The latest architectural plans presented at the Board of Governors meeting in February 2025 incorporate elements that highlight Trent’s commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement, featuring energy-efficient solutions, modern student spaces, and thoughtfully integrated Indigenous perspectives. 

Some of the latest features include: 

• 700,000 square-feet of added living, learning and community space between the two buildings and surrounding landscape 
• Two modern buildings offering 1,300+ residence beds with up to seven different living layouts 
• Fully accessible building and landscape layout and design  
• Geothermal heating and cooling systems 
• Aiming for LEED Gold Certification 
• Covered outdoor pavilion 
• Active programming spaces in outdoor quads 
• Addition of two large lecture halls  
• Roof-top event space with outdoor balcony with panoramic views of campus and the Otonabee River 

The Indigenous design elements for Gidigaa Migizi College and new Otonabee College residence are being shaped through engagement with Indigenous communities, including First Peoples House of Learning, the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, and local Indigenous groups. Feedback gathered from talking circles are guiding the incorporation of cultural symbols, architectural features, and spaces that reflect Indigenous traditions and ways of knowing. These elements will be integrated into both interior and exterior designs, with further details to be shared in upcoming engagement sessions.