President Gilles Patry announced an aggressive plan on February 13 to expand and enhance the University’s campuses for students, faculty and staff.
The proposed new $150 million Five-Year Facilities Renewal and Expansion Plan will build upon the University’s ranking as one of Canada’s leading research universities. These important enhancements to infrastructure also complement Vision 2010, the University’s strategic academic plan and are in addition to the $300 million of capital spending by the University over the past five years.
The expansion plans, which are subject to Board approval, will see the creation of the new Rideau River and Alta Vista campuses. In addition, the completion of the impressive new Desmarais Building on the University’s downtown campus will lead to significant renovations to Vanier Hall, Fauteux Hall, 100 Laurier and Tabaret Hall. The plans also include the construction of a major new amphitheatre and the creation of Place de l’Université.
“In recent years, our university community has experienced unprecedented growth and our infrastructure must continue to be renewed to meet our needs,” said President Patry.
President’s term
The University’s renewal plan will be the focus of the remainder of President Gilles Patry’s second term, which ends in the summer of 2008.
“I am pleased to have had the opportunity to contribute to the modern development and growth of the University of Ottawa, “added Patry.
Highlights of the Facilities Renewal and Expansion Plan
Rideau River Campus: The planned expansion to the former Algonquin Campus on Lees Avenue will involve extensive renovations to the existing buildings at this site and will provide an extra 230,000 gross square feet of space for the University. This acquisition represents a significant increase in the University’s land holdings.
Alta Vista Campus: The new Alta Vista campus features recently acquired buildings and land just east of the Roger Guindon Campus. It will become home to a multidisciplinary health sciences clinic – the first of its kind in the Ottawa region.
Roger Guindon Campus: This state-of-the-art research addition to the Univesity’s medical and health sciences campus (98,000ft2) will provide wet lab space for scientific research in medicine. It will also be the future home of the Kidney Research Centre and the Institute of Systems Biology. Funding is provided in part by the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Innovation Trust Fund.
Desmarais Building: This extraordinary 12-story structure will be home to the Faculty of Social Sciences and to the School of Management. Construction is proceeding on schedule for an official opening this fall.
Vanier Hall: Extensive renovation will maximize teaching and research space for the Faculty of Social Sciences. The renovation, which begins next year, includes significant enhancements to the building’s façade.
Place de l’Université and Amphitheatre: The construction of Place de l’Université and a large new amphitheatre adjacent to Vanier Hall will serve as a meeting place for students and a focal point for campus gatherings and activities.
Fauteux Hall: The University’s Faculty of Law, the country’s largest, will increase its space with an addition to the Fauteux Building in 2009.
100 Laurier: The Department of Visual Arts will move from 100 Laurier to the new Rideau River Campus, which will offer better teaching and studio space. Renovation of 100 Laurier, the University’s oldest heritage building, will begin next year to accommodate the Institute of Official Languages and Bilingualism, Second Language Institute and Institute of Canadian Studies.
Tabaret Hall: Next year, renovation will begin on the building to make it fully accessible to the disabled. Renovations are also planned to create a reception wing for the hosting of public events.
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