The Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan, a 237-page document guiding the evolution of the Symons Campus for decades to come, can now be explored through a new, interactive website: trentlands.ca

“The Lands Plan is our long-term vision for the future, aimed at protecting and advancing the 1,400-acre Symons campus lands while meeting the current and future needs of our students and community,” explains Julie Davis, vice president of External Relations & Development at Trent. “The new website makes this comprehensive plan more accessible, offering both snapshot and in-depth looks at the many projects underway, including the University Green Network and University-Integrated Seniors Village.” 

Taking an innovative approach to land-use planning, the Lands Plan promotes land-based learning and discovery, enhances the understanding and health of Trent’s natural spaces, and models a new approach to community and Indigenous engagement.  

The Plan is built on environmental and ecological data and is underpinned by Indigenous Knowledge, campus and community input, and precedent-setting examples of development and restoration projects – all aimed at addressing some of our region’s most pressing challenges around housing, employment, climate change and food security. 

Creating Trent’s future, today: Current projects

Several key projects outlined in the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan are already underway:  

• Covering 60% of the Symons Campus, the University Green Network (UGN) is an interconnected ecosystem of diverse landscapes and green spaces, including Trent’s 11 Nature Areas. The UGN brings these natural features together into an overarching natural system, enabling better care for the habitats and inhabitants of the campus.  
• The University-Integrated Seniors Village will advance intergenerational learning and build on Trent’s leadership in research on healthy aging. The Seniors Village will include a 224-bed not-for-profit long-term care home, to be built and operated by peopleCare Communities, which will provide unique teaching and learning opportunities right on campus. 
• Cleantech Commons is driving discovery and innovation in a range of clean and green technology sectors. The research park will bring together Trent’s world-class researchers and laboratory facilities with entrepreneurs, business, and government partners to take game-changing ideas from the lab to where these innovations are needed most – in our communities.  
• In its new location, the Trent Farm is planting the seeds for a sustainable campus community. The new farm provides an inspiring space for land-based learning and research while contributing to on-campus food security and protecting biodiversity. 

Learn more about the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan, including ongoing projects, by visiting trentlands.ca.