Trent University boasts a campus unlike any other with inspiring natural landscapes, rich odes to history and culture across campus, and architecture that continues to be seen as one of the best examples of mid-century modern style in North America. This distinctive campus is a source of pride amongst the Trent community, and the dedication to preserving the University’s unique backdrop has just been celebrated with the Peterborough Historical Society’s George A. Cox Award.

The George A. Cox Award is given annually to celebrate the preservation, conservation and/or restoration of significant cultural resources such as artifacts, manuscripts, historic gardens or cultural landscapes. Trent was awarded for their commitment to historical conservation in the development of a Bata Library Transformation that was directed by the university’s new Heritage Stewardship Policy.

“Trent University was formed 55 years ago through the support of a proud Peterborough community. It is a great honour to be recognized by that community for the university’s efforts in restoring and breathing new life into the inspirational spaces that they helped to create,” noted Dr. Michael Eamon, Co-Chair of the university’s Heritage Stewardship Committee.

Trent University began the Bata Library Transformation Project in May 2017 to create modernized spaces within the academic heart of the institution for innovative and collaborative experiential learning opportunities. It was important to Trent leadership to honour the past while preserving Trent for future generations.

“I am privileged to work in such beautiful surroundings at Trent,” noted vice-president of External Relations & Advancement, Julie Davis. “I want to ensure future generations can enjoy this special place – which confers an obligation to do what I can, in my leadership role, to steward the natural and built heritage”.

During Trent’s 50^th Anniversary the design legacy of Trent’s iconic, award-winning Ron Thom architecture, was celebrated. This also raised important discussions around the heritage stewardship of the campus. This led to the creation of Trent’s Heritage Stewardship Policy which provides direction on the identification and maintenance of significant University structures, spaces and cultural resources.

The Bata Library is just one of several heritage assets on Trent University’s campus. Learn more about Trent’s Heritage Stewardship efforts.