Trent’s collegiate system has long been at the heart of campus life, combining stunning architecture with a strong sense of community and time-honoured traditions.
With five distinct colleges currently shaping the student experience, the addition of Gidigaa Migizi College and a new Otonabee College residence on the East Bank of the Symons Campus in Peterborough will enrich on-campus life with accessible and state-of-the art spaces for living and learning.
Aligning with the University’s housing strategy, these projects will also expand Trent’s capacity to meet the needs of a growing student body and help address local housing pressures by providing 1,300 residence beds.
Scheduled to open in 2028, Gidigaa Migizi College and new Otonabee College residence, complete with energy-efficient solutions, modern student spaces, and thoughtfully integrated Indigenous elements, highlight Trent’s commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement.
All architectural renderings by Diamond Schmitt Architects.
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Project Status
Construction activities for Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College residence have fully transitioned to site excavation following completion of site servicing along Nassau Mills Road . Throughout the excavation phase, Trent Facilities Management and the project team are actively monitoring noise and vibration levels in nearby buildings to minimize impact on the campus community. As part of this phase, permanent power infrastructure is also being installed along East Bank Drive from Pioneer Road to the DNA Building.
To support ongoing safe activity on campus, please note the following:
- Pioneer Road is the only vehicle access point to East Bank, including access to all parking and public transit routes.
- Access to East Bank Drive from Nassau Mills Road is restricted to construction vehicles entering the construction zone. Please use caution when travelling along Nassau Mills Road past the construction site. Follow posted signage and obey directions from flagging and safety personnel.
- Accessible parking on East Bank is available in Lot U near Gzowski College and Lot Z near DNA Building.
- Accessible entrances to the Science Complex and Otonabee College are via the south-west entrance of Otonabee College Academic.
- The north-facing exit of Otonabee College Academic (between Wenjack Theatre and the OC dining hall) is to be used in an emergency only.
Read News & Updates and the FAQs for more information.
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Gidigaa Migizi College
Named in honour of Elder and Trent professor Doug Williams, Gidigaa Migizi College is the newest addition to Trent’s renowned collegiate system.
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Otonabee College Residence
Designed with accessibility at the forefront, the new OC residence will nearly double the college's current residence capacity.
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Project Timelines & Milestones
- February 2019: Housing strategy approved by Trent’s Board of Governors
- August 2022: RFP for project released
- September 2022 (ongoing): Engagement and consultation with Land Resource Consultation Officers
- April 2023 (ongoing): Engagement with the Elders & Knowledge Council
- November 2023: Name of new college announced, honouring beloved Elder and Professor Doug Williams
- February 2024: Gidigaa Migizi College crest and colours unveiled
- March 2024: Design feedback session on campus
- June 2024: Knightstone Capital Management Inc. selected as project developer
- October 2024 (ongoing): Sharing circle with FPHL, Indigenous Studies and Michi Saagiig Elders
- November 2024: Parking lot replacement construction begins
- February 2025: Architecture design presentation to Board
- Spring 2025: Designs to be finalized; site preparation begins
- Summer 2025: Construction to begin; groundbreaking ceremony
- Spring 2026: Site servicing to be completed
- Summer 2026: Site excavation to begin
- Fall 2028: Grand opening
