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by Natasha Chetty
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Artist's rendering of new science building. |
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You've probably noticed the increase in construction crews and vehicles on campus since the new year. Curious about what's happening? Here's an update on the why's and how's of building the future of the university.
UVic is moving forward on a $130-million capital expansion to add research, learning and office space. The B.C. government has committed to funding an additional 1,900 full-time students at UVic by 2010. The new buildings will help the university meet the infrastructure needs of its growing student enrolment and research programs, and help ease the critical shortage of teaching and research space on campus.
A new science building will accommodate the school of earth & ocean sciences (SEOS), the chemistry department, an animal health care unit, the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis (CCMA), lecture theatres, offices, labs, meeting rooms and food services, along with relocation of the physics and astronomy observatory dome and roof-top telescopes. Construction begins this March; the target completion date is March 2008.
A new social science and mathematics building will house geography, environmental studies, political science and mathematics, the e-learning systems group, graphics and photographic services, as well as various labs, lecture theatres, classrooms and administrative offices. Construction begins this spring with a target completion date of February 2008.
The Mearns Centre for Learning library expansion will transform the existing McPherson Library into a more comprehensive learning centre and information commons. The expected construction start is August 2006, with a target completion date of January 2008.
A support services building will provide additional space for academic units within the campus core by relocating several service and administrative functions to a central building outside the Ring Road. The building will also provide space for growth in support services. The expected construction start is February 2007, with a target completion date of fall 2008.
Interested in learning more? Tracy Corbett, director of campus planning and sustainability, is available to make presentations to individual departments, units and faculties. See what's planned and how it will contribute to the development of the university. You'll also have the chance to ask questions regarding the impact of the construction on your daily work routine.
Posters, news articles, memos and other print materials will
update the campus community as the construction projects progress.
In the meantime, you can learn more by visiting the UVic construction
website.
Here are answers to the seven most frequently asked questions
about the impact of campus construction:
Why is the university constructing new buildings?
UVic is creating academic space for an additional 1,900 full-time students by 2010. The provincial government has committed to fund these positions as B.C. continues to move from being a resource-based economy to knowledge-based economy. To attract leading students, faculty and staff, universities need to have quality facilities and reliable infrastructures. UVic was subject to a freeze on capital improvements for six years, ending in 2002. During that time, departments had been making do with shared space and crowded laboratories. Many of the intended occupants for the buildings are already on campus.
When will construction start?
Excavation for the social sciences and mathematics building and the science building started in January. Preliminary site work will begin in February and continue into the spring for both buildings. Site work may involve the removal of light standards, re-alignment of walkways, re-alignment of underground utility mains, construction of perimeter fencing, and the displacement and re-allocation of parking. Excavation work is scheduled to begin for the science building in April. Check the construction web site for updates on activities and schedules (www.construction.uvic.ca). The nature and extent of landscape alteration required to accommodate the construction work is still under review. Information will be made available on the construction website and through communication to adjacent offices and departments as it becomes available.
Will parking be affected?
Yes. Parking lot D (the lot bordered by the Sedgewick, Business and Economics, Cornett and David Strong buildings) will be permanently closed to all traffic effective Feb. 25. This lot is the site of the social sciences and mathematics building. Additional reserved parking spaces will be re-allocated in lots 4 (Stadium) and 8 (Fraser). Permit holders can also take advantage of existing vacant spaces in Lot E (next to the music wing of MacLaurin) and Lot 6 (next to the Fine Arts Building). Affected reserved permit holders also have the option of downgrading to a general parking permit.
Parking lot B (between the library and the Elliott Building) will
be partially closed to traffic, effective Feb. 15, to accommodate
construction vehicles working on the new science building. The
parking lot will be re-opened when construction is completed. More
information on changes to parking and alternative spaces can be
found on the construction website.
Will I need to change my campus walking route?
The crosswalk leading from parking lot 4 (next to the stadium) to the Sedgewick and Business & Economics buildings will be relocated to ensure pedestrian safety during construction. Pedestrian paths may be muddy or partially cordoned-off during the excavation process in spring. Routing signs will be posted around the sites to ease accessibility.
How will transit be affected?
Due to site preparation work for the social sciences and
mathematics building, the bus stop nearest to the Continuing Studies
Building, across from the Business and Economics Building, has been
closed to all pick-ups and drop-offs until further notice. On the
other side of campus, the existing transit stop outside the 294-bed
residence will be relocated down Ring Road, closer to the entrance
of parking lot 1. More information can be found on the transportation
demand management website.
Are the new buildings "green" buildings?
Yes. Each new building will incorporate elements that support ecological and economic sustainability. For example, the social sciences and mathematics building will be registered in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building rating program. Examples of sustainable elements include recycled building materials; showers and change-rooms to accommodate cyclists and walkers; natural lighting and energy-efficient building systems; integrated stormwater management; low flow water fixtures; and natural landscaping.
How will UVic preserve landscaping, trees and animal safety during construction?
UVic will aim to preserve as many trees on the construction sites as possible. Some planted trees will need to be removed; their wood will be milled into benches placed in and around the buildings, or chipped into mulch for landscaping and other grounds-related uses. The construction crews will watch out for the safety of campus wildlife during the process.
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