New 500-bed residence at University of Waterloo to prioritize Indigenous design principles
The University of Waterloo says it plans to centre Indigenous principles in the design of a new 500-bed residence set to open on campus in fall of 2026.
In a news release Tuesday, the university said the building will feature a community healing garden where medicine plants can be grown, gathering spaces equipped for smudging and areas for live-in Elders to meet with students.
The building team is working with Indigenous-owned architecture firm Two Row and the university’s Office of Indigenous Relations on the project, the university said.
“It's vital to actively seek out opportunities to move forward together with Indigenous communities in every step we take as a university, and the spaces where our students will live is a good and important example of how we can do that," University President and Vice-Chancellor Vivek Goel said in the release. “This investment is also a key contribution to continuing to grow the region's housing capacity, which is especially significant in light of the ongoing challenge of availability in our community and across the country.”
The university said the new residence will feature multiple accessible room options, dedicated counselling and wellness spaces, and all-gender washrooms.
It’s being purpose-built for mixed-year accommodation with dorm-style rooms for first-years and more private independent living options for upper-year students.
"The mixed-year model is beneficial for both first-year and upper-year students," Chris Read, associate provost of students said in the release. "First-year students gain access to mentors in upper-years who can help them integrate into campus communities, and upper-year students gain access to a desirable, on-campus housing experience and leadership opportunities."
The proposed location for the residence is on the northeast side of parking lot A. The university says this will allow for opportunities to explore alternative energy sources. (Submitted/University of Waterloo)
The university said sustainability will also be top of mind in the design of the new building. It plans to use recycled building materials and air source heat pumps – a low carbon heating system.
Pending final approval, the university plans to break ground on the project in July 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Inflation is down, wages are up. Why are Canadians still frustrated with the economy?
The federal finance minister has been taking every opportunity to remind frustrated Canadians that after a bumpy pandemic recovery, the nation's economy is actually doing a lot better.
'It looks quite real': Two Ontarians lose money to fake phone scam
About 85 per cent of Canadians have a smartphone and once you have one they’re hard to live without. The latest smartphones can cost as much as $2,000, so if you’re trying to save money, make sure you don’t get caught in a fake smartphone scam.
America reaches Election Day and a stark choice between Trump and Harris
A presidential campaign marked by upheaval and rancor approached its finale on Election Day as Americans decided whether to send Donald Trump back to the White House or elevate Kamala Harris to the Oval Office.
Months after VRBO booking, Taylor Swift fan told home 'not available' during Vancouver concert
A frustrated Taylor Swift fan is speaking out after being pushed from a short-term rental she booked for the upcoming Vancouver leg of the superstar’s Eras Tour.
Trudeau and Harris? Poilievre and Trump? Here's who Canadians think would work best with: survey
As Americans prepare to elect their next president on Tuesday, new data from the Angus Reid Institute suggests Canadians hold differing views as to which federal party leaders would be best suited to deal with either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris.
New homeowners find skeleton in attic 15 years after previous occupant disappeared
Homeowners in France have discovered a skeleton in the attic of an outbuilding while undertaking renovation work.
Australian foreign minister raises allegations with Indian counterpart of targeting Sikhs in Canada
Australia's foreign minister said Tuesday she raised allegations with her Indian counterpart that India has targeted Sikh activists in Canada.
Surprise swing state? Iowa poll has Harris suddenly leading
Based on victories in the past two elections and polls leading up to Tuesday’s election, Donald Trump had seemed almost certain to win Iowa, but a new poll has Kamala Harris with a sudden three-point lead.
Canada Post, union, still disagree over weekend delivery following weekend talks
Canada Post and the union representing its workers are commenting on how weekend talks for a new contract went, with the employer calling them less productive than they'd hoped and the union claiming their employer is focused on flexibility to deliver parcels at the lowest possible cost.