‘Reckless consequences’: U of A ending leases with all fraternity/sorority organizations

It may be summer, but fraternity and sorority houses at the University of Alberta are still full of students. The university just announced it is ending leases with all greek life organizations.

“We enjoy the smaller moments in life where we just sit around, have campfires, and chat,” said Adrian Lam, a University of Alberta student and member of Pi Kappa Alpha.

Lam is studying for his Bachelor of Education and aspires to become a high school biology teacher. He’s lived in the Pi Kappa Alpha house since January.

“We’re just a group of friends who enjoy each other’s presence,” he said. “We hang out, obviously drink from time to time, and have parties—such is university life.”

But for Lam and many others, that lifestyle may soon be coming to an end.

The homes currently occupied by Greek life organizations are owned by the University of Alberta and leased back to the fraternities and sororities. However, those lease agreements are coming to an end. In late April, residents received a letter informing them of the change.

“Please be advised that Residence Services will be discontinuing Greek Life housing as of August 31, 2026. All groups will be required to arrange alternate accommodations before that date,” the letter stated.

The university cited rising maintenance costs and inflation as the reason for the decision: “Maintaining these older homes to a standard that meets the modern needs of today’s students is not sustainable.”

“It’s devastating for us. It will have reckless consequences… we’ll have to find a way to deal with it,” said Jack Stoddard, president of the Pi Kappa Alpha Lambda Epsilon chapter.

All seven Greek life organizations at the University of Alberta now have just over a year to find new housing. The university says 27 students currently live in these homes, but others argue the impact is much broader.

The U of A said in a statement to CityNews: “this decision affects all seven greek life organizations at the university, including 27 students who currently pay between $706 and $951 per month in rent.”

“That kind of bond is very hard to find,” said Noah Carter, a Pi Kappa Alpha member.

Carter, a military veteran who was discharged for physical and mental health reasons, is now pursuing a degree in computer engineering. Although he doesn’t live in the house, he visits often for social support.

“Having a house right on campus—between classes, I can come back here,” Carter said. “If I have a really rough day, I can come here and find literally a shoulder to cry on if I need it.”

“We care so much for this community. We care so much for each other. We want to see good come from it—it’s why we do so much philanthropy, it’s why we work to build better men.”

The Pi Kappa Alpha chapter requires members to complete 250 hours of volunteer service to maintain active status. Their house includes a trophy room recognizing years of achievement and community service.

But in just over a year, the five students who currently live there will have to find a new place—likely more expensive. According to Rentals.ca, the average one-bedroom apartment in Edmonton costs $1,336, while a two-bedroom averages $1,679.

The walls of the Pi Kappa Alpha house are covered in photographs and memories of alumni. But in a year’s time, it could all be gone.