Trent University Breaks Ground On Its Latest College, Gidigaa Migizi

Trent University has officially broken ground on Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College residence as staff and faculty celebrated the occasion on Thursday afternoon.

Staff and faculty head the groundbreaking ceremony of Gidigaa Migizi College just behind Otonabee College. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The new college is considered one of the largest infrastructure developments for both the University and the Peterborough area since Trent’s founding in 1964. 

“We are about to embark on a defining chapter at Trent University,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee residence will offer modern, inclusive spaces where students live, learn, and form lasting connections. It’s our most ambitious campus project yet. This new project will contribute tremendously to Trent’s vibrant learning and living environment.”

Gidigaa Migizi College is projected to open in the fall of 2028. It covers 700,000 square feet and is situated on the East Bank of the Symons Campus.

According to a press release, Trent University’s Housing Strategy, approved by the Board in 2019, is a long-term plan to modernize on- and off-campus housing, improve its accessibility, support the University’s growth and the City’s housing needs.

Trent is positioned to contribute up to 32 per cent of the City housing target of 4,700 new homes by 2031, through the addition of 1,300 beds between Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee residence, as well as other strategic and creative housing solutions, including the addition of a 224-bed long-term care home on campus.

“Today’s groundbreaking marks a major milestone in our journey to create a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable campus,” said Tariq Al-idrissi, Trent vice-president of finance and administration. “These buildings will meet the needs of a growing student body while reflecting Trent’s vision for education and community placemaking.”

Gidigaa Migizi College is named in honour of the late Elder, alumnus, and professor Doug William. The professor, elder, and community leader was known for his dedication to Trent students and for protecting Anishinaabe's treaty rights.

The decision to select an Anishinaabe name for the new college was a recommendation of the University’s Champlain Report to honour the treaty and traditional territory on which Trent University sits. Meaning ‘spotted eagle’ in English, the name Gidigaa Migizi College was recommended by the University’s Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers Council and approved by Trent’s Board of Governors.

The new residence will house more than 600 beds and include indoor connections to existing dining facilities. Signature red metal accents will pay tribute to the original college, while its pedestrian-friendly design and outdoor communal quad will create new spaces for connection and reflection.

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