What’s being built on campus, and what’s to come?
Photo via University of Victoria.
Like anyone on campus lately, we’ve noticed the many construction projects happening as we make our way to classes. We’re also curious about other endeavors still in their early stages. Here’s a round-up of what’s being built on campus and what to expect in the future.
The newest project to break ground on campus is the expansion of the Engineering Computer Science (ECS) building and a new, separate structure dedicated for laboratory space. The lab is set to be named the High Bay Research and Structures Lab, and UVic says these buildings are designed to meet the needs of the growing disciplines.
The High Bay building will house engineering-specific laboratory features, like a gantry crane designed to lift heavy engineering projects, and structural shake tables used to simulate earthquakes for test models. The ECS building expansion will also hold dedicated social spaces on each level with large windows and exposed wooden beams.
The project website notes that Indigenous elements including landscape design and indoor art features are planned, but little detail is given to what these might be and whether local First Nations have been consulted in the construction process thus far.
DIALOG Design, the firm in charge of architecture on the project, is a company that’s also responsible for the design of major institutional buildings in Canada, like UBC’s student union building, and Calgary’s main public library.
Construction began early this year, and the project website states that both buildings will be complete by 2026. In the meantime, expect delays when entering campus via Foul Bay road.
Another source of construction noise on the other end of campus is the Fraser Building expansion, which is designed to house the National Center for Indigenous Laws. The planning process for this addition began one year after the launch of UVic’s joint degree in Canadian Common Law and Indigenous Legal Orders, which started teaching its first cohort in September of 2018.
Indigenous involvement in the project began at its inception, according to the site website, which states that consultations to garner feedback were conducted with Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ leaders during the planning stage for the building.
The project will also include upgrades to the Fraser building, like showers and changing facilities for those who cycle to campus, along with a general facelift to the building which was built in 1980.
Based on the design renderings provided by UVic, the building will feature tall ceilings, exposed light wood, and ample natural light. Large trees adjacent to the building were intentionally protected during construction, and windows will face them to allow those inside a view of the greenery on campus.
The project is led by Two Row Architect, an Indigenous-owned and operated firm based in the Grand River reserve in southern Ontario. Founded in 1992, the company bases its methodology on incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing into its designs.
Construction was set to be complete this fall, but the project website now states that the building will be ready for use this coming March. Traffic delays and noise will affect adjacent buildings, such as David Turpin, until then.
One element of construction that’s being completed in stages all across UVic is the implementation of the Campus Cycling Plan. Most recently, work is being done on McKenzie and into McGill Road, which leads to the Fraser building and Parking Lot 4. Traffic has been slowed entering campus via McKenzie as vehicles merge to make way for this work, which is set to improve cyclist and pedestrian safety.
Separated pathways and crosswalk improvement is also underway at the intersection of McKenzie and Vikes Way, connecting the Center for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA) to Dawnview Crescent north of campus. This is a high-traffic area for students living in Gordon Head who commute by foot and by bike.
UVic’s 2023 Real Estate Strategy document details plans for new multi-use housing communities located at the perimeters of campus. The three areas targeted for these real estate developments are the Ian H. Stewart complex on McKenzie Ave, the Queenswood Campus on Arbutus Road, and Cedar Hill Corner, near Mystic Vale.
The university first plans to redevelop the Ian H. Stewart complex and nearby administrative buildings into a community titled the University District.
Two stages of public consultation have been conducted thus far, with reports from the second stage of community feedback stating that the project is currently in its “master plan & design guidelines” phase and will move to a rezoning application this winter.
While the breaking of ground seems far away, we can certainly expect these projects to define the next decade of life at UVic. The other buildings and transportation improvements nearing completion will also drastically change our campus — hopefully for the better.
