Conestoga College: Cambridge Campus Expansion | 12-20 m | 3-5 fl

[Spokes]

Conestoga College: Cambridge Campus Expansion
Homer Watson and Highway 401, Kitchener/Cambridge
Website: www.conestogac.on.ca
Architect: Moriyama & Teshima Architects

Cambridge Campus Master Plan - August 2009 (http://www.conestogac.on.ca/about/facilities/cambridgeplan.pdf)
Phase 1
http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Cambridge/Conestoga%20College/Conestoga%20College%20-%20Cambridge%20Expansion%20-%20Phase%201.jpg

[Spokes]

The map of the completed Cambridge campus:
http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af81/jcollins1311/Kitchener-Waterloo%20Shots/map.jpg?t=1262398016

Phase One:
http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af81/jcollins1311/Kitchener-Waterloo%20Shots/phase1.jpg?t=1262398091

Phase Two:
http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af81/jcollins1311/Kitchener-Waterloo%20Shots/phase2.jpg?t=1262398145

Phase Three:
http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af81/jcollins1311/Kitchener-Waterloo%20Shots/phase3.jpg?t=1262398161

Later Phases:
http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af81/jcollins1311/Kitchener-Waterloo%20Shots/laterphases.jpg?t=1262449106

Renderings of the Completed Project:
http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af81/jcollins1311/Kitchener-Waterloo%20Shots/diagram.jpg?t=1262398238

http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af81/jcollins1311/Kitchener-Waterloo%20Shots/diagram2.jpg?t=1262398272

http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af81/jcollins1311/Kitchener-Waterloo%20Shots/diagram3.jpg?t=1262398275
All images from: http://www.conestogac.on.ca/about/facilities/cambridgeplan.pdf

[Spokes]

The above concept was chosen from the following five concept designs:

Concept 1: Twin Quads - The unanimously selected scheme took its inspiration from classic campus quads, enclosed on three sides, open on one; a campus centre linking two building arms.

http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af81/jcollins1311/Kitchener-Waterloo%20Shots/concept1.jpg?t=1262398286

Concept 2: Indoor Main Street - In many ways the inverse of Concept 1, this scheme is organized around a grand internal galleria.

http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af81/jcollins1311/Kitchener-Waterloo%20Shots/concept12.jpg?t=1262398288

Concept 3: Highway Frontage - This scheme responds to an early idea that Conestoga's image would benefit from exposure to the great number of people traveling on Highway 401. The campus abuts the highway and is organized around a tree-sided quad.

http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af81/jcollins1311/Kitchener-Waterloo%20Shots/concept3.jpg?t=1262398290

Concept 4: Doon Reflection - This scheme mirrors the L-shaped organization of the adjacent Doon Campus, while the primary open space faces Doon’s pool. The interior walkway systems of the two campuses connect in a continuous flow across Highway 401.

http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af81/jcollins1311/Kitchener-Waterloo%20Shots/concept4.jpg?t=1262398292

Concept 5: Campus Circle - Taking its cue from a strong connection between the two campuses, this scheme explores a flowing, organic spiral composition, encompassing a central Green.

http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af81/jcollins1311/Kitchener-Waterloo%20Shots/concept5.jpg?t=1262398295

[Spokes]

Expanding horizons

January 07, 2008
BARBARA AGGERHOLM
RECORD STAFF

The possibility of snagging a new food-processing institute is adding fuel to Conestoga College's expansion hopes in Cambridge.

The stars are aligned for big things to come at Ontario's No. 1-rated public college, say supporters of a proposed $47.2-million addition on 54 hectares of green field in Cambridge.

The addition is part of a $71.4-million expansion of the entire college.

Supporters are optimistic the province's spring budget will contain good news.

"I believe it'll happen and I think we'll hear some announcements this spring on it," Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig said.

The case for expansion has become even stronger since the college began promoting the proposal in 2006, Conestoga president John Tibbits says.

Since then, Ontario's food-processing industry has come forward with a plan to train students for a fast-growing sector that uses increasingly sophisticated technology.

Building a full-fledged institute is one of the options. No decision has been made, but Craig Richardson, president of Grand River Poultry, and its subsidiary Grand River Foods in Cambridge, believes Conestoga would be the best location.

"Students will come from all over Ontario to attend an institute," said Richardson, who heads a steering committee of industry and government representatives.

"Conestoga has the capability to deliver this in a really, really strong, effective way."

Here's what else is happening, supporters say, to show the time is right for a major new campus in Cambridge, across Highway 401 from Doon campus:

It's a "big plus" that the new minister of training, colleges and universities is Kitchener Centre MPP John Milloy, Craig says.

"I think the fact that Milloy being the new minister has upped this considerably and I think also Conestoga College being the No. 1 college . . . certainly helps our case."

The college expects to grow 10 per cent a year for at least the next five years.

That would mean growing from 3,000 to more than 4,000 apprentices within five years, and from 7,000 to more than 10,000 full-time post-secondary students, Tibbits says.

The region's dynamic economy is bringing people here in droves. There is a growing shortage of skilled workers.

Thousands of workers who have lost jobs in the manufacturing sector need retraining.

"There's a significant percentage of employees that do not have high enough skill levels to adapt to the new technologies," Tibbits said.

The province wants to see more rapid growth in apprenticeship, and is making more operating dollars available.

Conestoga, the third-largest apprenticeship college in Ontario, could take more apprentices, but doesn't have the space.

"The No. 1 reason that students choose a college, either for post-secondary or apprenticeship. . . is the program in the community," Tibbits said. "So we are limiting access to apprenticeship and post-secondary in this community because in some areas we don't have capacity."

The province is pushing colleges to get more people to participate in post-secondary education.

The Canada-Ontario Labour Market Development Agreement has been signed, resulting in more money and programming to retrain workers.

Tibbits, Craig, labour leader Len Carter and others have been making their case for the new campus in Cambridge with top provincial politicians and members of the community.

With water, sewage and other services still to be developed on the land, it would probably be 2010 when a new campus could open, Tibbits said.

"The need is extraordinary. The college is too small for the community," said Carter, labour co-chair for the Waterloo-Wellington training and adjustment board and a former Conestoga College board member.

With more than 8,000 workers laid off in Waterloo Region in the last year and a half, retraining is a top priority, he said.

Supporters hope to meet soon with Milloy, who became a cabinet minister in October.

"If this project is going to go ahead, it's going to go ahead because the province is prepared to step up," Tibbits said. "If we don't get the money from the province, we're not going anywhere in the short term."

Cambridge is the biggest part of a plan that also changes around programs at Guelph, Waterloo and Doon campuses. Each campus will focus on specific areas of study, called centres of excellence.

The Cambridge green field is only a stone's throw from Doon campus.

Under the plan, a new Cambridge site would become Centre of Excellence in Welding, Robotics and Automation; Electronics/Telecommunications and Information Technology; Civil, Construction and Architectural Engineering Technologies; and Sustainable Green Energy and Applied Research.

Doon alone would become the centre for health-care education, in fields like radiology technology.

In Guelph, the transportation trades would grow.

"We could centralize, move things out of that campus; be able to grow a transportation trade centre in Guelph and probably add another 10 or 11 programs," Tibbits said.

Of the total $71.4-million cost, the college is asking the province to contribute $26.7 million and the federal government, $13.5 million.

The City of Cambridge, which owns 54 hectares (136 acres) of green field, would be asked to donate the land. Conestoga has a five-year option to buy the land.

"On our council, there is a lot of support for the college," said Craig, who supports the city contributing land to the project. "We need skilled individuals within this region to call upon, in terms of industry and the type of industry that's coming here now," he said.

"Cambridge, as an example, has 50 per cent of the industrial assessment within our borders, so we're particularly affected by the shortage of skills."

The land is important to the ambitions of both Cambridge and Conestoga, Craig said. It's probably "the prime visible land on the 401 between here and Windsor," he said.

But other governments must also do their part, he said. Craig will be pushing the Region for a commitment.

"I think it (Conestoga) needs more support from the regional government and the local government in trying to see its goals fulfilled."

For his part, Milloy said he can't commit the government to the plan, though it fits with the province's priority to address the skills shortage and retrain workers.

"Certainly I'm familiar with the Conestoga proposal. I think it's an exciting one. It's one that's moving in the right direction, but . . . we're going to have to weigh everything," he said.

Conestoga's plan is one of a number of proposals that Milloy has received from Ontario colleges.

"As minister, one of my priorities is looking at how we can continue to deal with the skills needs across the province. We're looking at all of them, working with the different colleges to see them developed more and then trying to look at that overlay of where are the needs within Ontario.

"I can't give firm timelines as to when final decisions will be made. This is part of an ongoing process and dialogue."

Tibbits said Conestoga has an opportunity to become the skills training centre for Ontario.

A true knowledge economy includes skilled workers, he said.

"To me the knowledge economy means taking people who are already in the workforce and having them better themselves. It's reducing high school dropout rates. It's increasing participation rates. That to me will make it a really vibrant community."

baggerholm@therecord.com

http://news.therecord.com/article/291573 (http://news.therecord.com/article/291573)



Conestoga's Cambridge campus gets $21M boost

August 20, 2008
April Robinson
Records staff

http://media.therecord.topscms.com/images/c0/12/d93a20724cfc8155fd09ee40cc8c.jpeg

KITCHENER - Conestoga College will get $21 million for a Cambridge campus alongside Highway 401, Premier Dalton McGuinty said yesterday.

The money will kick-start the new $50-million campus, which has been five years in the making, college president John Tibbits said.

"Other than the opening of the college, this is the biggest announcement we've ever had," Tibbits said.

McGuinty made the announcement after visiting the Toyota plant in Cambridge yesterday morning. The automaker's training centre received $22.1 million in the provincial budget in March, when the Liberal government announced its $1.5 billion, three-year "Skills to Jobs Action Plan."

The money for the Cambridge campus is coming from the same fund and will allow Conestoga to expand its programs in welding, robotics, civil engineering and renewable energy.

The new campus, across the highway from the Doon campus, will have 2,000 full-time skilled trades students and 1,000 apprentices, boosting total Conestoga enrolment beyond 14,000.

"Ontario needs skilled workers,'' McGuinty said. "They are the brains and brawn that help drive this economy. They're going to learn from the best in the business right here at Conestoga.''

Tibbits said construction will start in spring of 2010 on 54 hectares the college is buying from the city. The campus, with a 200,000 square foot main building, could open in two to three years, he said.

Conestoga College, which the provincial government rates No. 1 in Ontario, expects to grow by 10 per cent a year for the next five years.

Eventually, it will be as big as the Doon campus in Kitchener, Tibbits said. The college has already hired a fundraiser and will look for help from the private sector for equipment donations.

Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig said the campus will add balance to the city, already the site of the University of Waterloo architecture school.

"I'm quite pleased," he said.

The city bought the former industrial site five years ago and will sell it to Conestoga for $5 million -- about half its market value, he said.

Other local politicians hailed news of the Cambridge campus as a boon for the region's economy.

"This is just good, good, great news," said Conservative Kitchener-Waterloo MPP Elizabeth Witmer. "It's going to have a very positive impact on our local economy and we're going to be able to compete on the global stage as well."

The campus will also help meet the growing need for skilled trades people, said Regional Chair Ken Seiling. "There's a crying demand for skilled people, not just in this region, but all over."

Ross Wells, chair of the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, said in a news release the increased training is "critical for addressing future workforce demands." Ontario could have a shortage of more than 360,000 skilled workers by 2025, the Conference Board of Canada estimates.

Though the 1,000 apprentices at the Cambridge campus will need to find job placements, Kitchener-Centre MPP John Milloy, the minister of training, colleges and universities, said he's confident tax incentives will attract employers to take them on. "We've been examining ways to make (apprenticeships) more effective," he said.

Standing before a backdrop of Conestoga students dressed in red and white T-shirts, McGuinty said Ontario's strength is in its people.

"It's about the folks standing behind me," he said. "They're going to graduate to exciting and high-paying careers right here in Waterloo Region."

He said there are now 100,000 jobs in Ontario that need to be filled with highly skilled people. And half of the people working in skilled trades today will retire within the next 15 years.

"This is one of the fastest-growing areas and one of the economic engines of the province," Tibbits said. "We will have a tremendous impact, right across the area."

arobinson@therecord.com

http://news.therecord.com/News/CanadaWorld/article/401840 (http://news.therecord.com/News/CanadaWorld/article/401840)


It's official -- college buys land to expand

October 23, 2008
RECORD STAFF

CAMBRIDGE - Conestoga College officially purchased land for its $50-million expansion into Cambridge yesterday.

The 54 hectares of land bounded by Highway 401, Morningside Drive and Fountain Street was owned by the City of Cambridge. It's been held by council for a campus expansion.

The city was paid $5.7 million for the land. That's the original purchase price plus carrying costs, said Don Smith, Cambridge's chief administrative officer. The money goes into the city reserve fund that was used to make the purchase five years ago, he said.

"We are extremely pleased to see this partnership progress to a new level," Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig said in a statement.

"We recognize the importance of Conestoga's contribution to the region and beyond. Our goal was to help facilitate the process to build upon the educational opportunities for the community."

Two months ago, Queen's Park announced $21 million to get the project started.

The new campus will be across Highway 401 from the Doon campus in Kitchener.

It will allow Conestoga to expand its welding robotics, civil engineering and renewable energy programs.

It will have 2,000 full-time students and 1,000 apprentices in a 200,000-square-foot building.

Conestoga plans to have the first phased compete by 2011

A further 800,000 square feet of applied research and learning space is planned in future phases, boosting enrolment by another 11,000 students.

http://news.therecord.com/article/432692 (http://news.therecord.com/article/432692)



Conestoga set to outline bigger expansion plan

February 23, 2009
Kevin Swayze
RECORD STAFF

CAMBRIDGE

New money from Ottawa could help Conestoga College expand faster than originally planned in Cambridge.

College president John Tibbits will ask Cambridge city council tonight for more direct financial support to get a shovel in the ground along Highway 401 by summer.

"We're going forward quickly. The need for retraining is so great," said college president John Tibbits.

In the recent federal budget, there was infrastructure money allocated to colleges for the first time. "We believe there is an opportunity to get federal money which didn't exist last February," Tibbits said.

"This is a unique opportunity."

So far, Queen's Park has committed $21 million toward the project's estimated $50 million cost.

"We have submitted a proposal to the feds. It's not only the engineering campus but also an expansion of the engineering school beyond the original request to the provincial government."

Tibbits said the original first phase of the project was 200,000 square feet for an engineering campus.

Now, he's talking about a 260,000-square-foot first phase with additional federal money he expect s in a few months.

The Cambridge campus would centralize engineering classes spread across the Doon and Guelph campuses. That would free up space to expand programs like nursing.

In 30 years, Tibbits expects the Cambridge campus to be a million square feet, similar to the Doon campus today.

Tibbits wouldn't say exactly what help he will ask from Cambridge. "We want more than a pat on the back," he said.

City councillors were reluctant to comment on a request they haven't yet heard.

"With all due respect, we owe it to Dr. Tibbits to hear what he has to say before telling you or anyone else from the media what we are or aren't prepared to consider," said Coun. Ben Tucci.

Cambridge has already given $4 million to the college expansion, said Mayor Doug Craig. Five years ago, Cambridge purchased 54 hectares of land at Fountain Street and Morningside Drive that the college coveted for expansion, he said.

In October, the city was paid $5.7 million by the college for the land, which included the original price and carrying costs. Over five years, Craig said the land appreciated in value to $10 million.

"In a sense, we have given the college our support . . . we have made a large donation of money."

Cambridge council committed $6.25 million over 15 years toward University of Waterloo's $27-million school architecture along the Grand River. The $500,000 a year payments end in 2015. The city also oversaw campus construction. It opened in fall 2003.

Tibbits will have two local business leaders backing up his pitch to councillors at tonight's 7 p.m. public meeting at city hall, 50 Dickson St.

Cambridge entrepreneur John Bell and Nigel Doran, Com Dev vice-president of engineering, praise the way Conestoga graduates helped their businesses grow.

"Any success that I've enjoyed over the last number years . . . an awful lot has to do with the talent Conestoga College has provided to my companies," Bell said.

Bell also would support Cambridge taxpayers helping Conestoga expand here, either with money or by offering "in-kind services" to assist it. "I wasn't initially in favour of the University of Waterloo (campus in Cambridge). I'm absolutely thrilled I was proven wrong," Bell said.

"I believe there is a place for city funding. Certainly, the precedent has been set."

Skilled graduates from Conestoga help high-tech companies like satellite parts maker Com Dev compete in a tough worldwide marketplace, Doran said.

"By having a pool of talented people, it allows us to bring money into Canada."

Com Dev has lobbied on behalf of Conestoga's funding requests to other levels of government, but Doran said the company doesn't have position on the using city property taxes to help Conestoga's plans.

kswayze@therecord.com

http://news.therecord.com/article/492511 (http://news.therecord.com/article/492511)


College asks city for $5.7M 'gift'
Conestoga calls on Cambridge for help to fund expansion plan along Highway 401

February 24, 2009
Kevin Swayze
RECORD STAFF

CAMBRIDGE - Conestoga College wants city taxpayers to chip in $5.7 million towards a $100 million plan that includes creation of a new Cambridge campus along Highway 401.

City councillors received the request last night without debate and only a few questions. College president John Tibbits was asked when he needed a city answer to convince other levels of government to contribute more money.

"Sooner than later," he said.

Councillors made no decision on the request last night after Tibbits asked for a decision by May at the latest.

The federal government has money available for the first time for college expansion that must be used for projects that are ready to go, Tibbits said.

"My feeling is there isn't going to be any (federal) money available after 2011," he said.

Cambridge money would boost the college's pitch for that pot of money to build a food manufacturing institute as part of a 260,000 square foot first phase along Fountain Street at Morningside Drive, Tibbits said.

Five years ago, Cambridge purchased 54 hectares of land at Fountain Street and Morningside Drive on behalf of the campus. In November, the college paid Cambridge $5.7 million for the land. That's the original purchase price plus carrying costs.

It's now the money Conestoga wants the city give back as "a gift" towards funding the project, to help Tibbits get construction started by summer.

Queen's Park has already committed $21 million to the Cambridge project, which, last fall, was estimated to cost $50 million to start. The rest of the $100 million is needed renovate health services space in the Doon campus across Highway 401, to expand health care training in areas vacated by engineering programs moving to Cambridge.

Cambridge entrepreneur John Bell and Nigel Doran, vice president of Com Dev, both stood with Tibbits and praised the school for producing graduates who helped their high tech companies grow.

"If you want to have a competitive local economy, you need good research and the best skilled workforce," Tibbits said.

For companies in the region to stay competitive, they need workers trained for jobs that don't exist yet, the city was told. That's why the college's engineering and food services programs need to grow to meet the needs of new industry.

"It's not going to be taking laid off automotive workers and training them for RIM and Com Dev. It's not that simple," Tibbits said.

Conestoga is ready to work with Cambridge on future projects, including the eventual need for a sports complex the new campus, he said.

The new Cambridge campus would have about 2,500 full time students to start. The college pays a head tax of $75 each, in place of property taxes on those students. The city and region shares the money. The city would get about $30 per student, or $75,000 a year.

Those students would also spend about $35 million a year in the local economy, including tuition, Tibbits said.

He said construction of a first phase of the Cambridge campus would generate $132 million in a year in "economic benefit" in the community.

Tibbit's talked up Conestoga's accomplishments: ranked top college in Ontario nine of the last 10 years; enrolment up 9.5 per cent in 2008 and 20 per cent since 2006; graduate job placement rate of 93 per cent; and lowest student loan default rate in Ontario.

Today, Conestoga has 55,000 students, of which 38,000 are part time. There's a 10,000 square foot campus on Main Street in Cambridge today, offering language training, remedial programs and job upgrading classes.

kswayze@therecord.com

http://news.therecord.com/article/493046 (http://news.therecord.com/article/493046)

[Spokes]

Conestoga College seeks $8M from region to expand

March 12, 2009
Frances Barrick
RECORD STAFF

WATERLOO REGION - Conestoga College wants Waterloo Region taxpayers to chip in $8.1 million toward a $117-million plan that includes the creation of a new Cambridge campus, just across Highway 401 from the college's Doon campus.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the college to grow," college president John Tibbits said after his presentation to regional council last night.

"This is a huge expansion of the college. It will be a whole new college. It will be one of the largest in Canada when we are finished."

Plans call for the construction of a 200,000-square foot campus in Cambridge to house the new school of engineering and information technology. It will also house Ontario's first program geared to food- processing technology. The campus is expected to attract 3,000 more students.

The health sciences division at the college's Doon campus will also be expanded to accommodate 2,800 students, double the current enrolment.

Tibbits asked regional council for $5.7 million for the health program expansion and another $1 million to house an ambulance station at the college, which would allow students taking ambulance training to have first-hand experience.

The college also wants the region to cover the cost of any new roads needed at the Cambridge campus.

Council deferred a decision for a month, but Chair Ken Seiling told Tibbits that the college's plan to expand its health-care program fits in with the region's past practice of giving to post-secondary medical facilities.

At his presentation to council, Tibbits was flanked by six representatives from the local business and labour community who individually urged council to support this plan, which they said would provide much-needed skilled labour in the region.

The province has already pledged $21 million toward the expansion, with another $10 million pending.

Tibbits said the college will be seeking money from the federal government under its new infrastructure funding program.

"We are hoping to get a lot of support from the federal government," he said.

The college recently asked for $5.7 million from Cambridge. The city is considering the request.

Construction could start this summer.

fbarrick@therecord.com

http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/501840 (http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/501840)


Councillor calls for $5.7M gift for Conestoga College

May 14, 2009
Kevin Swayze
RECORD STAFF

CAMBRIDGE - It's time for Cambridge to give Conestoga College $5.7 million toward a $50-million expansion plan in the city, says Coun. Linda Whetham.

"We've given money to the school of architecture, we've given money to the hospital.

"It's only fair to give it to them, too."

Council, however, wasn't ready to give anything more to the college. Not yet.

This week, council accepted a staff report saying it's "problematic" for the city to offer any financial help to the college.

Already, the city purchased and held 54 acres of industrial land at Highway 401 and Morningside Drive for the college. In October, Conestoga purchased the land for $5.7 million from the city -- the same price the city paid.

That's already a $5-million donation to the college, said Mayor Doug Craig.

"Nobody else would go to bat for them; we put $5 million into it," he said. "If they had to buy the land today, it would be $10 million, not $5 million."

In March, Conestoga officials asked the city to donate the $5.7 million it paid for the land.

Whetham plans to put the Conestoga funding issue before council for debate at an upcoming meeting, when all councillors are present. Councillors Ben Tucci and Rick Cowsill were absent Monday.

Council did approve of Cambridge overseeing the process to extend sewers to the rural property and plugging into the Kitchener waste water treatment plant. The college and an adjacent landowner planning an industrial park will pay for the $90,000 study by MTE Consultants.

Conestoga president John Tibbits remains optimistic Cambridge will help with the Cambridge expansion, in some way, some day. He understands the city's budget is tight this year.

"We're certainly very flexible. It didn't have to be paid out all at once," Tibbits said yesterday.

"Frankly, I'm happy with the outcome . . . were' still talking."

kswayze@therecord.com

http://news.therecord.com/article/536668 (http://news.therecord.com/article/536668)

[Spokes]

Unveiling plans for college campus

Ray Martin, Times Staff
Sep 10, 2009 - 12:00 AM

http://media.mmgcommunity.topscms.com/images/06/86/949ef05344fdb0472fbad9597720.jpeg

If college officials had their way, shovels would already be in the ground on their new Blair campus.

In recent months, the project team at Conestoga College has met with government agencies and area residents as it formulates plans for the new campus. On Monday night, the team unveiled those plans to Cambridge city council as they applied for a zone change on the site, which is bordered by Fountain Street, Highway 401 and Morningside Drive.

Planner Chris Pigeon, of GPS Group, walked council through the first phase of the project, which has been broken into two parts. Initially, the college plans to spend $60 million to get the infrastructure in place for a campus that is expected to grow to one million square feet and accommodate 8,000 students. Infrastructure includes building the road system, including a new roundabout at the top of Dickie Settlement Road, which will be the main entrance. A sanitary pumping station will pipe waste across Highway 401 for treatment in Kitchener. The campus also includes two, three-to-five storey buildings with a total of 260,000 square feet to accommodate 2,000 students taking engineering and information technology courses.

In the latter part of the first phase, which college officials hope to start within three years, another four-storey building will be constructed, as well as the campus galleria –a public space used for student activities. Cost of the latter part of the first phase is estimated at $30 million.

Pigeon said special emphasis is being placed on the environment. Buildings will be designed to meet a Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. The campus will be made up of two rows of low-rise, “green”-roofed buildings, which will flank green-space. Hedgerows and wetland areas are being incorporated into designs.

Parking lots with incorporate a bioswail drainage system, designed to channel storm water runoff into rock-lined ditches that will slow and cool the water before it enters nearby Blair Creek. There will also be a treed buffer zone established around the perimetre of the site to screen it from its neighbours.

Another element being built into the latter part of the project’s first phase is the establishment of the Energy Centre, a cross between the Ontario Science Centre and Children’s Safety Village, according to college vice-president Kevin Mullan.

“It could become a local tourism destination,” Mullan explained.

Working in partnership with industry, the Energy Centre would showcase the latest in energy generation technology. The centre will not only have labs to show college students the latest in wind, solar, photovoltaic, geothermal technologies, programs will also be developed for visiting elementary and high school students, as well as the general public.

Blair campus will not just be an academic institution, according to college officials, it will also become a community resource.

The project team is working with the city and region to get necessary approvals and building permits to allow construction to begin this fall.

http://www.cambridgetimes.ca/news/local/article/153337--unveiling-plans-for-college-campus (http://www.cambridgetimes.ca/news/local/article/153337--unveiling-plans-for-college-campus)



Shovels in the ground for new Blair campus

Ray Martin, Times Staff
Sep 24, 2009 - 12:00 AM

Just two weeks after officials from Conestoga College unveiled plans at Cambridge council for the new Blair campus sod is being turned on the project.

Tomorrow morning College president Dr. John Tibbits will be joined by Cambridge MP and Minister of State for Science and Technology, Gary Goodyear, and Leanna Pendergast, parliamentary assist to the Minister of Education and MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga for the official ground breaking ceremony.

On Sept. 9, following a series of meetings with the city, region, GRCA and area residents the college’s project team applied for a zone change on the site, which is bordered by Fountain Street and Highway 401 and Morningside Drive.

In the first phase of the project, $60 million will be spent to get the infrastructure in place for the new campus and erect its first two buildings. Initially, two buildings totalling 260,000 square feet will be created to accommodate about 2,000 students taking engineering and information technology courses.

Over time, the new Blair campus will swell to approximately one million sq. ft. and accommodate 8,000 students.

Also in the initial phase of construction, the road system will be built around the new campus, including a new roundabout at the top of Dickie Settlement Road, which will be the main entrance. They will also install a sanitary pumping station that will pipe waste across Highway 401 for treatment in Kitchener.

In the latter part of the first phase, which college officials hope to start within three years, another four-storey building would be constructed as well as the campus galleria –a public space used for student activities. Cost of the latter part of phase one is estimated to cost $30 million.

The new Blair campus will not just be an academic institution, according to college officials; it will also become a community resource.

http://www.cambridgetimes.ca/news/local/article/153113--shovels-in-the-ground-for-new-blair-campus (http://www.cambridgetimes.ca/news/local/article/153113--shovels-in-the-ground-for-new-blair-campus)



Conestoga opens first building on new campus

September 25, 2009
By Luisa D’Amato, Record staff
ldamato@therecord.com

http://media.therecord.topscms.com/images/81/01/c37a6f3145cc87589a67ead7c2df.jpeg

CAMBRIDGE — Conestoga College officially opened construction on the first building in its new Cambridge campus Friday.

The ground-breaking ceremony was one of three in the past two days for local colleges and universities. Also Friday, Conestoga held a ground-breaking event for a roofing training facility at Conestoga’s Waterloo campus, and on Thursday, ground was broken for an engineering building at University of Waterloo.

The total investment of federal and provincial money was $108 million.

In Cambridge, a new, 260,000 square-foot structure will house the School of Engineering and Information Technology, as well as a new Institute for Food Processing Technology, which is expected to address the shortage of skilled workers in this area.

The food processing institute will be the first of its kind in Canada, the college says. It will also house the offices of the Alliance of Food Processors, an industry association representing the province’s food and beverage processors and suppliers.

“Ontario’s food processing sector is the second largest manufacturing sector in the province, but there hasn’t been a direct educational path to access careers in this sector,” said Craig Richardson, head of the alliance, in a statement.

“This institute is something our members have been working toward for some time, and it will allow our sector to remain competitive and keep jobs in Canada because companies will have access to a pool of skilled labour.”

In addition, another ground-breaking ceremony was held at the college’s Waterloo campus for a 12,000 square-foot training centre in roofing skills.

Public support for both Conestoga projects amounts to $72 million, shared by the federal and provincial governments as part of the plan to get Canadians back to work. The buildings are expected to be ready next year.

Thursday’s ceremony at University of Waterloo was for a five-storey Engineering 6 building, which will house part of the chemical engineering department and allow for expansion of chemical engineering research.

This new building will provide 113,000 square feet, including labs, teaching and administrative space, and will make use of $36 million in federal and provincial funding. It should be ready March 2011.

http://news.therecord.com/article/603770 (http://news.therecord.com/article/603770)

[UrbanWaterloo]

May 4, 2010

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Cambridge/Conestoga%20College/ConestogaCollege-CambridgeExpansion.jpg

850 Fountain Street South Entrance
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Cambridge/Conestoga%20College/ConestogaCollege-CambridgeExpans-1.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Cambridge/Conestoga%20College/ConestogaCollege-CambridgeExpans-2.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Cambridge/Conestoga%20College/ConestogaCollege-CambridgeExpans-3.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Cambridge/Conestoga%20College/ConestogaCollege-CambridgeExpans-4.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Cambridge/Conestoga%20College/ConestogaCollege-CambridgeExpans-5.jpg

Auburn Tower Apartments (250 Lena Crescent | Behind Cambridge Centre) In The Distance.
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Cambridge/Conestoga%20College/ConestogaCollege-CambridgeExpans-6.jpg

[Urban_Enthusiast86]

The frame of the first building is all the way up to the fourth floor now. I didn't have a camera on me today but I'll take pics the next time I'm in the area.

[Spokes]

$100M Conestoga College expansion on track for 2011 opening

June 06, 2010
By Kevin Swayze, Record staff

WATERLOO REGION – A $100 million expansion of Conestoga College is on track to open for students in September 2011.

And in a few decades, the school is envisioned to grow into monster campus straddling Highway 401 – one that could be one of the biggest hands-on post-secondary colleges in Canada.

“We’re trying to look at a 30- to 50-year view about how the college will grow,” said Kevin Mullan, vice-president of corporate services.

On 52-hectares in Cambridge at Fountain Street and Morningside Drive, construction of a new campus started in December. The $80 million start includes a new 260,000 square foot home for the college’s engineering, electrical and welding faculties, along with a new institute for food processing.

The Cambridge campus is designed to expand in phases to an eventual million square feet.

There’s already 900,000 square feet of space in the Doon campus on 60 hectares on the Kitchener side of the 401, where a 75,000 square foot expansion health sciences addition is underway.

“This could be one of the largest polytechnic institutes in Canada. Not a lot of them have 300 acres, especially in a major urban area.”

And at the same time as the Doon-Cambridge work picks up speed, a new, 12,000 square foot roofing skills training centre opened May 25 at the Waterloo campus.

Structural steel for the new Cambridge campus building is taking shape, but it’s won’t be complete until early July. The building will be enclosed by winter, when interior finishing work starts.

A $1.5 million, two-lane roundabout is planned for the entrance to the Cambridge campus, at Fountain Street at Dickie Settlement Road. Work is planned for this fall, if all approvals fall into place. If not, the three-month job will start in spring 2011.

As the engineering campus consolidates programs in Cambridge, the health care, business and media studies programs will grow in space left open in the Doon campus, Mullan said.

Steel for the health care addition at Doon will start going up in July, with the same Sept. 11 opening date as the Cambridge building, he said.

http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/723620 (http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/723620)

[UrbanWaterloo]

July 15, 2010

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Cambridge/Conestoga%20College/ConestogaCollege-CambridgeExpans-7.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Cambridge/Conestoga%20College/ConestogaCollege-CambridgeExpans-8.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Cambridge/Conestoga%20College/ConestogaCollege-CambridgeExpans-10.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Cambridge/Conestoga%20College/ConestogaCollege-CambridgeExpans-9.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Cambridge/Conestoga%20College/ConestogaCollege-CambridgeExpans-11.jpg

[Urban_Enthusiast86]

Wow is that building ever coming along fast...

Just farm fields and then BAM, just like a mirage. Kind of reminds me of the R&T park in some places. Now if only there were actually some amenities in the area...

[Urbanomicon]

I drove by this building earlier today. It is huge. It looks a lot bigger in person than in the photographs.

[Spokes]

I drove by this building earlier today. It is huge. It looks a lot bigger in person than in the photographs.

And it's gone together so quickly. I wonder how much money they still have for starting the next phases?

[Waterlooian4Life]

And it's gone together so quickly. I wonder how much money they still have for starting the next phases?

Unfortunately this first phase is taking the whole $100 Million. The second phase is estimated to be in the range of 5-10 years down the road assuming there is government funding at that time

[Spokes]

Unfortunately this first phase is taking the whole $100 Million. The second phase is estimated to be in the range of 5-10 years down the road assuming there is government funding at that time

WOW, they used all of that. Im surprised. And 5 to 10 is a long ways away. Too bad. I guess it'd require a HUGE increase in students to require it any sooner.

[KLM]

looks nice to me ,I hope whole area will be developed around.interesting fact how much parking space is designated for this location.Also I am a college alumni.

um anybody any proposal for public transit here? also that pedestrian bridge over 401 makes me sick every day when I commute from work to home.wonder what were they thinking?

[KevinL]

um anybody any proposal for public transit here?

The Rte 61 already goes by on Fountain, it's safe to say a stop will be added. If ridership increases I can see extra buses being added, or even an extension of the 10/16/110.

[Spokes]

The Rte 61 already goes by on Fountain, it's safe to say a stop will be added. If ridership increases I can see extra buses being added, or even an extension of the 10/16/110.

Does it run all the way down to where a future LRT stop would be?

[KLM]

Does it run all the way down to where a future LRT stop would be?

future LRT stop ? where at Shantz Hill? thats far away even from new new campus.I wish they have something proposed LRT route to college that would be great!

[Spokes]

future LRT stop ? where at Shantz Hill? thats far away even from new new campus.I wish they have something proposed LRT route to college that would be great!

Well asuming the LRT stops are where the aBRT stops are, yes at Shantz Hill. Look at the proposal. Theres one right at Fountain. This project is on Fountain, its not that far. Thus my question does this run to the future LRT (or aBRT) stop?

[KLM]

Well asuming the LRT stops are where the aBRT stops are, yes at Shantz Hill. Look at the proposal. Theres one right at Fountain. This project is on Fountain, its not that far. Thus my question does this run to the future LRT (or aBRT) stop?

its aBRT but to get to that stop you have to transfer.Are you aware how far away is this new campus to Shantz Hill? tell me how this is not far?

[Spokes]

its aBRT but to get to that stop you have to transfer.Are you aware how far away is this new campus to Shantz Hill? tell me how this is not far?

With no stops in between (what would they stop for) its not that far. Google maps says 4 minutes (3.2 km) is that far?

If you read my original post, I asked if it was close to an LRT stop, its 3.2 km or 4 minutes away. Thats close in my mind.

[KLM]

With no stops in between (what would they stop for) its not that far. Google maps says 4 minutes (3.2 km) is that far?

If you read my original post, I asked if it was close to an LRT stop, its 3.2 km or 4 minutes away. Thats close in my mind.

my point was it would be great that proposed LRT route to cover directly new college campus. try walking 3.2 km and you will realize its not that close.

[Spokes]

my point was it would be great that proposed LRT route to cover directly new college campus. try walking 3.2 km and you will realize its not that close.

Ohhh ok. You didn't say that. Ya that'd be fantastic if it did. I wish it did too. Unfortunately for the single line that they're proposing its out of the way. Now, one transfer away from a rapid transit line, that's worth while for a lot of students, especially once frequency has increased.

[KLM]

Ohhh ok. You didn't say that. Ya that'd be fantastic if it did. I wish it did too. Unfortunately for the single line that they're proposing its out of the way. Now, one transfer away from a rapid transit line, that's worth while for a lot of students, especially once frequency has increased.

yes!!! lol:)

[Urbanomicon]

my point was it would be great that proposed LRT route to cover directly new college campus. try walking 3.2 km and you will realize its not that close.

It's about a half-hour walk each way. Additionally, Fountain Street has no sidewalk until the housing beings in Preston (about 0.6km from Shantz Hill) and the bridge over the Grand River is quite narrow.

[Spokes]

yes!!! lol:)

But since it isn't going to happen, what's wrong with a potential 5-10 minute wait combined with a 5-10 minute bus ride to get to a rapid transit line? To me, nothing. Transit is never going to be perfect, but ideally we strive to get it as close to perfect as possible

[KLM]

But since it isn't going to happen, what's wrong with a potential 5-10 minute wait combined with a 5-10 minute bus ride to get to a rapid transit line? To me, nothing. Transit is never going to be perfect, but ideally we strive to get it as close to perfect as possible

oh I know that ,but if we had college in mind ridership would be higher plus more cost effective which what we want here, correct?

[DHLawrence]

aBRT won't go anywhere near Shantz Hill (which, while not long physically, is psychologically a very long trip, especially in rush hour). It's going to be at Sportsworld, which is also difficult to reach in rush hour.

[Spokes]

oh I know that ,but if we had college in mind ridership would be higher plus more cost effective which what we want here, correct?

Yes Im sure it would be. Although I think Conestoga College is far more commuter orriented if you compared it to UW or WLU

[KLM]

Yes Im sure it would be. Although I think Conestoga College is far more commuter orriented if you compared it to UW or WLU

I agree on that but back in 2002 bus from Fairview Mall to college was always packed.

[Spokes]

I agree on that but back in 2002 bus from Fairview Mall to college was always packed.

But that was 8 years ago. Since then service has increased, although so has demand. Not enough for a LRT line though. An express line down Homer Watson though all the way to the Shantz Hill LRT stop though? I'd say so.

[KLM]

But that was 8 years ago. Since then service has increased, although so has demand. Not enough for a LRT line though. An express line down Homer Watson though all the way to the Shantz Hill LRT stop though? I'd say so.

I wish and hope something like that will happen.

[KevinL]

Keep in mind the current campus has TWO express routes for weekday rush hours, the 110 to Fairview Mall and the 116 to Forest Glen. This is on top of the all-day 10 and 16 (regular-stop routes to, again, Fairview and Forest Glen) and the 61 (to Preston and Cambridge Centre). Any or all of these could be enhanced to add service to the new campus.

[taylortbb]

Keep in mind the current campus has TWO express routes for weekday rush hours, the 110 to Fairview Mall and the 116 to Forest Glen.

There's also the 111 express to the Ainslie St Terminal.

[KevinL]

There's also the 111 express to the Ainslie St Terminal.

Oh, quite right! And adding a Cambridge-campus stop to that route should be even easier.

Thanks for the reminder.

[Waterlooian4Life]

Could some one please correct the Architect's name on this project.... the Correct name is Moriyama & Teshima Architects.

[Spokes]

Could some one please correct the Architect's name on this project.... the Correct name is Moriyama & Teshima Architects.

Changed. Thanks for pointing that out. Im a fan of Moriyama & Teshima Architects, they're doing some great work up at my alma mater, Carleton

[jay]

I just got a letter in the mail about this project as I am attending Civil Engineering at Conestoga. They plan on moving all the engineering to the new campus for the 2011 semester. It sucks that I will be in no mans land with one building....

Also they say how the Guelph student will be going there also and how there is no public transit, so you will have to make living arrangements if you don't own a vehicle.

[Spokes]

New roundabout for Cambridge
Fountain and Dickie Settlement construction begins.

570 News Aug 09, 2010 03:41:42 AM

Get ready for single lanes and construction for your drive through the Fountain Street/Dickie Settlement area.

Traffic signals at the intersection are scheduled to be removed Monday August 9, and drivers can expect stop signs and one lane of traffic in each direction by Tuesday.

Regional Senior Project Manager, Frank Kosa tells 570 News they looked at the costs and benefits and the roundabout was the better option.

The new roundabout is going in to service growing traffic needs in the area; Conestoga College's new campus is going up near the intersection.

The construction is scheduled to go until the end of October.

[smably]

Changed. Thanks for pointing that out. Im a fan of Moriyama & Teshima Architects, they're doing some great work up at my alma mater, Carleton
They also did the new Waterloo Region Museum at Doon, which I visited for the first time yesterday. Really impressive building, I'd say. Shame it's so inaccessible via transit.

[UrbanWaterloo]

September 12, 2010

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Cambridge/Conestoga%20College/Conestoga%20College%20-%20Cambridge%20Expansion%20-%20September%2012%2C%202010%20-%203%20Resized.JPG

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Cambridge/Conestoga%20College/Conestoga%20College%20-%20Cambridge%20Expansion%20-%20September%2012%2C%202010%20-%205%20Resized.JPG

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Cambridge/Conestoga%20College/Conestoga%20College%20-%20Cambridge%20Expansion%20-%20September%2012%2C%202010%20-%209%20Resized.JPG

[KevinL]

Excellent progress! This is really becoming a landmark in what had been an empty corner.

[jay]

This campus won't have public transit connected to it when it opens next year.

I know this because I am attending a program at Conestoga that is being moved there next year and they notified me of the lack of transit to the school.

[Urbanomicon]

This campus won't have public transit connected to it when it opens next year.

I know this because I am attending a program at Conestoga that is being moved there next year and they notified me of the lack of transit to the school.

I'm not sure how close this building is to the pedestrian overpass over the 401, but can students not simply cross over and use the transit on the Kitchener side (at least for the time being)?

[mpd618]

This campus won't have public transit connected to it when it opens next year.

It really is a nonsense of way of doing city planning when something is built with no regard as to the provision of transit (i.e. greenfield), and then transit is supposed to go out of its way to serve the site.

[KLM]

I'm not sure how close this building is to the pedestrian overpass over the 401, but can students not simply cross over and use the transit on the Kitchener side (at least for the time being)?

I dont think walking is viable option,especially during winter time plus windchill effect walking over that pedestrian bridge, brrrr!!
Maybe bus shuttle would help organized internally from college. I wouldn`t rely on GRT planners.

Wonder how they are going to solve this problem.

[KevinL]

This campus won't have public transit connected to it when it opens next year.

I know this because I am attending a program at Conestoga that is being moved there next year and they notified me of the lack of transit to the school.

If this is truly GRT's decision, I'm disappointed.

The 61 does currently have a stop at Fountain/Blair (http://grt.ca/web/transit.nsf/DocID/A1FA1521F1A5C106852573370062B7A4/$file/RT%2061.pdf?openelement), so that's at least somewhat closer.

[jay]

In the letter I received the college says if you do not drive, you must live at residence or a house close to the area and walk. Which I think is a joke. The place is kinda a hike from the main campus especially in the winter. I drive so it does not affect me, and most people in my course drive also but a few take the bus and they all think it's pretty stupid to build a college in a location with no public transit.

[Spokes]

A shuttle bus like KLM mentioned would be a good idea.

[Spokes]

In the letter I received the college says if you do not drive, you must live at residence or a house close to the area and walk. Which I think is a joke. The place is kinda a hike from the main campus especially in the winter. I drive so it does not affect me, and most people in my course drive also but a few take the bus and they all think it's pretty stupid to build a college in a location with no public transit.

Ya the college and grt really need to get together and do some work to make things work here.

[mpd618]

Ya the college and grt really need to get together and do some work to make things work here.

On whose dime?

[Spokes]

On whose dime?

Well GRT should realize that Conestoga College should be a priority just as UW and WLU are, so it would come out of their budget.

[KLM]

not having transit connection to new campus is equal to nonsense.

I wonder why college didn`t expand on the opposite side ,not cambridge.

location between homer-watson, conestoga college blvd and doon valley drive? nice triangle:)

[mpd618]

Well GRT should realize that Conestoga College should be a priority just as UW and WLU are, so it would come out of their budget.

Scarce taxpayer investment in transit would be better directed towards (and go further by) providing service on major urban corridors than inefficient, long routes on the outskirts of town to single, car-oriented destinations.

Developments that are built out of the way (http://www.humantransit.org/2009/04/be-on-the-way.html) are the reason for empty buses, and they extract a disproportionately high transit subsidy.

[garthdanlor]

not having transit connection to new campus is equal to nonsense.

I wonder why college didn`t expand on the opposite side ,not cambridge.

location between homer-watson, conestoga college blvd and doon valley drive? nice triangle:)

I believe Cambridge cut the college a good deal for the land, with the hopes that the new campus would spur development of the (greenfield) area. The main Conestoga College campus hasn't really done much in the way of encouraging development across the 401, apart from a few restaurants, in the few decades it has been there.

It is pretty ridiculous that the college is telling its students not to expect public transit access to its brand new campus...they are going to have to offer some sort of shuttle service until this is sorted out.

[metropolis]

not having transit connection to new campus is equal to nonsense.

I wonder why college didn`t expand on the opposite side ,not cambridge.

location between homer-watson, conestoga college blvd and doon valley drive? nice triangle:)

Not to mention the acres of parking they have that could be rolled into a single multi level parking structure, save them on land acquisition and infrastructure costs to get services out there. I feel like this whole thing could have been housed along here (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=400+Doon+Valley+Drive,+Kitchener,+Ontario&sll=43.392123,-80.405824&sspn=0.007874,0.016458&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=400+Doon+Valley+Dr,+Kitchener,+Waterloo+Regi onal+Municipality,+Ontario&ll=43.392684,-80.402369&spn=0.007874,0.016458&t=h&z=16) in perhaps some slightly taller structures. With a 5 storey parking garage here (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=400+conestoga+college+blvd,+Kitchener,+Ontario&sll=43.388961,-80.410908&sspn=0.008311,0.016458&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Conestoga+College+Blvd,+Kitchener,+Waterloo+ Regional+Municipality,+Ontario&t=h&z=16) over top of the surface lot to accomodate the lost parking and the new parking needs. This whole project smells of bad politics to me.

[KLM]

Not to mention the acres of parking they have that could be rolled into a single multi level parking structure, save them on land acquisition and infrastructure costs to get services out there. I feel like this whole thing could have been housed along here (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=400+Doon+Valley+Drive,+Kitchener,+Ontario&sll=43.392123,-80.405824&sspn=0.007874,0.016458&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=400+Doon+Valley+Dr,+Kitchener,+Waterloo+Regi onal+Municipality,+Ontario&ll=43.392684,-80.402369&spn=0.007874,0.016458&t=h&z=16) in perhaps some slightly taller structures. With a 5 storey parking garage here (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=400+conestoga+college+blvd,+Kitchener,+Ontario&sll=43.388961,-80.410908&sspn=0.008311,0.016458&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Conestoga+College+Blvd,+Kitchener,+Waterloo+ Regional+Municipality,+Ontario&t=h&z=16) over top of the surface lot to accomodate the lost parking and the new parking needs. This whole project smells of bad politics to me.

I agree, even when you park at Doon, you need nice 5 minute walk.multistore parking would help and free up land for development.sad to see but this reminds me as suburban design just college wise:(

[Shawn]

Another thing that is usually missed (or I never see it mentioned) when considering multi-level parking structures is the ongoing savings from snow removal. You really only need to remove snow from the top level, all lower levels are snow free. If you make the parking structure with enough excess capacity you could even simply close the top level during the winter and not even remove snow there!

I wonder how much Conestoga College currently pays for snow removal for their acres of surface parking. I realize it's probably not enough to tip the scales to make a parking garage "cheaper" than surface parking, but even if it's only $50K / year, over 10 years that's a half million dollar savings.

[mpd618]

I wonder how much Conestoga College currently pays for snow removal for their acres of surface parking. I realize it's probably not enough to tip the scales to make a parking garage "cheaper" than surface parking, but even if it's only $50K / year, over 10 years that's a half million dollar savings.

For a thousand cars, I'm going to guess that the extra cost to the developer is around $25-30m over surface parking. (Assuming low land value and ignoring the externalities of impermeable surface.) Over a thirty year life of a garage, that's $1m per year - nowhere near offset by $50K/year savings.

[Section ThirtyOne]

In the letter I received the college says if you do not drive, you must live at residence or a house close to the area and walk. Which I think is a joke. The place is kinda a hike from the main campus especially in the winter. I drive so it does not affect me, and most people in my course drive also but a few take the bus and they all think it's pretty stupid to build a college in a location with no public transit.

This is laughable, the campus is being built in the middle of a massive swath of undeveloped land. The nearest houses are in Blair and they are hardly student friendly.

[Brenden]

This is laughable, the campus is being built in the middle of a massive swath of undeveloped land. The nearest houses are in Blair and they are hardly student friendly.

Conestoga has always been a commuitor school, when I went there a few years back their residenence was not even full. Their are only like a half dozon student rental houses within walking distances.

[jay]

Conestoga pays roughly 55k a year in snow removal.

[DHLawrence]

I'm predicting that Preston Heights will become the new student ghetto for Waterloo Region (not that anybody will notice the change). Cheap townhouses all over the place and an established rental culture--plus it's only ten minutes away.

[KLM]

many options to expand but seems the worse one was picked just to justify cost of cheap land.
What scares me most is that some `brave` student will try to walk on Homer-Watson and get involved in accident.No sidewalk at all.

[metropolis]

I went there too many years ago and no one lives at the residence cause its a 15 minute walk to parts of campus. Its as if the school's planners never realized society has moved away from 1950s and 60s planning practices.

[Duke-of-Waterloo]

With this Cambridge Campus expansion and Conestoga now starting to offer full degrees, I wouldn't be surprised if Conestoga becomes a full university or "institute of technology" in the next 10-15 years. Maybe something similar to UOIT (http://www.uoit.ca/EN/index.html).

[metropolis]

With this Cambridge Campus expansion and Conestoga now starting to offer full degrees, I wouldn't be surprised if Conestoga becomes a full university or "institute of technology" in the next 10-15 years. Maybe something similar to UOIT (http://www.uoit.ca/EN/index.html).

They already are http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conestoga_College

[Section ThirtyOne]

Conestoga has always been a commuitor school, when I went there a few years back their residenence was not even full. Their are only like a half dozon student rental houses within walking distances.

For the most part, yes. As someone who lived on Old Mill and had to deal with the ridiculous NIMBY neighbours, I can tell you there are more than a few student houses around.

However given the schools commuter status, it's even more ridiculous that the new campus is not being served by transit. Would it throw the schedules that far out of whack to do a quick loop up to the new roundabout?

[DHLawrence]

They already are http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conestoga_College

However they're adamant that they will not become a university over time. They intend to remain a college/institute with degree-granting status.

[KevinL]

However given the schools commuter status, it's even more ridiculous that the new campus is not being served by transit. Would it throw the schedules that far out of whack to do a quick loop up to the new roundabout?

My thoughts exactly, and I must wonder how reliable the infromation is from the college officials stating there 'won't be transit'.

I know GRT is doing a major overhaul of numerous routes next fall; surely this could be brought up with them during the evaluations they'll be making?

[DHLawrence]

Or at least *near* the roundabout. One stop consisting of a sign, a slab of concrete, and a shelter will cost maybe two minutes on the schedule (a stop farther into campus can wait until more has been built. I walked farther to get to a parking lot at University of Guelph; it isn't pleasant by any stretch of the imagination, but it's doable. Far better than having the added expenses of driving.

[benjaminbach]

I'm predicting that Preston Heights will become the new student ghetto for Waterloo Region (not that anybody will notice the change). Cheap townhouses all over the place and an established rental culture--plus it's only ten minutes away.

I agree. My wife and I have an investment unit in the new Deerfield (Eastforest) townhouse development that recently went in a few minutes north of the 401 at Hespeller Rd (exit 282).

The majority of the complex is occupied by owners, but there are a good number of units owned by investors. Generally renting out between $1200 & 1450 - pretty good rate for 3 students who want a newer (non 'student') place.

There is also the large Toyota factory nearby which is a steady stream of good tenants

[UrbanWaterloo]

Welcome to Wonderful Waterloo Benjamin!

[UrbanWaterloo]

November 6, 2010

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Cambridge/Conestoga%20College/Conestoga%20College%20-%20Cambridge%20Expansion%20-%20November%206,%202010%20-%201%20Resized.JPG

[BuildingScout]

I'm predicting that Preston Heights will become the new student ghetto for Waterloo Region

It should become a student district, if the zoning is properly done. It if becomes a ghetto you can blame city council for that. A student district has mixed usages, services for all citizens and special regulations that facilitate the student-resident mix (e.g. requirements for bonded contracts with lawn-keeping companies for rental properties, parking facilities of appropriate size, reasonable noise regulations and so on).

[jay]

Almost everyone who goes to Conestoga College right now drives. It's way different than the UW/WLU...In my program alone only 1 person takes the bus and maybe 10 people live close by, everyone else drives.

[KevinL]

November 6, 2010

Wow, they're zipping along! Nice stuff.

[Spokes]

Almost everyone who goes to Conestoga College right now drives. It's way different than the UW/WLU...In my program alone only 1 person takes the bus and maybe 10 people live close by, everyone else drives.

Oh really? I thought there was a bit of student housing around there?

Never though Id hear myself say it, but maybe it's needed, not in the 5 bedroom variety, but mixed use rental buildings?

[KevinL]

Oh really? I thought there was a bit of student housing around there?

One double-winged building (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=homer+watson+%26+new+dundee,+kitchener&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=27.382728,63.632813&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Homer+Watson+Blvd+%26+New+Dundee+Rd,+Kitchen er,+Waterloo+Regional+Municipality,+Ontario&ll=43.38431,-80.415695&spn=0.007517,0.023711&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=43.384311,-80.411627&panoid=kPR-9IcziRIjsBnBbrV7fQ&cbp=12,5.32,,0,-7.33) across Homer Watson, yes.

[jay]

There is housing just 80% of the people don't use it. Probably based on the fact that there is loads of parking and it is only 400$ a year for parking. Or that the programs are not that expensive. Could be lots of reasons..I'm just saying that hardly no one lives close by.

[GGHTransit]

There is housing just 80% of the people don't use it. Probably based on the fact that there is loads of parking and it is only 400$ a year for parking. Or that the programs are not that expensive. Could be lots of reasons..I'm just saying that hardly no one lives close by.

Yeah, that's one thing that irks me every time I look at the aerial photos of the existing college AND the plans of the new campus...ENORMOUS parking lots! I mean common, really? The other side of that coin is that GRT routes 10 and 110 are running extremely full all day between the College and Fairview Park Mall, so not everyone's using cars.

[Spokes]

One double-winged building (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=homer+watson+%26+new+dundee,+kitchener&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=27.382728,63.632813&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Homer+Watson+Blvd+%26+New+Dundee+Rd,+Kitchen er,+Waterloo+Regional+Municipality,+Ontario&ll=43.38431,-80.415695&spn=0.007517,0.023711&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=43.384311,-80.411627&panoid=kPR-9IcziRIjsBnBbrV7fQ&cbp=12,5.32,,0,-7.33) across Homer Watson, yes.

That's the College's residence though right?

Not much private investment?

[DHLawrence]

It should become a student district, if the zoning is properly done. It if becomes a ghetto you can blame city council for that. A student district has mixed usages, services for all citizens and special regulations that facilitate the student-resident mix (e.g. requirements for bonded contracts with lawn-keeping companies for rental properties, parking facilities of appropriate size, reasonable noise regulations and so on).

Have you been to Preston Heights? If it becomes a student ghetto nobody will know the difference.

[KevinL]

That's the College's residence though right?

Not much private investment?

The college didn't build it themselves, it's a private building strategically located.

To my knowledge the college owns no residential property.

[Spokes]

The college didn't build it themselves, it's a private building strategically located.

To my knowledge the college owns no residential property.

Oh I always thought it was an existing building that they bought.

[garthdanlor]

The college didn't build it themselves, it's a private building strategically located.

To my knowledge the college owns no residential property.

I'm not exactly sure who owns the residence, but it started off as a hotel.

[Spokes]

I'm not exactly sure who owns the residence, but it started off as a hotel.

That was what I thought too.

[garthdanlor]

It should become a student district, if the zoning is properly done. It if becomes a ghetto you can blame city council for that. A student district has mixed usages, services for all citizens and special regulations that facilitate the student-resident mix (e.g. requirements for bonded contracts with lawn-keeping companies for rental properties, parking facilities of appropriate size, reasonable noise regulations and so on).

The Doon Campus has been around for decades and has spurred very little development in the area, and the residential area around Doon has remained largely single family. Not sure that the Cambridge campus on the very edge of the town will have much affect on Preston Heights...at least in the short term.

[Section ThirtyOne]

The Doon Campus has been around for decades and has spurred very little development in the area, and the residential area around Doon has remained largely single family. Not sure that the Cambridge campus on the very edge of the town will have much affect on Preston Heights...at least in the short term.

Of note is that property owners around the campus are EXTREMELY resistant to student residences in their neighbourhood. It always blew my mind how militant they were.

[Urban_Enthusiast86]

Almost everyone who goes to Conestoga College right now drives. It's way different than the UW/WLU...In my program alone only 1 person takes the bus and maybe 10 people live close by, everyone else drives.

Having taken a few continuing ed courses there, my experience of Conestoga College was that it was very much a commuter campus, which is very different from UW/WLU. A lot of the people there live in Waterloo Region or at least commuting distance. Whatever few out-of-towners go to school there probably have no problem renting in regular apartment buildings or boarding in people's houses.

[metropolis]

Of note is that property owners around the campus are EXTREMELY resistant to student residences in their neighbourhood. It always blew my mind how militant they were.

Doesn't suprise me. One word as to why says it all I think: Northdale.

[UrbanWaterloo]

February 22, 2011

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Cambridge/Conestoga%20College/Conestoga%20College%20-%20Cambridge%20Expansion%20-%20February%2022,%202011.JPG

[BuildingScout]

Doesn't suprise me. One word as to why says it all I think: Northdale.

You got it backwards. Northdale is the result of residents being resistant to student residences. Approving a few key towers on busy intersections near campus is all it would have been needed to stop Northdale from happening. Residents resisted that thirty years ago and that's why we have Northdale.

Watch CC neighbours make the same mistakes all over again.

[Waterlooer]

Conestoga College's New Health Facility on track
Feb 27, 2011 | 570 News | Link (http://www.570news.com/news/local/article/189757--conestoga-college-s-new-health-facility-on-track)


Conestoga College's new health care teaching facility is on-time and on-budget.

College President, John Tibbits, hosted a media tour recently of the new 7,000 square foot wing of their Doon Campus, which is still under construction, but expected to be open for classes this September.

Tibbits says the facility will start off teaching four or five programs, but eventually will teach eighteen programs, mainly focused on nursing.

Other programs will cover respiratory technology and paramedics work.

A significant number of students who will attend classes at the new facility will be there for job retraining, Tibbits adds.

Tibbits says this new health care centre represents a "renaissance" for the college.

He explains, it's an example of how Conestoga is not only growing but adding a more comprehensive mix of programs, with a balance between elite world-class programs and more straight forward one- and two-year programs.

Tibbits says the cost of the roughly $24-million project is covered by grants from the federal government, the provincial government, the Region of Waterloo, and the rest will be covered by their own fundraising.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9e-0JJqBGIM

[Section ThirtyOne]

I drove by here for the first time in a while yesterday, and the new campus is REALLY coming along. I was very impressed with the amount of progress in just the last couple of months!

[bcwessel]

Given the incredible amount of surface parking on the main campus, I can't help feel that this development is a bit of a missed opportunity. Why not turn the new site into a massive parking lot, and install the new buildings on the underused spaces of the existing campus? Not only would you have the chance to enhance the experience of the original campus, but things like transit access would be much more functional and less complicated to implement.

[DHLawrence]

Let's go even further: why build Conestoga on a farmer's field straddling a highway to begin with when it could have been built along Hespeler Road or across from Fairview Mall?

Think of parking lots as great big "This space reserved" signs. Colleges and universities build on their parking lots all the time; University of Guelph has done so. Different departments have different needs, so keeping space available in different areas of campus will allow departments to expand as necessary without having to relocate to a completely new building.

[metropolis]

Not to mention the acres of parking they have that could be rolled into a single multi level parking structure, save them on land acquisition and infrastructure costs to get services out there. I feel like this whole thing could have been housed along here (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=400+Doon+Valley+Drive,+Kitchener,+Ontario&sll=43.392123,-80.405824&sspn=0.007874,0.016458&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=400+Doon+Valley+Dr,+Kitchener,+Waterloo+Regi onal+Municipality,+Ontario&ll=43.392684,-80.402369&spn=0.007874,0.016458&t=h&z=16) in perhaps some slightly taller structures. With a 5 storey parking garage here (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=400+conestoga+college+blvd,+Kitchener,+Ontario&sll=43.388961,-80.410908&sspn=0.008311,0.016458&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Conestoga+College+Blvd,+Kitchener,+Waterloo+ Regional+Municipality,+Ontario&t=h&z=16) over top of the surface lot to accomodate the lost parking and the new parking needs. This whole project smells of bad politics to me.


Given the incredible amount of surface parking on the main campus, I can't help feel that this development is a bit of a missed opportunity. Why not turn the new site into a massive parking lot, and install the new buildings on the underused spaces of the existing campus? Not only would you have the chance to enhance the experience of the original campus, but things like transit access would be much more functional and less complicated to implement.

Like I said a little while back (quoted above): bad politics is the only way to explain this one; Cambridge wanted a campus, gave all sorts of concessions to the College, heckled their local MP or MPP and voila.

[UrbanWaterloo]

May 12, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Cambridge/Conestoga%20College/Conestoga%20College%20-%20Cambridge%20Expansion%20-%20May%2012,%202011%20Resized.JPG

[VernacularArc]

Hi everybody!

I just moved to Waterloo 2 month ago because i wanted to complete my studies @ Conestoga college, I was under the impression that the Architectural Program is offered in the Kitchener Campus until i got my acceptance letter saying "Cambridge"...I was surprised because i didn't even know a Cambridge Campus existed!... anyways, I'm happy to be in Waterloo it's a wonderful city with nice people :)

Thanks for the useful form

[VernacularArc]

Any Idea how I would get to the Cambridge Campus Via Transit from Columbia and Erbsville... this whole area looks to be new with confusing roundabouts lol

Thanks

[mpd618]

Welcome to the forums, VernacularArc! I should say, though, that you should stick to regular size / regular colour text unless you need to emphasize something particular.


Any Idea how I would get to the Cambridge Campus Via Transit from Columbia and Erbsville... this whole area looks to be new with confusing roundabouts lol

I think the current "Cambridge Campus" is down in Galt, not the new one by the 401. You could bike or take the 13 to UW - Davis Centre, and take the iXpress the rest of the way.

[KevinL]

Any Idea how I would get to the Cambridge Campus Via Transit from Columbia and Erbsville... this whole area looks to be new with confusing roundabouts lol

As with any GRT trip, Google Maps Transit is your friend (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Columbia+and+Erbsville,+Waterloo&daddr=Fountain+%2F+Blair,+Cambridge,+Ontario&hl=en&geocode=FeQtlwIdk24y-ynnsq603fYriDEGDXv-ePc3cA%3B&mra=ls&dirflg=r&ttype=dep&date=11%2F05%2F16&time=11:03&noexp=0&noal=0&sort=def&sll=43.429736,-80.492363&sspn=0.131645,0.249596&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=12&start=0). In brief, though, 13 to UW - iXpress to Fairview - 10 to Doon campus - 61 to Fountain Street. The 61 and 111 will actually enter the new campus starting in the fall.



I think the current "Cambridge Campus" is down in Galt, not the new one by the 401. You could bike or take the 13 to UW - Davis Centre, and take the iXpress the rest of the way.

Conestoga has no campuses in Galt; the new facility by the 401 is the only one in Cambridge.

[DHLawrence]

Actually it does: http://www.conestogac.on.ca/about/ourcampuses/cambcamp.jsp

I don't know what courses it offers, though--or whether it will remain open once the Blair campus opens.

[1231]

As with any GRT trip, Google Maps Transit is your friend (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Columbia+and+Erbsville,+Waterloo&daddr=Fountain+%2F+Blair,+Cambridge,+Ontario&hl=en&geocode=FeQtlwIdk24y-ynnsq603fYriDEGDXv-ePc3cA%3B&mra=ls&dirflg=r&ttype=dep&date=11%2F05%2F16&time=11:03&noexp=0&noal=0&sort=def&sll=43.429736,-80.492363&sspn=0.131645,0.249596&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=12&start=0). In brief, though, 13 to UW - iXpress to Fairview - 10 to Doon campus - 61 to Fountain Street. The 61 and 111 will actually enter the new campus starting in the fall.
or 110 EXPRESS to Doon campus from Fairview Park.

[KevinL]

Actually it does: http://www.conestogac.on.ca/about/ourcampuses/cambcamp.jsp

I don't know what courses it offers, though--or whether it will remain open once the Blair campus opens.

Ah, my mistake. I believe that is just a community office (perhaps just for their employment services) - the building is owned by, and primarily occupied by, the Region.

[VernacularArc]

Thank you guys for the helpful information...much appreciated:RpS_smile:

another reason why I love Waterloo!

[UWaterloo]

Great to see the progress on this project. Thanks for the photo updates.

[bcwessel]

This is a plan to expand Austin Community College (http://www.statesman.com/news/local/acc-plans-for-highland-mall-envision-new-urbanist-1802615.html?viewAsSinglePage=true) in Austin, Texas which provides a good example of what the Conestoga College expansion could have been:

545

[UrbanWaterloo]

Minister of State Goodyear Celebrates Grand Opening of Conestoga College Cambridge Campus
January 26, 2012 | Industry Canada | Link (http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/07045.html)

Cambridge, Ontario —The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology, and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, will be at Conestoga College's Cambridge Campus on Friday to celebrate the grand opening of the college's Cambridge campus, along with the completion of expansions at the college's Waterloo and Guelph campuses. Federal funding for the projects was delivered through the Government of Canada's Knowledge Infrastructure Program.

Minister of State Goodyear will be available for questions and photos.

Date: Friday, January 27, 2012

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location:
Conestoga College
Cambridge Campus
850 Fountain Street South
Cambridge, Ontario