UOIT presses ahead with downtown Oshawa campus growth
February 8, 2010
Alger building to be renovated and refurbished for student occupancy in September 2010
OSHAWA, ON. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) will add another chapter to the legacy of a historical Oshawa building and further its presence in the downtown area with the announcement today that it has signed a 30-year lease for use of the Alger Press Building.
The building, located on Charles Street immediately east of the General Motors Centre, will be renovated and refurbished by property owner LPF Realty Inc. for use by UOIT's Faculty of Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies by September, the start of the fall semester. With UOIT having already committed to leasing classroom, student, lab and office space in a 30,000-square-foot, five-storey facility being constructed nearby on 55 Bond Street, the two sites ensure UOIT will be able to provide all the services, space and other student and staff needs for the faculty, which is currently at more than 1,000 students and quickly growing.
"We are very excited about the opportunity for our students to move into a newly renovated Alger building and that it will partner with the Bond Street facility to provide the services and supports that are essential to preparing the dynamic leaders with the skills to make a difference in the workforce of tomorrow," said Dr. Ronald Bordessa, president. "Because of the many advantages it offers, establishing a strong university presence in the downtown core is becoming increasingly common across Canada and the U.S. For the Faculty of Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies that means our students will have state-of-the-art media and psychology labs, convenient access to professional and social service providers and be near the new consolidated courthouse, all of which will enhance their program and studies."
The renovated building will include classrooms and lecture halls, office space, study areas, student services, a café, a library dedicated to the faculty's diverse programs and other common areas for students and faculty. The building retrofit is being carried out over 87,000 square feet and will include upgrades to mechanical systems to ensure energy efficiency, electrical work, accessibility and other modifications.
UOIT has been warmly received downtown since moving its Faculty of Education in 2008 to a refurbished building at 11 Simcoe Street North. The new building at 55 Bond Street is being built immediately to the north of the historic Regent Theatre, which UOIT took ownership of in November. The Regent is currently undergoing renovations and refurbishments and will reopen later in 2010, serving students as a large lecture theatre and it will be rented out to the community for events and other activities.
Having the faculties of Education and Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies located downtown will bring more than 1,000 students and faculty to the area beginning this fall, providing a significant boost to businesses, restaurants and retailers in the area. It also supports the City of Oshawa's considerable work to date in rejuvenating the area.
About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's more than 6,500 undergraduate and graduate students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, the university offers a diverse array of challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its faculties of Business and Information Technology; Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies; Education; Energy Systems and Nuclear Science; Engineering and Applied Science; Health Sciences; and Science. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including five Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.
OSHAWA, ON. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) will add another chapter to the legacy of a historical Oshawa building and further its presence in the downtown area with the announcement today that it has signed a 30-year lease for use of the Alger Press Building.
The building, located on Charles Street immediately east of the General Motors Centre, will be renovated and refurbished by property owner LPF Realty Inc. for use by UOIT's Faculty of Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies by September, the start of the fall semester. With UOIT having already committed to leasing classroom, student, lab and office space in a 30,000-square-foot, five-storey facility being constructed nearby on 55 Bond Street, the two sites ensure UOIT will be able to provide all the services, space and other student and staff needs for the faculty, which is currently at more than 1,000 students and quickly growing.
"We are very excited about the opportunity for our students to move into a newly renovated Alger building and that it will partner with the Bond Street facility to provide the services and supports that are essential to preparing the dynamic leaders with the skills to make a difference in the workforce of tomorrow," said Dr. Ronald Bordessa, president. "Because of the many advantages it offers, establishing a strong university presence in the downtown core is becoming increasingly common across Canada and the U.S. For the Faculty of Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies that means our students will have state-of-the-art media and psychology labs, convenient access to professional and social service providers and be near the new consolidated courthouse, all of which will enhance their program and studies."
The renovated building will include classrooms and lecture halls, office space, study areas, student services, a café, a library dedicated to the faculty's diverse programs and other common areas for students and faculty. The building retrofit is being carried out over 87,000 square feet and will include upgrades to mechanical systems to ensure energy efficiency, electrical work, accessibility and other modifications.
UOIT has been warmly received downtown since moving its Faculty of Education in 2008 to a refurbished building at 11 Simcoe Street North. The new building at 55 Bond Street is being built immediately to the north of the historic Regent Theatre, which UOIT took ownership of in November. The Regent is currently undergoing renovations and refurbishments and will reopen later in 2010, serving students as a large lecture theatre and it will be rented out to the community for events and other activities.
Having the faculties of Education and Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies located downtown will bring more than 1,000 students and faculty to the area beginning this fall, providing a significant boost to businesses, restaurants and retailers in the area. It also supports the City of Oshawa's considerable work to date in rejuvenating the area.
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About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's more than 6,500 undergraduate and graduate students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, the university offers a diverse array of challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its faculties of Business and Information Technology; Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies; Education; Energy Systems and Nuclear Science; Engineering and Applied Science; Health Sciences; and Science. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including five Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.
About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.
Media contact
Melissa Levy
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2513
289.928.0268
melissa.levy@uoit.ca
