Trent University's Board of Governors convened its final meeting of the academic year on June 20 at Catharine Parr Traill College, recognizing several milestones, including the approval of the Trent Farm Research Centre Master Plan and reaching the $60 million mark in the Momentous Campaign.
A bench is dedicated to former Board Chair Dr. Jon Grant during the final Board of Governor's meeting at Traill College.
In his opening remarks, Board Chair Doug Kirk celebrated the groundbreaking for Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College residence, calling it a defining moment in Trent's evolution. He acknowledged the years of planning and extensive community consultation behind the project, which will add 1,300 new residence spaces and transform the East Bank of the Symons Campus.
President Cathy Bruce reflected on recent significant achievements, including the largest graduating class in Trent's history celebrated at Convocation, progress on the University-Integrated Seniors Village and strong engagement with governors emeriti. She highlighted the importance of leadership at every level, quoting honorary degree recipient Dr. Zabeen Hirji: "Be leaders now, with purpose and courage in day-to-day actions."
Farm Research Centre Master Plan Approved
The Trent Farm Research Centre Master Plan is an ambitious, community-informed vision for regenerative agriculture, sustainable food systems and land-based learning. The plan outlines the transformation of 23 hectares at the corner of Pioneer Road and Douro 9th Line into a dedicated teaching and research facility, rooted in the principles of the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan.
The Master Plan supports Trent's mission of research excellence, ecological stewardship and Indigenous engagement, with the site surrounded by nature areas and agricultural lands that will serve as a model for balancing environmental restoration with academic innovation. Broad consultation included students, faculty, staff, Indigenous partners and local stakeholders. A showcase of research at the Trent Farm is planned for later this summer.
Momentous Campaign Reaches $60M
Vice-president of External Relations & Development Julie Davis reported that Trent's Momentous Campaign has passed the $60 million milestone. With 31,307 gifts from over 5,000 donors, the campaign is expanding student support, advancing research, and renewing campus spaces. More than 9,600 students have benefited from new scholarships and bursaries and investments in academic learning and research spaces continue to shape the future of the University.
As part of the campaign, two special dedications were announced to honour the contributions of Jon and Shelagh Grant. In recognition of Dr. Shelagh Grant who was a pioneering Arctic historian, beloved Trent professor of 17 years and generous supporter of students and research, the University dedicated a seminar room in Kerr House in her honour. In addition, a bench overlooking the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre was unveiled in memory of former Board Chair Dr. Jon Grant, recognizing his visionary leadership and longstanding philanthropic support for the University. In 1983, he played a pivotal role in a record-breaking fundraising campaign that helped secure Trent's long-term stability. Dr. Grant served on the University's Board of Governors from 1976 to 1985, including two years as chair.
Mental Health & Well-Being Framework
Stephanie Williams, vice-president of People, Culture and Student Services, and Lawrence Lam, associate vice-president of Students, presented Trent University's new Mental Health & Well-Being Framework. Centered on enhancing student support, the framework sets out updated guiding principles to foster an inclusive culture of care across the institution. It emphasizes increasing mental health literacy, improving access to services and strengthening the University's capacity to respond to mental health crises, reflecting Trent's commitment to the holistic well-being of students.
University-Integrated Long-Term Care Home Advances Toward Construction
The Board received an update on the development of a 224-bed not-for-profit long-term care home to be built and operated by peopleCare, one of Ontario's leading providers of senior living. Site preparation is now underway, with an official groundbreaking planned for July and an expected opening in 2027. The new home builds on Trent's international reputation as an age-friendly university and the research leadership of the Trent Centre for Aging & Society. It will serve as a hub for aging-related research, hands-on learning and innovation in care, while helping to address the growing need for long-term care beds in the Peterborough region.
Capital Projects Update
The Board received a progress report on several major initiatives shaping Trent's campuses. Work is advancing on replacement parking lots in preparation for the future construction of Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College residence. Renovations are also underway to enhance classroom spaces at both Gzowski and Champlain Colleges. Infrastructure renewal projects continue across the Symons Campus, including the restoration of the Bata Catwalk, scheduled for completion this summer.
A bench is dedicated to former Board Chair Dr. Jon Grant during the final Board of Governor's meeting at Traill College.
