New Downtown Public Space Library Commons Opens

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Library Commons, the new downtown public space located at the southwest corner of Simcoe and Aylmer streets outside Peterborough Public Library, was officially opened on Thursday (September 5th).

The public gathering space, named “Library Commons” through a community vote that took place, features benches, plantings and a public art sculpture.

Entitled “Your Story,” the public art sculpture by artist/architect Patrick Li (pictured below) is the latest project from the City of Peterborough Public Art Program. Li designed the sculpture to evoke a book cover twisting in the wind and create a sense of movement that makes the sculpture feel alive.

Photo courtesy City of Peterborough

“Library Commons provides a welcoming space for the community to enjoy,” says Jennifer Jones, CEO of the Peterborough Public Library. “It’s a great place sit and visit with a friend or relax with a book. Library staff are excited to use the space to offer events and programming.”

Photo courtesy City of Peterborough

“Library Commons has transformed the corner of Simcoe and Aylmer streets,” says Scott Elliott, the City’s Corporate Sponsorship Coordinator.

“This project is an excellent example of the positive impact sponsorship has in a community. LLF Lawyer’s sponsorship of Library Commons and the development of the public art helps to make this space so special.”

Photo courtesy City of Peterborough

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Check Out These Renderings Of The New Brock Mission

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Brock Mission is a homeless shelter in Peterborough for men that includes sleeping, dining and program areas. A new modern facility is being built on the existing property on Murray Street where the old building was housed, that is slated to open late 2020.

Lett Architects is designing it and has released renderings of the project. Lett says the three-storey building has been designed around a courtyard with access to natural daylight into every room and corridor. The building will accommodate 32 shelter beds and 15 independent living units, of which 25 percent are fully accessible. The building also includes a dining hall which will provide three meals a day all year.

This is a rendering of the main entrance…

Main entrance of Brock Misson, rendering courtesy Lett Architects

The Lett Architects team is providing the most inclusive, home-like and durable building with a high level of energy performance, exceeding the 2015 National Energy Code by 28 percent. Critical to the success of the project has been the ability to meet tight budgets and schedules as the Brock Mission has been without a true home to call their own for some time.

This is a view of the Dining Hall…

View of Brock Misson dining hall, rendering courtesy Lett Architects

Watch this video to learn more about the project….

The new Brock Mission shelter is slated to open its doors in November 2020.

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Fleming College Opens Gorgeous New 76,000 Square Foot A-Wing At Sutherland Campus

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After years of planning, design and construction, the A-Wing was officially opened on Wednesday (March 27th) at Fleming College’s Sutherland Campus in Peterborough.

Preparing graduates for the evolving workplace was the driving force behind the newly renovated wing. The updated space will serve more than 3,000 students, and the facility will ensure programs continue to provide effective training to meet the evolving labour market needs.

Photo courtesy Fleming College

“This is a tremendous milestone for the college and the updated A-Wing now better provides opportunities for our students to prepare for today’s dynamic workforce,” says Maureen Adamson, President, Fleming College.

“The multi-purpose facility provides increased capacity for on-campus work-integrated learning opportunities and great access to simulations for task-based and scenario-based learning. This is another way Fleming is committed to producing the preferred graduate.”

Photo courtesy Fleming College

Indeed, the 76,000-square-foot building has all the amenities for students: It houses programs that include nursing, biotechnology, fitness and health promotion, occupational therapy and physiotherapy, paramedic, and personal support worker, as well as programs within the areas of justice and community development, business and culinary management.

Filled with natural light, the A-Wing features modern aesthetic appeal rich in simulation spaces, formal and informal student areas, and leading-edge technology to further support applied learning and student success.

Kudos to Fleming, and all involved in this project.

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Transformed Trent Bata Library Opens

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The transformed “Library of the Future”—Trent University’s iconic Bata library—opened on Monday (October 29th) and it features a combination of the familiar and the stunningly new, with amazing views.

“With an emphasis on the original Ron Thom architecture and more open views to take in campus vistas, there is oodles of student space,” says the Trent University Alumni Association in a Facebook post.

Photo via Trent University Alumni Association Facebook Page

Folks on Twitter are raving about it…

Bata Library 2.0 includes a makers’ space with a 3D printer and other high tech gadgetry.

Photo via Trent University Alumni Association Facebook page

Make sure to sign the welcome board there as well…

Photo via Trent University Alumni Association Facebook page

This is a soft opening as some areas of the Bata building still require finishing touches. An official Bata Library Grand Opening Celebration event will take place November 16th, with more details to come on that from Trent U.

Here are some more pics of the new space…

Photo via @trentuniversity

Photo via @trentuniversity

Photo via @BataLibrary

Photo via Trent University Facebook page

Photo via Trent University Facebook page

Photo via Trent University Facebook page

Photo via Trent Univesity Facebook page

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Fleming College Is Recognized Among The Best In North America For Sustainability Efforts

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Fleming College in Peterborough has been recognized as a top performer in the 2018 Sustainable Campus Index, among other North American college institutions in recognition of its sustainable achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

AASHE has recognized Fleming as fourth overall in the college category in its 2018 Sustainable Campus Index. The index highlights top-performing sustainable colleges and universities overall and in 17 sustainability impact areas, as measured by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS).

“Fleming College’s feature in this report demonstrates our commitment to ensure sustainability is interwoven into every aspect of the College, from operations and community engagement to curriculum delivery,” says Trish O’Connor, Director of Sustainability.

With more than 800 participants in 30 countries, AASHE’s STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publically reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance. Participants report achievements in five overall areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership.

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Rehabilitation Work Being Done To Earth Embankment Dams At Lift Lock & Trent-Severn Waterway

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Many of you might have noticed the removal of trees and vegetation at the Earth dam at the Lift Lock.

Well the Lift Lock is one of several Earth embankment dams across the Trent-Severn Waterway that have been identified for rehabilitation or upgrades that may include repairs to washouts, removal of vegetation undermining their strength, and height increases.

Photo AT LIFT LOCK by Jay Callaghan

According to Parks Canada, this work is being done to rehabilitate and strengthen earth dams—which are vital for flood mitigation and therefore the safety of visitors, residents and property.

Indeed, the long and the short is trees were never meant to be on a hill holding back water and some breaches were discovered in the earth dam a few years ago.

Picture via Parks Canada website

During phase one of the project, trees and shrubs growing along earth dams—which threaten the dam’s long-term integrity by creating places for seepage and erosion—are removed.

The plan is to remove stumps and to re-plant beneficial plants like milkweed and tall grasses at the dam sites.

Earth Dam rehabilitation is occuring across the Trent-Severn Waterway, as can be seen in this graph below...

Picture via Parks Canada website

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Grand Opening Ceremony For Trent U's Awesome New Student Centre Recognizes Generosity Of Trent Community

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The vision of Trent University students past and present has now become a reality as the green carpet was rolled out on Friday (September 28th), and the doors to the highly-anticipated Trent University Student Centre opened at the grand opening ceremony of the new building.

New Student Centre. Photo by Trent Central Student Association

“The Student Centre is a partnership between the University, its students and donors who care about Trent," says Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. "In that way, the Student Centre is a physical manifestation of what Trent is.”

“We’re delighted with the building that has resulted and look forward to its future use as space for our growing student body, offering new places where they can collaborate, learn and grow,” Groarke adds.

Photo by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada

THE BACKSTORY BEHIND TRENT STUDENT CENTRE

In spring 2013, a forward-thinking cohort of Trent students voted yes to a levy that would provide $10.5 million to fund the new Student Centre, and set the wheels in motion for the new building.

New Student Centre. Photo via Trent University

This funding, combined with an outpouring of philanthropic support from the Trent community including, the Board of Governors, faculty, staff, and alumni—as well as University contributions—helped complete the $16 million project.

Trent University President Dr. Leo Groarke speaking at Trent Student Centre opening, with Otonabee River as backdrop (photo via Marilyn Burns, Trent University)

“The commitment from Trent students to bring this building to fruition inspired an outpouring of support. The Student Centre Challenge engaged staff and faculty, Trent’s Board of Governors, and alumni to make a gift towards the campaign,” says Julie Davis, vice-president of External Relations and Advancement at Trent.

“As a result, we have yet another beautiful and inspiring space on campus thanks to the generosity and spirit of the Trent family.”

Photo by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada

Designed to connect with the beautiful, existing architecture at Trent University, the aesthetic of the new building honours the historic Ron Thom architecture of the Symons Campus, while offering a new space for students to learn and thrive on campus.

A few unique features and spaces in the new building include:

-> Use of glass throughout the building and its open-concept floorplan create a connected feeling on the inside while providing stunning views of the Otonabee River.

-> State-of-the-art lecture halls, adding 360 new seats to Trent University, including: Stohn Hall, a two-storey, 200-seat lecture theatre named in honour of alumnus Stephen Stohn ’66; a 60-seat Active Learning Classroom, equipped with projectors, whiteboards and moveable seating; and another 100-seat, tiered lecture hall
 
-> Wide variety of formal and informal student spaces—the first floor resembles a student café with a collection of round tables and chairs and lounge furniture; the second floor features barstool study spaces overlooking the atrium and river and dedicated spaces for silent study; and the third floor offers more group study space
 
-> A variety of outdoor spaces to use such as a patio located on the outside of the main floor of the building, connecting to Founder’s Walk and a second-floor balcony that overlooks the river
 
-> Multi-purpose event space with moveable furniture and access to an outdoor patio space
 
-> On-site Starbucks
 
-> New home for the Trent Central Student Association, clubs and groups

Photo by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada

The grand opening ceremony saw over 300 students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members gather to tour and celebrate the stunning new addition to Trent's Symons campus.

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Trent U's New Student Centre Opening This Fall Gets $300,000 Boost By Alumnus Justin Chiu

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The highly-anticipated Trent University Student Centre slated to open this Fall that will make a great addition to the beautiful Symons Campus has received a $300,000 funding boost thanks to the generosity of international alumnus, Justin Chiu ’76.

Dr. Chiu’s gift to the Student Centre, which overlooks the Otonabee River, will contribute to enhancing the exceptional student experience at Trent that he personally attributes to helping him become the dynamic and successful business leader he is today.

Student Centre rendering courtesy Trent University

“My family and I chose Trent when I was a student because we felt that an outstanding small Canadian university would provide an excellent education on a very personal scale," says Dr. Chiu. "Today, that human touch remains an essential part of the Trent student experience."
 
Dr. Chiu’s latest gift to Trent (he has made many others over the years, including a $1 million gift to support Trent athletes with The Justin Chiu Stadium in 2011) brings the Student Centre project even closer to its $4 million fundraising goal, with less than $250,000 left to raise.

Student Centre rendering courtesy Trent University

“Dr. Chiu’s vision and dynamism has resulted in projects that have transformed Singapore’s waterfront and changed many other horizons throughout Asia," says Julie Davis, Vice-President of External Relations & Advancement at Trent. "Through his philanthropy and leadership, he helps extend that vision to the waterfront of Trent University with a vibrant new Student Centre."

Here is a picture Trent Alumni posted on their Instagram account of the progress of the Student Centre, which is being built next to the iconic Bata Library...

The new @trentuniversity Student Centre is taking shape! Can't wait to explore it in September!

48 Likes, 1 Comments - Trent Alumni (@trent_alumni) on Instagram: "The new @trentuniversity Student Centre is taking shape! Can't wait to explore it in September!"

Here's another view of the Student Centre under construction taken by Trent University's Kate Weersink...

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Concrete Work Is Progressing Well At Healey Falls Lock 17

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Since October 2016, Parks Canada has been working on repairs to the west wall at Healey Falls Lock 17 on the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site. The work has been progressing well and contractors are on track to complete repairs prior to navigation season in May 2017.

The contractor has recently poured the second level of the west wall on Lock 17, completing approximately 65 percent of the wall reconstruction. Next week, they will begin backfilling behind the west wall to reinstate the bank between the lock wall and Canal Road.

In order to keep up this pace of work while maintaining public safety, Canal Road will remain closed through to April. This will allow contractors to operate machinery and equipment freely to complete backfill, erosion protection and site restoration next to the lock.

Healey Falls Locks were built in 1910—66 years after the original construction of the Healey Falls timber dam. The flight of two locks were erected as part of the lower Trent River development created to accommodate power generation expansion. In 1913, a new concrete dam was commissioned and elements of the old dam were removed in 1915.

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Here's A First Look Rendering Of What The Peterborough Public Library Interior Will Look Like

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The Library is excited to share a first look of its interior (see photo and caption info below), created in collaboration with +VG Architects and Intercede Design Consultants. The rendering gives the community a much anticipated image of what the new space will look like.

The Peterborough Public Library has been operating temporarily out of the lower level of Peterborough Square while the Main Branch on Aylmer Street has been under major renovations since June 2016. Now that demolition is complete, the construction of the addition has begun.

One of the highlights of this project—the central staircase that leads down to the children’s area on the lower level. Accessible public seating wraps around the staircase, allowing patrons to use the library's computers on one side, or sit comfortably enjoying a beverage from the onsite café on the other. Visible at the far end of the image is the wall that once concealed the upper level of the library which has been partially removed to create an inviting entrance into a completely re-imagined space. This upper level will be home to the Library’s new teen zone, the café, a new mid-size program room and three smaller study/meeting rooms.

"The objective with the interior space was to accentuate the existing curving design of the original architecture while transforming it to an open, airy and bright active community hub," says Nicole Crabtree, Associate Partner at +VG Architects.

The integrity and shape of the building has stayed relatively the same, but everything else about this Peterborough landmark is being updated. From the new addition and glass entryway to the open concept design, the new library will be a flexible community space. There will be upgraded lighting, more windows and natural light, new floors, an updated HVAC system and a number of new amenities which will make the library a bright and inviting space for the community to explore.

The new library is slated to reopen late summer 2017.

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