Moving forward for student space
University embarks on plans for Unicentre extension
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AT the University of Ottawa have been forced to endure poor work environments for years. Cracked floors and overhead ceilings, asbestos, and security concerns have left student groups feeling frustrated when it comes to ensuring their designated university spaces are comfortable and safe. After many long discussions about the lack of space for student organizations within the Unicentre, the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO), the Graduate Student Association (GSAÉD), and the administration have decided that it is time for a change.
“The time has come to deal with serious plans for expansion,” said SFUO VP University Affairs Ted Horton. “If we’re to have adequate space for our services, for students to study, work, and come together, we will need a new student centre.”
The current Unicentre was built in 1974 to accomodate 15,000 students. With the U of O’s population now at approximately 37,000, more space is needed. After reviewing the conditions in which all students worked, it was decided that serious planning for more adequate and secure spaces should take place. Over the past few years, the SFUO, in conjunction with GSAÉD and the U of O administration, have been analyzing the amount of space in the Unicentre and have been trying to work out a way to expand student facilities.
“It was obvious that there are way too many students,” explained Gaétan-Phillipe Beaulière, external commissioner for GSAÉD. “We have been working for a couple of years, but now, the timing is just right.”
Currently, the SFUO, GSAÉD, and the administration are working on the plans for an extension of the Unicentre. This will be a student-owned and operated building that will allow more space for services, organizations, and groups.
“We intend for more space for student clubs, for studying and social space, and [to create] a space which improves student life,” said Horton.
Although the location for this extension has not been decided, one possibility is that it will wrap around the south and west sides of the existing Unicentre.
The process itself will involve three committees dealing with design, finance, and governance of the building itself. There will be representatives from both the SFUO and GSAÉD on each committee.
“The biggest challenge will be coming to a compromise between the design and finance committee,” explained Beaulière. “Finding a balance of what we want and what we can afford will be difficult.”
According to Beaulière, the design must ensure that it meets the needs of all students and include larger spaces to hold bigger conferences and events.
Another challenge for this process will be the strict deadlines. The goal of these committees is to have a plan outline by the end of a 12-week period that began early January. The plan for the new student centre is expected to be complete by April.
