The West Bank of the Otonabee River between the Bata Library and Champlain College was restabilized and renovated to create a safer, more accessible and more sustainable shoreline. A new durable armour stone wall replaced the outdated gabions, ensuring the long-term stability of our campus infrastructure and enhances water access for recreational activities and Indigenous ceremonies.

The expansion of the Founders Walk, a trail that now runs along the river from Blackburn Hall under the Faryon Bridge to Champlain College, improves mobility across campus and invites more visitors to experience the natural beauty of Trent’s riverside setting and distinctive architecture.

This shoreline rehabilitation work was guided by the principles and values outlined in the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan.

• The Founders Walk—the paved riverside path along the Otonabee River from Blackburn Hall—extended under the Faryon Bridge to Champlain College
• Addition of boat docks at Bata Library and Champlain College for river users to stop and visit Trent University 
• Improved accessibility of the shoreline along Bata Library and Champlain College 
• New stairs to the water from the Bata Podium 

Environmental stewardship was a central focus of the project. The project team, which included Trent University, WSP Consulting and Drain Brothers, implemented a range of environmental considerations throughout the project, including: 

• Using turbidity curtains (to trap sediment in water bodies) and regularly monitoring sediment levels to prevent disruption to the river's ecosystem 
• Timing the in-water work to be carefully coordinated to occur after the fish spawning season 
• Seeking approval for every aspect of the project by regulatory bodies such as Parks Canada and Otonabee Conservation, and reviewed by the Michi Saagiig Land Resource Consultation Officers, ensuring compliance with environmental standards 
• Holding a ceremony by an Elder from Curve Lake First Nation before work commenced to bring peace and harmony to the work site and honour the spirits of the land 

Learn more about the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan