Matt Barter

A recently obtained access-to-information request reveals the lease agreement for University Centre space between Memorial University and the Memorial University of Newfoundland Students’ Union, dated January 1, 2021.

The agreement provides MUNSU with a five-year lease beginning January 1, 2021, and ending December 31, 2025, with the option to renew for an additional five-year term on the same terms and conditions upon 60 days’ notice.

According to the agreement, MUNSU leases 24,806 square feet of space in the University Centre across Levels 1, 2, 3, and 6. The leased premises include the MUNSU offices, the Breezeway Bar, CHMR Radio, the Copy Centre, meeting rooms, storage, and club and society rooms.

The agreement states that Memorial University is responsible for the cost of heat, light, snow removal, and custodial services, including garbage collection, for the University Centre, with the exception that MUNSU is responsible for the maintenance and costs associated with the maintenance of the interior of the premises and all maintenance and custodial service costs with respect to the Breezeway Bar and spaces UC3008, UC3008A, and UC3008B.

According to the agreement, MUNSU was required to pay an inclusive annual amount of $40,000 plus HST for the first two years of the lease and $45,000 plus HST for each of the remaining three years. 

The agreement notes that MUNSU had occupied portions of the University Centre since it opened on March 1, 2000, under previous lease agreements. Before that, MUNSU leased the entire first floor of the Thomson Student Centre Building.

The agreement notes that, as of December 31, 2020, the Students’ Union owed Memorial University $17,500 in outstanding operations and maintenance charges. 

View the ATIPP file below:

Matt Barter is a graduate of the Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty at Memorial University of Newfoundland, holding a degree in Political Science with a minor in Sociology. He enjoys reading thought-provoking articles, taking walks in nature, and volunteering in the community.