Federal Government Contributes $25,000 To Support Construction Of New Sustainable Health Centre At Camp Kawartha

On Friday (January 17th), Maryam Monsef, Member of Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha, was at Camp Kawartha on Clear Lake near Peterborough to announce the Government of Canada’s $25,000 contribution through Farm Credit Canada’s AgriSpirit Fund towards the development of a new Health Centre for Camp Kawartha.

The Health Centre will feature a series of sustainable elements such as net-zero utility costs, zero toxins, zero carbon footprint, as well as zero fossil fuel use and zero waste output.

Left to right: J. Murray Jones, Peterborough County Warden and Mayor of Douro-Dummer Township; Maryam Monsef, Member of Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha; and Jacob Rodenburg, Executive Director of Camp Kawartha, at Camp Kawartha

“Camp Kawartha is a leading environmental steward in our community,” says Monsef. “Our government recognizes the importance of sustainable development and supports Camp Kawartha’s innovative vision for their new Health Centre.”

The original Centre, built in the 1950s, has a sagging foundation and is in dire need of replacement. The Centre serves as a hub where the camp’s healthcare team looks after the health needs of campers during the summer. It also acts as extra sleeping quarters throughout the fall, winter and spring. The new Centre will be approximately 1,200 square feet in size and will cost about $325,000.

Maryam Monsef announces a $25,000 contribution from the Federal Government for a new Health Centre at Camp Kawartha

"Camp Kawartha is thrilled to receive support from Farm Credit Canada's AgriSpirit Fund for a new Health Centre,” says Jacob Rodenburg, Executive Director of Camp Kawartha.

“With this generous contribution we will be able to construct a zero-carbon building, which will allow our healthcare team to look after the well-being of both campers and staff. “

Maryam Monsef and Jacob Rodenburg with attendees at Camp Kawartha

NEW CENTRE IS EXAMPLE OF NEXT GENERATION OF SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

Showcasing the use of natural materials and incorporating natural elements such passive solar design, the Health Centre will:

-> Be an example to health professionals of how a Health Centre or Health Clinic can be sustainable and integrate nature into its design.

-> Serve as a teaching building for the thousands of guests, campers and participants in Camp Kawartha’s programming.

-> Help campers and students understand carbon-neutral design, carbon sequestration, alternative energy generation, natural building materials, product life-cycle and green waste management systems.

Construction is slated to begin in the fall of 2020 and be completed by June 2021.

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New Downtown Public Space Library Commons Opens

Library Commons, the new downtown public space located at the southwest corner of Simcoe and Aylmer streets outside Peterborough Public Library, was officially opened on Thursday (September 5th).

The public gathering space, named “Library Commons” through a community vote that took place, features benches, plantings and a public art sculpture.

Entitled “Your Story,” the public art sculpture by artist/architect Patrick Li (pictured below) is the latest project from the City of Peterborough Public Art Program. Li designed the sculpture to evoke a book cover twisting in the wind and create a sense of movement that makes the sculpture feel alive.

Photo courtesy City of Peterborough

“Library Commons provides a welcoming space for the community to enjoy,” says Jennifer Jones, CEO of the Peterborough Public Library. “It’s a great place sit and visit with a friend or relax with a book. Library staff are excited to use the space to offer events and programming.”

Photo courtesy City of Peterborough

“Library Commons has transformed the corner of Simcoe and Aylmer streets,” says Scott Elliott, the City’s Corporate Sponsorship Coordinator.

“This project is an excellent example of the positive impact sponsorship has in a community. LLF Lawyer’s sponsorship of Library Commons and the development of the public art helps to make this space so special.”

Photo courtesy City of Peterborough

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Check Out These Renderings Of The New Brock Mission

Brock Mission is a homeless shelter in Peterborough for men that includes sleeping, dining and program areas. A new modern facility is being built on the existing property on Murray Street where the old building was housed, that is slated to open late 2020.

Lett Architects is designing it and has released renderings of the project. Lett says the three-storey building has been designed around a courtyard with access to natural daylight into every room and corridor. The building will accommodate 32 shelter beds and 15 independent living units, of which 25 percent are fully accessible. The building also includes a dining hall which will provide three meals a day all year.

This is a rendering of the main entrance…

Main entrance of Brock Misson, rendering courtesy Lett Architects

The Lett Architects team is providing the most inclusive, home-like and durable building with a high level of energy performance, exceeding the 2015 National Energy Code by 28 percent. Critical to the success of the project has been the ability to meet tight budgets and schedules as the Brock Mission has been without a true home to call their own for some time.

This is a view of the Dining Hall…

View of Brock Misson dining hall, rendering courtesy Lett Architects

Watch this video to learn more about the project….

The new Brock Mission shelter is slated to open its doors in November 2020.

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Fleming College Opens Gorgeous New 76,000 Square Foot A-Wing At Sutherland Campus

After years of planning, design and construction, the A-Wing was officially opened on Wednesday (March 27th) at Fleming College’s Sutherland Campus in Peterborough.

Preparing graduates for the evolving workplace was the driving force behind the newly renovated wing. The updated space will serve more than 3,000 students, and the facility will ensure programs continue to provide effective training to meet the evolving labour market needs.

Photo courtesy Fleming College

“This is a tremendous milestone for the college and the updated A-Wing now better provides opportunities for our students to prepare for today’s dynamic workforce,” says Maureen Adamson, President, Fleming College.

“The multi-purpose facility provides increased capacity for on-campus work-integrated learning opportunities and great access to simulations for task-based and scenario-based learning. This is another way Fleming is committed to producing the preferred graduate.”

Photo courtesy Fleming College

Indeed, the 76,000-square-foot building has all the amenities for students: It houses programs that include nursing, biotechnology, fitness and health promotion, occupational therapy and physiotherapy, paramedic, and personal support worker, as well as programs within the areas of justice and community development, business and culinary management.

Filled with natural light, the A-Wing features modern aesthetic appeal rich in simulation spaces, formal and informal student areas, and leading-edge technology to further support applied learning and student success.

Kudos to Fleming, and all involved in this project.

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Transformed Trent Bata Library Opens

The transformed “Library of the Future”—Trent University’s iconic Bata library—opened on Monday (October 29th) and it features a combination of the familiar and the stunningly new, with amazing views.

“With an emphasis on the original Ron Thom architecture and more open views to take in campus vistas, there is oodles of student space,” says the Trent University Alumni Association in a Facebook post.

Photo via Trent University Alumni Association Facebook Page

Folks on Twitter are raving about it…

Bata Library 2.0 includes a makers’ space with a 3D printer and other high tech gadgetry.

Photo via Trent University Alumni Association Facebook page

Make sure to sign the welcome board there as well…

Photo via Trent University Alumni Association Facebook page

This is a soft opening as some areas of the Bata building still require finishing touches. An official Bata Library Grand Opening Celebration event will take place November 16th, with more details to come on that from Trent U.

Here are some more pics of the new space…

Photo via @BataLibrary

Photo via Trent University Facebook page

Photo via Trent University Facebook page

Photo via Trent University Facebook page

Photo via Trent Univesity Facebook page

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Fleming College Is Recognized Among The Best In North America For Sustainability Efforts

Fleming College in Peterborough has been recognized as a top performer in the 2018 Sustainable Campus Index, among other North American college institutions in recognition of its sustainable achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

AASHE has recognized Fleming as fourth overall in the college category in its 2018 Sustainable Campus Index. The index highlights top-performing sustainable colleges and universities overall and in 17 sustainability impact areas, as measured by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS).

“Fleming College’s feature in this report demonstrates our commitment to ensure sustainability is interwoven into every aspect of the College, from operations and community engagement to curriculum delivery,” says Trish O’Connor, Director of Sustainability.

With more than 800 participants in 30 countries, AASHE’s STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publically reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance. Participants report achievements in five overall areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership.

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Rehabilitation Work Being Done To Earth Embankment Dams At Lift Lock & Trent-Severn Waterway

Many of you might have noticed the removal of trees and vegetation at the Earth dam at the Lift Lock.

Well the Lift Lock is one of several Earth embankment dams across the Trent-Severn Waterway that have been identified for rehabilitation or upgrades that may include repairs to washouts, removal of vegetation undermining their strength, and height increases.

Photo AT LIFT LOCK by Jay Callaghan

According to Parks Canada, this work is being done to rehabilitate and strengthen earth dams—which are vital for flood mitigation and therefore the safety of visitors, residents and property.

Indeed, the long and the short is trees were never meant to be on a hill holding back water and some breaches were discovered in the earth dam a few years ago.

Picture via Parks Canada website

During phase one of the project, trees and shrubs growing along earth dams—which threaten the dam’s long-term integrity by creating places for seepage and erosion—are removed.

The plan is to remove stumps and to re-plant beneficial plants like milkweed and tall grasses at the dam sites.

Earth Dam rehabilitation is occuring across the Trent-Severn Waterway, as can be seen in this graph below...

Picture via Parks Canada website

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Grand Opening Ceremony For Trent U's Awesome New Student Centre Recognizes Generosity Of Trent Community

The vision of Trent University students past and present has now become a reality as the green carpet was rolled out on Friday (September 28th), and the doors to the highly-anticipated Trent University Student Centre opened at the grand opening ceremony of the new building.

New Student Centre. Photo by Trent Central Student Association

“The Student Centre is a partnership between the University, its students and donors who care about Trent," says Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. "In that way, the Student Centre is a physical manifestation of what Trent is.”

“We’re delighted with the building that has resulted and look forward to its future use as space for our growing student body, offering new places where they can collaborate, learn and grow,” Groarke adds.

Photo by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada

THE BACKSTORY BEHIND TRENT STUDENT CENTRE

In spring 2013, a forward-thinking cohort of Trent students voted yes to a levy that would provide $10.5 million to fund the new Student Centre, and set the wheels in motion for the new building.

New Student Centre. Photo via Trent University

This funding, combined with an outpouring of philanthropic support from the Trent community including, the Board of Governors, faculty, staff, and alumni—as well as University contributions—helped complete the $16 million project.

Trent University President Dr. Leo Groarke speaking at Trent Student Centre opening, with Otonabee River as backdrop (photo via Marilyn Burns, Trent University)

“The commitment from Trent students to bring this building to fruition inspired an outpouring of support. The Student Centre Challenge engaged staff and faculty, Trent’s Board of Governors, and alumni to make a gift towards the campaign,” says Julie Davis, vice-president of External Relations and Advancement at Trent.

“As a result, we have yet another beautiful and inspiring space on campus thanks to the generosity and spirit of the Trent family.”

Photo by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada

Designed to connect with the beautiful, existing architecture at Trent University, the aesthetic of the new building honours the historic Ron Thom architecture of the Symons Campus, while offering a new space for students to learn and thrive on campus.

A few unique features and spaces in the new building include:

-> Use of glass throughout the building and its open-concept floorplan create a connected feeling on the inside while providing stunning views of the Otonabee River.

-> State-of-the-art lecture halls, adding 360 new seats to Trent University, including: Stohn Hall, a two-storey, 200-seat lecture theatre named in honour of alumnus Stephen Stohn ’66; a 60-seat Active Learning Classroom, equipped with projectors, whiteboards and moveable seating; and another 100-seat, tiered lecture hall
 
-> Wide variety of formal and informal student spaces—the first floor resembles a student café with a collection of round tables and chairs and lounge furniture; the second floor features barstool study spaces overlooking the atrium and river and dedicated spaces for silent study; and the third floor offers more group study space
 
-> A variety of outdoor spaces to use such as a patio located on the outside of the main floor of the building, connecting to Founder’s Walk and a second-floor balcony that overlooks the river
 
-> Multi-purpose event space with moveable furniture and access to an outdoor patio space
 
-> On-site Starbucks
 
-> New home for the Trent Central Student Association, clubs and groups

Photo by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada

The grand opening ceremony saw over 300 students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members gather to tour and celebrate the stunning new addition to Trent's Symons campus.

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Trent U's New Student Centre Opening This Fall Gets $300,000 Boost By Alumnus Justin Chiu

The highly-anticipated Trent University Student Centre slated to open this Fall that will make a great addition to the beautiful Symons Campus has received a $300,000 funding boost thanks to the generosity of international alumnus, Justin Chiu ’76.

Dr. Chiu’s gift to the Student Centre, which overlooks the Otonabee River, will contribute to enhancing the exceptional student experience at Trent that he personally attributes to helping him become the dynamic and successful business leader he is today.

Student Centre rendering courtesy Trent University

“My family and I chose Trent when I was a student because we felt that an outstanding small Canadian university would provide an excellent education on a very personal scale," says Dr. Chiu. "Today, that human touch remains an essential part of the Trent student experience."
 
Dr. Chiu’s latest gift to Trent (he has made many others over the years, including a $1 million gift to support Trent athletes with The Justin Chiu Stadium in 2011) brings the Student Centre project even closer to its $4 million fundraising goal, with less than $250,000 left to raise.

Student Centre rendering courtesy Trent University

“Dr. Chiu’s vision and dynamism has resulted in projects that have transformed Singapore’s waterfront and changed many other horizons throughout Asia," says Julie Davis, Vice-President of External Relations & Advancement at Trent. "Through his philanthropy and leadership, he helps extend that vision to the waterfront of Trent University with a vibrant new Student Centre."

Here is a picture Trent Alumni posted on their Instagram account of the progress of the Student Centre, which is being built next to the iconic Bata Library...

48 Likes, 1 Comments - Trent Alumni (@trent_alumni) on Instagram: "The new @trentuniversity Student Centre is taking shape! Can't wait to explore it in September!"

Here's another view of the Student Centre under construction taken by Trent University's Kate Weersink...

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Concrete Work Is Progressing Well At Healey Falls Lock 17

Since October 2016, Parks Canada has been working on repairs to the west wall at Healey Falls Lock 17 on the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site. The work has been progressing well and contractors are on track to complete repairs prior to navigation season in May 2017.

The contractor has recently poured the second level of the west wall on Lock 17, completing approximately 65 percent of the wall reconstruction. Next week, they will begin backfilling behind the west wall to reinstate the bank between the lock wall and Canal Road.

In order to keep up this pace of work while maintaining public safety, Canal Road will remain closed through to April. This will allow contractors to operate machinery and equipment freely to complete backfill, erosion protection and site restoration next to the lock.

Healey Falls Locks were built in 1910—66 years after the original construction of the Healey Falls timber dam. The flight of two locks were erected as part of the lower Trent River development created to accommodate power generation expansion. In 1913, a new concrete dam was commissioned and elements of the old dam were removed in 1915.

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