Visions are coming into focus for Trent University's newest college, Gidigaa Migizi College, and a new Otonabee College residence as the Board of Governors reviewed designs for the new buildings at the February meeting of the Board of Governors.
A design presentation, led by Tariq Al-idrissi, vice-president of Finance & Administration at Trent, Don Schmitt from Canadian architecture firm Diamond Schmitt, and Alan Perlis from Knightstone Capital Management, showcased plans for Gidigaa Migizi College and a new Otonabee College residence. The latest plans incorporate sustainability features that honour Trent's long-standing reputation as an environmental leader, including a geothermal heating and cooling system. The buildings will also aim to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification. The integration of sustainable building practices in both buildings align with Trent's environmental goals, ensuring an energy-efficient and forward-thinking campus infrastructure.
Architectural rendering of Gidigaa Migizi College and Otonabee College residence, subject to change
"This is a landmark moment for Trent as we continue to expand in ways that honour our past while looking ahead to our future," said VP Al-idrissi. "Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College residence will be transformative spaces on Trent's already iconic Peterborough campus. We are eager to see this vision coming to life."
Gidigaa Migizi College will serve as a hub for academic programming and student living. Together with the renewal of Otonabee College residences, modernized student housing will be a feature of both new buildings, offering state-of-the-art accessibility features and increased capacity to address the demand for on-campus living experiences.
At the Board meeting, Diamond Schmitt also presented landscape and flow designs for the footprint of the two buildings, highlighting thoughtful layouts of expanded indoor and outdoor common areas, such as a covered outdoor pavilion designed for community gathering and learning. The redirection of vehicle traffic will strengthen connections to the Otonabee River and prioritize pedestrian movement on campus.
Indigenous architectural firm Two Row Architects engaged with Indigenous communities and groups on campus to inform the integration of Indigenous culture and significance in the design of the new buildings. Two Row prepared a report based on feedback gathered from a series of talking circles with First Peoples House of Learning, the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies and local Indigenous communities. Feedback from the report will be integrated into architectural elements and designs, to be shared at future engagement sessions.
With the two buildings anticipated to open in fall 2028, site preparation will begin this winter with a groundbreaking event planned for summer 2025. Fram Construction, an acclaimed development firm with experience building postsecondary residences, will be working with the developer, architects, and the University to build Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College residence.
Additional highlights from the February 7 Board of Governors meeting included:
Student Leaders Luncheon
Chair Doug Kirk welcomed representatives from the Trent Central Student Association, Trent Graduate Students' Association, and college cabinets, as well Trent varsity student-athletes to the annual student leaders' luncheon with the Board. In his remarks, Governor Kirk said, "This is a special luncheon as we welcome student leaders from across the University to converse and share all of the good things that are happening at Trent." Governor Kirk also highlighted the impact of the Board of Governors Leadership Scholarship, sharing that the Board exceeded its $30,000 fundraising goal, raising $32,390 to support future student leaders.
Governance and Board Appointments
The Board approved the reappointment of Governors Yancy Craig, Trent Gervais, Michael Lavallée, and Jennifer McGarrity, each for additional three-year terms. These governors have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to the University, contributing expertise in finance, governance, and community engagement.
Successful Transfer to the University Pension Plan
As part of the Investment and Pension Plan update, the Board approved revisions to the Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures following the successful transfer of the Staff Pension Plan to the University Pension Plan (UPP) on January 1, 2025. With both the Faculty and Staff Plans now transitioned to the UPP, this marks a significant milestone in securing long-term pension sustainability for Trent employees.
A "Stable" Bond Rating for Eighth Consecutive Year
Morningstar DBRS reaffirmed Trent University's A "Stable" rating for the eighth consecutive year. This underscores the University's prudent financial management with low debt burden highlighting the strength of the University's credit rating.
Preserving and Enhancing Trent's Heritage Architecture
The Board received the Heritage Oversight Annual Report detailing the University's efforts to preserve historic campus buildings and infrastructure while balancing fiduciary responsibility. Over the past year, the University has reviewed a variety of project submissions under the Heritage Stewardship Policy, which is designed to acknowledge and uplift Trent's award-winning architecture, inspiring interior design, and the surrounding spaces. Projects include Faryon Bridge, Bata catwalk, Champlain College's Great Hall roof, Lady Eaton College's senior common room and Scott House at Traill College.
