Campus building projects set to get underway

Renovations to Petch and Queenswood accompany new district energy centre.

New construction and renovations of campus facilities will add to UVic’s research, teaching and learning spaces that will help our students and faculty continue to make meaningful change in society.

These projects include significant upgrades to science facilities, renovations at the Queenswood property to support academic and research activities and the first stages of a new district energy plant for campus.

“Through support from the provincial and federal governments, we are pleased to be able to move forward on a number of important capital projects in support of our academic mission,” says Gayle Gorrill, vice-president finance and operations. “Not only will these projects support faculty research and improve the teaching environment, they will also help us begin to address deferred maintenance.”

Science facilities at UVic will undergo significant renovations and quality upgrades to improve the functioning and efficiency of research and teaching labs in the Petch Building.

A short distance from the main Gordon Head campus, renovations and seismic upgrading are planned for the Queenswood property, purchased in 2010 from the Sisters of St. Ann for future academic and research activities. Those plans are now in the works including community consultations.

It is proposed that Ocean Networks Canada relocate to the Arbutus Road property as the main occupant of the former care facility building.

Plans are also in the works to deal with UVic’s aging energy heating infrastructure. The new system, outlined in a separate Ring story, is expected to significantly improve energy efficiency in buildings, research and teaching labs.

Other ongoing projects around campus include the replacements of roofs on the Sedgewick, Phoenix and Elliott buildings, and chemistry lab upgrades in the Elliott Building.

We appreciate your patience and understanding about the noise or other disruptions as work gets underway.