Ground broken on Trent U’s largest campus development since its founding

PETERBOROUGH, ONT. — Construction is underway on Trent University’s Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College (OC) residence, marking the beginning of one of the largest infrastructure developments for both the university and the Peterborough area since Trent’s founding in 1964.

The 700,000-square-foot project is slated to open in fall 2028 and includes a multi-year transformation for the East Bank of Symons Campus.

In collaboration with project partners Knightstone Capital Management, Diamond Schmitt Architects and Two Row Architects, Gidigaa Migizi College will be home to integrated academic, residential and social spaces. The building will include two flexible lecture halls, a rooftop amenity space and a student services hub.

“The use of natural materials like wood and stone, organic shapes, and extensive sightlines to the outdoors is based on Indigenous design principles informed by engagement with the First Peoples House of Learning at Trent, the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, the Trent Elders Council and members of the Michi Saagiig First Nations,” states a release.

The new OC residence will house more than 600 beds and include indoor connections to existing dining facilities.

Both buildings are targeting LEED Gold certification and will contain a geothermal heating and cooling system. Their designs are projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent from the National Energy Code 2017 baseline.

“Trent is positioned to contribute up to 32 per cent of the City of Peterborough’s housing target of 4,700 new homes by 2031, through the addition of 1,300 beds between Gidigaa Migizi College and the new OC residence, as well as other strategic and creative housing solutions, including the addition of a 224-bed long-term care home on campus,” the release adds.

The university says the remainder of the year will see work progressing along the East Bank as early site servicing and preparation for tapping geothermal resources will begin this summer. Construction is slated to take three years.