National Centre for Indigenous Laws and Fraser Building Renovation

The expansion and renovation will be a national centre for critical engagement, debate, learning, public education and partnerships of Indigenous legal traditions. It will foster the fundamental values of Indigenous societies of respecting the natural environment and interacting with the landscape to support the practice of law that honours the land.   

The centre will house classrooms, research and office facilities, and gathering spaces. The project scope also includes upgrades to the existing Fraser Building, which will bring students, faculty and staff access to end-of-trip cycling facilities (e.g., showers and change rooms) and add new flooring, carpeting and ceiling improvements. The student lounge, Main entrance, lobby and hallways will be modernized.

Sprinkler and heating system upgrades at the Fraser Building will be implemented alongside the expansion project. These upgrades will move the university towards its goal of a zero carbon campus.

The location of the expansion has shifted from the south of the existing building to the south-east of the existing building in order to:

1. Preserve old growth and high quality trees- The forest to the south of the building, which was the proposed site area of the feasibility study, contains the oldest and highest quality trees on the site. Building in this location would effectively remove the majority of these trees and thus affect the quality of the forest and all that it offers. By shifting the program to the north the building will have less impact on high quality trees and the continuity of the forest.
2. Respect the watershed and Bowker Creek- The topography on the south side of the site is significant in its slope towards the catchment of Bowker Creek. Building in the original location would have increased structural foundation work as well as increased impact on the Bowker Creek system.
3. Connect with the existing Fraser Building- By shifting the program towards the existing building main entrance there is the opportunity to create a full building circulation system that allows for ease of movement and connection between the existing building and the new addition. This allows for a building and program that will feel integrated and not siloed. This also provides for a refresh of the existing Fraser Building main entry, which was a desire documented in the 2019 Feasibility Study.
4. Activate on Ring Road- The location of the new addition provides a presence on Ring Road that clearly identifies the Fraser Building as a part of the campus. This location also provides a clear link to the inner Ring Road, aligning with pedestrian traffic coming from the heart of campus. This move supports the 2016 Campus Plan.
5. Improve way-finding- The location of the new entrance clearly orients you to an understanding of the building as soon as you walk into it, and alignment with the library corridor allows for a clear sightline into the south end of the building. A visual connection through many parts of the building allows for a clear sense of where you are when you are in the building. This move supports a commitment to walkability (2016 Campus Plan).
6. Increase area for learning deck- By pulling the building out of the forest there is an opportunity to increase the size of the learning deck. The deck, unlike the building, can have a lighter touch around the trees, which will allow it to penetrate further into the forest without being destructive.

The design concept interconnects at two locations to the existing building. The proposed design highlights include:

1. Renovation area with end-of-trip facilities, lounge, classroom, meeting rooms, offices and storage
2. Existing entry which will connect new and existing building space
3. Extended forest for natural views from the existing Fraser Building and new expansion
4. Outdoor learning deck with views and a connection to the forest
5. Expansion has presence on Ring Road and a unified welcoming façade
6. Additional entry to the expansion lobby providing easy access from Ring Road
7. Second-floor sky classrooms with views to the sky
8. Circulation in atrium is open to below with study nooks and views
9. A new large gathering space and small gathering space

You can find more information on the Open House Boards, located at the bottom of the page in the "Documents" tab. 

The landscape designs reflect feedback from community engagement

The landscape design is rooted in the principles of the UVic Sustainability Action Plan and best practices for environmental stewardship and management.

UVic is committed to protecting and managing the ecological diversity of the natural areas on campus. The project’s Environmental Stewardship Strategy maximizes the retention of trees on the site.

Where tree removal is required, UVic plans to re-use harvested timber within the building or gift it to Indigenous communities. UVic generally aims to exceed the tree replacement bylaw requirements of the District of Oak Bay and the District of Saanich (generally 2 to 1 tree replacement). In instances of tree removal, landscaping is restored with Indigenous plantings.

Active Transportation Infrastructure

Campus Cycling Plan directions have been incorporated into the expansion design including:

• Covered and uncovered bike parking stalls;
• End-of-trip facilities such as showers and lockers; and
• A 3m wide cycling path and a 2m wide pedestrian pathway fronting the building to the northeast.

Overall, the project aims to support sustainable transportation choices. 

Parking

The project received a parking variance approval from the District of Oak Bay for 25 stalls.

At this time it is anticipated that the project will not displace or add any parking stalls. The parking demand created by this new program is anticipated to be minimal.  

Students, faculty and staff will have access to end-of-trip cycling facilities and secure bike storage in the new building. In addition, students entering the JD and JD/JID program will receive a universal bus pass for the duration of their degree providing them with unlimited use of the Greater Victoria Transit System.

The project will be designed and constructed to target the CaGBC LEED Gold certification for new construction. Opportunities to further demonstrate sustainable design and construction innovation will be explored during the design process. The project is informed by best practices for environmental stewardship and management.

The building will aim to respect and learn from the environment through approaches such as utilizing mass timber, maximizing solar orientation and benefits, and managing on-site storm-water. The use of mass timber will contribute to the building’s overall sustainability goal by providing a carbon sink and reduction in emissions from prefabricated construction materials. Electric heat pumps will provide efficient and sustainable heating and cooling to the building. Infrastructure to encourage students, staff and faculty to cycle to campus, such as lockers, showers and bike parking, will also be included. 

The university has a long history of leadership in sustainability. The campus has received international attention for our commitment to green campus operations, interdisciplinary research, real-life learning opportunities and innovative community partnerships. The university integrates sustainability practices and a culture of shared responsibility into all areas of its operations and services. 

UVic strives to maintain a campus that fosters an energy conservation culture that utilizes innovative technologies and engages occupants to continually improve building performance as well as providing comfortable living, learning and work environments.