, Instagram (@parkside111), email VIP lists, resident referrals, and tour-contest promotions.

The business model is recurring subscription rental revenue (academic-year leases), supplemented by mandatory dining program payments (three installments per academic year), optional parking revenue managed by TargetPark, renter's insurance attach, and short-term Summer Stays nightly revenue. End customers are individual students (with international applicants supported through a dedicated application pathway), and customer acquisition flows primarily through direct-to-consumer channels plus institutional referrals from a defined set of partner colleges and universities.

Name

Parkside Student Residence

Legal name

Knightstone Student Communities Inc.

Website

https://live-parkside.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Parkside Student Residence is a purpose-built student housing property in downtown Toronto (111 Carlton Street), professionally managed by Knightstone Student Communities, serving domestic and international students from TMU, University of Toronto, George Brown Polytechnic, and OCAD University through all-inclusive furnished suites, mandatory dining, and amenity programming.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Student Housing Services

NAICS

Rooming and Boarding Houses, Dormitories, and Workers' Camps (721310), Rooming and Boarding Houses, Dormitories, and Workers' Camps (72131), Rooming and Boarding Houses, Dormitories, and Workers' Camps (7213), Accommodation (721), Other Traveler Accommodation (72119)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Hotels & Motels (7011)

akta.pro primary industry

Student Residence Halls & Dormitory Management (On-/Near-Campus) (EDAIALAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Student/Academic Serviced Residences (THAGAEAF), Student & Academic Term Monthly Housing (THAMAFAH), University Dorms & Affiliated Summer Housing (THAMAGAA), Student Housing Property Management (BPAJAGAH), Academic Program Housing (Study Abroad, Language Schools, Field Schools) (THAMAGAE)

Keywords

• Student housing services
• Purpose-built residence
• Student accommodation leasing
• All-inclusive housing
• University residence services

Headquarters

HQ city

Toronto, Ontario

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Student Housing Rent: All-inclusive rental payments covering unit cost, utilities (water, internet, electricity), furniture, and access to all amenities. Lease terms align with academic calendar (Fall, Winter, Summer semesters) with installments typically divided into 4, 8, or 12 payments. Residents can choose from Studios, 1-bedroom shared, 2-bedroom private, and penthouse suites with varying price points.
2. Mandatory Meal Plan: Compulsory all-you-care-to-eat dining program operated by Chartwells Canada. Payments due in three equal installments (September, December, March). The program includes daily rotating menus, themed events, and dietary accommodations.
3. Parking Revenue: Underground garage parking available through TargetPark management at additional cost. Monthly passes and daily rates available to residents and visitors.
4. Renter's Insurance: Group insurance program powered by Summit Commercial Solutions Inc. offered as default coverage with opt-out option. Monthly fees added to resident portal ledger.
5. Summer Stays Hotel: Short-term accommodations offered during summer months to tourists, conference groups, and co-op students. Starting from $259/night with buffet meals included, furnished suites with living areas and shared amenities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Parkside Student Residence operates a purpose-built student housing complex in downtown Toronto offering fully furnished suite-style accommodations with all-inclusive pricing covering utilities, WiFi, furniture, and amenity access. The property serves domestic and international students from partner institutions including Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Toronto, George Brown Polytechnic, and OCAD University, with suite configurations ranging from private studios to shared 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom private, and penthouse suites. Additional offerings include a compulsory Chartwells-operated dining program, Residence Life programming, and a separate Summer Stays short-term stay product for non-students during summer months.

Product overview

Parkside Student Residence operates a single-purpose student housing complex in downtown Toronto, offering fully furnished suite-style accommodations with all-inclusive pricing. The product portfolio centers on the core residence housing product, available in six suite configurations: Private Studios (standard and accessible), 1 Bedroom Shared, 2 Bedroom Private, and Penthouse suites (2-bed and 4-bed). Value-added modules include a compulsory dining program operated by Chartwells Canada, a comprehensive Residence Life program with wellness initiatives, roommate matching via Please Don't Snore, integrated Peloton fitness bikes, renter's insurance, and a 24/7 Student Assistance Program. The property also offers a separate Summer Stays hotel product for short-term visitors. The residence targets students from partner institutions including Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Toronto, George Brown Polytechnic, and OCAD University.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Student Residence Housing Purpose-built student residence in downtown Toronto offering fully furnished suite-style accommodations with all-inclusive pricing covering utilities (water, internet, electricity), WiFi, furniture, and access to all amenities. Suite configurations include Private Studio (standard and AODA-accessible), 1 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom Shared (starting at $1,425/month), 2 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom Private, 2 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom Penthouse, and 4 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom Penthouse. Lease terms align to the academic calendar with installments divided across 4, 8, or 12 payments. Targets domestic and international students from partner institutions.
• Summer Stays Hotel

Quantifiable outcome

• TMU enrollment of 4,000 international students from 140 countries indicates large addressable market for student housing near campus
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.

• Chartwells CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChartwells Canada operates Parkside's all-inclusive dining program with daily rotating menus, themed events, and dietary accommodations (Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free). The partnership has been recognized with multiple awards including National Top Account (2025), Encompass Safety Leader (2025), and Top Chef of the Year (2025).
• Knightstone Student Communities (KSC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKSC is the professional property management company overseeing Parkside's operations. They manage over 3,200 bed spaces across Ontario and Quebec in partnership with post-secondary institutions. KSC staff include the on-site General Manager and Residence Life Coordinator.
• PelotonsupportingTechnology or IntegrationParkside features Peloton Bikes in its 24-hour fitness center with dedicated cycling studio. Residents receive guidance on bike setup, profile creation, and class access through instructional links provided by Parkside.
• Please Don't SnoresupportingTechnology or IntegrationRoommate matching platform enabling students to create profiles and self-select compatible roommates for shared accommodations. Service available for Fall season with mutual matching based on preferences.
• Workplace OptionssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health and wellness support partner providing residents access to a free 24/7 Student Assistance Program available in their preferred language. Supports Parkside's focus on student health and wellness programming.
• Summit Commercial Solutions Inc.supportingOthersLicensed insurance provider powering Parkside's group renter's insurance program. Coverage is automatically applied if residents don't submit third-party proof of insurance or opt out. Monthly fees charged through resident portal.
• Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary university partner located 500m from Parkside. TMU's vibrant downtown campus serves as the anchor institution for student residents. Parkside is conveniently located for TMU students with Residence Life Committee partnerships.
• George Brown PolytechniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeorge Brown Polytechnic is an affiliate residence partner of Parkside. Located within 1.5km of the St. James Campus, Parkside offers George Brown students convenient access and dedicated residence life programming including RLC participation.
• University of TorontosupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor university in close proximity (1.4km) serving as a student source for Parkside. Students from U of T represent a significant portion of the diverse resident community.
• OCAD UniversitysupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorArt and design university located 2.8km from Parkside. Partner institution providing student residents to the property.
• Toronto Film SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPreferred partner institution for Parkside student housing with students attending classes in Toronto.
• Toronto School of ManagementminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPreferred partner institution for Parkside student housing with students attending classes in Toronto.
• TargetParksupportingOthersParking management company handling Parkside's underground garage parking operations. Manages monthly passes and daily parking rates for residents and visitors.
• Toronto Bike ShareminorOthersBike share program with stations throughout downtown Toronto. Parkside's location provides residents easy access to bike share for transportation around the city.

Scale indicators5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Greystar Real Estate Partners: Largest global operator of student and multifamily housing with growing Canadian PBSA presence. Comparable at the asset class and operational level; broader portfolio reduces direct comparability but sets the institutional benchmark for Canadian PBSA operations.
• American Campus Communities (Blackstone): Largest U.S. purpose-built student housing owner/operator, now owned by Blackstone. Comparable as a PBSA operator at scale and a useful benchmark for operating metrics, though primarily U.S.-focused and not a direct Toronto competitor.
• University of Toronto Student Housing: University-owned residence system serving U of T students, including properties within walking distance of Parkside. Comparable product (purpose-built student housing) and overlapping tenant base, though it operates as a non-profit institutional provider rather than a commercial operator.

Direct peers

• 1Eleven Student Residence: Downtown Toronto student residence operating in the same submarket as Parkside, catering to TMU and U of T students with similar all-inclusive suite-style offerings. Direct competitor for the same addressable student demand.
• Hazelview Properties: Hazelview (formerly OPTrust Real Estate) is a major Canadian PBSA owner and operator with multiple student residences in Toronto. Directly comparable as a competing institutional PBSA operator in the same catchment universities.
• Campus Living Centres: Canadian student housing management and development firm operating PBSA residences across multiple provinces, including downtown Toronto. Closely comparable operating model — third-party management of student residences with university partnerships.
• CA Student Living: Canadian student housing operator managing purpose-built residences in Toronto and other Ontario cities. Directly comparable in business model — leased suite-style student housing with university partnerships and amenitized offerings.
• Centurion Asset Management (Centurion Student Housing): Centurion operates a large portfolio of purpose-built student housing across Canada, including properties in Toronto near TMU/U of T. It is the most directly comparable Canadian PBSA operator to Parkside/Knightstone in terms of asset type, target tenant, and university-anchored demand.
• The Hive Student Residence: Downtown Toronto PBSA property serving TMU and surrounding universities with furnished, amenitized suites. Comparable product positioning and shared target demographic.

Emerging players

• The Fit Group / Toronto Student Housing Operators: Toronto-focused student housing and co-living operator with comparable downtown product offerings. Smaller scale than Parkside/KSC but competes for the same TMU/U of T student cohort.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/parkside-student-residence
• Instagraminstagram.com/parkside111

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Parkside Student Residence