Phased Water Shutdowns Begin Nov. 29 for Select East Bank Buildings
Water shutoffs Nov. 29 and Dec. 5 to facilitate new watermain connections for Gidigaa Migizi College; OC North Quad, Science Complex, food services affected
Published: Wednesday, November 26, 2025
As part of essential infrastructure servicing for the future Gidigaa Migizi College and new Otonabee College residence, planned water shutoffs will take place on the following days:
- Saturday, November 29, beginning at 7:00 a.m.
- Friday, December 5, beginning 10:30 p.m.
The scheduled water shutoffs are expected to last approximately nine hours and are required to complete watermain connections for the new buildings.
Phase 1: November 29 Buildings Affected
Academic Spaces
Water service will be turned off in the following buildings throughout the shutdown, affecting washrooms, sinks, emergency eyewash and showers, and heating facilities:
- Otonabee College Academic
- Forensics Crime Scene Facility
- Science Complex (SC)
- Chemical Sciences Building (CSB)
- Environmental Sciences Centre (ESC)
No lab work is permitted in any lab in SC, ESC, CSB for the duration of the shutdown. Only individuals with approved access will be able to enter the science buildings during the water shutoff period on November 29.
Otonabee College Academic will not have water service, but doors will remain open to campus traffic.
Student Residence
Water facilities will be shut off to Otonabee College Residence (North Quad), however heating will remain on and residents will be able to access the building. Water facilities are available via DNA Building and Gzowski College. Student Housing is reaching out to residents living in Otonabee College North Quad with more information about alternative facilities and water access throughout Saturday.
Buildings Not Affected
The following buildings are not affected by the water shutoff and will remain open as usual:
- DNA/Life & Health Sciences Building
- Gzowski College
Food Services
Otonabee College Dining Hall will be closed on Saturday, November 29. Food services will be available at the following locations:
- Gzowski College Dining – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Lady Eaton Dining Hall – 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Starbucks – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Phase 2: Water Shutoff December 5
Phase 2 water shutoff is scheduled Friday, December 5 and will take place overnight beginning at 10:30 p.m. The following buildings will be affected:
- Otonabee College Residence (North)
- Otonabee College Academic
- Forensics
- Science Complex
- Chemical Science
- Environmental Sciences
- Life and Health Sciences (DNA) Building
No lab work or research is permitted in any lab in SC, ESC, CSB for the duration of the shutdown. Only individuals with approved access will be able to enter the science buildings during the water shutoff period on December 5.
Food Services will not be affected during this phase as the shutoff starts after the close of operations for the day.
Updates about the water shutoffs are also being posted on digital signs across campus, Trent’s social media channels and on the Campus Projects Hub webpage. Direct communications are also being sent to faculty and staff with offices and labs in affected spaces, as well as departments and individuals who have room bookings or activities scheduled in those buildings on November 29 and December 5.
Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation during this important phase of construction.
Learn more about Gidigaa Migizi College and new Otonabee College residence.
Water Servicing Work for New College, Residence Projects Begins in November
Lane closures and phased water shutdowns planned as servicing continued for Gidigaa Migizi College and new Otonabee College residence
Published: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Upcoming infrastructure servicing for Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College residence will impact parts of Nassau Mills Road and municipal water access to select East Bank buildings.
Installation of storm, sanitary, and watermain connections north of Faryon Bridge on Nassau Mills Road will take place from mid-November through early December. This work will require intermittent lane reductions on Nassau Mills Road.
Watermain connections scheduled during this period will require phased shutdowns of municipal water over three weekends for various buildings on East Bank Drive:
- Phase 1: Otonabee College Residence (North), Otonabee College Academic, Forensics, Science Complex, Chemical Science, Environmental Sciences
- Phase 2: Life Health Sciences C & D, Otonabee College Residence (North)
- Phase 3: No anticipated buildings affected
Further updates will be provided when specific weekend water shutdown dates and durations are confirmed.
East Bank Drive to Reopen Soon
Paving of East Bank Drive is expected to take place in late November, with plans to reopen the road as a thruway soon after.
Thank you for your continued patience during this important phase of construction. We are committed to minimizing disruption and providing regular updates as work progresses.
Current Status of Construction, Traffic, Building Access on East Bank
Buses add stop at DNA Building, Pioneer Road only entry to East Bank Drive, and East Bank Drive reconfiguration continues
Published: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Work has begun to bring Trent's newest college, Gidigaa Migizi College, and the new Otonabee College Residence to the East Bank of Trent University's Symons Campus. Currently, contractors are completing work to reconfigure East Bank Drive and finalize the boundaries of the work site.
As this work continues, please travel with extra time and caution, watch for work vehicles, and follow updated signage on-site.
Here is the latest information about access to roadways, walkways, buildings, and parking now in effect:
Access to East Bank & Parking
- Pioneer Road is the only entry to East Bank Drive
- East Bank Drive has been reconfigured to connect to new parking lots, R, S and V so drivers will be able to access all parking lots on the East Bank from the Pioneer Road entrance
- The Nassau Mills entrance to East Bank Drive and the temporary laneway are closed to campus traffic for the remainder of the fall term
- Previous parking lots Y, R, and S on the north side of the Science Complex remain closed to vehicles and pedestrians
Building Access & Transit
- The middle entrance of Otonabee College Residence (OCR) is the primary entrance to ESC, SC and OCA from the new parking lots
- South and west side entrances to OCR, ESC, Science Complex and Otonabee College Academics remain open
- Accessible access to OCA, ESC, and SC is through the south end of OCA
- Accessible parking is available near the south side of the Otonabee College Academics building via Gzowski College Way; five accessible parking spots have been added to Lot U
- GO and City buses are stopping at Mackenzie House, DNA Building and the Gzowski College loop
Shipping & Receiving:
- Shipping and Receiving is operating out of its main location, Room 113 in the Environment Science Centre
- Deliveries use the entrance off Nassau Mills Road with two-way traffic for entry and exit
Construction Activity
- Demolition of the existing Science Workshop and Science Storage buildings has been completed
- Work is continuing on the realignment of East Bank Drive
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Changes to East Bank Drive Access Begin October 7
Pioneer Road becomes only entry to East Bank Drive with thru access to new parking lots
Published: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Construction for Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College Residence is continuing on the East Bank on the former parking lots Y, R and S and changes to vehicle and pedestrian access can be expected as the boundaries of the work site are finalized.
Here is the latest information about changes to roadways, walkways, building access, and parking now in effect:
Access to East Bank & Parking
- Beginning October 7, Pioneer Road will be the only entry to East Bank Drive
- East Bank Drive has been reconfigured to connect to new parking lots, R, S and V so drivers will be able to access all parking lots on the East Bank from the Pioneer Road entrance
- The Nassau Mills entrance to East Bank Drive and the temporary laneway will be closed to campus traffic beginning October 7 and for the remainder of the fall term
- Previous parking lots Y, R, and S on the north side of the Science Complex remain closed to vehicles and pedestrians
Building Access & Transit
- The middle entrance of Otonabee College Residence (OCR) continues to be the primary entrance to ESC, SC and OCA from the new parking lots; other south and west end entrances to these buildings remain open
- Accessible access to OCA, ESC, and SC is through the south end of OCA
- Accessible parking is available near the south side of the Otonabee College Academics building via Gzowski College Way; five accessible parking spots have also been added to Lot U
- GO and City buses will continue to stop at Mackenzie House and the Gzowski College loop only
Shipping & Receiving:
- Shipping and Receiving is now back in their normal location with deliveries and pickups returning to normal practices
- Shipping and Receiving deliveries will return to the entry off Nassau Mills Road with two-way traffic for entry and exit
Upcoming Construction Activity
Monday, October 13, contractors will begin demolition of the existing Science Workshop and Science Storage buildings. Some increased noise, dust and vehicle activity are expected during this work.
The campus community is asked to travel with extra caution and time, watch for work vehicles, and follow updated signage on-site. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
https://www.trentu.ca/news/story/43831
Latest Updates to East Bank Traffic and Parking
No thru traffic between Nassau Mills and Pioneer Road via East Bank Drive; North building entrances to ESC, SC, and OCA are closed
Published: September 15, 2025
Following this summer’s groundbreaking for Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College Residence, construction activity has commenced on the East Bank. Over the coming months, changes to vehicle and pedestrian access on East Bank can be expected as the boundaries of the work site are finalized and East Bank Drive is reconfigured to connect the road to the new parking lots.
Here is the latest information about changes to walkways, roadways, building access, and parking now in effect:
Parking & Transit:
- Three new lots (R, S and V) on the north side of the DNA Building are available and accessible via a temporary laneway off East Bank Drive, from Nassau Mills Road.
- Previous parking lots on the north side of the Science Complex are closed and not accessible for vehicles or pedestrians.
- Accessible parking is available near the south side of the Otonabee College Academics building, via Pioneer Road and Gzowski College Way only.
- GO and City buses will stop only at Mackenzie House and the Gzowski College loop.
Campus & Building Access:
- There are two available entrances to East Bank – via Pioneer Road, and a new temporary laneway off East Bank Drive, from Nassau Mills Road – however East Bank Drive is currently not a throughway for vehicles from Nassau Mills and Pioneer Road as a section is blocked off around C/D Blocks of the DNA Building.
- The north-side doors of the Environmental Science Centre (ESC), Science Complex (SC), and Otonabee College Academics (OCA) are closed and to be used as an emergency exit only.
- Access to ESC, SC and OCA from the new parking lots is through the middle entrance of Otonabee College Residence (OCR); other south and west end entrances to these buildings remain open.
- Accessible access to OCA, ESC, and SC is through the south end of OCA.
Shipping & Receiving:
The Shipping & Receiving Centre has been temporarily relocated to the Science Dock, and all parcels will now be delivered to and picked up from The Crypt (ESC B 103). This change is expected to last 6-8 weeks.
The campus community is asked to travel with extra caution and time, watch for work vehicles, and follow on-site signage. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Construction on East Bank Impacts Shipping & Receiving, Temporary Relocated to The Crypt and Science Loading Dock
North side access to ESC, SC, and OCA closed until new year
Published: August 28, 2025
Construction for the new Gidigaa Migizi College and Otonabee College residence continues in the area of Nassau Mills Road and East Bank Drive. This work will temporarily affect shipping, receiving, and access to nearby buildings.
Shipping & Receiving Relocation
- The Shipping & Receiving Centre has been temporarily relocated to the Science Dock.
- All parcels will now be delivered to and picked up from The Crypt (ESC B 103) inside the Science Complex.
- Please note: The Crypt is closed for student use during this time.
- This relocation will remain in place for approximately 6–8 weeks.
Building Access Changes
- Until the new year, the north-side doors of the Environmental Science Centre (ESC), Science Complex (SC), and Otonabee College Academics (OCA) will be closed and available for emergency exit only.
- Regular access to these buildings will be through the middle entrance of Otonabee College Residence (OCR).
- For those with mobility needs, access remains available at the south end of OCA, adjacent to the accessible parking lot at the Gzowski College roundabout.
- The campus community is reminded to move with caution around the area, watching for work vehicles and following signage and directions from any on-site flaggers.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Continue to check the Campus Projects Hub for more information and updates about the project.
East Bank Parking & Access Update
On August 25, new parking lots on East Bank to open and lots Y, R, S and Q to close for construction
Published: August 22, 2025
Construction activity related to the development of Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College Residence is increasing, resulting in changes to vehicle and parking access on Trent’s East Bank.
Contractors will begin below-grade service installation in this area starting Monday, August 25. Expect heavy equipment activity and movement of materials in and around the current shipping lane for several months.
The following are important updates on East Bank:
New Parking Options Available August 25
New parking lots at the north of East Bank are opening Monday, August 25. Drivers will be able to access the three new lots from a new laneway off East Bank Drive, from Nassau Mills Road.
Accessible parking is available near the south side of the Otonabee College academics building, via Pioneer Road and Gzowski College Way.
East Bank Drive remains closed between DNA C/D wings and Nassau Mills Road.
Parking No Longer Available in Lots Y, R, S, and Q
Lots Y, R and S are the future site of Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College residence. This week, vehicles parked in lots Y, R, S, and Q are receiving warning notices advising that parking in these areas will not be permitted after Friday, August 22.
Signage will be installed throughout the area to help direct traffic.
Beginning Monday, August 25, any vehicles parked in these lots will be towed at the owner’s expense. These areas are now part of an active construction site and must remain clear for safety and access.
The walkways from DNA down to these lots and Otonabee College are also fenced off as part of the construction zone.
Limited Access to Shipping & Receiving
Due to increased activity, there will be no general parking in the area near the Shipping and Receiving zone and all driveways to the area off of Nassau Mills Road will be gated closed.
One point of entry off East Bank Drive, nearest Nassau Mills Road, will be available for pick up and deliveries.
Look for updated signage and follow all posted directions to ensure safe access and parking.
Trent University Breaks Ground on Largest Campus Development Since Its Founding
June 19, 2025
Trent University has officially broken ground on Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College residence on the East Bank of Symons Campus. The 700,000 square-foot project will add over 1,300 residence beds and is slated to open in fall 2028.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks a major milestone in our journey to create a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable campus,” said Tariq Al-idrissi, vice-president of Finance and Administration. “These buildings will meet the needs of a growing student body while reflecting Trent’s vision for education and community placemaking.”
The remainder of this year will see visible transformation across the East Bank as early site servicing and preparation for tapping geothermal resources will begin later this summer, setting the stage for a three-year construction.
Next Phase of Site Preparations Begins for Gidigaa Migizi College and New Otonabee College Residence
March 20, 2025
Work is now underway on infrastructure updates to the Science Complex to accommodate the relocation of the Science Workshop, as part of the site preparations for the construction of Gidigaa Migizi College and new Otonabee College residence, to be built on parking lots Y, R, and S on the East Bank of Trent University.
Work includes the installation of a new garage door at the west end of the Environmental Science Building, as well as removal of the brick wingwall, which currently provides a visual screen for the Shipping and Receiving area along Nassau Mills Road.
The new Science Workshop will be located in the C-wing of the Environmental Science Building and is expected to open for use in early summer. The current Science Workshop remains open and operational during work to prepare the new space.
Work to build replacement and expanded parking lots north of the DNA Building on the East Bank is ongoing, as part of further site preparations.
Work is being guided by consultations with Trent’s Heritage Advisory Committee, and extensive land use and environmental assessments have been completed, including a Tree Inventory Protection Plan, ensuring careful and responsible development guided by the Trent Lands & Nature Areas Plan.
Knightstone Presents Vision for Gidigaa Migizi College and OC Residence
February 7, 2025
At the February Board of Governors meeting, project partners delivered updates and a visual presentation showcasing architectural plans for Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College residence. The designs highlight the prioritization of sustainability and integration of Indigenous perspectives and culture into the developments. An overview of the landscape and building footprints also displayed thoughtful features to enhance student spaces and improve campus connectivity.
With the two buildings anticipated to open in fall 2028, site preparation will begin this winter with groundbreaking planned for summer 2025.
Construction Kicks Off with Parking Replacement Project
November 4, 2024
In preparation for official groundbreaking on Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College residence in 2025, replacement parking is being added near the site in the northern area of East Bank.
The new parking lots will replace the current lots, located outside to the north of the Science Complex and Otonabee College that are on the future site of the new college. The new lots will add more than 600 new spaces for parking on campus.
The design also includes servicing for future growth next to the new lots, including lighting, security cameras, AED stations, landscaping, a wildlife corridor, an amphibian crossing, and walkway benches.
Prior to construction, environmental consultations were done with land resource consultation officers from Curve Lake, Hiawatha, and Alderville First Nations, and a tree ceremony was led by Lorenzo Whetung, cultural advisor with the First People House of Learning.
This phase of construction, led by Drain Brothers Excavating, is scheduled to be complete at the end of summer 2025.
Knightstone Capital Management Selected as Developer
July 2, 2024
The Trent Board of Governors officially selected Knightstone Capital Management Limited to develop the new college residences.
Trent Community Gets Early Insight into Building Concepts
March 19, 2024
Preliminary design concepts and layouts for Gidigaa Migizi College and the Otonabee College residence were presented to students, staff, and faculty at an interactive Design Feedback Session, hosted by representatives from Knightstone Capital Management and Diamond Schmitt Architects.
Feedback from the Trent community was gathered and will be considered while design discussions and planning continue over the next year.
Trent University Unveils Crest for Gidigaa Migizi College
February 14, 2024
During a special sold-out feast at the 48th annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering, Trent unveiled the new crest and colours for the University’s newest college, Gidigaa Migizi College, named in honour of beloved elder, alumnus and former assistant professor, Doug Williams-ban ’69.
Trent University’s Newest College to be Named Gidigaa Migizi in Honour of Beloved Elder and Professor Doug Williams
November 15, 2023
Trent’s newest college will be named Gidigaa Migizi College, in celebration and memory of the late Gidigaa Migizi (Doug Williams) ’69, professor, elder, and community leader renowned for his dedication to Trent students, and to protecting Anishnaabeg treaty rights.