In preparation for the construction of Gidigaa Migizi College and new Otonabee College residence, the addition of parking lots on the northern area of East Bank on Symons Campus is currently underway.

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. With the construction of three new parking lots, approximately 850 parking spaces will be added..

On the sites of the future parking lots, fencing has been installed and earthwork is underway. To prepare the sites for construction, the removal of some trees and vegetation will be required and has been planned for following a thorough tree impact review and a Tree Inventory Protection Plan. An Elder from Curve Lake First Nation performed a ceremony and laid tobacco for all the vegetation in advance of any work. The Elder also selected wood to be delivered to the First Peoples House of Learning for use in teachings and fires.

The Tree Inventory Protection Plan ensures that any necessary tree removal is compensated with native plantings in accordance with the Trent Lands & Nature Areas Plan.

This work area will be closed until project completion. Work on two replacement lots is expected to be completed in August 2025, followed by the third lot in December 2025.

Traffic will not be affected during the construction. 

For questions or concerns, please contact Katherine MacDonald, director of Campus Planning and Development, at kamacdonald@trentu.ca 

For updates on Gidigaa Migizi College and new Otonabee College residence visit the Campus Projects Hub website.