Campus Development

Renewing the Campus: Update on Significant Initiatives

Last fall, the Government of Manitoba awarded The University of Winnipeg $7.9 million to deal with 34 projects most of which have been on our list of deferred capital projects for some time. This funding was on top of the $350,000 we received in 2008/09 to address security and safety concerns, and $900,000 approved to renovate the closed portion of Spence Street running through the campus. Work on the funded portfolio of deferred maintenance projects will be completed by April 2010.

As a result, the largest upgrade to our classroom and public spaces since the construction of Centennial Hall is now underway. As a package, these measures will significantly improve the quality of student life and the educational experience at The University of Winnipeg.

Upgraded Facilities

The University has launched an extensive renovation program that increase energy efficiency and contain operating costs. Roof and window replacement is underway throughout the campus. The result will be a more comfortable working environment for students, and a significant step forward in reducing our carbon footprint.

Make & Mend

Throughout the campus, there will be the usual round of improvements to the look and usability of buildings:

new flooring is being installed in Centennial Hall;
the roof of the Library is being replaced to prevent water seepage that could damage the collection;
the movable wall in the Bulman Centre will be repaired to return that facility to full functionality;
the usual round of patching and painting will spruce up the appearance of classrooms and common areas;
doors containing asbestos have been identified and will be replaced as the locksets are changed;
a inventory of furniture will be made when the Spring term concludes so that the classrooms most in need of repairs can be addressed.

New Classrooms

For the past several years, Room 2L13 in Lockhart Hall has been home to the Student Information System (SIS) project team. With that project completed, the room is being converted to two 16-seat computer labs. Work to convert the Greyhound Bus Depot to the newest addition to our campus will begin in June. Once complete, it will house 11 new classrooms ranging in size from 16 seats to 30 seats for a total of nearly 300 new seats and a new 16-seat computer lab.

Smart Classrooms

This summer, UW begins deploying its second generation of technology-enhanced classrooms. Our new high resolution digital projector systems have three times the light output of our original units. PCs, DVD systems, and large LCD monitors will form the backbone of our new smart classrooms. A new, sleeker, smaller podium system is being designed and every classroon will be connected to the newly upgraded data network.

Safety & Security

The safety of the UW community is a high priority. Monitoring the nearly 1,000,000 square feet of classroom and office space and four city blocks of outdoor areas calls for innovative approaches. Campus safety is being enhanced through a package of initiatives that includes:

an extensive video monitoring system with strategically placed digital cameras that provide our security team with a constant view of all parts of the campus, day and night, and in all weather;
the security alarm system is being replaced to provide faster notification of events and quickly direct security staff to a situation that requires their attention;
the emergency public address system is being upgraded and expanded to ensure that information can be broadcast selectively to pinpoint locations, or broadly to the entire campus;
a new building access control system provides a balance between maintaining an open and inviting environment with the need for safety and security;
the fire alarm system will be upgraded with additional fire ennunciator panels.

Accessibility

Like most older buildings, our facilities are not as barrier-free as we want them to be. A number of projects are underway to reduce barriers to access and mobility. New flooring will reduce slip hazards. Washrooms in Centenial Hall - the heart of the campus - are being renovated to meet current accessibility standards. All elevators are being upgraded to make them easier to use for people with mobility challenges. Door hardware is being upgraded in every building as a major step in creating a barrier-free environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Duckworth Bleachers

The Duckworth Centre athletic facilities are a hub of campus life. Wesmen supporters will benefit from the upgrades to the original bleachers. The wear and tear imposed by 25 years of loyal fans will be addressed with a major repair and renovation project.

Wesley Hall

The major renovation of Wesley Hall - the University's signature historic building - was completed last summer. This year, we will focus on completing the stone work on the north side of the building to complete the exterior.

Online Registration

Version 2 of the online student information system is ready for Fall registration. The first generation system launched last summer has been enhanced with new capabilities designed to help our students find the courses they need, register, receive transcripts, and manage their vital records. The system will continue to be improved and expanded in response to feedback from students, faculty, and university administrators.

Network Renewal

The University's data and voice networks are being replaced with an integrated IP-based network. Older cabling is being replaced with a new cabling infrastructure that will provide for consistent, high bandwidth connections throught the campus. This project lays the foundation for a major expansion of Internet access capacity and a new voice over IP (VoIP) telephone system replacing the varied analog voice services. At the same time, the University's wireless network - one of the first in Canada - is being upgraded to expand both speed and throughput.

Westgrid

The University is a participant in the Westgrid data network that provides a very high-speed data communication network for science researchers at universities in western Canada. UW is implementing a new video conferencing suite to help researchers collaborate with their counterparts at other schools. This advanced system includes a 3D imaging system and large high-definition screens all connected to super computers in Winnipeg and Vancouver.

Updated May 21, 2009