Campus Master Plan Final

1
MessagefromthePresident
Tothriveanorganizationneedstohaveaclearsenseofitsfuture,
itneedstosetgoalsandpriorities,anditneedstocommit
resourcesaccordingly.Inshort,itneedsavisionandaplanasto
howtogetthere.
AsAlanLakeinhassaid,"Planningisbringingthefutureintothe
presentsothatyoucandosomethingaboutitnow".TheMaster
PlanscontainedinthisdocumentforWilfridLaurierUniversity
campusesinBrantfordandWaterlooservetheimportantpurpose
ofenablingtheuniversitycommunitytoacttodaytosecurea
vibrantandexcitingcampusenvironmentinthefuture.
Thefutureisuncertain.Thereforeitiscertainthateventhemost
carefullyconsideredplanswillchangeovertimeasunanticipated
andunpredictableeventsandpressuresacttomodifywhat,and
howmuch,canbeaccomplishedtowardachievingourstated
goals.
Neverthelessitisessentialthatwehaveaplantoguideuswhen
suchvagariesoccuraplanenablesustoreferencetheextentof
modificationthatneedstobemadefromouroriginalcourse,and
theextenttowhichourlongerrangegoalsandobjectivesmay
havetoshifttoaccommodateunanticipatedevents.
Ofcourseitisalsoessentialthataplanbereviewedandrefreshed
regularlytoenableadjustmentsincourseevenwhenthereareno
significantperturbationsintheexternalenvironmentofthe
university.Thisisbecauseinternalchangeisconstant,andthe
goalsandobjectivesthatourstudents,staffandfacultyhadlast
year,ortheyearbefore,willshift.Thisnaturalevolutionof
institutionalprioritiesandplansiscriticaltothegrowthand
competitivenessoftheuniversityandmustbereflectedinthe
mastercampusplantoensureongoingalignmentofinstitutional
aspirationsandactivitieswithinstitutionalresources.Therefore
thecampusmasterplanswillbereviewedandrefreshedonathree
tofiveyearcycle,thetimingofwhichwilldependinpartonthe
extentofchangeintheinternalandexternalenvironment.
Iamgratefultoallthosewhocontributedtoassemblingtheplans
thatfollow.Theyweredevelopedinahighlyconsultativeprocess
thatenabledallvoicestobeheard,andinaverycompressedtime
frame.Ilookforwardtothenextmastercampusplanningcycle
whichwillbegininthreetofiveyears,orevensoonerifthereare
majorforcestowhichtheuniversitymustrespond.
AnotherquotefromAlanLakeinis"Failingtoplanisplanningto
fail".Laurierwillthrivewithwelllaidandfrequentlyrefreshed
plansforabrightandexcitingfuture.
Dr.MaxBlouw
PresidentandViceChancellor
WilfridLaurierUniversity
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Wilfrid Laurier University Campus Master Plan was developed

through a collaborative process involving a broad range of
stakeholdersandinterestgroups,undertheleadershipofJimButler,
VicePresident of Finance and Administration, and, Gary Nower,
AssistantVicePresident:PhysicalResources,andtheCampusMaster
Plan Steering Committee. The participation of representatives from
WLUsseniormanagement,thefaculty,staffandthestudentsofthe
Brantford and Waterloo campuses has been invaluable to
establishingacreative,innovative,newvisionforthefuturegrowth
of each urban campus. Contributions to this process were also
providedbythe,staffandcouncillorsfortheCityofWaterloo,Cityof
Brantford, Region of Waterloo, residents and business owners of
thesecommunities.
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TheMasterPlanfortheWLUWaterlooandBrantfordcampuseshas
beenpreparedbythefollowingstaffmembersofIBIGroup:
TrevorMcIntyre,Director
PaulPuopolo,ProjectManager
JohnLohmus,ProjectAdvisoronCampusPlanning
DonDrackley
RichardYoung
ScottHenderson
LauraDowell
MeghanRadford
BettyAnneWhite
RinoDalBello
PaulDeFigueiredo
NenoKovacevic
DeborahPerry
LouisePuopolo
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
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TABLEOFCONTENTS
A.
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 1
1.0
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................2
1.1
THE NEED FOR A CAMPUS MASTER PLAN .........................................................................................................................2
1.2
THE MASTER PLANNING PROCESS .....................................................................................................................................2
1.3
GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CAMPUS MASTER PLAN .....................................................3
B. BRANTFORD CAMPUS ........................................................................................................... 5

2.0
3.0
ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS ...........................................................................................................................................6

2.1
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................................6
2.2
A HISTORY OF CAMPUS GROWTH .......................................................................................................................................7
2.3
THE SURROUNDING URBAN CONTEXT ...............................................................................................................................9
2.4
EXISTING CAMPUS CONDITIONS AND TRENDS ...............................................................................................................10
PLANNING FOUNDATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................12

3.1
CAMPUS GROWTH PROJECTIONS .....................................................................................................................................12
3.2
GOALS TO DIRECT CAMPUS GROWTH..............................................................................................................................15
3.3
STRUCTURING ELEMENTS OF THE CAMPUS MASTER PLAN ........................................................................................16
4.0
CAMPUS CONCEPT MASTER PLAN ..............................................................................................................................................21
5.0
BUILT FORM AND ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER ....................................................................................................................23
6.0
5.1
OBJECTIVES ..........................................................................................................................................................................23
5.2
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENHANCED CAMPUS LIFE ............................................................................................................24
5.3
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES ...........................................................................................................................................25
5.4
AREA SPECIFIC GUIDELINES ..............................................................................................................................................27
5.5
CAMPUS BUILDING TYPOLOGIES ......................................................................................................................................29
OPEN SPACE GUIDELINES ............................................................................................................................................................33
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
7.0
6.1
OBJECTIVES ..........................................................................................................................................................................33
6.2
STREETSCAPE ......................................................................................................................................................................34
6.3
PLANT MATERIAL .................................................................................................................................................................44
TRANSPORTATION..........................................................................................................................................................................48
8.0
7.1
OBJECTIVES ..........................................................................................................................................................................48
7.2
PARKING ................................................................................................................................................................................48
7.3
TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT ...................................................................................................................49
7.4
PUBLIC TRANSIT ...................................................................................................................................................................50
7.5
CYCLISTS ...............................................................................................................................................................................50
7.6
PEDESTRIANS .......................................................................................................................................................................51
IMPLEMENTATION ...........................................................................................................................................................................52
8.1
LAND TO ACCOMMODATE GROWTH .................................................................................................................................52
8.2
PHASING TO ACCOMMODATE CAMPUS GROWTH ..........................................................................................................56
C. WATERLOO CAMPUS ........................................................................................................... 59

9.0
ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR WATERLOO CAMPUS ..........................................................................................60

9.1
INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................................................................................60
9.2
A HISTORY OF CAMPUS GROWTH .....................................................................................................................................61
9.3
THE SURROUNDING URBAN CONTEXT .............................................................................................................................63
9.4
EXISTING CAMPUS CONDITIONS AND TRENDS ...............................................................................................................64
10.0 PLANNING FOUNDATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................69

10.1 CAMPUS GROWTH PROJECTIONS .....................................................................................................................................69
10.2 PARKING AT THE WATERLOO CAMPUS TODAY ..............................................................................................................70
10.3 FUTURE PARKING NEEDS ...................................................................................................................................................71
10.4 GOALS TO DIRECT CAMPUS GROWTH..............................................................................................................................72
10.5 STRUCTURING ELEMENTS OF THE CAMPUS PLAN ........................................................................................................73
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11.0 THE CAMPUS CONCEPT MASTER PLAN ........................................................................................................................................76

12.0 BUILT FORM AND ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER ......................................................................................................................78
12.1 OBJECTIVES ..........................................................................................................................................................................78
12.2 OPPORTUNITITES FOR ENHANCED CAMPUS LIFE..........................................................................................................79
12.3 ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES ...........................................................................................................................................79
12.4 CAMPUS BUILDING TYPOLOGIES ......................................................................................................................................85
13.0 OPEN SPACE GUIDELINES ............................................................................................................................................................89
13.1 OBJECTIVES ..........................................................................................................................................................................89
14.0 WATERLOO CAMPUS TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY ............................................................................................................120
14.1 PARKING ALLOCATION APPROACH ................................................................................................................................120
14.2 PARKING PLAN....................................................................................................................................................................121
14.3 TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT ..................................................................................................................122
14.4 PROTOTYPICAL PARKING DESIGN SCENARIOS............................................................................................................123
14.5 PUBLIC TRANSIT .................................................................................................................................................................125
15.0 SITE SELECTION AND PHASING .................................................................................................................................................126
15.1 SITE SELECTION .................................................................................................................................................................126
15.2 ACQUISITION & CONSOLIDATION ....................................................................................................................................128
15.3 PHASING ...............................................................................................................................................................................128
D. IMPLEMENTATION .............................................................................................................. 141

16.0 IMPLEMENTATION .........................................................................................................................................................................142
16.1 PLAN REVIEW AND MONITORING.....................................................................................................................................142
16.2 SUSTAINABILITY .................................................................................................................................................................143
16.3 COLLABORATION ...............................................................................................................................................................148
16.4 SUMMATION .........................................................................................................................................................................149
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
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INTRODUCTION
1.0
INTRODUCTION
Wilfrid Laurier University has undergone significant transformations in

academicprogrammingandphysicalexpansionoverthepastdecadeto
become a major academic institution distinguished by a distinct and
intimate sense of community. Known for its innovation in academic
programminganddelivery,itisoneofthefastestgrowinguniversitiesin
Canada,withenrolmentdoublingoverthelasttenyears.
Major capital projects have expanded the presence of the University
within the City of Waterloo, and established satellite campuses in
DowntownBrantfordandKitchener.
WithLaurierenteringitssecondcenturyin2011,anewlongtermvision
and practical framework for the physical development of the Waterloo
and Brantford Campuses is fundamental to ensure the strategic,
sustainable growth of the University as a premier institution over the
next25years.
As a vision for the future physical development of the University, the
CampusMasterPlanisintendedtocomplementtheAcademicPlanand
be supportive of Lauriers mission, policies and directives. The layout
andcharacterofthecampusthatwillresultfromtheimplementationof
theCampusMasterPlanwillreinforceandenhancetheintimatesenseof
campus community as the University grows, complement the
Universitys connection to the surrounding community, and foster
Lauriers studentfocused approach to campus and academic life
providing an inspirational environment for learning, research and
collaboration.
1.1
THENEEDFORACAMPUSMASTERPLAN
Laurier University has ambitious plans for the future to grow each
campusto15,000studentsby2023.
Today,theWaterlooCampusfacesthechallengeofitscurrentlayoutas
ittransitionstoaUniversitywithcomprehensive,researchintensiveand
international status through intensification of the central campus and
outercampuslandswhileremedyingstubborndesignissuestocreatea
sustainable,distinctiveandpedestrianfriendlycampus.
TherapidgrowthoftheBrantfordCampusoverthepastdecade,fromits
inception in 1999 with 39 students to approximately 2,350 students in
2009, has created the need for a master plan. It has also shown the
challenges of ad hoc institutional growth in an established downtown
urban setting in the absence of a defined campus. To achieve its
potential, its future growth must take place within a framework that
recognizesthecontextofitsdowntownlocation.
The significant growth of the University over the past decade, over
multiple locations, and ambitious plans for the future indicates that
Laurier will become increasingly more visible in the urban fabric of
WaterlooandBrantford.Assuch,aCampusMasterPlandocumentthat
guides this future growth for both campuses, each with its own and
differentcharacterandchallenges,isnecessary.
1.2
THEMASTERPLANNINGPROCESS
The magnitude of change occurring at Laurier and the need for an

overarching strategic vision prompted the University to commission a
Campus Master Plan in late 2008. A number of objectives were
establishedtoguidetheCampusMasterPlanprocess:
To analyze the use of current space resources and scheduling

practices to identify opportunities for more efficient use of space
within current operations and as new buildings are brought on
stream.
ToprovidetheUniversitywithavisiontoserveastheframeworkfor
futurecampusgrowthoverthenexttwentyfiveyears.
To provide design guidelines to improve the functionality and

appearance of existing and future facilities and amenities, including
elementssuchasthekeygatewaystothecampus.
TheCampusMasterPlanisintendedtocomplementtheAcademicPlan,
ensuringthatthephysicalCampuscontinuestoaccommodatethevision
andaspirationsoftheLaurierCommunity.TheCampusMasterPlanand
AcademicPlanshouldbeviewedasdocumentsthatsupportandinform
oneanother.
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Throughoutthespringandsummerof2009,anumberofinterviewswith
University and community stakeholders were conducted in both
Brantford and Waterloo. Interactive workshops were held on both
campuses in March, 2009, in which participants openly discussed and
debated guiding principles, preliminary concepts and key opportunities
foreachcampus.AseriesofopenhouseswereheldinOctober,2009at
each campus to present concepts to Laurier and the greater
communities,andtoreceivetheirfeedback.
Throughout the project, presentations were made to the Steering

Committee and representatives of Lauriers management group and
theirfeedbackdirectedthedevelopmentoftheCampusMasterPlan.A
seriesofmeetingswereheldwitharangeofgroups(e.g.,LaurierSenate,
the Building and Property Committee, Board of Governors, City of
Waterloo,CityofBrantford)inbothcommunitieswithaspecialinterest
in the Campus Master Plan which has also been incorporated into the
finaldocument.Theseconsultationshaveprovidedthefoundationupon
whichtheCampusMasterPlanhasbeenbuilt.
TheCampusMasterPlanprovidesaframeworkforthecontinuedgrowth
of the University in both Waterloo and Brantford that attempts to
balance the creation of new buildings and open spaces thatwill inspire
andnurtureasenseofidentityandpride.
ThePlanfortheWaterlooCampusoffersanewframeworktoguidethe
transformationofarestructuredcampuscoreandintensificationofthe
surrounding lands. A contemporary approach to campus parking,
transportation and internal circulation puts the emphasis back on
alternative modes of travel and makes pedestrians and cyclists the
priority. Through the development of an integrated crosscampus
networkofcorridorsandpathways,andrevitalizedopenspaces,thePlan
focuses on maintaining the unparalleled sense of community, and
elevating the individuals campus experience to ensure the University
maintainstheircompetitiveedgeasahighcaliberinstitutiondevotedto
personalgrowthandacademicexcellence.
ThePlanfortheBrantfordCampusbuildsupontheheritagecharacterof
theCitycoreanassetthatisfundamentaltotheUniversitysidentity,
seeks to integrate the University campus with other Downtown
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functions,andprovidesaflexibleframeworkforthefuturegrowthofthe
campusinanevolvingurbanenvironment.
1.3
GUIDINGPRINCIPLESFORTHEDEVELOPMENTOF
THECAMPUSMASTERPLAN
In order to implement a sustainable multicampus vision for the

University, the Campus Master Plan is guided by eleven overarching
principles.Astheydevelopandmature,eachcampusmustbeplanned
as a complete community for learning and living, and should also be
integrated with the surrounding urban fabric. Based on the Smart
Growth approach to community planning, which aims to concentrate
growth in core areas or nodes to make efficient use of land and
infrastructure, the principles were further refined through consultation
witharangeofUniversityandcommunitystakeholders.Adoptingsuch
an approach to campus growth and development will allow Laurier to
maintain a strong sense of community and maintain the sense of the
belongingthatisanattractivequalityoftheUniversity.
Thefollowingprincipleswereidentifiedtoserveasbuildingblocksofthe
CampusMasterPlanandguidecampusdevelopmentinthefuture.
Create distinctive, attractive and inspirational campuses with a

strong visual identity and sense of place from a local and
internationalperspective.
Createapedestrianandcyclistfriendlycampus.
Preserveexistinglandscapesanddevelopnewopenspaces.
Promotecompactbuildingandsitedesigntomaintaintheclose
knitLauriercampusexperience.
Createarangeofhousingopportunitiesforfirstyear,seniorand
graduatestudents.
Utilize existing and new campus lands efficiently by pursuing

intensification,infillandredevelopment.
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
Make land acquisition and development decisions that are

practicalandcostefficient.
Encouragemixedusecampusbuildingsalongurbancorridorsand
nodes.
Provideforavarietyoftransportationalternativesandminimize
parkingdemandwithinthecorearea.
Strengthenrelationshipsandencouragecooperationbetweenthe
Universityandsurroundingcommunity.
Recognize the Universitys Sustainability Policies within all new
development.
While the guiding principles set an overall vision and direction for
campus development, the unique contexts and urban settings of the
Waterloo and Brantford campuses call for a distinct interpretation and
implementation of these principles. Such an approach will ensure the
futuregrowthoftheUniversitycapturestheuniqueidentityandsenseof
placeateachcampus.
In Waterloo, the Campus Master Plan will address the challenge of

adaptingtheexistingcampuslandsasitgrowsintoacomprehensiveand
internationalinstitution.Thisdevelopmentwilloccurprimarilythrough
theintensificationandreorganizationofthemaincampuslands.
In Brantford, the Campus Master Plan will provide a clear strategy for
growth and development in the downtown to create a cohesive and
distinctiveurbancampuswithanidentifiablesenseofcommunity.The
challenge will be to define the campus within the city core while
remainingcompatiblewithsurroundinglanduses.
These guiding principles will be implemented through a series specific

goals and objectives for each campus, which are then distilled into
specific guidelines that will direct the design of new buildings and
campusopenspaces.
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BRANTFORDCAMPUS
2.0
ANALYSISOFEXISTINGCONDITIONS
2.1
INTRODUCTION
as well as academic partnerships with Mohawk College, establishing

graduateprogrammingbyincreasingresearchactivities.
The Laurier Brantford campus has been established through

partnerships and collaboration between the University, City of
Brantford, Mohawk College, Nipissing University and members of the
Brantfordcommunity.Thedevelopmentofa1996businessplanforthe
establishment ofaUniversityinBrantford,commissionedbytheBrant
CommunityFuturesDevelopmentCorporation,becamethecatalystfor
discussions that resulted in the creation of a Brant University Steering
Committee. In 1997, this committee presented an official proposal to
Wilfrid Laurier University in 1998 and Professor Terry Copp of the
History Department suggested that the University should create a
satellitecampustomeetBrantfordsneeds.In1999,LaurierBrantford
opened its doors to 39 students and higher education, housed within
theCarnegieBuilding.
th
ColinBailey,the1,000
graduatingstudentof
LaurierBrantford,receives
hisdegreefromWilfrid
LaurierUniversityChancellor
JohnPollock.
(PhotographbyBrian
Thompson,TheExpositor)
Since the opening of the campus, Laurier Brantford has experienced

significantgrowthresultingfromauniquevisionanddistinctivecampus
settingcoupledwithinnovativeacademicprogrammingcentredaround
the core discipline of Contemporary Studies. Through growth, the
Universityhasbeenoneofthemajorforcesofdowntownrevitalization
and renewal through the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, new
constructionthathasrecognizedtheDowntownsarchitecturalheritage
and diversifying the demographics of the core area. As a result, the
campushasestablishedareputationasasmalluniversitywithadistinct
heritageidentitythatisintegratedintoitsurbanenvironment.Laurier
Brantford has embraced this aspect of its development, and will
continue to foster campus through integration and play a key role in
helping transform the Downtown into a centre for postsecondary
educationaswellasavibrantdestinationforallBrantfordresidents.
LaurierBrantfordopenedits
doorsinBrantfordin1999,
occupyingtherenovated
CarnegieLibrary.TheCarnegie
Buildingremainsasthesignature
buildingoftheLaurierBrantford
Campus.
In 2009, the University presented a degree to its 1,000th graduating

student,andalsocelebratedits10thAnniversarysignificantmilestones
in the history of the campus. With 2,350 students, Laurier will be
lookingtoexpandundergraduateenrolmentthroughnewprogramming
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TheDowntowncontainsamixoflandusescharacteristicofatypicaldowntownurban
environment,aswellasmanyvacantandunderutilizedproperties.
adistinctivefeatureofthecampus.TheUniversitymakesuseofpublic
buildingssuchastheSandersonCentre,openspacessuchasHarmony
SquareandVictoriaParkandtheBrantfordPublicLibraryrepresentthe
synergiesbetweencampusandcommunity.
2.2
AHISTORYOFCAMPUSGROWTH
Laurier Brantford has grown though partnerships with the City of

Brantford, Mohawk College, Nipissing University, as well as public and
privatesectorpartners,andhasbecomeincreasinglyintegratedintothe
Downtownoverthepastdecade.Universityoccupiedbuildingsoutside
of the Heritage Block are interspersed throughout the downtown with
surrounding commercial, institutional and residential uses. The
Heritage Block is defined as the area of George Street, Darling Street,
Charlotte Street and Dalhousie Street. The Universitys practice of
adaptively reusing existing buildings to accommodate a majority of its
growthhasresultedintherehabilitationandmaintenanceofanumber
ofheritagebuildingsintheDowntown.
HarmonySquareisagoodexampleofthesynergybetweentheUniversityandthe
City.Therecentlycompletedopenspaceisregularlyusedforcampusactivitiessuch
asOrientationWeek.
Campus growth through adaptive reuse and new construction has

successfullyaccommodatedsubstantialincreasesinstudentenrollment
while maintaining compatibility with the urban environment. The
introduction of the campus in the Downtown has resulted in a
continuedinteractionbetweentheLaurierandBrantfordcommunities
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
CampusGrowth1999To2004
The first five years of campus growth was characterized by the
rehabilitationandconversionofexistingbuildingswithinthedowntown
foracademicuse.TheformerCarnegiePublicLibrary,nowtheCarnegie
Building, was renovated to serve as the main academic and
administrative centre for the campus. Grand River Hall, formerly the
Holstein Building, was renovated in 2001 to house the campus
bookstoreandadditionalclassroomsandofficespaceonthelowertwo
floors, as well as residence beds on the upper three floors. For the
200304 academic year, additional residence space was created within
the Post House Residence for 41 students through the renovation and
conversionoftheoriginalPostOfficebuilding.
Over the past five years, the Brantford Campus has experienced
significant growth. The development of the Heritage Block is a
testamenttotheUniversitysefforttodevelopamorecohesivecampus
footprint within the downtown core. The first campus building within
thisBlockwastheStudentUnionBuildingandwasthefirstnewbuilding
project undertaken by the University. The Journalism House was
establishedthroughtherenovationofthePrisonArtsFoundationHouse
in 2006 to accommodate the Journalism faculty and a stateoftheart
newsroom. Wilkes House was established through the conversion of
theoriginalWilkesresidenceandsubsequentadditions,residencebeds
aswellasasmallfitnessfacility.
The renovation of the old Odeon Theatre on Market Street provided

sharedacademicspacebetweentheUniversityandMohawkCollegefor
their joint academic programs. The Odeon Building currently houses
two large lecture theatres, as well as a computer lab, additional
classroom space and lounge. The Odeon Annex is located adjacent to
the Odeon Building and is leased to Nipissing University to provide
classroomsandofficespacefortheconcurrentBA/BEdprogram.
Recent increases in firstyear student enrolment have resulted in the

need for further expansion of the campus. In 2009, the University
acquired97DalhousieStreet,whichwillberenovatedandconvertedfor
administrativeofficesandlecturespace.TheacquisitionofLucyMarco
PlacewascompletedinpartnershipwiththeCityofBrantford,whowill
own and operate the affordable housing component of this building.
The former CIBC Building, located on Dalhousie Street, was acquired
andrenovatedtohouseacademic,administrative,andlabusesin2009.
LaurierBrantfordhasaccommodatedcampusgrowththroughadaptivereuseof
CampusGrowth2005toToday
existingbuildingssuchasWilkesHouseandnewconstructionthatreflectsthe
DowntownsarchitecturalheritagesuchastheStudentUnionandPostHouse.
TheLaurierBrantfordCampusin2009
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CAMPUSGROWTH19992009
CarnegieBuilding
GrandRiverHall
PostHouseResidence
OdeonBuilding
StudentUnionBuilding
OdeonAnnex
JournalismHouse
WilkesHouse
97DalhousieStreet
LucyMarcoPlace
102DalhousieStreet
ResearchandAcademicCentre
timeperiodandconsistsprimarilyof23storeymasonrybuildingsoften
builtwithcommercialusesatgradeandresidentialabove.
Year
1999
2001
2003
2004
2005
2005
2006
2006
2009
2009
2009
2010
Sq.ft.
18,212
82,860
30,440
21,075
16,641
13,078
5,414
23,734
5,930
73,840
13,282
65,000
369,506
Sq.m.
1,692
7,698
2,828
1,958
1,546
1,215
503
2,205
551
6,859
1,234
6,038
34,327
ConstructionoftheResearchandAcademicCentrecommencedin2009.
The building will house lecture theatres, academic and administrative
offices,researchspaceandstudyrooms.
LaurierBrantfordalsoleasesadditionalacademicspaceinSt.Andrews
CommunityCentre,4145MarketStreetforadministrativeusesandthe
Sanderson Centre for large lectures. The Universitys document
collection is housed in the Brantford Public Library. The City in
partnershipwiththeUniversityprovideslibraryandresearchresources
forstaff,studentsandfaculty.Additionalresidencespaceisleasedfrom
theprivatesectorinRizzoResidence,LawyersHallandImperialHall.
2.3
THESURROUNDINGURBANCONTEXT
Downtown Brantford is a distinctive and transforming urban

environmentthatiscontinuingtorevitalizeafteraperiodofsignificant
deterioration in urban function and built form. Established largely in
the late 19th century and early 20th century the area was historically a
prosperouscommercialarea.Itsbuildingfabricdatesmostlyfromthis
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Landuseswithintheareaaregenerallyamixofresidential,commercial,
recreational,cultural,entertainmentandcivicuses,inadditiontopost
secondary educational institutions. The presence and organization of
these land uses result from the historical function of the downtown
core and the decline of that function over time. While many existing
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
buildingsinthedowntownarevacantorunderutilized,opportunitiesfor
redevelopmentarenumerous.
The deterioration of the downtown has resulted in the erosion of any

definable commercial or retail district. Currently, there are some
existingretailandcommercialusesclusteredalongColborne,Dalhousie
andMarketStreets,insinglepurposeandmixedusebuildings.
TheDowntownisnowinaperiodofrejuvenationandchangewhichwas
initially spurred by the establishment and continued growth of Laurier
Brantford,aswellasMohawkCollegeandNipissingUniversity.TheCity
of Brantford has been a consistent financial partner, booster and
supporterofLaurierandotherpostsecondaryeducationalinstitutions.
A new vision has been established for the downtown as a centre for
learning and education, as well as a destination for business, arts and
culture, entertainment and residence, increased its postsecondary
educationalinstitutionspace.
2.4
EXISTINGCAMPUSCONDITIONSANDTRENDS
BuiltFormandArchitecture
Unlike most other universities, the Laurier Brantford campus is not
located in a defined area separate from other public and private
landholdings.ItislocatedinthehistoricdowntownareaoftheCityof
Brantford on a number of discrete properties, owned or used by the
University.
Most university buildings were originally built for other purposes and
have been adapted for reuse for academic and associated activities.
Thebuildingswerebuiltatvarioustimesfromthe19thcenturythrough
to the last quarter of the 20th century. Most are of masonry
construction reflecting the predominant building material in the area.
All their interiors have been extensively redesigned to suit
contemporaryneedshowever,theexteriorshavebeenrestoredtotheir
original character and historical period. New building construction or
additions on university property have been sympathetically designed
with exterior finishes that support the historic character of the
Downtown.
TheDowntowncontainssomeretailandcommercialfunctionsinmixeduseand
singlepurposebuildings,suchasonDalhousieStreet.
AdaptivereusebyLaurier istransformingandpreservingmanyheritagebuildings
intheDowntown.
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OpenSpace
The open space system of the Laurier Brantford Campus is decidedly
different than that found at most other university campuses. The
Campus is very urban in nature given the buildings are oriented to
public streets. Individual properties generally have little open space;
howevertheongoingdevelopmentoftheHeritageBlockrepresentsan
opportunitytocreateanearcampuscourtyard.
In the citys core, there are few large open spaces. Brant County War
Memorial Park, Bell Memorial Park and Victoria Park are the
Downtowns only three public greenspaces. The Carnegie Building
fronts ontoVictoriaPark,wherecrosscuttingpathwaysandperimeter
sidewalks encourage interaction between students, faculty and staff
with city residents. These pathways also offer a short walking time
betweencampusbuildingsandotherdowntowndestinations.ThePark
iswelllit,hasmatureshadetreesandbenchesthatprovidepeoplewith
reading, meeting, and other types of passive recreation opportunities.
While pathways facilitate movement through and within the park, the
organization of seating areas encourages users to stay and enjoy the
spaceforpassiverecreation.
Harmony Square is used by residents and Laurier Brantford for a

number of campus events, again facilitating the interaction of the
Laurier Brantford community with that of the broader urban
community. The Grand River and a network of associated walking and
bikingtrailsareinproximitytothe Downtownandareeasilyaccessed
bystaff,faculty,studentsandcityresidents.
CirculationandAccess
Pedestrian circulation between campus buildings occurs along public
streets, except within the Heritage Block where students can move
between buildings. The downtown area is characterized by a grid
pattern of streets with relatively short blocks between intersections.
Alonglongerblocks,suchasbetweenQueenandMarketStreets,there
areotheropportunitiesforpedestrianmovementviaopenspacessuch
as Harmony Square. Parking lots such as the Darling Street public
parkinglotarealsousedasinformalpedestrianlinkages.
Vehicular circulation is by the same public street pattern. Traffic is
however restricted by a one way street movement on both Colborne
andDalhousieStreets.
ParkingandTransportation
There are a number of opportunities for public offstreet parking, but
very limited parking is available at current university locations. The
University issues a limited number of parking permits for campus
parking spaces, and a lottery determines the parking permit holders.
Students who living within 4 km of the university are not eligible for
parkingpermitswiththeexceptionofthoserequiringmobilityaidsand
those living in residence. Carpooling is also encouraged through the
provision of parking permits, whereby up to four vehicles can be
registered on a single permit but only one vehicle can be parked on
campus at any point in time. Many students compete with the public
for available spaces, as onstreet parking is free. Parking by students
aroundVictoriaParkandintheimmediateareahasbecomeaconcern
for downtown business owners who are becoming increasingly
concerned with the number of students parking and reparking on
downtown streets, thereby occupying spaces that could be used by
patrons.TheDowntowntransitterminalislocatedintheDowntownin
closeproximitytothecampus,providingaccesstoallroutesthatallow
studentstotraveltootherpartsoftheCitywithouttheuseofavehicle.
VictoriaParkisoneofthelargestgreenspacesindowntownBrantford.
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
11
3.0
PLANNINGFOUNDATIONS
3.1
CAMPUSGROWTHPROJECTIONS
The Campus Master Plan for the Laurier Brantford Campus addresses
fourplanninghorizons:
The first phase or immediate time horizon would address future
campus growth over the next two years to the academic year
2010/2011. Development in this phase would occur on existing or
recently acquired University landholdings and will require the
acquisition of additional landholdings to accommodate new student
residences. Campus growth will be accommodated through the
adaptive reuse of existing Downtown buildings, and new construction
ontheHeritageBlockandanadditionallocationinthedowntown.The
acquisition of large blocks of land for future growth should be also be
pursuedinthisphase.
The second phase or shortrange time horizon includes the future
growth of the campus over 2 to 7 years to the academic year
2016/2017. Development in this phase will require additional land
beyondtheexistingUniversitylandholdingsandwouldaddresscurrent
academicspaceshortfalls,provideadditionalacademicspace,aswellas
new residence space and parking to accommodate student enrolment
growth. Intensive development of University landholdings should be
pursued in this phase to ensure additional student growth can be
accommodated beyond the 2016/2017 academic year. The University
willneedtocontinuetoacquirelargerblocksoflandforfuturegrowth.
The third phase or midrange time horizon addresses future growth
over a 7 to 12 year period, between 2017 to the academic year
2022/2023. Additional land will also be required in this phase of
development to accommodate additional academic space, residences
and potentially parking. Continued intensification of University
landholdings through new development may decrease the amount of
newlandholdingsrequiredtoaccommodategrowthintothelongrange
horizon.
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The fourth phase or longrange time horizon commences after 2023.

During this phase, the Brantford Campus is expected to reach its
ultimateenrolmentof15,000FullTimeEquivalent(FTE)students.To
accommodatetheacademicandresidencespaceneedsforthiscampus,
theUniversitymayneedtocontinuetopursuetheacquisitionoflands
beyonditslandholdings,dependingontheamountoflandacquiredand
thedensityofnewdevelopment.
UniversityGrowthProjections
Therearemultiplefactorswhichaffecttheneedforgrowthincampus
facilities in the short, mid and long range future at Laurier. The single
mostimportantlongtermfactor,however,istheprojectedincreasein
studentenrolmentoverthenext15yearsto15,000FTEstudentsatthe
BrantfordCampus.
In 2007/08, Laurier Brantford had 1,725 FTE students. For planning
purposes, it is assumed that the current faculty to student, as well as
stafftostudentratioswouldremainconstantasthestudentenrolment
grows. The table below shows the expected number of students and
Laurier Brantford faculty and staff for the immediate, short, mid and
longtermhorizonsofthePlan.
AcademicBuildingSpaceNeeds
Phase
Total
Students
Additional
Students
Total
Faculty
Addition
alFaculty
Total
Staff
Additional
Staff
Baseline
(2007/2008)
1,725
43
39
1(20092010/2011)
2,800
1,075
69
26
63
24
2(20112016/
2017)
4,000
1,200
152
83
276
213
3(20172022/
2023)
8,000
4,000
303
151
553
277
4(2023+)
15,000
7,000
569
266
1,037
484
Total
15,000
13,275
569
526
1,037
998
Laurier Brantford will require a substantial amount of new academic

spacetoaccommodatesuchasignificantincreaseinstudentenrolment.
The current gross floor area available on campus is 7,389 and 4,324
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IBI GROUP
square metres of owned and leased space respectively, for a total of

11,713squaremetres.Theexistingspaceshortfallisexperiencedinall
functional space categories, with the majority found in Faculty,
Graduate and Undergraduate labs, Central Services, Library Facilities
andCampusStudySpace,FoodServices,RecreationandAthleticSpace
andAssemblyandExhibitionfacilities.
For master planning purposes, a building space plan targeting 100%
entitlement to provide the highest quality living and learning
environment at the University. Based on the current building
programmeofLaurierBrantford,thedesireoftheUniversitytoaddress
existingspaceshortfallsintheshortrangetimehorizonofgrowth,and
projected space needs to accommodate 15,000 FTE students, the
followinglevelsofentitlementcanbereachedineachphase:
Year
TotalFTE
Students
AdditionalSpace(m2)
Cumulative
(m2)
17,763
Space
Entitlement
37%
with the objective of increasing the inventory of seniorlevel and

graduatestudenthousingonthecampus.
Tosupporttheadditionalenrolmentgrowthof13,725studentsoverthe
planning horizon and provide housing for firstyear students over the
immediate to shortterm and seniorlevel and graduate housing over
the mid to long term, the University will need to add a total of 4,917
bedstoitscurrentinventory.Basedonthecurrentbuildingprogramof
theUniversity,itwillbeprovidinganadditional500bedsinthefirstand
secondphase,theneedtoleaseadditionalbedsfromtheprivatesector
canbeeliminatedinthefirstphaseofdevelopment.
Year
TotalFTEStudents
TotalBeds
NewBeds
Required
Phase1(20092010/2011)
2,800
728
395
Phase2(20112016/2017)
4,000
1,040
312
Phase3(20172022/2023)
8,000
2,800
1,760
1(20092010/2011)
2,800
6,050
2(20112016/2017)
4,000
27,295
25,058
66%
Phase4(2023+)
15,000
5,250
2,450
3(20172022/2023)
8,000
116,892
161,950
110%
Total
5,250
4,917
4(2023+)
15,000
92,704
254,654
100%
TotalinPhase4
15,000
242,941m2
2,614,995ft2
254,654m2
2,741,072ft2
100%
ParkingNeeds
In the mid term time horizon, student entitlement on the Laurier

BrantfordCampusissimilartothatcurrentlyavailableattheWaterloo
Campus and 100% entitlement is reached in the third phase and
maintained throughout the fourth. In total, to achieve 100%
entitlement for 15,000 students on the Laurier Brantford Campus, 2.6
million additional square feet of building space is required, for a total
projectedspaceof2.7millionsquarefeet.Thisdoesnotincludespace
forstudentresidences.
StudentResidences
In 2009, Laurier Brantford had 427 residence beds of which 333 beds
areownedbytheUniversityand94areleasedfromtheprivatesector.
Theseresidencebedsprovidehousingforfirstyearstudents.Currently,
the University provides student residence beds at a ratio of 0.26 beds
perFTEstudent,butwilllooktoincreasetheratioto0.35intenyears
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Parkingtoaccommodatefuturecampusgrowthiscalculatedbasedon
theCity ofBrantfordZoning Bylaw, whichrequiresonsiteparkingfor
postsecondarylandusesonthebasisof1spaceper70squaremetres
ofgrossfloorarea.Also,theBylawcurrentlyprovidesforthreeparking
exemptionareasinthedowntown:
Parking Exemption Area 1 extending from Darling Street to

Icomm Drive and West Street to Clarence Street where 50% of
requiredparkingspacesmustbeprovided;
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Parking Exemption Area 2 from Darling Street to Nelson Street

betweenWestStreetandClarenceStreetwhere75%ofrequired
parkingmustbeprovided;and
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Parking Exemption Area 3 from half a block north of Colborne

Street to Wharfe Street between Brant Avenue and Market
Streetwherealllandusesareexemptfromprovidingparking.
Based on the current academic and residence building programme for

Laurier Brantford to accommodate 15,000 students and assuming that
theZoningByLawparkingprovisionsremainunchanged,ahypothetical
rangeoffutureparkingneedsareshownbelow:
2009
2010/2011
2011
2016/2017
2017
2022/2023
2023+
Total
Gross Academic and

Residence
Building
Space*
Parkingrequirementif
alldevelopment
locatedinExemption
Area1
Parkingrequirementif
alldevelopmentlocated
inExemptionArea2
22,308m2
43,553m2
174,120m2
172,368
m2
412,349
m2
159
311
1,243
1,232
2,945
239
466
1,865
1,846
4,416
Therefore, based on current Zoning ByLaw provisions and related

assumptions, the ultimate student target could require between 2,945
and 4,416 additional parking spaces if development occurs within
ExemptionAreas1and2,andnotwithinExemptionArea3orareasin
wherenoexemptionsareavailable.
*ResidenceSpacebasedon32.5m /bed.
ParkingExemptionAreasintheDowntown asidentifiedintheZoningByLaw.
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
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3.2
GOALSTODIRECTCAMPUSGROWTH
The Guiding Principles of the Campus Master Plan would be

implemented through the following goals. They recognize the distinct
contextoftheBrantfordCampus.Thesegoals,inconjunctionwiththe
Guiding Principles and Planning Foundations, will direct the future
growthofthecampus.
CREATEANINTEGRATEDURBANCAMPUS
BuildonthepastsuccessofintegratingthecampusintotheDowntown
through strategically located new building construction and adaptive
reuseofexistingbuildingsthatcontributetothecohesionandheritage
of the campus as it grows. The construction of mixed use campus
buildings should be considered, where appropriate, to support other
Downtownfunctionsandprovideforcommercialusesthatcatertothe
needs of both the Laurier and Brantford communities. Continue the
practiceofusingpublicbuildingsandopenspacestosupportuniversity
programmingandinvitepublicuseofselectnewcampusbuildingsand
futurecampusopenspaces.
INTEGRATEANOPENSPACEANDPEDESTRIANNETWORK
Maintain Victoria Park and the Carnegie Building as the heart of the
campusthroughtheestablishmentofMarketandDarlingStreetsasthe
mainpedestriancorridorsofthecampus.Newcampusbuildingsshould
beconnectedtothePedestrianCorridorandexistingcampusbuildings,
existingandfutureopenspacesandpedestrianlinkagesthroughoutthe
Downtown. Pedestrian movement should be directed to intersections
through the design of new buildings and construct intersection
treatmentsclosetocampusbuildings.Createcourtyardsthroughnew
campus building siting and introduce plazas as gathering places at
buildingentrances.
PLANFORATRANSITORIENTEDCAMPUS
Build on the opportunity of housing the citys main transit terminal
located in the Downtown to reduce reliance on the automobile for
transportationtoandfromthecampus.Encouragealternativeformsof
transportation to the campus providing secure bicycle parking in main
campus buildings and all student residences. Accommodate the
majorityofrequiredUniversityparkingincentralizedstructuresthrough
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public and private partnerships, while evaluating opportunities to

provide some parking adjacent to new campus buildings where
appropriate.
CREATEADISTINCTCAMPUSIDENTITY
Build on the strength of Laurier Brantford as a studentcentred
University that is integrated into its downtown built environment.
ContinuetofostertheidentityofLaurierBrantfordinthepublicrealm
throughconsistencyinarchitecture,landscapeimprovements,branding
and gateway statements. Establish a connection to the Waterloo
Campus through select architectural and landscape elements that
complimentLaurierBrantfordsurbancontext.
EXCELLENCEINDESIGNANDARCHITECTURE
Establishacommitmenttoexcellenceinarchitecture,landscapedesign,
andtheapplicationofsustainablebuildingprinciplesintheconstruction
ofnewbuildingsandadaptivereuseofexistingbuildings.Continueto
respect existing architectural heritage and building typologies of the
Downtown through new campus development that is urban in nature.
Design excellence in all University buildings should be pursued so that
theywillprovidearichbuildingheritageforfuturegenerationsandset
ahighqualitystandardforfutureDowntowndevelopment.
EFFICIENCYINLANDACQUISITIONANDPHASEDDEVELOPMENT
Contemplated growth for the Laurier Brantford Campus will require a
significant acquisition of new landholdings. Where feasible, new land
acquisitionsshouldbemadealongthePedestrianCorridorandadjacent
to existing campus buildings. Existing buildings being considered for
adaptive reuse should be evaluated for their appropriateness to
accommodate space needs. Locations for campus growth should be
chosenthatallowfortheintensificationofthecampusandmaintainthe
cohesiveness of nonuniversity uses. Existing partnerships should be
maintained in the acquisition of land and construction of new campus
buildingswhereappropriate.
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3.3
STRUCTURINGELEMENTSOFTHECAMPUS
MASTERPLAN
The Brantford Campus Master Plan applies to lands owned by the

Universityandotherparties.TheGuidingPrinciplesandGoalsformthe
building blocks of the Campus Master Plan and provide the strategic
framework to guide future land acquisition, campus growth and
development.
University opportunities, priorities and academic programs will evolve
overtime.Thesechangestogetherwiththecontinuedrevitalizationof
the Downtown by other stakeholders, will influence the location and
sizeofmanynewcampusbuildings.Therefore,thePlanmustprovidea
flexibleframeworkthatcanbeadaptedovertime.Whatshouldremain
constant,however,isanadherencetotheGuidingPrinciplesandGoals
thatembodythevaluesoftheUniversityandthefollowingstructuring
elements that provide a sense of predictability for campus growth as
this urban centre evolves over time. This approach will ensure the
creation of a welcoming, integrated and attractive environment for
living,learningandcommunitybuilding.
AnIntegratedDowntownAcademicDistrict
As Laurier Brantford, as well as Mohawk College and Nipissing
University continue to grow the Downtown will increasingly become
more of a centre for postsecondary education. However, the
Downtown will also continue to evolve as a destination for business,
civic, commercial and retail activities, culture, entertainment and
residence. Therefore, the Integrated Downtown Academic District is
seen as the space in which the University grows and becomes further
integratedandconnectedwithcommercial,business,civicandcultural
activities in the Downtown as they evolve and develop. Fostering the
continuedintegrationofthecampusintheDowntownensuresthatthe
Core remains a destination for all, as well as a centre for education,
learningandresearch.
A series of Structuring Elements have been developed through the

masterplanprocess,inassociationwithGuidingPrinciplesandGoals,to
guidefuturecampusdevelopment.
TheseStructuringElementsareasfollows:
AnIntegratedDowntownAcademicDistrict
TheDowntownMasterPlan
MainPedestrianCorridors
ACompactCampus
LauriersRoleinCityBuilding
CreatingaDistinctCampusIdentity
TheIntegratedDowntownAcademicDistrictshouldaccommodatecampus
expansionaswellastraditionalcoreuses.
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
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TheDowntownMasterPlan
MainPedestrianCorridors
TheDowntownMasterPlanprovidesaframeworktoguidebothpublic
and private sector investment within the core over the next 25 years.
GiventhattheLaurierBrantfordwillcontinuetobeasignificantpartner
intherevitalization oftheDowntown,theDowntownMasterPlanwill
inpartshapethegrowthoftheCampus.
EstablishingthemainpedestriancorridorsofthecampusonMarketand
DalhousieStreetsreinforces VictoriaParkandtheCarnegieBuildingas
the heart of the campus will connect existing campus buildings and
publicopenspacesprovideastructurefortheacquisitionofadditional
landholdings to accommodate future growth and the creation of new
open spaces. The pedestrian corridors will also facilitate movement
throughthecampusandtheDowntown,providefortheestablishment
of campus gateways and a focus for streetscape improvements and
expressionoftheUniversityinthepublicrealm.
The Downtown Master Plan proposes new pedestrian connections,

openspacesandstreetscapeimprovementsthatprovideopportunities
fortheenhancementofthecampus,andanapproachtobuiltformthat
will in part inform the design of new campus buildings to ensure they
are compatible with the existing urban fabric. By incorporating the
recommendationsanddirectionoftheDowntownMasterPlanintothe
CampusMasterPlan,campusgrowthwillbeintegratedwiththegrowth
ofthewholedowntown.
MarketandDarlingStreetswillbeestablishedasthemainpedestriancorridorsof
thecampus,anchoredbythespiritualcentreVictoriaPark.
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ACompactCampus
In the planning of educational institutions, walking distance is a key

determinantinthesitingofacademicbuildings,sincestudents,faculty,
andstaffmustbeabletotravelbetweenclassesandbuildingsusuallyin
lessthanfivetotenminutes.Thewalkingdistanceradiusshownbelow
generallyestablishestheouterfunctionallimitsofthefuturecampus.It
illustrates the importance of maintaining academic and residences
buildings within the Integrated Downtown Academic District. Priority
shouldthereforebegiventoestablishingnewfacilitiesinthisdistrict.
Laurier Brantford has demonstrated a longterm commitment to

providing a highquality postsecondary education and playing a major
role in the revitalization of the Downtown. Every day, the University
becomes increasingly connected to the activity and functions of the
Downtown. This in turn influences and shapes the ongoing
revitalizationandtransformationofdowntownBrantford.
Givenitsgeographical,social,culturalandeconomicimportance,Laurier
Brantfordhasaresponsibilitytocontinuallyenhanceitsinvolvementin
the exercise of city building. This will consist of continuing its direct
involvement with other stakeholders in the downtown development,
participating in reciprocal relationships and making decisions in the
contextofthewidercommunitysinterestsanddesiresforthestateof
thedowntown.
Academicbuildings,ideally,shouldbelocatedwithinaconvenientwalking
distance(amaximum400metresor5minutes).
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
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BalancingofSensitivitytoHeritage
Laurier Brantford has demonstrated a commitment to preserving,
respecting and enhancing the architectural heritage of the Downtown
through the adaptive reuse of significant buildings and new
construction. As the campus grows and the need for space increases,
the University should continue this practice not only in the design,
massing and siting of new buildings, but also in its selection of
downtownlocationstoaccommodategrowth.Toensurethesignificant
heritage components of the Downtown are maintained over time, the
heritage quality of properties of interest to the University should be
evaluated in conjunction with the Heritage Resources of the City of
Brantfordto determinethesignificanceofa particularbuilding orsite.
If significance is determined, then the University should carefully
consider whether the building meets the needs of the University for
academic, residence or administrative needs, or if another location
shouldbeselected.
While new buildings should be designed to be complementary to the

existing heritage character of the area, this does not mean that be
replica buildings resembling the existing architectural design of
buildingswillbeusedexclusivelyinthefuturefornewcampusfacilities.
Instead,thedesignoffuturebuildingsshouldbeapproachedwithahigh
degreeofdesignthatwillensurethatnewfacilitieswillcomplementthe
Downtowns architectural character and not negatively impact it.
Designerswillbechargedwithestablishingadesignethicthatwillmeet
thedualresponsibilityofsupplyingbuildingsthatmeettheuniversitys
functional requirements while ensuring that these new buildings fit
theirsurroundings.
ThisapproachtopropertiesofinteresttotheUniversity,aswellasnew
facilityconstructionwillmaintaintheheritageimageandidentityofthe
campus and further establish Laurier Brantford as a partner in the
maintenance and enhancement of architectural heritage of the
downtown while providing campus facilities that can serve as the
heritagestructuresforfuturegenerations.
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
19
CreatingaDistinctCampusIdentity
One of the biggest challenges of the Master Plan will be to create a
distinct campus identity within the downtown core of Brantford. The
general character of downtown Brantford is not strongly defined. As
noted in, A Master Plan for Downtown Brantford (2008), the core is
dominated by parking lots, vacant buildings and uninspiring
streetscapes. The first temptation for the campus master plan is to
declaretheuniversityasthesolutiontothecoreidentitycrisis.Thisis
clearlynotthecase.
The vision of Laurier Brantford cannot be based upon an idea that
LaurierisBrantfordbutthatLaurierisalargepartofthecharacterof
Brantford. The way in which this campus develops, determines in a
largepart,thewayinwhichthedowntownshalldevelop.Therefore,a
reciprocal relationship must be established whereby the communitys
needsarebalancedwiththeUniversitysneeds.
Given the proposed scale of Laurier Brantford and its potential impact
onthecore,agreatdealofattentionmustbegiventohowthecampus
appears from the public realm. Laurier Brantford must define itself
withinthecore.Thefollowingobjectiveswillguidethecampusidentity
intothefuture:
Employconsistencyintheuseofbuildingmaterials,architecture
andlandscapetreatmentstopromotetheidentityandcohesion
ofcampusbuildingsintheurbanenvironment.
ConsiderthebuiltformcharacteroftheWaterlooCampusinthe
futuredevelopmentoftheBrantfordCampustherebycreatinga
connectiontotheWaterloocampus.
Consider similar approaches to public realm expression on the

WaterlooandBrantfordCampusestoreinforceconnectionsand
identities.
Improve signage and wayfinding approaches to recognize the

campusinthedowntownandfacilitatenavigation.
Establish gateway features through built form, landscape

treatments and signage at key entrances to the downtown to
symbolizearrivalonthecampusfornewstudents,faculty,staff
andvisitors.
Pursuethecreationofsmallercampusnodesinthenorth,east,
andwestareasofthedowntown.
Distinguish the campus district in the public realm through the
consistent application of a specific type of urban furniture,
streetscapetreatmentsandlightstandards.
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TheBrantfordResearchandAcademicCentrecombinescontemporaryand
heritagearchitectureandcontributestotheheritageidentityofthecampus
whilebrandingtheUniversityintheDowntown.
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
IBI GROUP
4.0
SomeoftheprimaryfeaturesoftheCampusConceptPlaninclude:
CAMPUSCONCEPTMASTERPLAN
TheCampusConceptPlanbuildsontheorganizationofexistingcampus
buildingsandincorporatestheIntegratedDowntownAcademicDistrict
identified to accommodate campus growth and the Main Pedestrian
CorridorsoftheCampus.Thepedestriancorridorsandorganizationof
existing campus buildings should be used to guide land acquisitions to
accommodatefuturecampusgrowthandprovideafocusforUniversity
investment in streetscape upgrades and reinforcing the identity of the
campusinthepublicrealm.
ThelocationofthecampusintheIntegratedAcademicDistrictrequires
the development of new campus buildings that not only respect the
architecturalcharacteroftheDowntown,butalsoprovideopportunities
fortheestablishmentofusesthatareessentialtothemaintenanceofa
healthy Downtown, such as commercial services, shops, offices, and
entertainmentandculturalactivities.Campusbuildingsshouldalsobe
sited so as not to fragment existing Downtown uses as they develop
over time. Such an approach will result in a distinct campus
environment that combines campus and community, and academics
with Downtown life contributing to a vibrant Downtown core that is
trulyadestinationfortheLaurierandgreatercommunity.
The development of the major pedestrian corridors being

DarlingandMarket.
The heart and centre of the campus, being Victoria Park and
CarnegieBuilding.
The Integrated Academic District is the preferred area of
growth for the University, being Sheridan Street/Clarence
Street/WharfeStreetandWestStreet.
The integration of the existing Open Space and future space
withthepedestriancorridors.
The existing and planned building footprints to be integrated
intothehistoricfabricofthedowntown.
Thedevelopmentofgatewayfeaturesatthekeyentrancesto
the downtown core (Clarence and Darling, Market and
Sheridan,BrantandColborne,ClarenceandColborne).
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
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CAMPUSCONCEPTMASTERPLAN
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
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design,asenseofbelongingforday,evening,andcommuting
students.
5.0 BUILTFORMANDARCHITECTURAL
CHARACTER
5.1
Recognizetheneedsofstudents,facultyandstaffinthedesign
ofnewandrenovatedbuildingsandcreatespacestofacilitate
socialinteractionandacademiccollaboration.
Employ an intensified and compact approach to building

design that reflects the most efficient use of University lands
while maintaining the unique Laurier Campus Experience and
respectingthescale,massingandsitingofexistingbuildingsin
thedowntown.
OBJECTIVES
Thedesignandarchitectureoffuturecampusbuildingsshouldmaintain
theheritagecharacterandidentityofthecampus,whileincorporating
contemporary design elements where appropriate to establish built
heritage for future generations. Future new and adaptively reused
buildingshouldalsorespectandenhancetheDowntownsarchitectural
heritage, be compatible with the Citys vision for future downtown
development and support the continued integration of the campus
qualities that currently contribute to the attractiveness and quality of
Laurier Brantford. Aside from ensuring compatibility with the
downtown urban environment, maintaining the heritage identity of
Laurier Brantford is critical in future campus development as the
appearance of a campus is increasingly used as a marketing and
recruitingtool.
MaintainingCity/CampusSynergies
Every new project can positively contribute to the reliability of the

University,Downtownandgreatercommunityasawhole.Assuch,itis
essential that the design team of future campus buildings develop an
approach that takes into consideration the campus and Downtown
beyondthespecificprojectandprojectrequirements.
The following objectives, in conjunction with the design guidelines,

shouldbemetintheplanning,designandconstructionofnewcampus
buildingsandadaptivereuseofdowntownbuildings:
MaintainingtheLaurierExperience
Whereappropriate,employamixedusebuildingapproachto
new campus developments to maintain the urban nature of
the downtown landscape and enhance the core as a
destinationforall.Ensurecommercial,office,andserviceuses
inmixedusebuildingarecompatiblewithbothacademicand
residenceuses.
Brand the campus locally, nationally, and internationally

through signature buildings that are consistent with Laurier
Brantfordscommitmenttoheritage.
Create buildings and open spaces for the University that are
learning and teaching environments consistent with the
Mission of the University, and which provide through their
NewresidencesatJohnsHopkinsUniversitycombinestudenthousingwith
commercialactivitiessuchasadininghallandbookstore.
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
23
Increase the visibility of the campus through university

focusedactivitiessuchasstudentservices,foodservices,study
spacesandgatheringareas ontheground floor ofnonmixed
use campus buildings. Ensure the ground floor plane is
transparent,creatingmoreeyesonthestreetandenhancing
safety.
Respect the architectural heritage of existing campus and

downtown buildings and design new campus buildings with
the intent of providing the built heritage for future
generations.
Establishanurbanapproachtohousingthatincludeslowrise,
midrise and highrise developments to compliment the
currenthousingmixinthedowntownandprovideavarietyof
housingoptionsforstudents.
the academic experience. Consultations revealed the following

elements as important to enhance the experience of the Laurier
Community:
AnEnhancedCulturalScene
Wilfrid Laurier Universitys longstanding cultural character, well
developed at the Waterloo Campus, needs to be extended to the
Brantfordcampus.Heretheuniversityhasanopportunitytocultivatea
rich cultural scene for dual audiences: the University community and
thewiderpubliccommunity.
MaintainingaCommitmenttoSustainableDevelopment
All new campus buildings should embrace the principle of

sustainability and meet the guidelines of the Leadership in
EnergyandEnvironmentalDesign(LEED)ratingsystem.The
feasibility of retrofitting campus buildings to be more
sustainableinoperationshouldbeassessed.
MaintainingaCommitmenttoHeritage
5.2
Incorporate the architectural heritage of the Downtown into

the design of new campus buildings to highlight the
Universitysrespectofitsurbanheritage.Considerablendof
contemporaryelementsthatcomplementthisurbanheritage.
Respect and conserve existing built heritage where feasible

and incorporate heritage elements into new buildings where
conservationisimpractical.
OPPORTUNITIESFORENHANCEDCAMPUSLIFE
Auniversitycampusismorethanjustthephysicalcomponentsofbricks
and mortar. It must recognize the needs and wants of its students,
faculty and staff for quality of life, work and play in order to enhance
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TheUniversityofWaterloosSchoolofArchitectureprovidesgalleryspaceto
displaystudentworkaswellaspublicexhibits.
The Citys Downtown Master Plan sees the areas traditional cultural
role being expanded and built on over time. This provides an
opportunity for the University to assist in achieving a cultural vision.
The Citys existing downtown cultural facilities, such as the Sanderson
Centre, and private cultural organizations such as the Brantford Arts
Block, should be strategic partners with the university in developing a
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cultural framework for visual and performing arts serving both the
universityandthegeneralpublic.
Inadditiontoitsotherreciprocalrelationshipstodevelopthephysical
campus the university should formally establish ongoing, functional
relationshipsinthelocalculturalcommunitytofosteranddevelopthe
cultural character of the Brantford Campus interchangeably using
universityandlocalresourcestodoso.Theuniversityhasanimportant
role to play in developing and hosting cultural events of interest to a
wideaudience.Theseeventscouldbepursuedbothindependentlyand
inconjunctionwithotherorganizations.
New university buildings are to consider in their design, where

appropriate, a multipurpose cultural role, informed by the results of
thefunctionalrelationshipsbetweentheuniversitysculturalandthatof
thepubliccommunity.
AnEnhancedStudentLifeScene
Anumberofstudentsindicatedthatthereisalackofactivities,facilities
and venues geared to students in the Downtown. These facilities and
activities provide opportunities for socializing offcampus. While the
provision of the majority of such venues is beyond the scope of the
University, there will be opportunities for the public and/or private
sectorstofillthisvoid.Thiswillbecomeincreasinglyimportantasthe
campus grows over time demand will increase and opportunities for
serviceproviderswillemergeaseconomiesofscalearerealized.
The University, as a member of the Downtown Business Improvement

Area,couldactastheaccumulatorandcommunicatorofinformationon
student needs in terms of commercial services, employment
opportunities and entertainment to the local business community
through the BIA. New businesses and services established with the
needs of students, faculty and staff in mind will assist in the
transformation of the Downtown into a destination for entertainment
and commercial activities, contribute to the vibrancy of the core and
provideanumberofbusinessesthatcanalsobenefitpeoplelivingand
workingintheDowntownandintheCityasawhole.
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CentralGatheringSpace
Students noted that the Student Union Building does not serve its
intended function as a central gathering place. Students need a place
on campus to call their own, to act as a location where students can
meet on social and academic activity. This space should be centrally
located in the campus, near Victoria Park and offer food and services
cateringtostudentneeds.Thisgatheringspaceshouldbelocatedinthe
ground floor of a building that has access to outdoor space, providing
studentswithachoiceofanindoororoutdoorenvironment.
5.3
ARCHITECTURALGUIDELINES
Toensurecohesionindesignandarchitectureofcampusbuildingsand
to reinforce the identity of Laurier Brantford in the community while
respectingexistingarchitectureintheDowntown,thefollowinggeneral
guidelinesshouldbeobservedinthedesignofallnewcampusbuildings.
HeritageDesign
Campus development should respect and enhance the existing
architecturalcharacterofLaurierBrantfordandtheurbanfabricofthe
Downtown through consistency in the use of building materials and
architecturaltreatments,promotingtheUniversitysidentityandforthe
cohesionofcampusbuildingsinthedowntownenvironment.However,
the design of buildings should not necessarily be based on a literal
interpretation of heritage elements and a repetition of the historical
language; moreover the spirit and context of existing buildings should
beincorporatedintothedesignofnewbuildings.
Deterioratedarchitecturalelementsshouldberepairedrather
thanreplacedwhereeverpossible.
Where replacement is necessary the new material should
match the original in terms of color, texture, material and
design.
The buildings in Brantford that are to be retained should be
respectedasheritagebuildings,regardlessoftheirage.
Avoid massing, architectural elements and signage that
overpowertheexistingbuildingsordetractfromtheirexisting
character.
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ScaleandMassing
Thescaleandmassingofnewcampusbuildingsmustbesensitivetothe
surrounding context. The scale of the building elements and massing
shouldcorrespondtoavailablevantagepoints.Theoutlineofabuilding
shouldbedesignedtobereadfromadistanceaseitheralandmarkora
memberofagroup,dependingonitslocationinboththecampusand
the Downtown. The massing/volume of a building should reflect its
immediatecontext.Thedetailsofthebuildingshouldbedesignedtobe
read from a short distance and incorporate heritage details and
materialsorcontemporaryinterpretationsofthosedetails.
In large buildings, the mass should be broken down into

components through step or setbacks rather than remaining
anunarticulatedmonolithicvolume.
Step back buildings at appropriate heights to maintain a
humanbuildingscalerespectingbuildingheightsinimmediate
proximity and simultaneously allowing for the realization of
maximumdevelopmentpotentialofUniversitylands.
Buildings and associated open spaces should establish a
mutually supportive relationship in which the outdoor and
indoorspacesbothanimatedandconnected.
The massing and design of a building should reflect the role
thatitwillplayamongotherbuildingsonthecampusorinthe
Downtown.
Atriums should be included to provide natural light in indoor
openspacesinlargebuildings
Buildings should define new and existing open spaces as
distinctspaceswithastrongsenseofidentityandplace.
New open spaces, defined by building masses, should form
partofacontinuousnetwork.
OrientationandCirculation
Each building should be regarded as a part of a continuum in the
movement ofstudents,staffandfaculty,andassuchspecialattention
should be paid to the orientation and circulation patterns within new
buildings and their relationship to existing buildings on campus.
Buildingsshouldframenewcampusquadrangles,infilldiscontinuitiesin
the urban/campus fabric, frame landscape elements such as open
spaces and pathways and, create a continuous pedestrian friendly and
accessibleenvironment.
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Themainbuildingfaadeshouldfacethepublicstreet.
Wherepossible,buildingsshouldbesetbackfromtheproperty
line to allow for streetscaping, planting and a generous
sidewalkwidthtoaccommodateoutdoorseatingandplanting.
The entrance to campus buildings should be oriented to the
streetfrontageandfacilitatepedestrianmovementtoexisting
intersections.Establishentriestobuildingsatregularintervals
consistent with the patterns of the existing buildings in the
surroundingarea.
Buildings should be visually engaging and transparent at the
groundlevelandwherepossible,withshelteringelementsfor
pedestrians.
Pedestrian walkways should be integrated into new buildings
and added to existing buildings in close proximity to each
other to enhance pedestrian movement between buildings in
coldermonths.
Buildings and all associated open spaces must be universally
accessibletoallindividuals.
Interior circulation paths and routes should be easily
understood and employ a hierarchical system with the most
importantroutesprovidingaccesstothemostpublicfunctions
ofthebuilding.
Buildings should enhance the safety and efficiency of
pedestriancirculation.Deadendspacesshouldbeavoidedas
muchaspossibletocreateasafecampusenvironment.
Pedestrianwalkwayslocatedatgradeshouldbeconsideredas
allseasonconnectionsbyprovidingmovableglazingpartitions.
These colonnaded breezeways can mitigate the effects of
adverse climatic. The can be opened during the summer
months to become a colonnade and closed during the colder
monthstoprovideshelter.
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FacadesandRoofArticulation
Buildingfaadesshouldbealignedorworkinconjunctionwithadjacent
buildings to reinforce the context, public network, to create cohesive
building assemblies. Building heights should adhere to the scale and
massingprinciplesoftheoutline,helppreservetheimageofacampus
and to take full advantage of the walkup format. Eaves and/ or roof
lines should align or correspond to adjacent buildings to reinforce and
keeptheorganizationandintegrityofthebuildingcontextorgroup.
Windows should facilitate twoway visual connections

between both indoor and outdoor areas in major campus
facilitiesandthoselocatedonurbanarterials
Facades should incorporate architectural techniques so that
the building reads at different scales from a distance in their
silhouette, from the middle distance through massing and
close up in their detailing and ornamentation. Architectural
elements such as projections, recesses, vertical or horizontal
emphasisedtreatmentsaresomeofthetechniquesthatcould
beusedtoarticulatethebuildingfaadeandproviderelief.
The vertical composition of the building should clearly
illustrateabase,amainbody,andatop.Whereeverpossible,
thebaseshouldbetransparentandpartofthepublicdomain.
The main body should be predominantly comprised of
masonry and the top illustrated by a pronounced parapet,
pitchedrooforotherrooffeature.
Entrances should employ distinct architectural features and
shouldprojectorberecessedfromthebuildingfaadetomark
theirlocationandaidwithorientation.
Groundlevelofallbuildingsshouldbewelllitandtransparent.
Rooftop mechanical equipment should be carefully sited and
integratedintothebuildingcomposition.
Inmixedusecampusbuildings,Universityentrancesshouldbe
prominent from the faade, distinguishing the academic
componentfromothercomponents.
Create animated building frontages through the use of
windowsandlighting,andbyincorporatingcanopies,awnings,
andpublicartwhereappropriate.
prominent projections, parapets, or setbacks are encouraged to

differentiatethefaadefromtheroofline.
Materials
In keeping with Laurier, the longstanding academic building tradition,
masonry should be used as the dominant building material. Each
building should be evaluated on its own merits in terms of the
opportunitytocombineboththecontextualpaletteofthecampusand
Downtown, as well as the existing palette on the Waterloo Campus.
Wherepossiblethetextureandcoloroftheroofingandmasonryshould
complement the existing approach used in order to create a textural
referencebetweenbothcampuses.Itisnottheintentiontodiscourage
the use of more contemporary materials such as synthetic stone,
curtainwallandmetalpanel,buttheyshouldbeemployedcarefullyto
ensureharmonywiththetraditionalpalette.
5.4
Encouraged materials include stone, copper, brick and glass

whereaslargeareasofconcreteshouldbeavoided.
The use of materials should be selected to complement
existingmaterialsandshouldreinforcecampuscohesionwhile
simultaneouslycommunicatingthebuildingsrole.
Materialsusedinadditionsshouldbeselectedtocomplement
thematerialsoftheexistingbuilding.
AREASPECIFICGUIDELINES
To further ensure that the architecture and design of new campus

developmentcontinuestocomplementthecharacteroftheDowntown,
the Integrated Downtown Academic District can be divided into four
distinctareasCentral,North,EastandWestbaseduponstreetscape,
neighbourhood character and architectural form. The homogeneity of
the built form in these areas should be used in conjunction with the
architecturalguidelinesdirectfuturecampusdevelopment.
Selectroofformsthatharmonizethesurroundingbuiltcontextandthe
architectural treatment of the streetscape. Where flat roofs are used,
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27
elementsinnewbuildingsinthisarea.Newbuildingstobeconstructed
within the east part of downtown should continue to incorporate
architectural features of the Heritage Block and emphasize those
contemporary elements which are compatible with surrounding
buildings.Inaddition,withalackofarchitecturallysignificantbuildings,
parksandpublicpathsinthisarea,itwouldgainconsiderablyfromthe
assemblyorgroupingofuniversitybuildingsinacompletecityblock.
Central
West
Buildings fronting onto Victoria Park within the central part of

DowntownaredesignatedaspartoftheVictoriaParkSquareHeritage
District.Assuch,theestablishmentofUniversityfunctionsinthisarea
willprimarilyoccurthroughtheadaptivereuseofthesebuildings.The
restoration and renovation of buildings in this area will require
consistency with the policies of the Victoria Park Square Heritage
ConservationDistrictPlan(1991).Becauseofthecomprehensivenessof
thesepoliciesandguidelines,theyhavenotbeenreplicatedhere.
East
PrivateredevelopmentofthispartoftheDowntownoverthelastthirty
yearshasresultedintheintroductionofbuildingsthatdonotrepresent
theareasarchitecturalheritage.WhileLaurierhasincorporatedmany
oftheDowntownsarchitecturaldesignfeaturesinnewconstructionon
the Heritage Block, the lack of architecturally significant buildings
provides an opportunity to incorporate more contemporary design
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Thereisthepotentialtoestablishsmalleruniversitycommunitiesinthis
areawithcommercialandstudent/socialrelatedactivitiesongradewith
lecture room and support above. The building massing should reflect
the programme requirements, such as a greater ground floor ceiling
heights for commercial and social activity spaces, a main body
appropriatetotheheightalongthestreetandatwostoreytopsetback
fromthepropertyline.Thisshouldnotleadtoacompleteuniformityof
building profiles.Heightvariationis neededtoprovidevisualinterest,
particularly along major paths and axis or corner block locations.
Building heights should be exploited to create gateway features at
majorintersectionssuchasthepointswhereClarenceStreetintersects
DalhousieandColborneStreets.
Anumberofbuildingsofarchitecturalsignificanceremaininthisareaof
the Downtown, and the design of new buildings should emphasize
existing architectural elements with minimal incorporation of
contemporary elements to achieve compatibility with the built form
characteristics of neighbouring properties. A number of potential
opportunities for building restoration exist in this area that should be
encouragedthroughcampusgrowth.Italsohasthehighestpercentage
of single ownership which should be taken into consideration for any
Universitybuildingtypethatmayrequirefutureexpansion.
Thelackoflotcoveragerestrictionsandanallowablefourtosixstorey
buildingheightofferspotentialformixedusedevelopmentinthisarea.
A mix of retail and commercial uses on the ground level and student
residences above would complement the traditional downtown
functionsinthisarea,especiallyalongColborneandDalhousieStreets.
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North
5.5
This area is characterized primarily by a low density residential

neighbourhood with many residences constructed in the late 19th and
early 20th centuries. Therefore, any campus growth within this area
shouldoccurprimarilythroughadaptivereuseandshouldcontainuses
that are compatible with existing residential uses. The Market Street
corridor is the exception within this area, where new campus
development would achieve more efficient use of these underutilized
lands. Any new development in this area should have the lowest
building height of all areas in the Integrated Downtown Academic
District. The Downtown Master Plan encourages the development of
four storey buildings along Market Street and six storey buildings
aroundtheViaRailHubtofulfillagatewayfunction.Corridorbuildings
(i.e.,buildingsfrontingontothestreet)shouldhaveageneroussetback
toallowpedestrianwalkwaysandstreetlandscaping.
CAMPUSBUILDINGTYPOLOGIES
The milieu of existing building types and their historic function in the
downtown should be respected in campus development to ensure the
building compatibility and continued integration of the campus in the
downtown. To guide campus development in the core three building
typologies have been identified to provide direction for the siting and
formofcampusbuildings.
ArterialBuildings
New campus developments along the downtown Main Streets of

Colborne, Dalhousie and Market should reflect the original mixeduse
character of existing buildings and be designed to accommodate
commercial uses at grade to maintain the viability of the pedestrian
streetfrontthroughouttheyear,restorethehistoricalfunctionofthese
corridors in the downtown, and further integrate university buildings
intotheDowntown.Incorporatingacommercialcomponentincampus
buildings provides space for commercial and service uses for the
University and Brantford communities; provides an opportunity for
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29
businesses and organizations related to academic programming and

University operations to locate within campus buildings; enhances
safetybycreatingvibrantspacesandeyesonthestreet;andprovides
anadditionalrevenuestreamfortheUniversity.
BuildingA
Mixing commercial uses with university functions should be carefully

consideredbytheUniversitytoensurethatoneuseisnotcompromised
at the expense of the other. An appropriate mix could include
commercialusescombinedwithstudentresidences,studentservicesor
studentactivityspaces.
Street
Buildings should be setback from the street to allow adequate

streetscaping, outdoor seating and opportunities for active university
usesandcommercialusestospillontothestreetwhereappropriate.
Building footprints should be maximized on University

landholdingsataminimum90%coverage.
Define entrances for universityrelated uses from commercial
entrancesthroughdifferentfaadetreatmentsandcanopies.
Investigate opportunities to increase building height through
steppingback ofbuildingswhilemaintainingconsistencywith
adjacentbuildings.
Ensure Laurier signage is distinguishable and prominent in
comparisontosignageassociatedwithcommercialuses.
Consider using the at grade space in Arterial Buildings for
Universityuseuntilthecommercialusesareviable.
Green
Space
SchematicSitePlan
SchematicBuildingMassing
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InfillTypology
Ensure university usesat grade are compatible with those on

upperfloors.
The height of the primary faade should be in scale with
surrounding buildings. Stepping back of additional two or
more stories where height allowances permit will maximize
theefficientuseofnewlandholdings.
Locate small courtyards and plazas at the side or rear of
buildings to create small open spaces for use by students,
facultyandstaff.
Employazerometresetbackandcontinuousbuildfaceat80%
ofthelotfrontage.
Green
Space
Developments that do not occupy more than half a downtown block

andarenotlocatedonColborne,DalhousieandMarketstreetsshould
be considered for an infill approach to campus development. Active
university uses, or spaces that are frequented by students, staff and
faculty,shouldbelocatedatgradeinthesenewbuildingstocontribute
tothevibrancyofstreetscape.Infillbuildingscouldalsoincorporatea
mixing of academic uses and potentially faculties that would benefit
from being housed within the same building. The creation of small
internalcourtyardsorplazastoprovidespaceforinteractionshouldbe
accommodatedwhileensuringthemostefficientuseofcampuslands.
BuildingA
SchematicSitePlan
Transparency at grade should be maintained through glazing

and window treatments to maintain interaction between
indoorusesandthepublicrealm.
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BlockTypology
Stepbackthebuildingfaadeontheinteriorofcourtyardsto
avoidanenclosedfeelingfromthegroundplane.
Whereappropriate,designcourtyardspacestobeaccessedby
thepublic.
Provideformultiuseactivitybothatgroundlevelandabove.
Encourage four season usage of the courtyard through
programmaticandlandscapeinteraction.
ForareasinthedowntownwheretheUniversityisabletoacquirethe
majority or entirety of a downtown block, the traditional courtyard
approach to campus development should be used. Through framing
buildings on an internal open space, courtyards provide outdoor
gathering spaces for passive recreation, gathering, and interaction.
Courtyardscreateadditionalopenspaceinthedowntownenvironment
that can be enjoyed by both Laurier and the general community.
Courtyard spaces should be connected where possible to existing and
plannedopenspacesintheDowntownthroughpedestrianlinkagesand
buildingsiting.
32
SchematicBuildingMassing
Buildings to frame courtyards and create quadrangles and

shouldbedesignedsothatcourtyardsareshelteredfromwind
andtocreatehumanscaledspaces.
Midblock crossings should be discouraged while pedestrian
trafficshouldbedirectedtowardsintersections.
Employ a minimum building coverage of 70% to ensure the
development of new campus open space while maximizing
efficientuseoflandholdings.
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6.0
OPENSPACEGUIDELINES
6.1
OBJECTIVES
Open Space Design Guidelines have been established as criteria for

future site design as the campus Master Plan is implemented. These
guidelines can also be used to retrofit existing landscapes. Standards
for Open Space Development will ensure that the campus will, over
time,developaconsistencyinmaterials,formandcharacter.Thegoal
istoachieveanintegrated,congruentcampuslandscape.
The Open Space Guidelines will address streetscape treatments, built
form typologies and landscape design. Discussions on streetscape will
address the treatment of streets and sidewalks in and around the
campusaswellaspedestrianandcyclistcirculation.Thetreatmentof
the edges will define how the public views the campus and how the
campusisusedbythestudents,staffandfaculty.
In general the built form (architecture and streetscape) will be the
ordering mechanism for open space. Open space approaches will
compliment the built form typologies outlined in Section 6.0. Built
featureswilltendtobe formalandrectilinearinnaturewhileplanting
willbemoreinformalandorganicbufferinghardedges.
Landscapedesignwilloutlineapproachesforbuiltformandtheplanting
associated with it. Plant material will be used in a complimentary
mannertoreinforceshapeandformortohighlightspecialareaswithin
thecampus.
New campus buildings can provide a backdrop to significant

streetscapeupgrades.Alinearlandscapeofstreettrees,seating
and pedestrian amenities will complement campus and
communitybuildings.
Encourage canopies and colonnades where applicable on

streetscapes.
Theguidingprincipleforstreetscapedesignistokeepthepalettesimple
andclean,allowingimprovementsandupgradestooccurovertime,and
offeringasmoothtransitionfromtheexistingconditions.The
streetscapedesignwillcomplementawidevarietyofbuildingdesigns
fromhistorictocontemporary.Theclarityandsimplicityoftheplanwill
bemaintainableovertime.
Streetscape initiatives associated with campus expansion must be
coordinatedwiththegoalsoftheCityandthedetailsoftheDowntown
Brantford Master Plan. Where possible, the Laurier Brand should be
incorporated into the public realm to improve wayfinding and the
creationofacampusidentity.
Existing Municipal sidewalks are the main pedestrian linkages through
theLaurierBrantfordcampus.Ingeneralcitystandardswillapplytothe
pavingbetweenbuildingfacadesandthestreetedge.
The public realm surrounding the Brantford campus consists of a

network of streets. This street network in and around the campuses
requiresahierarchyoftreatmenttodefinetheimportanceandroleof
these routes. The treatment of each type of street will be unified in
termsofpavingmaterial,streettreeplantingandsitefurniture.
StreetscapedevelopmentatLaurierBrantfordshouldbeguidedbythe
followingobjectives:
Encourage the City of Brantford to implement suggested

streetscapeimprovementsintheDowntownMasterPlan.Actas
apartnerintheseimprovementstoensureLaurieridentityinthe
publicrealmcomplimentsthecourtyardmodel.
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6.2
STREETSCAPE
Gateways
Gatewayfeatureswillbedevelopedatkeyentrancestothedowntown
coretosymbolizearrivalonthecampusfornewstudents,faculty,staff
and visitors. These gateway features may include architectural
elements, landscape treatments, signage or a combination of all these
forms.
Themajorgatewaylocationswillbe:
Streets. The main corridors will be Market and Darling Streets;

anchored around the heart of the campuses Victoria Park. A cross
campusnetworkoflinkageswillfocusonthesestreets.
MarketStreet
As noted in the Downtown Master Plan, Market Street is the most
prominentnorthsouthstreetinthecore.MarketStreetisahighprofile
corridor with the downtown that serves many civic and institutional
uses.
As a major collector, Market Street functions to provide access and
circulation within the downtown ands between the core and the VIA
station.
ClarenceandDarling/Dalhousie
MarketandSheridan
BrantAvenueandColborne
ClarenceandColborne(intheeventoftwowayconversion)
The Downtown Master Plan has introduced a series of intersection

improvementsalongMarketStreet,specificallyatthecornersofMarket
and Colborne and Market and Dalhousie. The intersection of Market
andDarlingshouldbeupgradedinunisonwiththeotherthreecorners
surroundingVictoriaPark.SomeformofLaurierbranding(e.g.,signage)
shouldbeincorporatedattheintersectionofMarketandDarling.
TheconnectiontotheparkadeatthesouthendofMarketStreetoffers
anopportunityforapedestriangatewaytothecampus.Anurbanplaza
withfeaturessimilartoHarmonySquarewouldbeappropriate.
Campusgatewaysshouldincludeacombinationofarchitecturalandstreetscape
elementstosignifytodriversandpedestriansthattheyareenteringintoaunique
sectionofthedowntowncore.
ThecurrentplazainfrontofGrandRiverHallshouldbeincorporatedintothe
pedestriangatewayoftheterminusofMarketStreet
Corridors
One of the key ordering features of the Campus Concept Plan is the
development of major pedestrian corridors along Darling and Market
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ThetreatmentofMarketStreetshouldincludethefollowing:
Street trees are to be planted wherever the sidewalk widths,
roadwidthsandbuildingsetbackspermit.
StreetfurnituretofollowtheCityofBrantfordstandards.
Nosurfaceparkingfrontingontothestreet.
Unique intersection treatments at the corners of Market and
DarlingandMarketandWellington.
ThepedestrianlinkagetotheMarketCentreparkadeisasignificantgateway
into Laurier Brantford.
DarlingStreet
DarlingStreetisaminorcollectorthatwillincreaseinimportanceasthe
transit terminal and associated parking lot are redeveloped. The re
development of the transit terminal includes recommendations for
commercialorresidentiallandusesalongDarlingtoactivatethestreet
edge.ThecornerofQueenandDarlingisaprimelocationforamixed
useinstitutionalbuilding.
Since Darling Street is not identified as a significant street within the
downtowncore,thereisanopportunityforLauriertocreateacampus
corridorthathasadistinctlookthatisLaurier.
Streettreesaretobeplantedwhereverthesidewalkwidths,road
widthsandbuildingsetbackspermit.
Street furniture to follow Laurier standards in front of campus
properties.
Allow surface parking lots but provide upgraded streetscape to
screenviewsoftheseparkinglots.
SectionsofDarlingStreetofferopportunitiesforredevelopmentincluding
upgradestothestreetscape.
ThetreatmentofDarlingStreetshouldincludethefollowing:
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PedestrianandCyclingLinkages
Create linkages to the Grand River, Harmony Square and

planned new public open spaces, such as Bridge Street Linear
Park, Navigation Park with associated Pathway and Shallow
CreekPark.
Utilize and build upon the recommended path and linkage

systemintheDowntownMasterPlantoenhanceconnectionsto
bothpublicspacesandfacilities.EncouragetheCityofBrantford
toundertakethedevelopmentoftheselinkagesasthecampus
grows.
EnsureaccessibilityforallmembersoftheLauriercommunityin
thedesignanddevelopmentofcampuscorridorsandlinkages.
A cross campus network of corridors and linkages will be established

within the downtown core of Brantford in order to link campus
buildings.
The following objectives will be used to guide linkage development in
Brantford:
MainCampusCorridorswillconvergeornearVictoriaPark.
Openings between buildings will provide direct and convenient

accesstobothcorridorsandlinkages.
Discourage the establishment of midblock crossings on city

streets to ensure safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Directpedestrianmovementtostreetintersectionsthroughnew
campusbuildings.
TheLaurierBrantfordCampusisconnectedtolarger
pedestrianandcyclingnetworks,primarilyalongstreets,
sidewalks,andlaneways.
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BUILTFORMTYPOLOGIESANDOPENSPACE
As noted in Section 6.0, the building typologies arterial, infill and

block were introduced to address the massing, scale and siting of
campusbuildingsdependingontheirlocationintheDowntown.
Street trees should be grouped into larger planting beds to

maximizepavedareas.
The sidewalk treatment in front of Laurier Brantford buildings

shouldbeaugmentedwithprecastconcreteunitpavingandsign
panelstobrandthecampusfacilities.
ArterialStreetscapes
InfillStreetscapes
To reinforce the function of Main Streets Colborne, Dalhousie and

Market Streets the streetscape will be designed to accommodate
commercial uses at grade. Wider sidewalks should be introduced to
accommodate functions such as patios where feasible. University
initiatives should be coordinated with the recommendations in the
DowntownMasterPlan.
The sidewalk surface is proposed as pouredinplace concrete

using a mix design that allows surface treatments to offer a
diversityoffinishesandtonality.
Colourwillbeestablishedwithintegralcolouradditivestoease
maintenance,costofrepairandmaintainconsistencyovertime.
Mainbuildingentrancestobedefinedwithprecastconcreteunit
paversand/orgranitepavers.
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Infill built form and streetscape typologies will generally be found on

secondary streets. Branding of University uses such as food services,
student services and study spaces is important for wayfinding. The
creation of small internal courtyards or plazas shall be introduced to
supportcampusfunctionsandactivities.
Theproposedsidewalksurfaceispouredinplaceconcreteusing
amixdesignthatallowssurfacetreatmentstoofferadiversityof
finishesandtonality.
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
37
Mainbuildingentrancestobedefinedwithprecastconcreteunit
paversand/orgranitepavers.
Street trees should be grouped into larger planting beds to

maximizepavedareas.
The sidewalk treatment in front of Laurier Brantford buildings

shouldbeaugmentedwithprecastconcreteunitpavingandsign
panelstobrandthecampusfacilities.
BlockStreetscapes
Buildingsshouldframecourtyards,createquadrangles,andbe
designed to shelter courtyards from wind and also to create
humanscaledspaces.
Midblock crossings should be discouraged and pedestrian
trafficshouldbedirectedtowardsintersections.
QuadsandCourtyards
New courtyards throughout the campus will anchor new and existing
buildingsandprovideafocalpointforgathering,studyingandoutdoor
recreation. These spaces will be linked by pedestrian corridors to
provide direct and convenient access through campus. Courtyards
could also be integrated within future built form to create dynamic
outdoorspaces.
Quadrangles(orquads)areopenspaces,usuallyhavingarectangularor
square shape. They are typically defined by building edges and are
commonly associated with university and campus architecture.
Courtyardsareenclosedspaces,opentothesky,surroundedentirelyby
a building. For the purposes of the Master Plan, quads will be
considered public spaces, while courtyards will be considered to be
moreprivateinnature.
The following principles will be used to guide quad and courtyard
developmentinBrantford;
Employacourtyardmodelofuniversitydevelopmenttoanchor
new and existing campus buildings. Design courtyards and
arrange new buildings to create a focal point for gathering,
studyingandoutdoorrecreation.
Designcourtyardsclosertothedowntowncoretobeinvitingfor
general public use and to provide a finer grain of ground plane
use.
Encourage the City of Brantford to pursue the development of

the public parks and open space components recommended in
theDowntownMasterPlanwhichwouldincreasetheamountof
urban open space that would be available to students, faculty
andstaff.
ForareasinthedowntownwheretheUniversityisabletoacquirethe
majority or entirety of a downtown block, the traditional courtyard
approach to campus development should be used. Through framing
buildings on an internal open space, courtyards provide outdoor
gathering spaces for passive recreation, gathering, and interaction.
Courtyardscreateadditionalopenspaceinthedowntownenvironment
that can be enjoyed by both Laurier and the general community.
Courtyard spaces should be connected where possible to existing and
plannedopenspacesintheDowntownthroughpedestrianlinkagesand
buildingsiting.
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
IBI GROUP
Consider the creation of small plazas at the entrance of select

campus buildings to serve as casual gathering places, and to
promote interaction between both the Laurier and Brantford
communities.
Wherefeasible,maintainasamaximum20%openspaceareain
newcampusblockdevelopments.
Building mass defining quads and courtyards must provide a

comfortable pedestrian scale (e.g., the building base should be
at a well defined pedestrian scale). This building scale can be
reinforced through the use of building materials, design detail,
cornices, a change in plane or mass or the use of podium
elements.
Building Height to Width ratios should not exceed 1:1 for

courtyards.
Courtyards should be oriented according to microclimate (e.g.,

southfacingtomaximizesunlightlevels,andtomitigatewind).
IBI GROUP
Buildingheighttowidthratiosareimportantconsiderationsforcourtyard
development.Astheratioapproaches1:1,largeropeningsshouldbeprovided.
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
39
Sidewalks
The sidewalk surface is proposed as pouredinplace concrete

using a mix design that allows surface treatments to offer a
diversityoffinishesandtonality.
Stampedconcreteshouldbeavoidedsinceitisdifficulttomatch
thesamepatternandcolourwithfuturepatching.
Pedestrian pavement should be designed in terms of width,

slope,contrastingbanding,andfinishforpeoplewithdisabilities.
Pedestrian/cyclist crosswalks should be clearly marked with

distinctpavingandshouldincludecurbcutsorraisedcrossings.
All crossings should be sited for both safety, as well as design
integrity.
Sodded boulevards along primary and secondary streets are to

beavoided.
Mainbuildingentrancesshouldbedefinedwithprecastconcrete
unitpaversand/orgranitepavers.
Theconcreteshouldbesawcuttoprovidecontroljoints,anda
linearpatternperpendiculartothedirectionoftravel.Typically
bandswillbeaminimumof1.5metres3.0metresinwidth.
The sidewalk treatment in front of Laurier Brantford buildings should

beaugmentedwithsignpanelstobrandthecampus facilities.
As noted in the Downtown Brantford Master Plan, pouredinplace

concretewillcomprisethemajorityofthewalkingsurface.Thesidewalk
treatment in front of Laurier Brantford buildings should be augmented
with precast concrete unit paving and sign panels (possibly engraved
intonaturalstoneslabs).
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
IBI GROUP
StreetFurniture
Loopstylebikeringsaretobeconsistentinformandcolour.
Site furnishings include functional elements that help to establish and

reinforce the image and character of the campus. Benches, bicycle
racks, waste receptacles and bollards should have a standard form
throughout the Downtown to unify the campus grounds visually, to
reducemaintenance,andtosimplifyreplacement.
Racks should be installed in a linear fashion, parallel to the

primary building face, with the loops oriented perpendicular to
thatbuildingface.
Racks are to be installed on a concrete base (preferable). A

450mm depth slab thickness is to be provided under bike
parkingareas.
Bike parking areas are to be well lit and installed within a

convenientdistanceofmainentrances(maximum45metres).
Trash,recyclingandashcontainersshouldbeprovidedwithina
10metreradiusofallmainbuildingentrances.
Seating areas should have a combination of trash and ash

containers.
Ashcontainerstobelocatedtheappropriatedistanceawayfrom
mainbuildingentrancesifasmokingbylawisineffect.
Acollectionofsitefurnitureshouldbeselectedforitsdurability,
its compatibility with the southern Ontario climate, and its
availabilityforadditionalfuturepurchases.
Canadian made site furniture should be chosen for ease of

distribution and to ensure that it can withstand Canadian
winters.
Different types of site furniture should be grouped together

ashurns,benches,trashreceptaclestoenhanceuseandavoid
clutter.
Sitefurnitureincludinglightpostssignageandfurnishing,should
be placed out of the way of emergency and maintenance
vehicles,especiallysnowremovalvehicles.
The following materials and furnishings are recommended for use on

theLauriercampuses.Thephotographsanddescriptionsareintended
to convey the desired character, not specific manufacturers or exact
styles.
Seatingshouldbeprovidedthroughoutthecampustopromote
collegiality, and to enhance the outdoor character of the
campus.
Seatingshould belocated in groupsandindividuallyatbuilding

entrances,ingatheringplaces,andalongstreetsandpaths.
Benchesconsistentwiththenewstreetscapepalettewouldhave
both backed and backless seats. All metal benches should be
powdercoatedwithflatblackpaint.
Bike racks should be provided throughout the campus to

promotecycling.
IBI GROUP
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
41
PublicArt
Public art sited throughout the campus can enrich the landscape by
providingfocalpointsandcentresofinterest.Bydisplayingpublicart,
Laurier can showcase local artists, encourage the development of
programs and attract the larger artistic community onto the campus.
The following guidelines should be followed for the selection and
placementofpublicartinthecampus;
Piecesofartistsshouldpromotetheuniqueculturalheritageof
Brantford.
Pieces should be located or displayed in such a manner to

reducemaintenance(e.g.,plantingbeds,raisedplatform).
The backdrop and how the piece could be viewed is an

importantconsideration.
Outdoorlightingshouldilluminatethework.
Thepiecesshouldbelowmaintenanceandvandalproof.
FiveprominentpublicartlocationshavebeennotedintheDowntown
BrantfordMasterPlan;threeofwhicharelocatedwithintheproposed
campus. The City and Laurier Brantford could explore partnerships at
thefollowinglocations:
TheWestEndofColborne
TheMarketStreetParkade
TheEastEndofDalhousie
Courtyards and Quads also offer an opportunity for the inclusion of

publicart.
42
TheConversationbyWilliamMcElcheran. McElcheranisaworldrenownedartist
fromHamilton.Thepromotionoflocalartistsshouldbeencouragedinthepublic
realm.
Reclining Figure (1951) by Henry Moore. Moore was a champion of British

modernismandhisworks,amongstothersofhistime,reinforcedtheimportance
ofartistsascommentators,researchersandprovocateurs.
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
IBI GROUP
Lighting
Lightfixtures,inadditiontotheirobvioussafetyandsecurityfunction,
couldbeusedasstructuraldesignelements.Therhythmandrepetition
of uniform light standards could be used to define the edges of both
walkways,aswellasthecampuscore.
Threestylesoffixturesshouldbeusedconsistentlythroughthecampus
forstreets,walkways,andparkingareas.
The following guidelines should be applied to lighting of campus
buildingsandopenspacesinBrantford:
Lightstandardstobearrangedinaregularpatterntoreinforce
campusstructureandorganization.
A consistent style of light standard should be used for streets,

parkinglots,andwalkways.
Metalhalideluminairesshouldbeusedforalllightfixtures.
Lighting should be designed to minimize glare onto residences,

streets or adjacent properties; maximize energy conservation
andtobedarkskycompliant.
Street lights should have a mounting height of 79 metres.

Fixtures should be located to provide uniform coverage and
shieldedfrombothresidenceandacademicbuildings.
Pedestrian fixtures along parking lots and secondary paths

shouldbeshoeboxluminaires(GullwingbyGardco)mountedat
aheightof3.5to4.0metresandhaveapproximately15metre
spacing. Tree spacing and site furniture locations should be
coordinatedtoprovidearegularvisualrhythm.
Thestyleofluminairealongmajorcorridorsshouldbeconsistent
with the existing standards along the Heritage Walk
(WestminsterbyLumec)ontheWaterloocampus.
IBI GROUP
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
43
6.3 PLANTMATERIAL
Trees, shrubs and perennials should be used as design elements that
define open space, provide spatial order and compliment built form.
Plantingwithpurposeandfunctioncansignificantlyaffectthelookand
feelofthecampus.Plantmaterialcanbeusedto:
Definemajoropenspaces,corridorsandgateways;
Limitordirectviews;
Framespacestogiveasenseofenclosure;
Providestructureandorganizationtoopenspace;
Createmicroclimates;
Reducemaintenance;
Createasenseofplace;
Provideecologicaldiversity.
The scale and massing of plant material should relate to the size of
buildings,roads,pathwaysandadjacentspaces.Large,highbranching
trees can be used to edge formal open spaces and corridors. Smaller
trees,shrubsandperennialscanbeusedtohighlightimportantspaces
suchasbuildingentrancesorcourtyards.Ingeneral,intricateplanting
design should be avoided. Massed plantings of both trees and shrubs
wouldbemoreappropriateforthecampussetting.
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
IBI GROUP
SelectionofPlantMaterial
In Southern Ontario, most natural habitats have been lost to urban
sprawlandagriculture.Asaresult,naturalsystemssuchaswatersheds
and geological communities are severely degraded, and many plant
and animal species have been designated as atrisk. University
campusesareoftenlargecontiguouslandholdingswithinurbanareas
withextensiveopenspace.Theopenspaceswithineachcampusoffer
an opportunity to develop strategies to protect and restore some
woodlandsandotherhabitatsandnaturalsystems.
Street trees in particular will require sensitive treatment.

Consideration will need to be given to the soil structure along major
arterialsorotherinnovativeplantingtechniquestoensurethesuccess
ofplantingsinurbanconditions.Therelocationorburyingofoverhead
servicesalongmajorstreetsshouldbeconsidered.
The following guidelines should be considered for the planting of new
trees:
EnvironmentCanadarecommendsaminimumthresholdof30%forest
cover in a watershed whereas currently there is less than 20% forest
coverageinBrantford.
In order to create a sustainable landscape, plant material for the
Brantfordcampuswillbeindigenoustothenaturalplantcommunities
of the Region. Native plant material is naturally adapted to local
growing conditions and as a result requires less maintenance, water
andfertilizertomaintainhealthygrowth.
The Brantford campus is located in the Deciduous Forest region of
Ontario.Withinthisregionthereareuniqueplantassociations:
TheCarolinianZone;
TallGrassPrairieandSavanna.
Deciduoustreestobeminimum60mmcalliper;
Coniferoustreestobeminimum180cmheight;
Woodstakeswithflexiblerestraints(ArbortieorVStrap);
Theminimumplantingareaistobe3.0metresx3.0metres;
Inpavedareas,structuralsoilorSilvaCellsshallbeused;
Lowerbranchestobetrimmed2.4metresabovesidewalksand
4.5metresabovestreetsandserviceroads;
Treegratesshouldbeavoided;
Trees to be planted with top of root ball level with finished

grade;
Fruitornutbearingtreesaretobeavoided.
Both of these native landscapes are rare and endangered in Ontario.

Largeportionsoftheseplantcommunitieshavebeenlostoverthepast
200yearsduetoagricultureandurbanization.Forexample,lessthan3
percentoftheOntariotallgrassprairieremainstoday.Oneofthegoals
of the landscape guidelines will be to reintroduce native plants into
the campus environment. A palette of recommended plant material
willbeprovidedattheendofthissection.
Treescanbeusedtoaddapatternandrhythmtothelandscapethat
can tie the campus together. Trees should be used to reinforce
pedestrian corridors, roadways and open spaces. The screening of
undesirable elements such as parking and service areas must be
balancedwithbothaestheticsandsafety.
IBI GROUP
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
45
PLANTINGPALETTE
MediumCanopyTrees
Largecanopytreeswillbeusedtodefinestreetedgesandtolinemajor
pedestriancorridors.Plantingshouldbedirectedtoareaswheretrees
havethebestchanceofbecomingfullydeveloped(i.e.,avoidconflicts
with services and heavily paved surfaces). Ideally planting should be
balancedonbothsidesofthestreetorcorridor.
Mediumcanopytreesmaybeusedinplazasandalongminorpedestrian
corridors. Planting should be incorporated into larger beds and turfed
areas.Smallertreevarietiesmaytolerateraisedplantersortreepitsin
pavedareas.Showyvarietiesoftreescanbeusedasspecimens.
Flowering Dogwoods are excellent

specimen trees that can be located,
near a patio, corners of buildings, or
open courtyards. They are especially
effective against a dark backdrop of
evergreens or building material where
the flowers are accentuated, as is the
branchinghabitinthewinter.
NativeRedMaplesandtheircultivars
will be used as a signature trees
throughout the Waterloo campus.
Largercanopycultivarswillbeusedas
street trees and for defining the
edgesoflargeopenspaces.
Thefollowingcultivarsarepreferred:
Acerrubrum
AcerrubrumOctoberGlory
AcerrubrumNorthwood
AcerrubrumKarpick
AcerxfreemaniiAutumnBlaze
orRedSunset
Althoughconsideredtobesensitive
topollutionanddrought,typicalof
urban areas, many cultivars can be
used in a campus setting. Given
their size Sugar Maples are best
used in combination with Red
Maples as street trees and along
largeopenspaces.
In addition to the Maples, the
following large canopy trees are
preferred:
Hop Hornbeams are hardy native trees

that perform well in urban conditions.
They tolerate a variety of soil
conditions.
InadditiontoFloweringDogwoodsand
Hop Hornbeams the following medium
canopytreesarepreferred:
BlueBeech
RedBud
Sassafras
KentuckyCoffeetree
TulipTree
Sycamore
Oak
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
IBI GROUP
RecommendedShrubsandPerennials
Thefollowingornamentalshrubsarepreferred:
The preferred approach to shrubs and perennial planting is to mass

plant material. Plantings should be concentrated at building edges or
otherkeylocationstodirectpedestriansandtoprovidevisualinterest.
Perennial planting should be located in a few prominent locations to
maximizevisualimpactandtoreducemaintenance.Themainareasfor
perennialbedswillbebuildingentrances,courtyardedgesandplanters.
Vines such as Boston Ivy and Virginia Creeper evoke images of old,
establishedschools.Theycreatevisualinterestonbothcontemporary
andheritagebuildings.Vines,duetomaintenanceconcerns,shouldbe
used sparingly to soften architectural edges and to animate blank
facades.
shrubsandperennials:
Deciduousshrubstobeminimum60cmheight,#3cont.;
Evergreenshrubstobeminimum50cmspread,#3cont.;
Large specimen flowering shrubs to be minimum 80150cm

height;
A minimum double row of shrubs is preferred for foundation

planting;
Largeperennialstobe#2cont.;
Smallperennialstobe#1cont.;
Minimum100mmdepthshreddedbarkmulchforallbeds.
Yew
ColorataEuonymus
Thefollowingnativeperennialsarepreferred:
BlazingStar
BigBluestem
Foamflower
BlackeyedSusan
NewEnglandAster
Beebalm
EveningPrimrose
LittleBluestem
Ferns
Sedges
IndianGrass
Thefollowingnativeshrubsarepreferred:
Serviceberry
NewJerseyTea
Buttonbush
Dogwoods
BurningBush
Spicebush
Meadowsweet
Viburnum
IBI GROUP
Ninebark
Sumac
Currant
Bayberry
Elderberry
Rose
LowbushBlueberry
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
47
7.0
7.1
7.2
TRANSPORTATION
OBJECTIVES
Transportation andparkinghave,andwillcontinuetobekeyissuesat
the Brantford Campus as the Downtown continues to revitalize and
morepeoplecometothecoretolive,work,shop,andlearn.Assuch,
transportationtoandfromthecampusmustbebalancedbetweenthe
private car and alternative forms of transportation such as public
transit, cycling, and walking in order to accommodate the needs of
commuting and local students, faculty and staff. Building on the
Universitys commitment to supporting the alternative transportation
optionsavailabletofaculty,staffandstudentsinitsSustainabilityPolicy,
thefollowingobjectivesshouldbeobservedtofacilitatetransportation
to,fromandwithinthecampus:
Investigate,implement,andencouragetheuseofridesharing
initiatives, incentives and programs for students, staff and
faculty;
EncouragetheCityofBrantfordtopursuethedevelopmentof
multiuse trails and onroad bike lanes to and through the
Downtown, with enhanced pedestrian linkages as
recommended in the Downtown Master Plan, Transportation
MasterPlanandtheMultiUseTrail/BikewayMasterPlan;
Establish secure allseason bicycle parking in select campus
buildingsandnewresidencebuildings;
Ensureanaveragefiveminutewalkingdistanceismaintained
between all academic and residence buildings as the campus
grows;
Monitor the establishment of offcampus housing outside of
the Downtown and encourage improved transit connections
overtimetosuchhousingasitdevelops;and
Adopt an integrated parking approach to accommodate
parking needs resulting from campus growth. Investigate
opportunities to partner with the City of Brantford or the
private sector in the development of new and upgraded
parkingfacilities.
PARKING
The ultimate number of parking spaces that would be required to

support University growth would be determined by both the size and
location of new campus buildings. An urban campus environment
implies that surface parking should be minimized and the majority of
newparkingbeaccommodatedinparkingstructures.Opportunitiesfor
providing parking in above ground structures currently exist in two
locations:
1. The proposed redevelopment of the Downtown Transit

Terminal with a potential new parking structure on Darling
Street;and
2. The currently underutilized Market Centre Parkade, with an
opportunitytoaddparkingwithlevelsapproximately600650
parkingspaces(atacosttotheUniversity).
CurrentstructuredparkingoptionsforUniversitypartnership arelocatedadjacent
tothecampus,makingthemfeasibleoptionstoincreaseavailableparkingfor
students,faculty,staffandvisitors.
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Both of these parking opportunities are located in close proximity to

existing campus buildings and within the Integrated Academic District.
Acknowledging current issues with student onstreet parking and the
needforasignificantamountofparkingduetocampusgrowth,Laurier
Brantford should discuss the potential for partnerships in the
development of a Darling Street parking structure and the
establishment of a joint use agreement with the City to guarantee an
amount of University parking to support future capital projects and
campusgrowth.
Successful acquisition of blocks in the Downtown presents an

opportunity to provide additional structured parking underground and
above grade integrated within other new campus academic uses. The
following guidelines should guide the decision making process on
whether a specific Downtown block under University ownership is the
appropriatelocationforstructuredparking:
Itislocatedadjacenttoanarterialroad;
The structure entrance would not disrupt pedestrian
circulation;
The block is of sufficient size to accommodate a significant
numberofparkingspaces(i.e.,minimum120spaces),ensuring
costefficiency and long term provision of parking to support
campusgrowth;
Themaximumnumberofparkingspacesaccommodatedinthe
structure continues to encourage nonsingle auto travel and
doesnotresultinanoversupplyofparking,and;
Consultation with the City of Brantford to confirm that it
would not disrupt the desired traffic/pedestrian circulation
patterns.
The provision of surface parking as part of the construction of new

campusbuildingsshould:
Be used to accommodate barrierfree spaces, campus

operationvehicles,andpassengerdropoff;
Be incorporated into the building design through treatments
that maximize use of land area for academic or residence
purposes;
IBI GROUP
Locate surface parking at the rear or side of their buildings,

therebydecreasingvisibilityfromthestreet;
Be adequately buffered to achieve discreetness and a
pedestrianizedstreetscape;and
Beconsideredonlyinspecialcircumstancesasaninterimuse
inadvanceofnewbuildingconstruction.
7.3
TRANSPORTATIONDEMANDMANAGEMENT
Implementing Transportation Demand Management (TDM) initiatives

forthecampuscanbenefitbothcommutingandlocalmembersofthe
LaurierCommunitybyencouragingagreateruseofsustainablemodes
of transportation, as well as trip decision making that reduces,
combinesorshortensvehicletrips.The following initiativesshouldbe
consideredforimplementationasstudentenrolmentincreasesandthe
number of commuting and local students of Laurier Brantford change
overtime:
Parking OptOut Faculty and staff on the Waterloo Campus can

currently opt out of the payroll deduction for permit parking. This
approachcouldbeimplementedontheBrantfordCampusandinclude
as a choice, a Universitysubsidized Brantford Transit pass to further
encouragetransituse.
CarSharing Encourage students, staff and faculty to share private

transportation to campus through a Universityrun website that links
drivers with riders to and from the campus. This initiative could not
only reduce the number of vehicles coming to the campus and
Downtown, but also facilitate greater interaction between individuals
oncampus.
GuaranteedRideHomeAspartoftheUniversityscurrentcarpooling
initiatives, a guaranteed ride home program could enhance carpooling
usebyprovidingasubsidizedridehomeincasesofanemergencyoran
unexpecteddelayforthecarpoolertoleavethecampus.BrantfordTaxi
oraUniversityvehiclecouldbeusedfortheservice.
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
49
7.4
PUBLICTRANSIT
Laurier Brantford has the unique advantage of having the Citys main
transitterminallocatedintheDowntown,providingaccesstoalltransit
routesthroughoutBrantford.Ascampusenrolmentgrows,sotoowill
the demand on the public transit system as students, faculty and staff
look to access other areas of the City. As such, the University should
ensureBrantfordTransitcontinuestomeettheneedsofthecampusby:
Providing information regarding popular destinations for

membersoftheLauriercommunityoftenaccessedbyTransit
toimproveservicetothesedestinations;
Monitor the development of offcampus housing, ensuring
that transit access is provided to these locations where
required;
Ensuring buses on routes that directly serve the Laurier
Communityarescheduledtocoincidewithpeakclassperiods
atthecampus;and
Advising of any reorganization of transit stops along existing
routes to ensure their strategic reorganization or relocation
servestheneedsofstudents,facultyandstaff.
Future interregional transit is also an access option for the campus.

GiventheCityofBrantfordsinterestintheextensionofGOTransitto
theDowntownandGOTransitsplantoextendpeakperiodGOBusor
GOTrainservicetoBrantford,theUniversityshouldsupporttheCityof
Brantford in their future efforts to have interregional transit extended
totheDowntownasitisamutuallybeneficialservice.
7.5
CYCLISTS
Cycling as a means of travel to and within the campus is a popular

choice for many students, faculty and staff and it helps to reduce
reliance on the private car for transportation and the need to provide
parking. Given that increased cycling infrastructure benefits both the
Campus and Brantford communities, the University should encourage
cyclingasapreferredtransportationalternativethrough:
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
Encourage the City of Brantford to implement the proposed

bikeways along Clarence Street and Icomm Drive to facilitate
thecampusandDowntownaccessibility;
Urge the City of Brantford to investigate the feasibility of
improving Downtown Streets such as Colborne, Dalhousie,
DarlingandMarkettoincreasethesafetyofcyclists;and
Providesecurebicycleparkinginallnewresidencesandmain
academicbuildingsforexclusiveusebytheLauriercommunity.
Bicycleparkingcanbeaccommodatedwithincampus
buildingsandnewparkingstructuresinavarietyof
waysandpromotescyclingtocampusbyproviding a
securelocationforstoragewhileoncampus.
IBI GROUP
7.6
PEDESTRIANS
Public streets currently provide the means of pedestrian access to,

from, and through the campus, with the exception of the Heritage
Block,wherestudentscanalsoaccessbuildingsthroughsurfaceparking
lots.Toensurepedestriansafety,thefollowingshouldbeundertaken:
Investigate opportunities with the City of Brantford of

enhancing pedestrian crossings at establishedremove
intersections in close proximity to a grouping of campus
buildings.
Work with the City of Brantford to ensure high priority snow
andiceclearanceduringwintermonths,onanongoingbasis,
toensurepedestriansafetyoncitysidewalks.
Entrances and accesses to campus buildings should be
designed to direct pedestrians to road intersections and to
avoidmidblockcrossingswhereverfeasible.
Asthecampusexpandsovertime,itisexpectedthatLaurierBrantford
willgrowtooccupycompleteorthemajorityofthelandwithinselected
blocksintheDowntown.Establishingpedestrianconnectionsbetween
buildings on these blocks is important because it would shorten travel
time between classes and buildings, and also enhance pedestrian
safety.
IBI GROUP
Toensurepedestrianconnectionsaremaintainedwithincampusblocks
astheyaredevelopedovertime,thefollowingshouldbeundertaken:
The establishment of pedestrian connections between

buildings should be one of the primary objectives for
development of new campus blocks. How buildings will be
connected through pedestrian walkways should be
determined before the first campus building is designed to
ensure connectivity between buildings is maintained as the
campusblockisconstructedovertime.
When a block is under University ownership, is should
investigate the opportunity and feasibility of connecting
campus buildings through underground walkways or above
grade breezeways to facilitate pedestrian movement in all
seasons.
Ensure the universal accessibility of all campus walkways and
entrancestobuildings.
Provide directional and wayfinding signage at the pedestrian
levelthroughthecampus.
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
51
8.0
IMPLEMENTATION
8.1
LANDTOACCOMMODATEGROWTH
Given that existing campus lands provide little opportunity for

intensification through new development, a significant amount of
additionallandwillneedtobesecuredforcampusgrowthoverthenext
25years.
Anumber of opportunitiescurrentlyexistin theDowntowntoacquire
land to facilitate campus growth. To ensure growth will contribute to
thecohesivenessofthecampusandreinforceoneofthemanyrolesof
thedowntownasacentreforpostsecondaryeducation,theUniversity
should look to acquire new landholdings within the Integrated
Downtown Academic District. It is anticipated that there is sufficient
land within this area to accommodate campus growth over both the
short and medium terms. However, with the growth of Mohawk
College and Nipissing University, coupled with the continued
revitalization of the Downtown as a destination for residents, civic,
business,commercial,retailandculturalactivities,itisanticipatedthat
opportunities for Laurier needs may have to be found outside of the
Districtovertime.
TheDowntownMasterPlanidentifiesanumberofdevelopmentopportunitiesfor
PostSecondaryexpansionwithinandoutsideoftheIntegratedDowntown
AcademicDistrict,aswellasforotherfutureDowntownuses.
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
IBI GROUP
Resulting from the need for the University to strategically use its
resources to acquire new landholdings, the following objectives and
frameworkshouldbeusedtoguidetheUniversityinitsdecisionmaking
process with respect to land acquisition. Adhering to this framework
ensuresthattheUniversitybuildstheexistingcampus,makingthemost
efficient use of newly acquired lands, structures future growth and
creates a cohesive campus environment, and facilitates the continued
integrationofthecampusintheDowntown.
Acquireasaprioritydowntownblocksthatanchorthelimits
of the campus pedestrian corridor to reinforce Darling and
Market Streets as one of the main structuring elements of
thecampus.
Acquisition of complete downtown blocks provides the
opportunitytoanchorthepedestriancorridor,encouragingthe
movement of the Laurier Community throughout the campus
and downtown. Landholdings and complete blocks will also
allow the creation of internal courtyard and open spaces to
anchornewcampusbuildingsandprovidegatheringandstudy
spaces for students, faculty and staff. These blocks will also
function as gateways to the campus to enhance Lauriers
identityinthedowntown.
Useacquireddowntownblocksasabasisfortheacquisition
of smaller infill assemblies. Infill campus developments
connected to campus blocks through discussions with the
City to achieve upgraded streetscapes will assist in the
furtherintegrationofthecampusintothedowntown.
Opportunitiesexistinthewestandeastareasofthedowntown
for the acquisition of smaller infill assemblies that can
accommodate campus growth. Focus efforts on those infill
opportunities that allow for greater building heights to
maximize development potential, such as east of Market
Street. Ensure infill sites can be connected to new campus
blocks or existing campus buildings through upgraded
streetscapestofacilitatecampuscohesiveness.
Carnegie Building and Victoria Park as the heart of the

campus.
Campus growth around Victoria Park will occur through the
adaptive reuse of existing Heritage Buildings with limited
intensification opportunities. Laurier should continue to
approachtheotherownersofthelandadjacenttotheParkto
determine feasibility of acquiring additional buildings in the
future,withafocusonexistingchurchbuildings.
Campus growth northwest of Victoria Park should be
carefullyconsidered.Theprimaryresidentialneighbourhood
characteristics of Heritage architecture will require adaptive
reuse and careful replacement of buildings that represent
architectural heritage in the downtown. Lower building
heightsandsmallerparcelsizesmakethenorthwestsuitable
for smallerscale university uses such as graduate housing.
Ensure maintenance of the stability of the surrounding
residential neighbourhood when pursuing growth in this
area.
OpportunitiestoexpandthecampusnorthwestofVictoriaPark
currently exist. Given this area is currently a relatively stable
residential neighbourhood, the University should expand
carefully in this area and locate university uses that are
compatiblewitharesidentialsetting.Suchexpansionshouldbe
located close to future campus buildings along Market and
DarlingStreetstoensurethecohesivenessofcampusbuildings
and reinforcement of the pedestrian corridor. A need to
maintain the character of the neighbourhood will require
primarily adaptive reuse of existing buildings. New buildings
shouldbesensitivetobuildingheightsandsiting.
Continue to pursue the acquisition of existing heritage

buildings around Victoria Park to strengthen the role of the
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Concentrate efforts on parcels that offer greater building

heights to maximize development potential for future
campusbuildings.
The Downtown Master Plan has identified areas in the
Downtownwheregreaterheightsareacceptable.Theseareas
generally include lands along Colborne and Dalhousie Streets,
adjacenttotheDarlingStreetParkingLotandeastofMarket
Street and the Victoria Park Heritage District south of
Wellington Street; greatest heights are acceptable in the
redevelopmentoftheMarketSquarelands.Someoffcampus
housing could be accommodated around the VIA Rail station,
wheretheDowntownPlansupportsgreaterbuildingheights.
Continue the Laurier tradition of adaptively reusing existing

buildings in the downtown to contribute to the heritage
imageofthecampus.Placepriorityonthosebuildingswhich
arelocatedclosetothecampuspedestriancorridorandhave
floorspacesuitableforadaptiontoUniversityuse.
The University has established its identity and legacy in
Brantford through the adaptive reuse of a number of existing
heritagebuildingsinthedowntownaswellasbybuildingnew
structures which are sensitive to the Downtowns existing
architecturalheritage.Thistraditionshouldbecontinued.The
heritage value of existing buildings should be assessed. The
adaptive reuse of heritage buildings that provide sufficient
spaceforUniversityuseshouldalsobeassessed.
Investigate the potential redevelopment of the Market

Square lands with the City of Brantford, Mohawk College,
Nipissing University, existing landowners, and the private
sector.
The Market Square lands represent the largest consolidated
blockinthedowntown.Greaterbuildingheightsonthisblock
provide the opportunity to accommodate Laurier growth as
well as that of Mohawk, Nipissing and other private sector
developments that provide office, commercial, and residential
space to support the downtown as a destination for work,
recreation, culture and a permanent place to live. While an
ambitious project, the redevelopment of this block could
benefit all postsecondary institutions and the City of
Brantford. Such a redevelopment would also represent a
signature development in the downtown that demonstrates
the strengths of partnerships between the postsecondary
institutions,Cityandprivatesector.
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
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residential function of the downtown is not fragmented over

time.
Investigate potential partnerships with theCity of Brantford

for the acquisition of campus lands that facilitate the
development of campus buildings that are a benefit to the
publicandCityasawhole.
Acquire lands in a phased manner to the new campus in a

timelyfashiontofacilitateCampusgrowth.
Many campus buildings can be a benefit for public use.

Partnerships with the City of Brantford should be pursued
where there is a mutual benefit in the construction and
operation of campus buildings. A mutual benefit should be
determined before pursuing the construction of a facility so
thatpotentialpartnershipscanbeframed.
Campus growth projections indicate the need for additional

academicandresidencespacebasedonstudentenrolment.To
ensure the University can construct new campus buildings
when they are required, lands must be acquired in advance.
Theabilitytohavelandsforgrowthinadvanceoftheneedfor
new buildings will allow the University to maintain a high
percentageofspaceentitlementforstudentsthatwillresultin
ahighqualitycampusenvironmentwithfacilitiesforlearning,
study, research, and community building. Such an
environment will be instrumental in attracting local, national
and international students, researchers, and faculty to the
University.
Considerprivatesectorpartnershipsintheassemblyoflands
for campus growth. Ensure partnerships result in the
acquisitionoflandthatprovidestheopportunitytomaximize
building size while contributing to the cohesiveness of the
campus.
A significant portion of the Heritage Block was acquired
through partnerships with local landowners. This approach
couldbecontinuedintothefuturetoconsolidatelandholdings
inkeyareasofthedowntown.Suchpartnershipscouldalsobe
pursued for the adaptive reuse of existing buildings or
properties that possess development permissions that
representtheefficientuseoflandanddensity.
Coordinate and partner in expansion initiatives with other

postsecondaryinstitutions.
MohawkCollegeintendstorelocatetheirElginStreetCampus
to the Downtown and Nipissing will look to expand to some
degree in the future. The expansion of these institutions as
wellasLaurierprovideanopportunitytodevelopnewbuildings
thathousejointacademicprogramsandpotentiallypartnerin
other facilities that benefit all institutions such as a
library/learning commons. Open communication between all
institutions must also be strengthened to ensure expansion
plansareorganizedsothatthecommercial,civic,culturaland
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55
200 additional beds will need to be constructed to meet the goal of

adding500residencebedstothesupplyofexistinghousingstock.
8.2 PHASINGTOACCOMMODATECAMPUS
GROWTH
TheimplementationoftheCampusMasterPlanissubjecttoanumber
of external factors that cannot be predicted here. While the Plan is
intended to provide a flexible framework for the evolution of the
campus, a forecast of the sequence of implementation is provided to
guide the physical development of the Campus. Given that the
University is currently developing new academic programming, which
will in part dictate the uses of new campus buildings, and the size of
new campus buildings will be determined by the location and size of
newcampuslands,thephasingstrategyonlyhighlightscapitalprojects
that could be regarded as the infrastructure required to support the
functioningofthecampusandenhanceacademicandcampuslife.
IMMEDIATETERM:2009to20102011ACADEMICYEAR
BrantfordResearchandAcademicCentre(BRAC)
The Brantford Research and Academic Centre is currently under
construction on the Heritage Block and will provide stateoftheart
research , teaching space, as well as administrative areas for several
campus programs in 65,000 square feet of building area. The
constructionoftheCentrewillcontributetotheresearchandacademic
infrastructure on campus, accommodating growth to approximately
3,200 students. The building design is consistent with existing
Universitybuildingsandwillfacilitatethecreationofacourtyardopen
spacewithintheHeritageBlock.
TheadaptivereuseoftheCIBCBuildingforacademicusesmaintainsLaurier
BrantfordstraditionofconservingandrestoringDowntownarchitectural
heritage.
102DalhousieStreet
TherenovationoftheformerCIBCBuildingat102DalhousieStreetwill
provide additional lecture theatres, classroom space, and faculty and
administrationoffices.
StudentResidences
A dormitorystyle student residence containing 300 beds, as well as a
cafeteria and meeting room is planned to contribute to the University
ownedresidenceinventory.Thelocationofthisresidenceisyettobe
determined.
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
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SHORTTERM:2011to20162017ACADEMICYEAR
YMCA/LaurierBrantfordAthleticandRecreationCentre
LibraryFacility
The combined Brantford Family YMCA & Wilfrid Laurier University

Athletic and Recreation Centre will meet the athletic and recreation
needs for students, staff, faculty, varsity teams and intramural
programs. The Laurier Brantford component of the facility,
accommodated in 47,715 square feet of space, will house a double
gymnasium with seating for 1,000 spectators, varsity and generaluse
changerooms,boardroomandathletictherapistroom.Sharedfacilities
betweentheYMCAandLaurierwillincludearunningtrack,community
roomandcaf.
Input from faculty and students indicated a need for an improved and
dedicated library facility to better meet the academic and research
needsoftheUniversity.WhiletheBrantfordPublicLibraryiscurrently
the best example of the synergy between the campus and Brantford
communities,adedicatedlibraryfacilityisneededoncampusfacilitate
future growth in enrolment, academic programming and research
activitiesofLaurierBrantford.
Giventheneedtoaddresscurrentspaceshortfalls,andtosupportthe
academic goals of Laurier Brantford, the provision of additional library
facilities over time would be required. A flexible facility designed to
accommodatetheneedsoftheultimatestudentpopulationisrequired
to provide the University to attract students and scholars to the
Brantford Campus, and for temporary classrooms, offices, and study
spaces. As the need for library and research space increases in the
future, temporary uses can be relocated and the University will have
morecentralizedspaceforlibrary,learningandresearchfacilities.
TheimpendinggrowthofpostsecondaryinstitutionsintheDowntown
provides the opportunity to develop an integrated library facility to
meet both the academic and research needs of Laurier, Mohawk and
Nipissing. These facilities would promote the collaboration of these
institutions. Consideration should be given to the feasibility of a
dedicatedlibraryfacilitythatinvitespublicuseofappropriatespacesto
maintain a degree of the synergy between the post secondary and
publiccommunitycurrentlyexperiencedintheBrantfordPublicLibrary.
Ongoing dialogue with the Brantford Public Library should occur to
evaluate options in continuing the Universitys use of the library and
approaches to maintain ongoing relationships in the event that a new
postsecondarylibraryisconstructed.
Itisessentialthatadedicatedlibraryfacilitytomeettheacademicand
researchneedsofagrowingstudentandfacultyenrolment,itisstrongly
recommended that a library facility be considered at the front end of
theshorttermphase,potentiallyin2011or2012.
This facility would meet the athletic and recreation needs of an

enrolmentof4,000students.
StudentResidences
Anadditional500studentresidencebedsarealsoplannedintheshort
term.Anadditional500bedswillnegatetheneedtoleasebedsfrom
theprivatesectortoguaranteehousingforfirstyearstudents.Thiswill
provide housing for a small number of senior level and graduate
students.
RenderingofproposedYMCALaurierJointAthleticFacility,2009
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57
MEDIUMTERM:2017to20222023ACADEMICYEAR
StudentResidences
AdditionalAthletic/RecreationFacility
An additional 1,760 residence beds will be required for construction

over the medium term. 1,040 beds would be required to guarantee
residencebedsforfirstyearstudentsatastudentpopulationof8,000
to provide graduate and seniorlevel housing. The University will
require720additionalbedsforthesestudentswillberequired.
While the joint YMCA/Laurier Athletic and Recreation facility will

continue to serve the needs of the campus community, additional
athleticandrecreationspace,aswellasapoolfacility,willberequired
to accommodate the needs of a growing student population and
increased intramural programs, and potentially an expanded varsity
athleticsprogram.Providingadditionalathleticspacetosupportvarsity
sports on the Brantford Campus would provide a point of pride for
Laurier Brantford students, attract new students, and offer another
avenueforcommunityinvolvementbyBrantfordresidents.Theycould
thensupportavarsityteam.
Land area to accommodate such a facility is not provided within the
IntegratedDowntownAcademicDistrict.Anopportunityexiststobuild
on the existing Civic Centre facility located on Market Street South.
Laurier currently uses this facility for intramural hockey. The facility
could accommodate intramural programming that is currently
accommodated on fields surrounding elementary schools core. The
facility could also provide expanded recreation opportunities for
Brantford residents that may be underserved in the areas of athletic
and recreation facilities. The City of Brantford should provide this
facilityandhastheauthoritytomeettheneedasthecurrentownerof
thelandsandbuilding.
LONGTERM:2023+
No major building projects are recommended for the long term given
the future uncertainty and the additional need to update this Campus
MasterPlanbeforethisthresholdisreached.BasedupontheCouncilof
Ontario Universities Standards, additional space is required to
accommodate food and central services, academic and administrative
offices, health science facilities, classrooms, undergraduate, graduate
and faculty labs, campus study spaces, activity and athletic space.
Approximately1millionsquarefeetofspaceisrequired.
Anadditional2,450residence beds(1,820firstyear,630graduateand
seniorlevel) would be required to support the ultimate student
enrolmentof15,000studentsoncampus.
ConferenceCentreFacility
Consideration should be given to a Conference Facility located on
campus to accommodate the needs of the University. The location of
the campus in the Downtown also provides an opportunity for this
facilitytobeusedbylocalbusinessesandtheCityofBrantford,further
integrating the campus and community and providing an additional
revenuestreamfortheUniversity.
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WATERLOOCAMPUS
59
9.0
ANALYSISOFEXISTINGCONDITIONSFOR
WATERLOOCAMPUS
9.1
INTRODUCTION
Lauriersenrolmenthasdoubledoverthepasttenyears.Offeringarange
of undergraduate and graduate programs in Arts, Social Sciences,
Business and Economics, Education, Music, Science, Social Work and
Theology,Laurieraimstocontinuethetransitiontoacomprehensiveand
researchintensiveuniversityrecognizedforitsexcellenceinteachingand
learning and a studentcentred environment. In the 200809 academic
year, more than 11,000 students were members of the Laurier
community.
The University is home to the Laurier Institute for the Study of Public
Opinion and Policy, the Laurier Centre for Military, Strategic and
Disarmament Studies, the Cold Regions Research Centre, International
Migration Research Centre, Movement Disorders Research &
RehabilitationCentre(MDRC)andseveralotherresearchcentres.
Today, the central campus occupies the 36 acre block bounded by

University Avenue to the north, King Street North to the east, Bricker
Avenuetothesouth,andAlbertStreettothewestwiththeexceptionofa
singleprivatelyownedparcelonBrickerAvenue.
Theoutercampusoccupiesapproximately32acres:
west of Albert Street Seagram Drive, Waterloo College Hall,

LaurierPlaceResidence)
northofUniversityAvenuetheformerSt.MichaelsSchoolsite
andtheformerNorthdaleSchoolsite
eastofKingStreetKingStreetResidence,232KingStreet,202
ReginaStreet,UniversityPlaceResidence
otherhousing,academicandadministration buildingson Lodge

Street.
ExistingCampusLands,2009
Historically,theseareastotheeastandwestofthecentralcampushave
beenthepreferredareasfor growthandexpansionandwillcontinueto
beinthefuture.
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9.2
AHISTORYOFCAMPUSGROWTH
19111972
The University was established in 1911 as the Evangelical Lutheran
Seminary of Canada. Willison Hall was built in 1914, and underwent
major expansion in 1924 when Waterloo College was established. The
College provided postsecondary education and became Waterloo
Lutheran University in 1960. Willison Hall was demolished in 1970 and
reconstructed in its current location overlooking Alumni Field. In 1973,
the College changed its name to Wilfrid Laurier University; dropping the
church affiliation meant the University was now a public institution and
eligibleforcapitalfundingfromtheprovince.
19731992
forUniversitysupportfunctions,andtheprominentstudentresidenceat
44 Bricker Street was opened in 1991. Wilfrid Laurier University
purchasedhousesontheeastsideofKingStreet,andtookpossessionof
Seagram Stadium in 1992. The Outer Campus covered 15 acres and
consisted of Seagram Stadium, 232 King Street North, Regina/Lodge
StreetBuildingandacollectionofcommercialpropertiesintheareaeast
ofKingStreetin1992.
1993toToday
ACampusMasterPlanwaspreparedin1992byRogerDeToitArchitects
Ltd. and Paul Merrick Architect Ltd. to address physical campus growth
andimprovementsovera15yearperiodto2007.Sincethattime,major
construction and renovation projects have transformed the Waterloo
CentralCampusintoadenseclusterofbuildingsforacademic,socialand
culturalactivities;Universitylandholdingsalsodoubledtoover32acres.
TheScienceBuildingopenedin1995andLaurieracquiredbothUniversity
PlaceandLaurierPlaceresidencestoaccommodateenrolmentincreases.
In 2001, the University acquired St. Michael Catholic Elementary School,

now St. Michaels Campus, on the north side of University Avenue. The
buildingwasadaptedandreusedforclassroomsandtheassociatedland
is also used for parking. Significant growth in enrolment and academic
programming through this time period has resulted in a $132million
capital expansion program including the Athletic Complex upgrades, an
expanded Dining Hall, updated library, the Schlegel School of
Entrepreneurship,thenewScienceResearchCentreandBrickerAcademic
Building,WaterlooCollegeHallResidence,andupdatedStudentServices.
Theformer NorthdaleSchool,nowtheNorthdaleCampus, wasacquired

by the University in 2004, and housed the arts and business academic
programs. An expansion of the Fitness Centre and the Kinesiology labs
additionwerebothopenedin2005andAlumniFieldwastransformedin
2006intoastateoftheart,multisportfieldwithinanamphitheatrestyle
environment.
BouckaertHall,awomensresidence,waserectedin1986,andthesame
yearconstructioncommencedontheAirdBuilding.Buildingsoutsidethe
inner campus, such as 232 King Street, were added to the campus
between 1985 and 1992. Development continued into the early 1990s,
withtheconversionofaformermanufacturingplantat202ReginaStreet
King Street Residence is the newest residence at Laurier. The 8 storey

building with structured parking on the east side of King Street North
opened in 2006. Adjacent to the residence, the CoOp Education and
CareerDevelopmentCentrewasopenedin2007.
Immediatelyfollowingthistransition,enrolmentincreasedandsignificant
newconstructionandexpansionoccurredincludingatwostoreyaddition
tothe Library, theStudents UnionBuilding,AthleticComplexandFrank
PetersBuilding.
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61
SouthwesterncornerofmaincampusLibraryandSeminaryinthebackground as
viewedfromBrickerAvenue.
WLUSchoolofSocialWork,Kitchener
62
CAMPUSGROWTH19952009
ScienceBuilding
UniversityPlaceResidences
LaurierPlaceResidences
St.MichaelsCampus
WaterlooCollegeHallRes.
BrickerAcademicBuilding
DiningHallRenovations/Paul
MartinCentre
ScienceResearchBuilding
SchlegelBuilding
NorthdaleCampus
FitnessCentreandKinesiology
Labs
KingStreetResidence
CoOpEducationandCareer
DevelopmentCentre
AlumniHallAddition
Year
1995
1998
1999
2001
2002
2003
Sq.ft.
137,465
72,161
120,598
22,184
94,768
84,919
Sq.m.
12,771
6,704
11,204
2,061
8,804
7,889
2003
unknown
unknown
2003
2004
2004
2005
43,013
39,623
24,617
unknown
3,996
3,681
2,287
unknown
2006
2007
118,815
25,500
2007
9,000
792,663
11,038
2,369
836
73,640
SchoolofSocialWorkKitchenerCampus
WithsupportfromtheCityofKitchener,LaurierestablishedaSatellite
Campus in downtown Kitchener for its Faculty of Social Work which
wasrelocatedfromtheAirdBuildingto150DukeStreetindowntown
Kitchener.TheformerSt.JeromesHighSchoolbuilding,ahistorical
landmark constructed in 1907 was renovated into a 40,000 ft2 state
oftheart facility, housing seven classrooms, computer labs, library,
interviewviewing room, a large conference/ lecture hall, community
meetingspace,studentlounges,aspiritualroomandacaf.
Academicprogramdeliverycommencedin2006.
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9.3
THESURROUNDINGURBANCONTEXT
TheWaterlooCampusoccupiesapproximately68acresoflandwithinthe
heartoftheCity,anchoringthebusiesturbanintersectionatKingStreet&
UniversityAvenueandamajorgatewaytothedowntowndistrict.
As the university has grown beyond the central campus, it has become
increasinglyintegratedwithinthesurroundingurbanenvironment,andis
located half a kilometre from Uptown Waterloo and four blocks east of
theUniversityofWaterloocampus.
University Avenue and King Street North are major mixed use corridors
and have been targeted for intensification through increased building
heights and gradual streetscape upgrades. The neighbourhood north of
thecentralcampusischaracterizedprimarilybysinglefamilyhousesand
converted dwellings occupied by students, with studentoriented retail
and commercial uses focused around the King Street and University
Avenue intersection. This area has undergone a significant
transformation over the past decade into a prime location for student
housing.TheCityandWLUcontinuetoworktogethertoestablishalong
termstrategyforthisarea.
ThesouthwestboundaryofthecampusaroundSeagramStadiumisfused
with Waterloo Park, one of the largest green spaces in the City of
WaterlooofferingUniversitystudentsaccesstoadditionalsportsfields.A
Master Plan for Waterloo Park has recently been completed. The
Ironhorse Trail extending through the future Light Rail Transit Line,
connects such destinations as Uptown Waterloo, the Canadian Clay and
Glass Gallery, Waterloo Library, Perimeter Institute and the Memorial
RecreationComplexwithinclosewalkingdistanceoftheUniversity.
TheareatwoblockssouthoftheBrickerAvenuehasbeenredevelopedas
primarily for low to midrise student housing developments. The
residential neighbourhood extending along Albert Street forms
MacGregor/Albert Heritage Conservation District and new development
ofthesepropertiesisstrictlycontrolled.
ThearealocatedtothewestofthecampusandeastofReginaStreetisa
stable low density residential neighbourhood, with a mix of permanent
residences and student housing rentals. Between Lodge Street and
UniversityAvenue,theareaisacommercial/industrialdistrictthatholds
potentialforinfillandredevelopment.
AerialPhotoofExisting
WaterlooCampus
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9.4
EXISTINGCAMPUSCONDITIONSANDTRENDS
BuiltFormandArchitecture
The majority of the residences tend to be clustered within the main
campus allowing first year students to be located close to classes and
student services facilitating easier orientation of the campus
environment. Recent new construction has been directed to the outer
campusleavingtheorganizationofthecentralcampusthesameasitwas
20yearsago.
Theaverageheightofthecampusbuildingsisthreetofourstoreyswith
the exception of some academic residence buildings. King Street and
BrickerStreetresidencesarethetallestoncampusbeing8to10storeys
respectively.
Thisutilitariandesignapproachcontinuedfromthe1960stothepresent
with few notable exceptions. Buildings constructed in the past decade
still lack a consistent design theme, although the general style and
claddingismorecontemporary.
Most Waterloo campus buildings were constructed in the 1960s and

reflect a utilitarian design style typified by concrete slabs, minimal
buildingarticulationandornamentation,andaloworflatroofprofile.The
lack of architectural detailing and variety in fenestration minimize the
overallvisualinterestoftheseprominentlylocatedstructures.
Completed in 2003, the King Street Residence uses terracing of the building for a
morepedestrianfriendlystreetscape.Towersofglassatoppositeendshighlightthe
commonareasofthebuilding,andactivatethefaade.
TheLibraryisatypicalexampleof1960sarchitectureontheWaterloocampus.
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OpenSpace
Therearefewlargefunctionalopenspacesonthemaincampus.Parking,
paths,serviceandloadinghavetakenprecedenceovertheuseoflandfor
passiverecreationalopenspace.AlumniFieldandSeagramStadiumare
thelargestrecreationalopenspacefacilitiesoncampus.
The Waterloo campus lacks formal walkways of sufficient size and
prominence.Currentlythecampusiscrisscrossedwithpathsofvarying
widths and materials. The significant grade change across the campus
requiresmanysetsofstairs,whichbreakuptheflowofthesepedestrian
corridorsandhinderaccessibility.
Sports fields should be attractive open space elements for athletes,
spectatorsandpedestrianswhowalkpastorlookontothem.
Site furnishings; including lighting, seating, bike racks, bollards, trash

receptacles, and handrails, are not consistent across the campus. A
paletteofmaterialswasestablishedwithadesignreviewcommitteefor
theredevelopmentoftheHeritageWalkandQuadinthespringof2009.
The University intends to carry this palette of materials throughout the
restofthecampus.
Featuringavarietyofplantings,theexistingplantpaletteonthecampus
ismixedanddoesnothaveanoverallthemeorstructure.Plantingbeds
arepoorlydefinedandlackcontinuousgroundcoverormulch.Turfareas
dominateopenspacesandinhightrafficareasshowsignsofwear.The
area surrounding the Seminary contains the largest tract of trees and
should be preserved due to its historical association with the founding
Lutheran College. There are numerous memorial trees located on
campus.
TheSchlegelCentrewasusedasaanalogforthedesignofsitefurniturealongthe
recentlyconstructedHeritageWalk.
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Streetscape
Asmajorarterialroads,KingStreetNorthandUniversityAvenueprimarily
servevehiculartraffictravel.Theassociatedstreetscapesattheroadsare
utilitarianinnature,notpedestrianfriendly,andlackbothstreettrees,as
well as street lights in some areas. There are also no benches or trash
receptaclesforpedestrianuse.
SignageforthecampuscanbefoundatthecornersofUniversityAvenue
and King Street North, King Street North and Bricker Street, Midcampus
DriveandatthecornerofAlbertStreetandUniversityAvenue.
KingStreetlookingnorth
UniversityAvenuelookingwest
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CirculationandAccess
ThetransportationsystemservingtheWaterlooCampustodayconsistsof
thefollowingsubsystems:
The access network bringing students, faculty, staff and

productstoandfromthecampus;
The internal circulation network connecting campus buildings

andspaces,includingloadingandunloadingfacilities;and
Theparkingfacilitiesandmanagement.
This is a multimodal transportation system accommodating pedestrian,

cycling, transit, delivery and personal vehicle services through the
followingsubsystems.
PedestrianMovement
All Regional and City roads providing access to and from the campus
include sidewalks, and therefore provide the primary pedestrian access
between the campus and the surrounding community. The volume of
pedestrian crossings to and from the campus is high, with the busiest
pedestrian crossing at University Avenue and Hazel Street, experiencing
4,200dailycrossings.Thishighvolumeofcrossingsreflectsthelocation
oftheUniversity/Hazelintersectionatthemaincampusentrance,andthe
transitandiXpressstopsatthislocation.
Pedestriancrossings,bothformalsignalizedandinformalunsignalized,at
theperimeterofthemaincampusrepresentanimportantinterfacefora
high volume of pedestrians travelling between the University and the
surrounding community. Although pedestrian crossing safety relies on
the judgement exercised by pedestrians and drivers, crossings can be
identifiedanddesignedtominimizeconflict.
VehicularMovementandAccess
TheWaterloocampusisstrategicallylocatedattheintersectionoftwoof
the Region of Waterloos major Regional Arterial Roads that have the
capacity to move upwards of 36,000 vehicles a day to and from the
Waterloocampus.
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Also providing campus accessibility to and from the surrounding

community are both Albert Street and Lester Street on the west side of
the campus, Hazel Street extending north from University Avenue and
BrickerStreetformingthesouthedgeoftheWaterlooCampus.
Lester,HazelandBrickerStreetsaredesignatedLocalStreetstofacilitate
traffic movement within the neighbourhood surrounding the Waterloo
Campus and are designed to discourage excessive speeds and through
traffic, and to encourage and facilitate pedestrian and bicycle
transportation.
InternalCampusCirculation
No public roads provide internal circulation within the central campus.
Internal access is provided by a series of drives and sidewalks, such as
Midcampus Drive and Chancellor Drive, which link the external public
roads with the internal parking lots, delivery facilities, open spaces and
buildingentrances,aswellasexits.
PublicTransit
TheWaterloocampusiscurrentlyverywellservedbyGrandRiverTransit
(GRT)serviceandthereareeightpublictransitbusstopslocatedaround
theperimeterofthemaincampus.
Parking
A permit is required to park anywhere on the Waterloo campus at all
times Monday to Friday, with the exception of paid parking or in the
evenings. Faculty, staff, and student parking is accommodated in
designated lots located in various locations on campus. Laurier Place,
UniversityPlaceandKingStreetresidenceallprovideparkingforstudent
residents. Visitor parking at meters and Pay & Display is provided at
variouscampuslocations.
Onstreet parking meters with a three hour limit are also provided on
Bricker Street along the south edge of the campus. Some additional
campusrelated onstreet parking also takes place in the CentralAlbert
neighbourhoodonstreetssuchasClayfieldAvenueandEzraAvenue.
Currently,additionalfaculty,staff,andstudentparkingspacesareleased
fromvariouschurcheswhicharelocatedincloseproximitytothecampus.
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
67

Laurierhasaddedanewrideshareprogramavailableforfaculty,staffand
students and is looking to increase its participation in alternative
transportationmeansbyallowingfaculty,staffandstudentstotakepart
in the new carpooling initiative. This program allows participants to
reducethenumberofsingleoccupancyvehiclestravelingtothecampus,
therebyreducingparkingdemands,decreasingemissionsandcombating
the rising price of gas. The program is run by Carpool.ca, a Canadian
rideshare program designed specifically for the postsecondary
environment,andisdesignedtobea'selfserve'ridematchingservice.
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AcademicBuildingSpaceNeeds
10.0 PLANNINGFOUNDATIONS
Laurier will continue to experience increases in first year undergraduate
andgraduatestudentenrolmentoverthenext15yearsto2023,andwill
needtoincreasetheresidencesupplyandacademicspaceintandemwith
thisgrowth.
10.1 CAMPUSGROWTHPROJECTIONS
There are multiple factors that affect the need for new and expanded
campusfacilitiesintheshort, midandlongtermfutureattheWaterloo
Campus.
The single most important long term factor is an increase in student
enrolmentoverthenext15yearsto15,000FullTimeEquivalent(FTE)
students at the Waterloo Campus. In 2007/2008, Wilfrid Laurier
University had 10,840 FTE students at the Waterloo Campus and 255 at
theKitchenerCampus.Ifenrolmentgrowthistocontinueattheaverage
rate of the past 10 years of 2.15%, then the University would reach its
ultimate enrolment of 15,000 FTE students by the year 2023. It is
assumed that both the current facultytostudent ratio and staffto
studentratiowouldremainconstantasstudentenrolmentgrows:
Laurier will require significant additional space to accommodate

anticipated enrolment. The current gross floor area available to the
Waterloo campus is 117,486 square metres. This translates into 10.5
squaremetresperFTEstudent.Thisexistingspacerepresentsonly60.7%
oftheCouncilofOntarioUniversities(COU)entitlementstandards.This
existingshortfallisprimarilyinthefunctionalspacecategoriesofCentral
Services,CampusStudySpaceandLibrariesfacilities,LabUndergrad,and
Food services. To reach full entitlement would require an additional
76,073squaremetresofspacewhichwouldincreasethetotalof193,559
squaremetresor17.0squaremetresperFTEstudent.This76,073square
metres of space is referred to as the academic space shortfall. For
master planning purposes, it is assumed that the University should
develop the building plan that aims to achieve a target 100% of
entitlement to provide the highest quality living and learning
environmentatWilfridLaurierUniversity.
Phase
Baseline
TotalStudents
New
Total
Students
Staff
New
Staff
11,095
1,290
12,340
1,245
1,390
100
13,720
1,385
1,502
112
15,000
1,275
1,606
104
15,000
3,905
1,606
316
(2007/2008)
1(2009
2012/2013)
2(2013
2017/2018)
3(2018
2022/2023)
Total
IBI GROUP
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
69
Futureacademicspacerequirementsbasedonstudentenrolmentgrowth
over the three planning horizons and accommodation of the academic
spaceshortfallresultinaneedforadditionalacademicspace.
NewSpace
Required
2
(m )100%target
100%target
2
(17.0m )
193,559
NewSpace
2
Required(m )
withShortfallin
Phases1,2,3
NewSpace
2
Required(ft )
withShortfall
inPhases1,2,3
76,073
n/a
n/a
129,570
209,780
16,221
41,578
447,556
13,725
144,112
233,325
23,545
48,903
526,405
Phase3
(2018
2022/2023)
15,000
(ultimate)
157,500
255,000
21,675
47,033
506,276
Totalin
Phase3
15,000
Year
TotalFTE
Students
FloorAreaRequiredas%of
Entitlement
Baseyear
(2007/2008)
11,095
61.7%today
2
(10.5m )
117,486
Phase1
(2009
2012/2013)
12,340
Phase2
(2013
2017/2018)
255,000m
2
2,744,887ft
61,441m
137,514m
ExistingTotal
ExistingParkingSpaces
RequiredParkingSpaces
Shortfall/Surplus
StudentsEmployees
10,840
1,256
812
921
1,239
427
717
+204
1,480,237ft
StudentResidences
In2009,Laurierprovidedstudentresidencebedsataratioof0.266beds
per full time student. As an interim solution to the current shortfall of
University owned accommodations, the University currently leases 468
private beds for first year students and has reconfigured off campus
housingtocreateanadditional190beds.TheUniversityintendstomake
upthisshortfallof658bedsinthenextfouryears.
To support the additional enrolment growth of 3,905 students over the

next15years,anadditional1,619bedswillberequiredwiththeintentof
providingadditionalgraduatebedsbeyond2014.
Approximately720ofthetotalspacesareprovidedinsurfacelotsonthe
main campus. The remaining 1,110 spaces are in outer campus and off
campusparkinglots.Thisamountsto40%ofthesupplybeingcentralized
onthemaincampusand60%beinglocatedintheoutercampus.
ThevisualamenityoftheWaterloocampusiscurrentlycompromisedby
theabundanceofsurfaceparkinglotsonthecentralcampus.Pedestrians
and cyclists tend to use parking aisles as their primary routes for
wayfinding and access across campus. Reduced surface parking on the
maincampusanddecentralizedparkingintheoutercampusisconsistent
with a sustainable long term vision for the Waterloo campus that
emphasizes walking and biking over vehicular transportation. This was
alsoidentifiedasapriorityofthe1992CampusMasterPlan,andhasbeen
describedbymanystakeholdersasanissuethatneedstobeaddressed.
10.2 PARKINGATTHEWATERLOOCAMPUSTODAY
ThecurrentparkingsupplyattheWaterlooCampusis1,833spaces;812
forstudents,921forfacultyandstaff,and100spacesforspecialneeds,
servicevehicles,dropoffandmiscellaneousspaces.Basedonthecurrent
B1(wlu)zoningprovisionsintheCityofWaterlooZoningBylaw,thereisa
currentshortfallof427parkingspacesonthecampusassummarizedin
thefollowingtable.
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Phase
10.3 FUTUREPARKINGNEEDS
Parking supply will continue to grow in tandem with enrolment and
staffinggrowth.
The required parking supply is calculated using all University parking

facilities on lands zoned Bl(wlu) within 650 metres of the main campus
(bounded by Albert Street, Bricker Avenue, King Street North and
UniversityAvenue),andaminimumof500spacesmustbemaintainedon
the main campus. All campus owned lands and parking facilities are
within650metresofthemaincampus,withtheexceptionoftheproperty
at266MarslandDrive.
Theassumptionmadeinthelastcolumnofthetabletotheright,isthat
once the planned Light Rail Transit (LRT) service is operational in 2013,
thetransitmodeshareoftraveltoandfromthecampuswouldgrowand
parking ratio reductions will evolve over the next 20 years. It is not
expectedtoimpactthePhase1needfor569additionalstudentparking
spaces. However, the Region of Waterloos travel demand forecasting
model used to forecast transit ridership, has it growing by 53% in the
UptownWaterlooareaand37%intheWaterlooConestogaareaby2031
foracombinedlongtermincreaseintransitridershipof45%.Asaresult,
this table applies a midterm transit ridership increase of 20% and
ultimateincreaseof40%tothestudentparkingforecasts,withtheadded
transitridersitwouldreducetheadditionalparkingsupplyrequiredatthe
campusinfavourofcorrespondingtransitrides.Theresultisaplanning
range of from 780 to 870 additional student parking space requirement
on the campus by the end of Phase 3 in 2023. With the existing over
supplyoffaculty/staffparking,noadditionalsupplyisforecast.
New
Students
New
Staff
2007/2008
(Baseline)
1 (2009
2012/2013)
1,245
100
2 (2013
2017/2018)
1,385
3 (2018
2022/2023)
Total
New
Parking
for
Student
s
New
Parking
forStaff
Total
Parking
Supply
LRT
Adjusted
New
Parking
Required
for
Students
1,833
57
(included
insurplus)
2,402
0%
reduction
=569
112
142 +
427
shortfall
=569
158
64
(included
insurplus)
2,560
20%
reduction
=126
1,275
104
146
59
(included
insurplus)
2,706
40%
reduction
=86
3,905
316
873
2,706
780
Also,asthecampusexpands tothenorth,eastandwest,theUniversity
willhavetorationalizeitsexistingdelineationoffaculty,staffandstudent
parkingsothatultimatelytherewillbeatotalsupplyofamaximum2,700
parking stalls where a minimum of 100 stalls are accommodated on the
centralcampusandthebalancewithina650metreradius.
IBI GROUP
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
71
SUPPORTALTERNATIVEMODESOFTRANSPORTATION
10.4 GOALSTODIRECTCAMPUSGROWTH
Building on the Guiding Principles of the Campus Master Plan, the
following goals will direct growth and development in the campus over
thenext25years.
ESTABLISHAREVITALIZEDOPENSPACEANDPEDESTRIANNETWORK
Create new open spaces and improve pedestrian linkages through the
siting and design of new campus buildings. Designate a portion of new
open spaces as formal spaces that foster a sense of place while
maintaining others for active or passive recreation. Ensure new and
existing spaces are linked by pedestrian walkways forming a complete
network.
Thisnetworkwillactasaunifyingframeworkforthefuturebuiltformand
willtransformthecampusinseveralways:
Conditions for large number of pedestrians on campus will

improve;
A focus on quality design will make the campus physically
distinctiveandmemorable;
Interconnectednesswillberestored;
Multifunctionalityofthesespaceswillincreasethenumberof
peopleusingthem.
MAINTAINACOMPACTCAMPUSCORECHARACTER
Apply an urban approach to new development by increasing building
heightswithinthecoreareaorientedtoopenspaces,extendingbuildings
towardthestreetedgeandexploringmixedusealongUniversityAvenue.
Campus edges should be improved by streetscape upgrades, the
establishmentofgatewaystosignifyarrivalandtoidentifythecampusin
the public realm. In selecting sites for future growth and improvement,
thefocusonthebetterutilization,aswellasintensificationofitsexisting
landholdings, before pursuing the acquisition of new lands to
accommodate growth. This site selection process should also ensure a
campus environment that remains compact, walkable, and that the
studentorientedcommunityismaintainedandenhanced.
72
BuildontheopportunityofhavingthefutureLightRailTransitStationon
Seagram Drive within a 5 minute walk of the central campus to reduce
reliance on the automobile. Work with Grand River Transit to monitor
ridership and ensure optimal location of bus stops and frequency of
iXpress and regular transit routes to accommodate day and night
commuters.
Maintain smaller surface parking lots on the central campus while
accommodatingthemajorityofrequiredparkinginstructuredfacilitiesas
part of new building projects. Utilize existing landholdings for
decentralizedparkingareasbeyondtheperipheryofthecampuscoreand
evaluate opportunities to develop structured parking facilities through
partnershipswiththeprivateorpublicsector.
Focus on building a cyclist friendly campus through new spacious cross
campus pathways, an increased distribution of convenient, safe, and
accessible bike parking across campus, and a new centralized Cycle
Centre.
DEVELOPHIGHQUALITYRESIDENCESFORFIRSTYEAR,SENIORLEVEL,
ANDGRADUATESTUDENTS
Adopttheresidencevillageasthemodelforallnewuniversityhousing
development, meaning the clustering of residence buildings in order to
foster both social and academic networks. Ensure 50% of firstyear
student housing is located on the central campus and the balance is
within a 5 minute walk of the campus core. Pursue opportunities to
provide graduate, faculty and other undergraduate student housing in
outercampuslands.
REINFORCECAMPUSIDENTITYTHROUGHURBANDESIGN,
LANDSCAPEANDARCHITECTURALEXCELLENCE
Establish a commitment to excellence in design, architecture and the
application of sustainable building principles, materials and technologies
in the construction of all new buildings and the renovation of existing
structuresandfacilities.Respectthepastwhilebuildingalegacyforthe
futurethroughinnovativedesignofbothindoorandoutdoorspacesthat
wouldinspirelearning,living,andcollaborationoncampus.
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
IBI GROUP
10.5 STRUCTURINGELEMENTSOFTHECAMPUSPLAN
Guiding Principles and Goals and Structuring Elements have been
developedasthefundamentalbuildingblocksoftheCampusMasterPlan.
These elements are used to identify priority sites, appropriate building
footprintsandtheirpossibleuse,inadditiontoarevisedcirculationand
openspacesystem.
AswithanyCampusMasterPlanopportunitiesandprioritiesthatevolve
overtimemay dictatethatthespecificconfigurationthisPlanproposes,
be altered. The Plan must provide a flexible framework that can be
adaptedovertime.Whatmustremainfirmarethestructuringelements
and guiding principles that embody the values of the University and
community as it relates to the creation of a welcoming, efficient and
attractiveenvironmentforlearningandliving.
The Plan focuses on intensification of the central campus first and only
exploringtheacquisitionofnewlandswhentheintensificationofexisting
landholdingshasreacheditshighestpotential.Totheextentpossible,the
Main Campus will continue to be the academic and social hub of the
campuscommunitywiththegreatestconcentrationofsocialandcultural
venues. The full range of campus uses, from athletic and recreational,
academic, research and teaching facilities, and residences will be on the
maincampus.Thiswillalsohousethemajorityofresidences.Themajor
improvements to the landscape inventory and open space system are
concentrated here. Strong physical connections must be made between
thecentralcoredistrictandtheeast,westandnorthdistrictstostimulate
interdisciplinarycommunication,aswellassocial,academic,andresearch
synergy.
ThefollowingelementshavestructuredtheCampusConceptPlan:
AWalkableCoreCentredCampus
ResidentialVillages
GrowthonExistingLand
ExpansionwithintheAcademicDistrict
CreatingGatewaysandEdges
AWalkableCoreCentredCampus
Acompactwalkablecampusshallfacilitateinteractionbetweendifferent
social, cultural and academic groups. A network of both new and
upgraded pedestrian / cyclist pathways will enhance wayfinding and
strengthentheconnectionsbetweenindoorandoutdoorspaces.
TheMasterPlanaimstomaintainandenhancethiscampusstructureby
focusingonacorecenteredapproachtogrowthanddevelopment.This
is achieved by concentrating growth efforts within 400 metres or an
approximate5minutewalkfromtheouterboundaryofthemaincampus.
This is considered a walkable distance from the main campus boundary,
and an area with a high concentration of student accommodations, and
studentorientedbusinesses,amenitiesandservices.
IBI GROUP
Improvingthepedestrianenvironmentisaprimaryfocus ofthe CampusMaster

Plan.PhotocourtesyofWLUPublicAffairs.
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
73
EstablishingNewResidentialVillages
Currently, there are 1,300 beds on the main campus. Throughout the
phasing of development on the main campus, the master plan aims to
maintain a continuous supply of 1,300 beds on the main campus within
new and existing residence buildings and expand the total number of
students in residences on the main campus. Centralizing student
residences allows first year students to quickly and easily orient
themselvestothecampusenvironment.
Clusteringofresidencestocreateresidencevillagessupportedbyother
integratedamenitiesandservicesalsofostersasenseofcommunityand
facilitatessocialnetworks.
Newresidencesbuildingswillbeclusteredinthreekeyareas:
MainCampusCoreAreasthemajorityofnewresidencebeds
willbeconstructedonthemaincampus.
EastCampusincloseproximitytoKingStreetResidence.
West Campus Laurier Place Residences and Waterloo College
Hall.
CapacityforGrowthonExistingLandHoldings
Developmentwillfocusonexistinglandsrepairingorreplacingthose
buildings or spaces in poor condition or those that represent an
underutilizationofvaluablelandassets.Thehighestprioritybuildingsites
arethosethatwillrestoreorganizationandclaritytothehightrafficareas
of the campus core. Secondary sites are underutilized lands at the
perimeterofthecampus,suchastheNorthdalecampus.Criteriontobe
usedtoevaluatebuildingsitesandbuildingsforremovalinclude:
Aging low rise residences in the centre of the campus offer prime opportunities for
redevelopment
AgeandBuildingCondition
ProximitytotheCampusCore
UtilizationofLand(HeightandDensity)
SizeandUseofBuildingorSite
OverallAestheticQuality
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OpportunitiesforExpansion
As the existing University land holdings are intensified and redeveloped
with new facilities, there will eventually be a need for the University to
acquireadditionallandtoaccommodatethefacilitiesneededfor15,000
students. In 2001, the City of Waterloo amended their Official Plan to
include Special Policy Area No. 57 an area surrounding the main
campus, as shown on the map below. Within this Special Policy Area
boundary, the University is permitted to use and develop the lands for
specificinstitutionalusesandotherusesthatsolelyservetheUniversity.
Thisboundary,whichincludestheNorthdalecampus,isreferredtoasthe
AcademicDistrict.
CreatingInvitingGatewaysandAttractiveEdges
The presence of the University in the community can be enhanced
through special attention to the character of the campus edges.
Perimeter streets, landscapes and building frontages can be beautified
throughtreeplantings,sidewalkupgradesandlandscapedmedians.New
Buildingsalongthesemajoredgesshouldhaveentrancesorientedtothe
street, with prominent architectural features. New pathways to these
buildingswillimprovethestreetpresenceofthecampus.
Key gateways to the main campus have been identified along University
AvenueandKingStreetNorth.Thesegatewaysshouldbeformallymarked
throughgatewaystructuresandattractivesignage.
IBI GROUP
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
75
11.0THECAMPUSCONCEPTMASTERPLAN
The Campus Concept Plan is a comprehensive illustrated vision for the
ultimatebuildoutoftheWaterlooCampusoverthe25yeartimehorizon
ofthisPlan.
Theprimarybuiltformandlandscapeelementsdepictedincludetheopen
spaces, pedestrian and cyclist pathways, internal roads and points of
access, parking areas, streetscape upgrades, and building footprints
(existingandproposed).
TheprimaryelementsoftheConceptPlaninclude:
Thedevelopmentofanopenspacenetworkthatconsolidatesall
themajorelementsofoutdoorspace.
Thedevelopmentofmajorpedestrianandcyclistcorridorssuch
asthePromenade.
Thedevelopmentofmajorgatewaysandfocalnodessuchasthe
skywalk, prominent buildings on University Avenue and King
Street.
The maintenance of a compact character of the campus by
intensifying the core with high quality residences
(central/east/west campuses), the new Campus Learning
Commons(CLC),skywalk,andGlobalInnovationBuilding.
Thecreationofaninternalroadandcirculationsystemincluding
Chancellor Drive, anchored by the new Administration/
ConventionBuilding.
76
SpecificfeaturesoftheConceptPlaninclude:
CentralCommonGreenandQuad/Amphitheatre
AlumniFieldandUndergroundParkingFacility
ThePromenade(EastWestCorridortoKingStreet)
TheHeritageWalk
ChancellorDrive
StudentResidenceClusters(Central,East,Westcampuses)
ConvocationHall
Campus Learning Commons / Skywalk spanning University
Avenue/GlobalInnovationExchangeBuilding
VisitorsCentre
MajorExpansionstoAthleticCentre,Library,ArtsWing
ConnectiontoLRTStationonSeagramDrive
GatewayandStreetscapeImprovements
StrategicLandAcquisitions
As with the overall Master Plan document, the intent of the Campus
Concept Plan is to provide a flexible framework for longterm physical
growthandchange.
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
IBI GROUP
CAMPUS CONCEPT MASTER PLAN
IBI GROUP
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
77
12.0
BUILT FORM
CHARACTER
AND
ARCHITECTURAL
12.1 OBJECTIVES
The intent of the built form and architectural design guidelines for the
Waterloo campus is to establish a set of criteria and standards for the
planning, design and construction all new campus developments,
additionsandrenovations.Theintentoftheseguidelinestomaintainthe
unparalleled sense of community and humanscale character of the
campus, while contributing to the Universitys local, national and
internationalprofile.
Howwedesignandbuildcampusspacestomeetourfuturegrowthneeds
has a direct impact on how we function and thrive individually and
collectively. These guidelines encourage an innovative, urban, design
based approach to development, blending contemporary and traditional
designelementswithmoderntechnologiesthatreflectacommitmentto
recapturingthebuilthistoryofthecampuswhileadvancingtheUniversity
towards comprehensive status, with increased research intensity,
programdevelopmentandexcellenceinbothteachingandlearning.
AdheringtotheseguidelineswillalsoassisttheUniversityinachievingthe
overarching goals of the campus master plan, and ensure compatibility
with the City of Waterloos Urban Design Guidelines, and the City and
Regionslongtermvisionforasustainable,integratedcampussupporting
economicprosperityandculturalvitality.Whilenewprojectsaredriven
byprogrammaticrequirementsandfundingconsiderations, eachproject
carries a responsibility to enhance each individuals campus experience
andcontributetothegreaterLauriercommunity.
Thefollowingfiveobjectivesprovideabasisforthedesignguidelines:
treatments,anduniquesignatureelementswhichareconsistentwith
Lauriersbuilthistoryandsetprecedentsforthefuture.
Respect the urban campus context and promote a unique sense of
placeEnsurenewbuiltformandarchitecturerespectsandenhances
the existing campus structures and surrounding urban fabric. Use
design to emphasize gateways, views and vistas and landmark
elements to establish vibrant streetscapes, and human scale
environmentsthatstrengthenthevisualidentityofthecampus.Blend
contemporary building techniques with traditional architectural
referencestocelebratethebuilthistoryofthecampus.
Encourage sustainable design As part of each new building
program, incorporate new green technologies and features, adhere
to the principles of sustainability and, whenever possible, meet the
guidelines of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
ratingsystem.
EnhanceconnectivityandinteractionDesignnewdevelopmentsand
spaces to improve circulation across campus and between buildings,
enhanceconnectionstothesurroundingurbancommunity,andfoster
interaction and collegiality between diverse social, cultural and
academicgroupsatLaurier.Blurtheboundariesbetweenindoorand
outdoor space, provide transparency to active uses at grade (study
space, gathering areas, food services and other amenities) for a
dynamicpublicrealm.
Develop an environment that nurtures creativity, innovation and
academicexcellenceDesignacademicandstudentfocusedbuildings
that advances the ambitions of the Academic Plan and Century Plan
and supports a distinctive and stimulating living, learning and
teaching environment. Recognize the needs of students, faculty and
staffinthedesignofnewandrenovatedbuildingsandcreatespaces
tofacilitateacademiccollaboration.
Achieve excellence in design and architecture Approach each new

development, building addition or renovation as an opportunity to
brand the campus locally, nationally, and internationally. Uphold a
commitment to using consistent high quality materials, architectural
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12.2 OPPORTUNITITESFORENHANCEDCAMPUSLIFE
12.3 ARCHITECTURALGUIDELINES
Throughfocusgroupconsultationandopenhouses,students,facultyand
staffidentifiedanumberofkeyelementsthatcouldbeincorporatedinto
the construction of new buildings to address campuswide needs and
enhancethequalityoftheirdaytodayexperienceatLaurier.
BikeStorageLaurierhasagrowingbikeculturesupportedby
an increasing number of people choosing to cycle to, from and
around campus. To satisfy the demands of an increasing
number of cyclists new buildings should incorporate bike
storage, more outdoor bike racks should be provided, and
consideration should also be given to supplying a centralized
bike storage facility. This facility could include a
repair/workshop area, lockers and showers. Security and
surveillanceshouldbeaprioritywhenlocatingbikeparking.
Information Technology New building design should consider

space for telecommunication and computer equipment and
widespreadaccesstowirelesshightechamenities.
Green Infrastructure Many members of the Laurier

community want to see new buildings and renovation projects
incorporate environmentally sustainable features. These might
includealivingwall,rainwatercollectiontanks(watercisterns),
lowflushtoilets,greenroofs,orlowmaintenancelandscaping.
AccessibilityAccessibilityforpeoplewithdisabilitiesshouldbe
woven into the retrofit of all buildings and at the onset of the
designprocess.Effortsshouldcontinuetoeliminateaccessibility
barriersacrosscampus.
Winter Protection Whenever possible provide covered

walkways, integrated breezeways, and semiweather protected
colonnades that flank or connect buildings to improve
pedestrian comfort during the colder months. Entrances
especially should have an enhanced degree of protection from
theelements.
Where the special building typologies described in the previous section

require additional consideration, given their location or function on
campus, the following are general guidelines that apply to all new
developmentsorrenovationsacrosscampusandshouldbeadheredtoon
aprojectbyprojectbasis.
IBI GROUP
HeritageDesign
TheWaterloocampushashistoricallycontainedamilieuofarchitectural
styleswhichhavecontributedtothecharacterofthecampus.Theoriginal
founding structures, Conrad Hall and Willison Hall were torn down as
Laurierunderwentsignificantexpansioninthe1960sand1970s.
Theremainingbuildingstockreflectsthearchitecturalstyleofthe1960s
angular geometries, repetition and symmetry in window openings,
minimal facade articulation and a lowrise utilitarian form. Examples
include the Theatre Auditorium, The Library, and Residences such as
Conrad Hall and MacDonald House. Based on their Condition Index
Rating, many of these buildings are to be retained over the planning
horizonofthiscampusmasterplan.
Thefollowingprinciplesshouldbeobserved:
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
79
The original buildings across campus that are to be retained

should be respected as heritage buildings, regardless of age.
Each new building should be designed to become a heritage
buildinginthefuture.
Designnewbuildingstoarchitecturallycomplementtheexisting
campus buildings that will remain over the planning horizon of
this Plan by providing a transition in mass, such as faade step
backs,sympatheticdesignfeaturesandmaterials.
Avoid massing, architectural elements and signage that
overpower the existing buildings or detract from their existing
character.
Distinctive architectural elements should be preserved and
enhanced. For example, the original doors to the Arts A Wing,
theScienceBuildingTower,theFredNicholsCentreTurret,the
SeminaryBuilding.
All campus development must provide a sensitive transition to
the MacGregor Albert Heritage Conservation District on the
southwestcornerofthecampus.
Facades
ScaleandMassing
80
Building depths should be narrow where possible to ensure

access to natural light and ventilation, particularly for
residences.
Long and large buildings should incorporate articulations in
massingtoprovidevariationandvisualinterest.
The recommended height for academic buildings is five to six
storeys or 25 metres. Some exceptions include prominent
buildings at major transit nodes, including the recommended
AcademicBuildingadditiontotheAthleticComplexatthecorner
of King Street North & University Avenue. This may be ten
storeysinheight.
Therecommendedheightforresidencebuildingsiseighttoten
storeysor33to42metres.
Buildings above four storeys should be terraced to reduce the
perceptionofheightfromtheground.
Tallerlandmarkelementsshouldbeusedtoterminateimportant
viewcorridorsandmarkmainbuildingentrances.
Buildings framing major open spaces and streets should

maintainaratioofbetween1:1heighttowidthto1:4heightto
width to ensure an appropriate sense of enclose and human
scale proportions, and access to natural light. Less than a 1:4
ratioandasenseofenclosureislost,exceedinga1:1ratioand
thebuildingsoverpowerthestreetoropenspace.
Buildings should be visually engaging and transparent at the

groundlevel,andwherepossible,integrateshelteringelements
forpedestrianssuchascanopies,breezewaysandcolonnades.
Preferredmaterialsforfacadesincludenaturalstone,redbrick,
and synthetic stone. More contemporary materials to be
incorporated include precast concrete, copper and metal
curtainwallsystems.
Facadesshouldincorporateprojections,recessesorwindowsto
articulate the faade and provide relief to long flat surfaces.
These should mark public areas of the building, including
lounges,meetingroomsandcafes.
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Windows should facilitate two way visual connections between

indoorandoutdoorareasthroughtheuseofclearglass.Tinted
andmirroredglassisdiscouraged.
Architecturaldetailingshouldbeusedtohighlightwindowsand
doorframescornicesandcorners.
Blank or windowless walls to be avoided, particularly at the
ground floor level. Where they are necessary or preexisting,
they should feature changes in material or texture, such as
projecting brick pattern, and vines and plantings should be
incorporated.
Blankwallscanbeanimatedwiththeadditionofvines.
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RoofFormsandMaterials
Select roof forms that complement the surrounding built form

and architectural character of the streetscape and internal
campus buildings. Discourage radical roof pitches that create
overlyprominentoroutofcharacter.
Rooflinesshouldemphasismainentrances.
Where flat roofs are used, projections or setbacks are
recommendedtodistinguishtherooflinefromthefaade.
Planted or green roofs should be encouraged as they keep
water away from storm sewers, provide additional outdoor
amenityspace(wherepermissible),andabsorbcarbondioxide.
Rooftopmechanicalequipmentshouldbefullyenclosed,setback
out of view, or screened and integrated into the architectural
compositionofthebuilding.
Rooflinesacrosscampusaretypicallyflatorafrontgable.Both
sloped roofs and flat roofs are acceptable. Gross gabled and
mansardarerecommendedtoreferencethearchitectureofthe
originalWillisonHallandConradHall.
In larger buildings and fused buildings, an atrium should be
includedtointroducenaturallight,visualorientationandindoor
openspacestouseduringthewintermonths.
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OrientationandCirculation
Buildingsshouldframestreets,pathwaysandopenspaces.
Mainfacadesshouldfaceprimaryopenspaces.
Groundfloorsshouldbedesignedtoencourageactiveusesthat
support pedestrian interest and social interaction. Common
spacesforstudying,socializingandother publicusesshould be
clearly accessible and provide views to the outdoors to
encourageuseofopenspaces.
Dead end spaces should be avoided to ensure a safe campus
environment.
Service areas should be located away from public spaces and
appropriatelyscreenedthroughplantingandfencingcomposed
ofmaterialsintegraltothearchitectureofthebuilding.
A system of interconected pedestrian walkways should be
integrated into all new building projects and added to existing
buildings where possible. Breezeways can create an interface
betweenindoorsandtheoutdoors.Theycanopenupduringthe
summer months to become a colonnade and can mitigate
climateduringthecoldermonths.
Entrancesshouldfeaturescleararchitecturalexpressiontomark
theirlocationandaidwithorientation.
Entrances should reinforce and provide direct connections to
internalcourtyards,openspacesandthestreet.
Entrances should project or be recessed from the faade to
articulatethefaadeandcreateshadowlines.
Entrances should be highly transparent, either through the use
ofglazeddoorwaysorsoliddoorwayssetintoaglazedsurround.
Highlyvisiblesignageshouldbelocatedoutsideeachentrance.
Entrancesshouldbeconnectedtosocialspaceorlobbytocreate
a sense of arrival and to accommodate informal meetings and
waiting area. Directional information should be provided at
entrances.
High quality materials, including stone, copper, brick and glass
and architectural elements such as light fixtures, canopies,
breezewaysandcolonnadesshouldbeusedtomarkentrances.
All entrances should be accessible in accordance with the
UniversitysAccessibilityPolicy.
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MaterialsandPalette
Across the campus, red brick has been used as the dominant building
material,oftenaccentedbygreystonetrim.Modernmaterialshavebeen
added successfully to this palette. The existing palette shown below
illustratesthevarietyofmaterialsthatexistontheWaterloocampus.
Design buildings with architecturally interesting and durable building

materials.Useofbrick,stone,masonryandotherdurableelementsthat
relatetothesurroundingcontextshouldbeconsidered.
Discourage lower quality or conflicting materials in public view

suchasconcreteblocks,vinylsiding,plasticandmirroredglass.
Steps, access ramps and railings should be integrated into site
andbuildingdesign.
Materialsusedinnewbuildingsandadditionsshouldbeselected
tocomplementexistingmaterials.
Green materials that are acceptable under LEED standards
shouldbechosen,wheneverpossible.
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12.4 CAMPUSBUILDINGTYPOLOGIES
To guide campus development on the Waterloo campus four building
typologieshavebeencreatedtoprovidedirectionforthemassing,scale
and siting of campus buildings. The Landmark, Infill and Street Face,
CourtyardandFramingtypologiestendtobebuildingspecificbutmaybe
used in combination as the University continues to develop it
landholdingsovertime.
LandmarkBuildingTypology
These are signature or iconic buildings that are recognizable and
associatedwiththeLaurieridentity.Theymaybelocatedonanarterial
streetorinternaltothecampus.
TheSkywalkBuildingconnectingthenewCampusLearningCommonson
the south side of University and the new Global Innovation Exchange
BuildingonthenorthsideofUniversityAvenueisanintegratedseriesof
landmark buildings designed to make a statement and a visual impact
alongthismajorurbancorridor.
InfillandStreetFaceTypology
UniversityAvenueandKingStreetNortharemajorurbancorridorswithin
theCityofWaterloo,wellservedbypublictransitandintendedforhigh
volumetraffic(pedestrian/cyclist/vehicular)andintensivelanduses.New
campus development along these major arterial streets should apply an
InfillandStreetFacetypologyofdesign.Thisincludesincreasedbuilding
heights, creative techniques for massing, articulated facades with a
commitment to visual transparency and direct access to active uses at
grade,connectivityand orientationtotransitstops,andtheopportunity
toaccommodateothernonacademicusesinamixeduseformat.
GlobalInnovationCentre
UNIVERSITYAVENUE
CampusLearning
ArtsBuilding
By comparison to Landmark Building, Infill Buildings may be considered

functionalinnature.Thefollowingguidelinesarerecommendedforthis
typology:
CentredonthenewlyrealignedChancellorDrive,anewconvocationhall
wouldprovidethelargestvenueoncampusforspecialevents,including
graduation ceremonies and fall orientation, with seating for up to 3,000
persons. This prominent building will become a visual landmark on the
approachintocampusalongChancellorDrivefromtheUniversityAvenue
andKingStreetgateways.
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Avoid major or abrupt changes in grade between street and

buildingentrance(s)wherepossible.
Buildings should contribute to animate streetscapes, with
articulated building facades facing public streets and orient
windows and doors to the street. Avoid blank, flat walls along
streetfrontages.
Provide amenity space at grade, such as gathering, lounge and
study space to enliven the public and semipublic realm and
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create a more transparent relationship between the University

andthecommunity.
Generally,buildingsshouldrangeinheightfrom6to10storeys
or 18 to 30 metres. More specifically, on the north side of
UniversityAvenue,themaximumbuildingheightis6storeys.On
thesouthsideofUniversityAvenue,themaximumheightis10
storeys.Thesemaybeincreasedthroughanamendmenttothe
Cityszoningbylaw,onaprojectbyprojectbasis,andrequires
consultationwithCitystaff.
Use a variety of massing techniques to reduce the scale of
buildingheightandbulk:
o Verticalarticulationalongfacades
o Lower storey step back or pedestrian scale podium
structures;and
o Use terracing to ensure human scale proportions and
reduceshadowimpacts:
Stepbackthebuildingaminimumof3metres
fromthefaceofthebuilding,afterthefourth
storey.
Stepbackthebuilding6metresfromtheface
ofthebuilding,aftertheeighthstorey.
Minimumsetbackfromthestreetis7.5metresetbackfromthe
street. These may be reduced through an amendment to the
CitysZoningByLaw,onaprojectbyprojectbasis,andrequires
consultationwithCitystaff.
Locate building entrances adjacent to transit stops, where
possible. Coordinate sidewalks between building entrances and
transitstops.
Design corner buildings with expressive massing and
architectural features that relate to and reinforce the street
corner.Encourageverticalelementssuchastowers,turretsand
other features that accentuate the street corner and address
bothstreetfrontageswithequalimportance.
Retrofit existing building facades such as the Peters Building
and Aird Building to have more transparency at grade, and
more animate/articulated facade. This would greatly enhance
thecampusimagealongUniversityAvenue.
Separationdistancebetweenstreetfacingbuildingsshouldbeat
least10to12metrestoallowpedestrianaccessintothecampus
and enhance visual permeability into the campus core areas

from the street. This also promotes natural surveillance and
providesenhancedopportunitiesforlandscaping.
Refer to the City of Waterloo Zoning ByLaw and City of
Waterloo Urban Design Guidelines as part of the design and
planningofallnewbuildings.
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Development along the collector and local streets require special

considerations for height, massing, and setbacks. These including the
following:
BalsamAvenue:
Maximum height for 47 metres back from Balsam Street is 3
storeys
EastSideofAlbertStreet:
Minimumbuildingsetbackis7.5metres
Abovethe4thstory,buildingsshouldstepbackaminimumof3
metresfromthefaceofthebuilding.
For storeys above the 8th storey, the minimum setback is 13.5
metres
DoesnotapplytotheLibrary,unlessreplaced.
Maximumbuildingheightof6Storeys.
KingLodgeReginaBlock:
Nonuniversity commercial uses are restricted to the first floor
ofanyUniversityownedandoperatedbuilding
Maximumbuildingheightof10storeys
EastofRegina,WestofAlbertStreet:
Minimum building setback is 7.5 metres or for residential
buildings,buildingsetbackalongapublicstreetisonethirdthe
buildingheight,whicheverisgreater
Whereabuildingexceeds4storeysinheight,thestoriesabove
thefourthstoreyshallbesetbackaminimumof3metresfrom
thefaceofthefourthstorey.
For storeys above the 8th storey, the minimum setback is 13.5
metres
EastofRegina,maximumbuildingheightof10storeys
WestofAlbertStreet,maximumbuildingheightof12storeys
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CourtyardBuildingTypology
Courtyard buildings are groups or clusters of buildings that create a
defined inward facing open space. The siting of buildings is extremely
importantwhenitcomestocreatingaclusterofmultiplebuildingswitha
defined inward looking courtyard. It is vital in this typology that the
building/courtyard relationship be understood and respected in the
planning process. Open spaces and future buildings should be carefully
evaluatedtoassessthelongtermimpact.
CMHCLands
New
Residences
Athletic
Centre
Promenade
AthleticField
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The mass, height, composition and scale of the buildings contributes

greatly to the feeling of identity and enclosure. Special care should be
employed in considering ratios of height versus open space. When
academicimperatives,studentsneeds,andnewtechnologiesdictatean
increaseinthesizeofnewbuildingsandlargerstructuresarenecessary,
theyshouldbebrokenintounitsthatarecompatiblewiththescaleand
intentdeterminedhere.
Thewidthofthestreetoradjacentbuildingsshouldnotexceed
approximately 1.25 the height of the facing building. This will
ensure an adequate sensation of enclosure in the street space
while admitting proper levels of sunlight into the courtyard for
plantgrowth.
Buildingsabove6storeysinheightshould notbeconfiguredin
continuous linear slabs parallel to the street unless the
street/building distance can be expanded to 1.25 times the
buildingheight.
Buildings surrounding a courtyard should have a maximum
height equal to the plan dimensions of their common outdoor
spacesothatamaximumsightangleof45degreestotheskyis
achievedfromthecenteroftheblock
Caremustbetakenthatthetexture,color,range,anddetailsis
maintainedthroughouttheevolutionofthequaddevelopment.
The use of brick as an example can tie together buildings that
mayvaryinfunction.
Thepotentialtoestablishacourtyard/quad identity(acampuswith ina

campus)thatcanaddtotheexistingdistinctiveacademiccampusshould
beexploitedinthistypology.
FramingBuildingTypology
Framing buildings are singular buildings that provide an edge to open
space. The master plan design incorporates axes, courts, and vistas as
major organizing devices. It is important to maintain these formal
elements and, in some cases, to strengthen spatial relationships that
mightbelessdefined.
The devices for framing are varied and can incorporate landscape
elements to strengthen the framing intent. An example would be larger
treesplantedonbothsidesofthestreet,iftheyareofthesamespecies,
relativesize,andofsufficientcanopytoformaviewingcorridorandpass
through.Inasimilarwayabuildingorseriesofbuildingscanbeaframing
device.Thesehappenmostoftenatthecornerorattheendofvista/axes.
In this case of a corner building, the framing buildings should be of
similarmass,andmaterialandasclosetothesidewalkaspossible.Both
sides of the corner should address the street and in some cases vertical
massescanaidintheframing.Inacase ofavistaterminusbuildingthe
range of opportunities can be broad from strengthening views towards
existing significant architectural heritage features to a new prominent
academicbuilding.ItisimportanttokeepinmindthatFramingTypology
ismuchmorevariedthantheothertypologiesmentionedhere,andthey
could also be both a Landmark building and/or a component in a
courtyard and in such cases the principles and guidelines of those
typologiesshouldbeadheredto.
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The Open Space Master Plan illustrates the major elements and
componentsrangingfromtheCentralCommonstotheSeagramDriveLRT
corridor.ThePlanwillformthebuildingblocksfortheredevelopmentof
theWaterlooCampus.
13.0 OPENSPACEGUIDELINES
13.1 OBJECTIVES
Design Guidelines have been established as criteria for future site
developmentasthecampusMasterPlanisimplemented.Generallyopen
space form is driven by or influenced by built form. As phased
developmentoccurs,theremovalofoldbuildingsandtheconstructionof
new buildings will begin to transform open spaces. The standards for
streetscape, campus spaces and plant material will ensure that the
campus will, over time, develop a consistency in materials, form and
character. The goal is to achieve an integrated, congruent campus
landscape.
ThefollowingchapteronOpenSpacewillbedividedintothreesections:
Streetscapewilladdressthetreatmentofstreetsandsidewalks
inandaroundthecampus.Thetreatmentoftheedgeswilldefine
howthepublicviewsthecampusandhowthecampusisusedby
thestudents,staffandfaculty.
Campus Space will identify ways of managing existing open

spacesanddirectingfuturebuiltformoncampus.Thissectionwill
include discussions on pedestrian and cyclist circulation and will
outlinethefollowing:
Formalopenspaces,
Quadsandcourtyards,
Corridors.
Plant Material will outline approaches for built form and the
plantingassociatedwithit.Ingeneralthebuiltform(architecture
andstreetscape)willbetheorderingmechanismfor open space.
Plant material will be used in a complimentary manner to
reinforce shape and form or to highlight special areas within the
campus. Built features will tend to be formal and rectilinear in
nature while planting will be more informal and organic
bufferinghardedges.
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STREETSCAPE
ThepublicrealmsurroundingtheWaterloocampusconsistsofanetwork
of streets. This street network in and around the campus requires a
hierarchyoftreatmenttodefinetheimportanceandroleoftheseroutes.
The treatment of each type of street will be unified in terms of paving
material,streettreeplantingandsitefurniture.
For the Waterloo campus the most important streets are King and
University. Secondary streets are Bricker, Albert and Seagram. Other
streetswithinthecampuscoreandconnectingtosatellitebuildingservea
supportorservicerole.
Theguidingprincipleforstreetscapedesignistokeepthepalettesimple
andclean,allowingimprovementsandupgradestooccurovertime,and
offeringasmoothtransitionfromtheexistingconditions.Thestreetscape
designwillcomplementawidevarietyofbuildingdesignsfromhistoricto
contemporary.Theclarityandsimplicityoftheplanwillbemaintainable
overtime.
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UniversityAvenue
An important initiative of the Plan is the transformation of the
streetscape of University Avenue to become a treelined boulevard
recognizing its symbolic role as the gateway to Waterloos academic
districtandthedowntowncore.
OnemainentranceatHazel.Newentryto
ChancellorDrive
ServiceentranceatnewAirdBuildingentranceto
bereducedinprominence(possibleunderground
structure)
ProvideserviceentrancetoAthleticscomplex
Provideserviceentrancestoproposedcourtyard
buildings
Reduceutilitarianfeel
Widersidewalks
GatewayfeatureatcornerofKingandUniversity
Improvesignage
PlazafeatureatSkywalk
FutureLRTstop
Discussbenefitsofcentrelandscapedmedianwith
RegionandCity(e.g.,asatrafficcalmingfeature)
Upgradedcrosswalks
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KingStreet
An important initiative of the Plan is the transformation of the
streetscape of King Street to become a green street and to act as a
gatewaytoWaterloosacademicdistrictandthedowntowncore.
OnemainentrancebyScienceBuilding,entryto
ChancellorDrive
TerminusofnewPromenade
Widersidewalks
GatewayfeatureatcornerofKingandUniversity
Improvesignage
PlazafeatureatAlumniField
ImproveAlumniFieldfrontagealongKing
Streettrees
IntroduceLaurierBrandsitefurniture
Upgradedcrosswalks
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AlbertStreet
AlbertStreetactsasacollectorstreetforthecampusandplaysa
secondary role to University Avenue and King Street. The street
hasadecidedlyresidentialfeelwhichshouldbemaintained.The
existing open space at the seminary should be maintained and
perhapsshouldbebalancedwithanupgradedstreetscapeonthe
westsideofAlbertStreet.Buildingsandaccesspondsshouldnot
dominate this streetscape. Increased setbacks should be
maintained so that buildings appear to be situated in a park like
setting.
Incorporateintoresidential/heritagedistrict
CreateaGreenStreetmaintaintreesatSeminary,
balanceexistingvegetationwithwiderlandscaped
setbacksonwestsideofstreet
LibraryExpansiontobeLandmarkBuildingalong
street
Widersidewalks
EliminateentranceatSchlegelBuilding
IncreaseimportanceofDAWBDropOffarea
Considerundergroundserviceandloadingfor
Libraryexpansion
Improvesignage;considersignageatSeminary
ImproveconnectiontoSeagramDriveandSeagram
Stadium
Streettrees
Upgradedcrosswalks
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BrickerStreet
Bricker Street acts primarily as a service street for residential
developmentonthesouthside,serviceroadaccessandaccessto
larger surface parking areas. The service function of this street
should be maintained. A midblock crossing at Clayfield Avenue
shouldbeconsidered.
Widersidewalks
SingleentranceforDAWB,FredNicholsloading
area
ConsiderundergroundparkingatSeminary
Streettrees
Considerupgradedcrosswalkmidblock
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SeagramDrive
The future introduction of the Regional LRT Station between
Laurier and the University of Waterloo will increase the
importanceof SeagramDrive.As visitorstraveleastward onthis
street,asenseofentryintoLaurierwillberequired.Upgradesto
the streetscape such as street trees, street lights, and site
furniture should be considered. A signalized intersection with
crosswalks and upgrades at Albert Street may be required as
pedestrian traffic increases. Other required improvements to
SeagramDriveinclude:
Widersidewalks
Streettrees
ConnectiontofutureLRTHub
ImprovesignageandsenseofentryintoLaurier
SoftenparkinglotatSeagramStadium
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ChancellorDrive
ChancellorDrivewillbecomeafunctionalandceremonialcorridor
throughthecentreofthecampus.Streettreatmentsshouldfocus
onvehicularrequirements(e.g.,service,fire)andpedestrian
linkages.
Widersidewalks
Streettrees
Introduceceremonial/gatewayfunction
Consideronewaytraffic
Maintainasfireroute
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ServiceRoad
TheprominenceoftheServiceRoad(theformerChancellorDrive)
shouldbereduced.Sidewalkconnectionsontheeastsideofthis
roadwouldreducevehiclepedestrianconflicts.Theintroduction
of an underground waiting/service area should be considered to
screen the service area and to improve the pedestrian linkage
from the Dr. Alvin Woods Building to The Quad, The Commons,
andtheFredNicholsBuilding.
Widersidewalks
Streettrees
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Gateways
The Seagram Drive approach to the main campus from the future rapid
transitstationisimportant.Astructureshouldbeintroducedtosignifya
majorpedestrianentrancetothecampusfromAlbertStreet.
Attheperimeterofthemaincampus,severallandscapedgatewayswillbe
created.
Recommendedgatewaylocationsinclude:
HazelStreetandUniversityAvenue
TheSkywalk
KingStreetandUniversityAvenue
KingStreetandChancellorDrive
TheDr.AlvinWoodsBuilding
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HazelStreetandUniversityAvenue
KingStreetandUniversityAvenue
Thiscampusgatewaywillhavetwoplazaswithuniquelandscapefeatures
which will transform this entry into a distinctive landmark destination
along University Avenue. These Plazas would be designed to serve
pedestriansusingthepublictransit,andwillincludecomfortableplacesto
sitnearbuildingentrances.
The plaza will be designed to complement the refurnished athletic

complexbuildingandactasamajorgatheringplaceattheedgeofthe
campus. This area would support a mixed use building at grade.
Outdoorpatiosorcafeswouldactivatethestreetedge.
Two plazas will be introduced along University Avenue to improve the

entryintothecampus.AplazaoppositetheHazelStreetintersectionwill
highlighttheconnectiontoChancellorDriveandtheentrancetotheJohn
AirdCentre.
A plaza at the base of the Skywalk building will accommodate large
volumesofpedestriansmovingalongUniversityAvenue.AlongUniversity
Avenue large seating areas will be provided for students lingering
betweenclassesorwaitingforbuses.
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KingStreetandChancellorDrive
TheDr.AlvinWoodsBuilding
TheVisitorsCentrefrontingontoKingStreetwillfeatureawideentryoff
ChancellorDrive.Aplazaareatothewestcanbeusedasagatheringarea
forcampustours.Acampusmap/kioskshouldbeinstalledinthisarea.
ThefrontoftheDr.AlvinWoodsBuilding(DAWB)hastraditionallybeen
usedasacampuslandmark.Therecentlycompletedlandscapingin2009
willcomplimenttheDAWBsfunctionasameetingplaceoncampus.The
access road off Albert Street can be closed temporarily and the area in
frontoftheDAWBcanbeusedforcampusevents.
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CAMPUSSPACE
TheCommons
The creation of formal open spaces are a key component of the Open
Space Master Plan. The following subsections will discuss the Quad/
Amphitheatre,TheCommons,andAlumniField.
This will be a rectangular green space edged by colonnades along

buildings and by trees and walkways, adjoined at the north end to the
Quad / Amphitheatre. This landmark green space will unify the central
campusbuildingsandwillprovideopportunitiesforprogrammedandun
programmedeventsthroughouttheyear.
Quad/Amphitheatre
The creation of the Quad / Amphitheatre and the Common Green will
transform the centre of the campus. The elevated Amphitheatre will
functionasanoutdoorteachingspace,entertainmentvenue,andaplace
to eat, study, interact and relax. This space will also provide a meeting
placeandceremonialstageforspecialevents.
To balance the formal geometry of the amphitheatre, a semicircular

meadowwillbeusedtoanchorthesouthendofTheCommons.
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TheSouthCommons
AlumniField
TheSouthCommonswillbeasecondaryopenspacelocatedsouthofthe
CommonsandtheproposedConvocationHall.Thisgreenspacewilllink
residences,academicandadministrativebuildings.
As the recreational heart of the Waterloo campus, Alumni Field will be

maintainedinitscurrentlocationasthelargestopenspaceonthemain
campus.Thefieldactslikeatraditionalcampusquadrangleandisoften
used for unprogrammed activities. Future development of the lands
frontingKingStreetwillrequiretheimprovementoftheFieldbyshifting
westward,closertotheinteriorofthecampus.ThesafetynetsalongKing
Street should be augmented with column features to improve the view
alongthestreet.
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BUILTFORMTYPOLOGIESANDOPENSPACE
Built form typologies have been developed for the Waterloo Campus to
addressthemassing,scale,andsitingofcampusbuildings.Thetypologies
landmark buildings, infill buildings, courtyard buildings, and framing
buildingswillrequirecomplimentaryopenspacetreatments.
including street furniture, stonework, street trees, shrub planting, and

massedgroundcovers.
LandmarkBuildings
Thetreatmentoftheopenspacesurroundingsignaturecampusbuildings
shouldalsomakeastatementandprovideastrongvisualimpact.Plant
material and surface treatments should relate to buildings in terms of
mass,colour,andform.
CourtyardBuildings
Courtyards will become important spatial ordering systems within the
Waterloo Campus. They are typically defined by edges often
surroundedentirelybyasinglebuildingoraseriesofbuildings.Forthe
Waterloo Campus, accessibility to and linkages to courtyards will be
essential. Thefollowing principles will be used to develop courtyards in
Waterloo:
InfillBuildings
Infill and street face buildings are associated with urban streetscapes
along University Avenue and King Street. Given the potential scale and
massing of these buildings, the landscape should be bold, simple, and
should build upon streetscape treatments at the street edge. Formal
geometrics of plantings should be encouraged (e.g., bosques or allees
along frontages with larger setbacks). Within the front setback,
incorporatearchitecturalprotection,hardandsoftlandscapetreatments,
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Employ a courtyard model to anchor new and existing campus

buildings.Designcourtyardsandarrangenewcampusbuildings
to provide a focal point for gathering, studying, and outdoor
recreation.
Building mass defining courtyards must provide a comfortable

pedestrian scale (e.g., the building base should be well defined
atascalerelatedtothepedestrian).Thescalecanbereinforced
through the use of building materials, design detail, cornices, a
changeinplaneormassortheuseofpodiumelements.
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Buildingheighttowidthratiosshouldnotexceed1:1.
FramingBuildings
Courtyards and entries into courtyards should be oriented

according to microclimate considerations (e.g., south facing to
maximizelevelsofsunlightandtomitigatewind).
Minimum 3.0m width landscaped area along building faces,

exceptalongcolonnadesoratmainentrances.
Landscaping associated with framing buildings will compliment the

function of built form to provide an edge to an open space or to
terminate a view or vista. Framing buildings on the Waterloo
Campus will be used to define larger open spaces such The
Commons,theSouthCommon,orAlumniField.
Minimum 4.0m width walkways to compliment rectilinear

geometry.
Courtyardslessthan650m2shouldbemostlyfinishedinahard
surface.
Turfareasshouldbecentralized.
Treesalongwalkwaysareencouragedtoreinforcegeometryand
senseofenclosure.
Seatingforinformalstudyareas,socialgathering,orsmokingare
encouraged.
Quadranglesarerectangularopenspaces commonlyassociatedwithcampus
architecture.Framingbuildingssurroundingthequadoftenbecomesecondaryto
theopenspace.
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CROSSCAMPUSLINKAGES
A cross campus network of wide corridors and linkages will provide
structuretothisopenspaceplanfortheWaterloocampus.Therecently
completed Heritage Walk on the west side of the campus and the east
westpromenadewillbethemostsignificantcorridors.
The following guidelines will guide corridor development on the Laurier

Campus:
Outer Campus Corridors will connect the outer campus to the main
campus.Recommendedoutercampuscorridorsinclude:
Designmajorcirculationcorridorsoncampustobeaminimum
of 4 metres in width to safely accommodate cyclists and
pedestrianswithoutconflict.
Minimizegradechangesalongcorridorsand avoidconstruction
ofstairswherepossible.
Maximum5%slopeonramps.
Columbia Street to Northdale Campus to Innovation Exchange

CentretoMainCampus.
LaurierPlaceResidence/WaterlooCollegeHallResidencetoMain
Campus.
Surfacematerialstobecastinplaceconcrete.
Useofprecastconcreteunitpaverstobeminimized.
WaterlooParktoSeagramStadiumtoMainCampus.
Threelargesurfaceparkinglotswillbelocatedtothefringeofthe
maincampusSeagramStadium,LodgeStreetandtheNorthdale
Campus. These lots will be connected with upgraded sidewalks,
signageandlandscaping.
Combine with site furniture (Laurier standard palette of

materials).
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CycleFriendlyCampusDesign
An increasing number of students, faculty and staff at Laurier are
commuting to, from and around the campus on bicycles. The campus
master plan aims to support this growing cyclist culture and ensure it
continues to gain momentum in tandem with campus growth, by
establishing guidelines for a more bicyclefriendly campus. This means
establishingcrosscampusmixedmodepathways,anexpandedinventory
of secure bicycle parking facilities (both indoors and outdoors) and a
consistentfunctionalapproachtolocating,sighting,spacinganddesigning
these facilities. A major thrust of these guidelines is to improve cyclist
access, convenience, safety and to provide weather protection on travel
routeswithinthecampus.ThePlanrecommendsthedevelopmentofat
least one centralized Cycle Centre in the core area for secure long term
indoor parking with enhanced end of trip amenities (shower, lockers)
andanintegratedworkshop/repairarea.
feet) for each bicycle parking space. Provide an aisle at least 1.5
metres (5 feet) wide behind all bicycle parking to allow room for
manoeuvring.
The following chart provides targets for the number of bike parking
spacestobeprovidedacrosscampus,inindoorandoutdoorsettingsover
theplanninghorizonfortheCampusMasterPlan.Currentlybikeparking
onlyaccountsfor6%ofthetotalvehicularparkingspacesattheWaterloo
campus. This inventory should be increased to the equivalent of 10% of
therequiredvehicularparkingwithinthenext5years.
Scenario
Thefollowingguidelinesprovidedirectionforacyclefriendlyapproachto
campusplanning:
Current
(2008/2009)
In5Years
(2012/1013)
In10Years
(2017/1018)
In15Years
(2022/1023)
Total#
of
Student/
Faculty
andStaff
#ofMin.
Required
Vehicle
Parking
Spaces(1)
#ofBike
Parking
Spaces
BikeParking
asa
Percentageof
TotalVehicle
Parking
RatioofBike
ParkingSpacesto
Students/Faculty/
Staff
12,385
1,733(2)
100
6%
1:124
13,875
2220
220
10%(3)
1:63
15,287
2433
365
15%
1:42
16,606
2631
526
20%
1:31
Committoexpandingthenumberofshelteredandnonsheltered
bikeracksacrosscampus.
Incorporateindoorandoutdoorbikestorageintoallnewbuildings
andsitedevelopmentprojects,particularlystudentresidences.
Commit to retrofitting major buildings to include indoor bike

storage(i.e.,ScienceBuilding).
Choose prominent and visible locations that are convenient and

easytofind,nearprimarybuildingentrances.
Implementation
Adequateclearanceisrequiredaroundrackstogivecyclistsroom
to manoeuvre, and to avoid conflicts with pedestrians, parking
vehicles,landscaping,firehydrantsandentrances.
WorkwithboththeCityandtheRegiontoextendthebikelanes
onUniversity,KingStreet,AlbertStreetandSeagramDrive.
Each bicycle parking space should be easily accessible. Cyclists

should be able to securely lock their bicycles without undue
inconvenience and their bicycles should be reasonably
safeguardedfromintentionaloraccidentaldamage.
Consult with Laurier Cyclist Club for recommended bike parking

locationsandassistwithcoordinationofbikefacilities.
Maintain a campus wide inventory and mapping of bike facilities

tomanageappropriatedistributionandensurecoordinationwith
capitalandbuildingprojects.
(1)
(2)
(3)
Each parking space must be accessible without moving another

bicyclegenerally,allowfor0.6metres(2feet)by1.8metres(6
IBI GROUP
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
ThisnumberhasbeencalculatedbasedupontheZoningByLawparking
requirementsof1spaceper8.75fulltimestudentsand1spaceper1.75
fulltimeemployees.
ThisisthecurrentparkinginventoryavailableattheWaterloocampus.
ThisistheminimumbicycleparkingrequirementaccordingtotheCityof
WaterlooSitePlanGuidelines.
107
CampusOpenSpaceDesignElements
Sidewalks
Thefollowingelementswillbeoutlinedwithrespecttothetreatmentof
primaryandsecondarycorridors:
Castinplaceconcreteusingadiversityoffinishesandcolour.
Colour will be established with integral colour additives to ease

Stampedconcreteshouldbeavoidedsinceitisdifficulttomatchthe
samepatternandcolourwithfuturepatching.
Pedestrian pavement should be designed in terms of width, slope,

contrasting banding, and finish to accommodate people with
disabilities.
Pedestrian/cyclistcrosswalksshouldbeclearlymarkedwithdistinct
paving and should include curb cuts or raised crossings. All
crossingsshouldbesitedforbothsafety,aswellasdesignintegrity.
Sodded boulevards along primary and secondary streets are to be

avoided.
Main building entrances should be defined with precast concrete

unitpaversand/orgranitepavers.
Sidewalks along Primary Streets (e.g., University and King) will

featureatwocolourtreatment.
Sidewalks along Secondary Streets (e.g., Albert, Bricker, and

ChancellorDrive)willfeatureaonecolourtreatment.
The concrete should be sawcut to provide control joints, and a

linear pattern perpendicular to the direction of travel. Typically
bandswillbeaminimumof1.5m3.0minwidth.
Sidewalks;
Streetfurniture;
Lighting;
Signage;
Publicart;
Landscape.
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
IBI GROUP
StreetFurniture
Site furnishings include functional elements that help to establish and

reinforcetheimageandcharacterofthecampus.Benches,bicycleracks,
waste receptacles and bollards should have a standard form throughout
thecampustounifythecampusgroundsvisually,toreducemaintenance,
andtosimplifyreplacement.
Racks are to be installed on a concrete base (preferable). A

450mmdepthslabthicknessistobeprovidedunderbikeparking
areas.
Bike parking areas are to be well lit and installed within a

convenientdistanceofmainentrances(maximum45metres).
Trash,recyclingandashcontainersshouldbeprovidedwithina10
metreradiusofallmainbuildingentrances.
Canadian made site furniture should be chosen for ease of

distributionandtoensurethatitcanwithstandCanadianwinters.
Seating areas should have a combination of trash and ash

containers.
Differenttypesofsitefurnitureshouldbegroupedtogetherash
urns, benches, trash receptacles to enhance use and avoid
clutter.
Ashcontainerstobelocatedtheappropriatedistanceawayfrom
mainbuildingentrancesifasmokingbylawisineffect.
A collection of site furniture should be selected for its durability,

its compatibility with the southern Ontario climate, and its
availabilityforadditionalfuturepurchases.
Site furniture including light posts signage and furnishing, should

beplacedoutofthewayofemergencyandmaintenancevehicles,
especiallysnowremovalvehicles.
Thefollowingmaterialsandfurnishingsarerecommendedforuseonthe
Laurier campus. The photographs and descriptions are intended to
conveythedesiredcharacter,notspecificmanufacturersorexactstyles.
Seating should be provided throughout the campus to promote

collegiality,andtoenhancetheoutdoorcharacterofthecampus.
Seating should be located in groups and individually at building

entrances,ingatheringplaces,andalongstreetsandpaths.
Benches consistent with the new streetscape palette would have

both backed and backless seats. All metal benches should be
powdercoatedwithflatblackpaint.
Bikeracksshouldbeprovidedthroughoutthecampustopromote
cycling.
Loopstylebikeringsaretobeconsistentinformandcolour.
Racksshouldbeinstalledinalinearfashion,paralleltotheprimary
building face, with the loops oriented perpendicular to that
buildingface.
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
109
Lighting
Light fixtures, in addition to their obvious safety and security function,
couldbeusedasstructuraldesignelements.Therhythmandrepetition
of uniform light standards could be used to define the edges of both
walkways,aswellasthecampuscore.
Three styles of fixtures should be used consistently through the campus
forstreets,walkways,andparkingareas.
Thefollowingguidelinesshouldbeappliedtolightingofcampusbuildings
andopenspacesinWaterloo:
Light standards to be arranged in a regular pattern to reinforce

campusstructureandorganization.
A consistent style of light standard should be used for streets,

parkinglots,andwalkways.
Metalhalideluminairesshouldbeusedforalllightfixtures.
Lighting should be designed to minimize glare onto residences,

streetsoradjacentproperties;maximizeenergyconservationand
tobedarkskycompliant.
Street lights should have a mounting height of 79 metres.

Fixtures should be located to provide uniform coverage and
shieldedfrombothresidenceandacademicbuildings.
Pedestrianfixturesalongparkinglotsandsecondarypathsshould
beshoeboxluminaires(GullwingbyGardco)mountedataheight
of 3.5 to 4.0 metres and have approximately 15 metre spacing.
Treespacingandsitefurniturelocationsshouldbecoordinatedto
providearegularvisualrhythm.
Thestyleofluminairealong majorcorridorsshouldbeconsistent
withtheexistingstandardsalongtheHeritageWalk(Westminster
byLumec).
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
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Signage
Signage should be organized in a clear, effective manner that assists
studentsandvisitorsthroughthecampus.Thecurrenthierarchyofsigns
at prominent corners of the campus and at building entrances is
adequate.Thefollowingguidelinesshouldbereferredtoforexistingand
futuresignageprograms;
Signage should incorporate materials or colours that compliment

architecture,hardscapeandsitefurniture.
Campusmapsshouldbeprovidedinhighlyvisiblelocations.
Campusmapsshouldbeusablebypersonswithphysicaldisabilities.
Campusmapsshouldbeaccessibleyearround.
Astandardizedmemorialplaqueprogramshouldbeestablished.
Landscaping should complement the scale and function of signs.
Three gateway signs are located at prominent corners of the
Waterloocampus.Currently,thelandscapingdoesnotenhancethe
stature of these signs. The addition of massed shrubs and an
evergreenbackdropwouldenhancethevisibilityofthesesigns.
Withanexistingevergreenbackdrop,thesignatthecornerofKingandAlbertis
identifiable.Massedshrubplantingswouldimprovethiscornertreatment.
Landscapematerialsshouldbecoordinatedwithsignformandmaterials.Tallplant
materialandrandomlyplacedarmourstoneatthecornerofKingandUniversity
doesnotcomplementtheexistingsign.
MassesshrubplantingsinfrontofthesignatthecornerofKingandBrickerwould
improvetheimageofthecampus.
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
111
PublicArt
Public art sited throughout the campus can enrich the landscape by
providing focal points and centres of interest. By displaying public art,
WLUcanshowcaselocalartists,encouragethedevelopmentofprograms
andattractthelargerartisticcommunityontothecampus.Thefollowing
guidelines should be followed for the selection and placement of public
artinthecampus:
Piecesorartistsshouldpromotetheuniquecultural
heritageofWaterlooandBrantford.
Piecesshouldbelocatedordisplayedinsucha
mannertoreducemaintenance(e.g.,plantingbeds,
raisedplatform).
Thebackdropandhowthepieceisviewedis
important.
Outdoorlightingshouldilluminatethework.
Thepiecesshouldbelowmaintenanceandvandal
proof.
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
IBI GROUP
LANDSCAPE
Trees, shrubs and perennials should be used as design elements that
define open space, provide spatial order and compliment built form.
Planting with purpose and function can significantly affect the look and
feelofthecampus.Plantmaterialcanbeusedto:
Definemajoropenspaces,corridorsandgateways;
Limitordirectviews;
Framespacestogiveasenseofenclosure;
Providestructureandorganizationtoopenspace;
Createmicroclimates;
Reducemaintenance;
Createasenseofplace;
Provideecologicaldiversity.
The scale and massing of plant material should relate to the size of
buildings, roads, pathways and adjacent spaces. Large, high branching
trees can be used to edge formal open spaces and corridors. Smaller
trees, shrubs and perennials can be used to highlight important spaces
such as building entrances or courtyards. In general, intricate planting
designshouldbeavoided.Massedplantingsoftreesandshrubsaremore
appropriateforacampussetting.
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
113
SELECTIONOFPLANTMATERIAL
InSouthernOntario,mostnaturalhabitatshavebeenlosttourbansprawl
and agriculture. As a result, natural systems such as watersheds and
geological communities are severely degraded, and many plant and
animalspecieshavebeendesignatedasatrisk.Universitycampusesare
often large contiguous land holdings within urban areas with extensive
openspace.Theopenspaceswithineachcampusofferanopportunityto
develop and implement strategies to protect and restore some
woodlands,aswellasotherhabitatsandnaturalsystems.
Environment Canada recommends a minimum threshold of 30% forest
coverinawatershed.Currentlythereis12.3%forestcoverinWaterloo.
In order to create a sustainable landscape, plant material for the
Waterloocampuswillbeindigenoustothenaturalplantcommunitiesof
the Region. Native plant material is naturally adapted to local growing
conditionsandasaresultrequireslessmaintenance,waterandfertilizer
tomaintainhealthygrowth.
The Waterloo campus is located in the Deciduous Forest region of
Ontario.Withinthatregionthereareuniqueplantassociations:
TheCarolinianZone;
TallGrassPrairieandSavana.
Both of these native landscapes are rare and endangered in Ontario.

Large portions of these plant communities have been lost over the past
200yearsduetoagricultureandurbanization.Forexample,lessthan3
percentoftheOntariotallgrassprairieremainstoday.Oneofthegoalsof
the landscape guidelines will be to reintroduce native plants into the
campus environment. A palette of recommended plant material will be
providedattheendofthissection.
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
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Treescanbeusetoaddapatternandrhythmtothelandscapethatcan
tie the campus together. Trees should be used to reinforce pedestrian
corridors, roadways and open spaces. The screening of undesirable
elements such as parking and service areas must be balanced with
aestheticsandsafety.
Tree groupings on the Waterloo campus are inconsistent varying from
formaltorandomarrangements.Streettreeslackcontinuityinformand
species and are planted at irregular intervals creating a weak campus
edge along King, University, Albert and Bricker. There are a number of
opportunities to introduce formal, geometrically arranged plant along
streetsandarterialwalkways.
planting should be located in a few prominent locations to maximize

visualimpactandtoreduce maintenance. Themainareasforperennial
bedswillbebuildingentrances,courtyardedgesandplanters.
established schools. They create visual interest on both contemporary
and heritage buildings. Vines, due to maintenance concerns, should be
used sparingly to soften architectural edges and to animate blank
facades.TheeastsideoftheQuadisagoodexampleoftheeffectiveuse
ofvines.
Streettreesinparticularwillrequiresensitivetreatment.Thiswillinclude
the consideration of structural soil along major arterials or other
innovativeplantingtechniquestoensurethesuccessofplantingsinurban
conditions.Therelocationorburyingofoverheadservicesshouldalsobe
consideredalongKingandUniversity.
trees:
Deciduoustreestobeminimum60mmcalliper;
Coniferoustreestobeminimum180cmheight;
Woodstakeswithflexiblerestraints(ArbortieorVStrap);
Theminimumplantingareaistobe3.0mx3.0m;
Inpavedareas,structuralsoilorSilvaCellsshallbeused;
Lower branches to be trimmed 2.4m above sidewalks and 4.5m

abovestreetsandserviceroads;
Treegratesshouldbeavoided;
Treestobeplantedwithtopofrootballlevelwithfinishedgrade;
Fruitornutbearingtreesaretobeavoided.
Thepreferredapproachtoshrubsandperennialplantingistomassplant
material.Plantingsshouldbeconcentratedatbuildingedgesorotherkey
locations to direct pedestrians and to provide visual interest. Perennial
IBI GROUP
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
115
PLANTINGPALETTE
Largecanopytreeswillbeusedtodefinestreetedgesandtoline
major pedestrian corridors. Planting should be directed to areas
where trees have the best chance of becoming fully developed
(i.e., avoid conflicts with services and heavily paved surfaces).
Ideallyplantingshouldbebalancedonbothsidesofthestreetor
corridor.
NativeRedMaplesandtheircultivarswill
be used as a signature trees throughout
the Waterloo campus. Larger canopy
cultivars will be used as street trees and
for defining the edges of large open
spaces.
Thefollowingcultivarsarepreferred:
AcerrubrumOctoberGlory
AcerrubrumNorthwood
AcerrubrumKarpick
AcerxfreemaniiAutumnBlaze
orRedSunset
Although considered to be sensitive to

pollution and drought, typical of urban
areas, many cultivars can be used in a
campus setting. Given their size Sugar
Maples are best used in combination
with Red Maples as street trees and
alonglargeopenspaces.
In addition to the Maples, the following large canopy trees are

preferred:
Mediumcanopytreesmaybeusedinplazasandalongminorpedestrian
corridors. Planting should be incorporated into larger beds and turfed
areas. Smaller tree varieties may tolerate raised planters or tree pits in
pavedareas.Showyvarietiesoftreescanbeusedasspecimens.
Excellent as a specimen, near a patio, corners of buildings, parks,

groupings; especially effective against a dark backdrop of evergreens or
building material where the flowers are
accentuated, as is the branching habit in
the winter. All season character
(excellentflower,summerandfallfoliage,
fruit,andwinterhabit).
Amediumsizedtreethatcanbeusedfor
smallerscaleopenspaces.
In addition to Flowering Dogwoods and

HopHornbeamsthefollowingmediumcanopytreesarepreferred:
BlueBeech
RedBud
Sassafras
KentuckyCoffeetree
TulipTree
Sycamore
Oak
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
IBI GROUP
RecommendedShrubsandPerennials
The planting of shrubs in campus landscaping is both functional and
aesthetic.Massedplantings,tocomplimentthescaleofcampusbuildings,
willconsistprimarilyofhedgesandgroundcovers.Theuseofornamental
plantings is to be restricted. Native Carolinian species are preferred
providedtheyaresuitableforaproposedsiteorfunction.
Ornamental plantings are to be masses, monochromatic species used
primarily for contrast to specimen shrub or perennial plantings. For
example, Yews or Currants can be used to reinforce the geometry of
adjacentbuildingsorplazas,screenunsightlyviewsorprovideabackdrop
tospecimenplantings.GroundcoverssuchasColorataEuonymusorVines
can be used to create a horizontal pattern and backdrop for vertical
elementssuchasspecimenshrubsorevenPublicArt.
established schools. They create visual interest on both contemporary
and heritage buildings. Vines, due to maintenance concerns, should be
usedsparinglytosoftenarchitecturaledgesandtoanimateblankfacades.
shrubsandperennials:
Deciduousshrubstobeminimum60cmheight,#3cont.;
Evergreenshrubstobeminimum50cmspread,#3cont.;
Largespecimenfloweringshrubstobeminimum80150cmheight;
A minimum double row of shrubs is preferred for foundation

planting;
Largeperennialstobe#2cont.;
Smallperennialstobe#1cont.;
Minimum100mmdepthshreddedbarkmulchforallbeds.
Yew
ColorataEuonymus
AwidevarietyofNativeCarolinianshrubsareavailableforcampus
planning schemes. Plants may be selected for function (e.g.,
screening), interest (e.g., seasonal flowering), or site suitability
(e.g., parking lot bioswales). The following is a list of preferred
shrubs;
IBI GROUP
Serviceberry
Ninebark
NewJerseyTea
Sumac
Buttonbush
Currant
Dogwoods
Bayberry
BurningBush
Elderberry
Spicebush
Rose
Meadowsweet
LowbushBlueberry
Viburnum
Thefollowingornamentalshrubsarepreferred;
Massed ground covers and naturalized plantings can be used in remote

areas and along steep slopes. The Waterloo campus terraces would
benefitfromnaturalization.
ThebankalongMidcampusDrivecouldbenaturalizedwithnativetrees,
shrubs,andperennialstoreducemaintenance.Theplantingsshouldbe
arrangedtomaintainvisibilityandsafetyalongtheedgeofparkinglots,
sidewalksandstairways.
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
117
The use of perennials and grasses on campus will be concentrated on

gateway plazas, building entries and courtyards. Typically the plants will
bemassedtoprovidethebestvisualimpactandtolimitmaintenance.
Low grasses and groundcovers will be used along edges. Plants will be
arranged with taller species to the back (if against a building) or to the
centre(ifinanopenarea).
The following plants can be used in Woodland and Savanna settings,
typicaloftheCarolinianZone;
BlazingStar
BigBluestem
Foamflower
BlackeyedSusan
NewEnglandAster
Beebalm
EveningPrimrose
LittleBluestem
Ferns
Sedges
IndianGrass
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CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
IBI GROUP
MAINTENANCE
Alldeadordamagedbranchesshouldberemovedmonthly.
Improvementstotheopenspaceofthecampusshouldnotbeconsidered
shortterminvestments.Maintenanceplaysakeyroleintheimageofthe
campus and the community. Ownership and pride is essential to the
image of the school and this can be fostered by aesthetically pleasing,
functional,andwellmaintainedopenspace.
Structuralpruningoftreesandshrubsshouldbedoneannually.
Stakesorguylinesshouldberemovedafteronegrowingseason.
Plantingbedsshouldbeweededregularly.
Lawnareasshouldbeweededregularly.
Lawn areas should be watered on a regular basis in high traffic

areas.
Barepatchesofturfshouldberepairedregularly.Areasofconstant
wearshouldbereplacedwithhardsurfaces(castinplaceconcrete
ispreferred).
Thefollowinglevelsofmaintenancearerecommended:
Sidewalksshouldberegularlypowerwashed.
Precastconcretesurfacesshouldbesealedeveryfive(5)years.
Gum,stain,paintremovalshouldoccurregularly.
Flyers and posters should be removed from all site furniture

immediately.
All damaged glass, metal, concrete or stone elements should be

refinishedregularly.
Metalsiteelements(e.g.,furniture,guardrails)shouldberefinished
regularly.
Allglasssurfacesshouldbecleanedatleastfour(4)timesayear.
Allgraffitishouldberemovedwithin48hours.
Allburntout/damagedlightsshouldbereplacedwithin58hours.
Abandonedbicyclesshouldberemovedafterthefirstsnowfalland
attheendofthespringsemester.
Snow removal should allow physical and visual access to main

entrances,signage,sidewalks,busstopsandparkingareas.
Garbage, recycling and ash urns should be emptied on a regular

basis.
Missingordamagedsignsshouldbereplacedimmediately.
Triphazardsshouldbeaddressedimmediately.
Potholesinroadwaysshouldberepairedbiannually.
New trees, shrubs and perennials should be watered regularly for

twogrowingseasons.
IBI GROUP
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
Massedplantingswithsufficientmulchshouldbeusedinraisedplanterstoreduce
maintenance.
119
14.0 WATERLOOCAMPUSTRANSPORTATION
STRATEGY
Attheheartofthecampusplanningprocessaretheneedsofpedestrians.
Academic and social exchange among students, faculty, staff and the
community at large is fundamental to the success of the campus. The
exchanges are most likely to take place in comfortable, attractive, and
meaningfulspacesoncampus.Overtime,someofthecampuslandshave
been relegated to parking lots, resulting in the fragmentation or loss of
this space for campus interaction, degradation of landscapes due to
environmental stress and the shifting of the scale of campus life subtly
awayfromthatofthepedestriantothatoftheautomobile.
Atthesametime,circulationroutesthroughthemaincampuswillstillbe
required for the movement of goods and the servicing of campus
buildings. Provisions are also needed that make the campus accessible
for all users, no matter their mobility abilities or limitations. For those
who choose to access the campus by automobile, space will still be
required for vehicle parking. However, provision of surface parking is
expected to take a secondary priority in some parts of the campus over
otherneedssuchasopenspace.
Transportation and parking will become key issues at the Waterloo

Campus as vehicular circulation and parking on the central campus are
both displaced by infill development and new growth. In response, a
transportation and parking strategy is necessary over the next 15 years.
In general, parking should be gradually reduced in the core areas of the
campus, through the development of decentralized parking lots at the
campus periphery, innovative parking designs in new projects,
underground parking where possible, increased drop off locations, an
improved pedestrian and cyclist circulation system and growing
TransportationDemandManagement(TDM)initiatives.
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14.1 PARKINGALLOCATIONAPPROACH
Overall, the general guidelines for vehicular parking allocation are as
follows:
Aimtoprovide25%ofallparkingspacesonthemaincampus,and
75%intheoutercampus.
Onthemaincampus,80%ofallparkingspacesshouldbeprovided
asundergroundparkingand20%shouldbeprovidedintheformof
smallclustersofsurfaceparking.
All parking should be screened from view of the street and new
parking lots should not be created between the front of a building
and the street. Buildings should front onto major collector streets,
notparkinglots.
Any parking structures on parcels of land with frontage on a
collector or arterial road (University Avenue) should provide mixed
usesatgradeintegratedwiththestructurealongthestreet.
Maintain the parking demand and supply equilibrium on the main
campusbyreplacingdisplacedspacesonlytotheextentwarranted
intheformofatgradeorstructuredparking.
Allperimeterparkinglotsshouldbewithin650metresofthemain
campus.
Consider buildings cantilevered over parking at grade to maximize
useofvaluablelandsforopenspaceandpedestrianwalkways.
ProvidedesignateddropofflocationsalongChancellorDriveinclose
proximitytobuildingentrances.
Surface parking should be sited in close proximity to as many
building entrances as possible to reduce conflicts with pedestrian
walkwaysandroutes.
New parking spaces should be supplied underground or integrated
within the building where possible (see parking alternative A2
below).
Surfacelotsmaybeprovidedasaninterimlanduseonsitesplanned
forfuturedevelopment.
Pursue the acquisition of land to the east and west of the main
campusforparkingpurposes.
Pursue opportunities for joint venture and partnerships for single
useandintegratedstructuredparking.
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
IBI GROUP
Continue to encourage ridesharing initiatives and other TDM

incentivesandprogramsforUniversitystudents,staffandfaculty.
Agreaterpercentageofmaincampusspacesshouldbereservedfor
userswithmobilityimpairmentsthaninoutercampusparkinglots.
Signage should be used at parking lots to improve wayfinding
throughthecampusandtostructureparkingentrances.
Withregardtobicycleparking,thefollowingnumberofspacesshouldbe
provided.
14.2 PARKINGPLAN
To meet the additional parking needs to accommodate campus growth
andreorganizeexistingcampusparkingtomaintainapedestrianfriendly
environmentthefollowingCampusParkingPlanshouldbeimplemented.
The Campus Parking Plan illustrates the approach to reorganizing and
accommodatingadditionalparkingneedsforatotalof2,700spaces.
If these 2,700 parking spaces were all to be supplied in the form of

surface parking, they would cover some 8.9 hectares (22 acres) of
valuable campus property. This is why alternatives to surface parking
must be considered, namely structured above ground and underground
solutions. Where above ground and underground structures are
recommended,theyshouldbeintegratedintonewbuildings,especiallyin
the case of above ground structures. Where surface parking is to be
supplied,itshouldbescreenedwithsufficientlandscapingtomaintainthe
visualamenityofthecampus.
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121
Theparkingspaceallocationplanisasfollows:
Onthemaincampus:
125surfacespaces(20%ofexistingsupplyonmaincampus)
575 underground spaces (80% of existing supply on main
campus)
TotalSpaces700(25%oftotalWaterlooCampussupply)
Ontheoutercampuslands(within650metresofthemaincampus):
300surfacespacesatSeagramStadium
300surfacespacesatNorthdaleCampus
200surfaceandundergroundspacesatLaurierPlaceResidences
/WaterlooCollegeResidence
200surfacespacesatCanadaMortgage&HousingCorporation
(CMHC)lands
300 underground and integrated parking at Global Innovation
ExchangeBuilding/GraduateResearchCentre
200 integrated/underground spaces at King Street Residence/
LodgeandReginaStreetResidence
100surfacespacesonotheroutercampusproperties
400spacesinapotentialnewsurface/structuredparkingfacility
TotalSpaces2,000(75%oftotalsupplyatWaterlooCampus)
It should be acknowledged that alternatives will ultimately need to be

considered inthenearbythe detaileddesignofeachcapitalprojectand
thesitearea.
14.3TRANSPORTATIONDEMANDMANAGEMENT
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) on campus strengthens a
commitment to encourage greater use of sustainable modes of
transportation and trip decisionmaking that reduces, combines, or
shortens vehicle trips. The implementation of successful strategies and
services at the Waterloo campus has the potential to reduce parking
demand,aswellasenhanceairquality,therebyimprovingthequalityof
theoverallcampusenvironment.
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TheUniversityscommitmenttosustainabilityshouldbebothaugmented
and expanded with the application of the following Transportation
DemandManagementinitiatives:
CarFree Planning Develop parts of the University campus

wherepersonalautomobilesareunnecessaryandautotrafficis
restricted either through road design or control and
enforcement.Restrictionscanbefulltimeorparttime,andcan
exempt delivery vehicles, taxis and vehicles for people with
disabilities.
ParkingOptOutFacultyandstaffcancurrentlyoptoutofthe
payrolldeductionforpermitparking.Thisreductionincampus
parking demand could be further encouraged if the University
offered,asachoice,tosubsidizeaGrandRiverTransitpassasan
alternativetoaparkingpass.
CarShare Parking The University is currently facilitating car
sharingattheWaterloocampusthroughGrandRiverRideShare.
Use of this service could be enhanced through the provision of
designated car share parking spaces at the most conveniently
locatedlocationsincampusparkinglots.
Guaranteed Ride Home As part of the Universitys current
carpooling initiatives, a guaranteed ride home program can
enhance carpooling use by providing a subsidized ride home in
cases of an emergency or unexpected delay in leaving work.
TaxisorUniversityvehiclescouldbeusedfortheservice.
ActiveTransportationContinuetodesignthecampusforboth
pedestrian and cyclist use as active modes of transportation.
Thisincludestheprovision,maintenanceandmarketingofactive
transportationfacilitiesthataresafeandsecure.
Public Transit Continue to encourage transit use through the
return of the One Pass and consider making unlimited transit
travel available to all students on campus within graduate
tuition.
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14.4 PROTOTYPICALPARKINGDESIGNSCENARIOS
Parkingcanbeaccommodatedinnewcampusbuildingsthroughavariety
ofapproaches.
A1NoParkingAlternative(surface,cantileveredoronstreet)
A2UndergroundParking
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A3Abovegradeparking,integratedwithinbuilding
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with streetscape improvements along University Avenue and

KingStreetNorth.
14.5 PUBLICTRANSIT
TheWaterloocampusiscurrentlyverywellservedbyGrandRiverTransit
(GRT)service.Thecampusisaccessedbyfourtransitroutes(7,8,9,12)
alongUniversityAvenuetheKingStreetRouteandAlbert/HazelRoute.In
addition, GRTs iXpress service now includes a Laurier stop at the
UniversityAvenue/HazelStreetintersection.
Currently,thereareeightexistingbusstopsattheperimeterofthemain
campusthreeonthenorthsideandtwoonthesouthsideofUniversity
Avenue West two on the west side and one on the east side of King
Street. These stops should be upgraded in terms of their landscape
treatment and with new shelters that reflect a Wilfrid Laurier University
design theme. The University might wish to pursue advertising at these
bus stops or work with the Region to develop a brand and signage
programtoidentifythesestopswiththeLauriercampus,creatingasense
ofentryintothecampusdistrict.
The Region of Waterloo has selected the existing rail corridor that is
locatedtothewestofthecampusandcrossesSeagramDriveasthenew
route for the Light Rapid Transit (LRT). Although there is no direct link
with the Laurier Campus, the centre of campus will be accessible and
locatedwithina10minutewalkofthefutureSeagramDrivestation.
To ensure transit service is maintained, and improved as student

enrolmentincreases,Lauriershould:
Continue to work with Regional Transportation Staff to ensure

that transit services are improved as required by the campus
growth.Routerestructuringshouldalsobeplannedinresponse
to increased student ridership and an expanded commuting
pattern.
Work with both the Region and the City to determine whether
additionalbusstopsarewarrantedalongUniversityAvenue.
Work with both the Region and the City to upgrade the bus
stops at the perimeter of the main campus. Ensure that the
upgraded landscaping adjacent to these stops is coordinated
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WorkwiththeRegiontodevelopandimplementabrandingand
signage program for the bus stops at the perimeter of the
campus.
PlaceemphasisonthedesignoftheplannedSeagramDriveLRT
stationasaWilfridLaurierUniversitygateway,withadirect,safe
pedestrianconnectionbetweenthestationandthecampus.
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15.0 SITESELECTIONANDPHASING
PRESERVETHEBEST,REMOVETHEWORST,REPAIRTHEREST
For the Campus Concept Plan implementation strategies have been

developed. This section is divided into two categories of strategies or
guidelinestoputtheMasterPlanintoaction.
SiteSelectionintendedtoguidedecisionsonwhetherexisting
buildings should be retained, removed, renovated or
repurposed; how to select existing landholdings/sites for infill
and new buildings; and how to identify lands for acquisition to
accommodate future campus growth requirements. An
integrated campus with a full range of university uses
throughout the campus is envisioned to establish a closer
proximityamongpeople,disciplines,activitiesandservices.
Phasing and Potential Building Projects to assist with the

sequence and timing of a range of potential academic and
residencebuildingprojects.Thisisdirectedbyprojectedgrowth
in students, faculty, and staff and corresponds to projected
needs for academic space, residence bed needs, and parking
facilities. This also involves closely monitoring student
enrolment increases and relies heavily on the availability of
funding.
The overriding campus development objective involves preserving and

reinforcingthebestaspectsofthecampusandrepairingorreplacing
those in poor condition or that represent an underutilization of the
Universitysvaluablelandassets.
Thehighestprioritybuildingsitesarethosethatwillrestoreorganization
and wayfinding clarity to the high traffic areas of the campus core and
provide for an improved open space system or centre. Secondary sites
are those underutilized lands which are located at the perimeter of the
campus, such as the Northdale campus. Criterion used to determine
buildingsitesinclude:
Age and Building Condition Approximately 35% of University

ownedbuildingswereconstructedinthe1960s,mostofwhich
areinpoorconditionandare70to80yearsold.Thosebuildings
with FCI ratings higher than 0.50 that require replacement
includetheClaraHouseResidences(WingA,BandC)andEuler
Residence, Seminary, the Greenhouse associated with the
former St. Michaels School building and several smaller
buildingsfrontingontoReginaStreetandSeagramDrive,which
areusedforoffcampushousing.Onthemaincampus,allofthe
residences built in the 1960s, listed below, have a poor FCI
Rating(0.160.49):
WillisonHall(0.34)
LittleHouse(0.410.43)
MacDonaldHouse(0.45)
Leupold(0.48)
ClaraConrad(0.44.71)
Euler(0.54).
ProximitytotheCampusCoreThenewAmphitheatre/Quad
amajorcentralgatheringspacesfortheLauriercommunityand
the core of the campus. The removal of some buildings and
introducing new infill buildings in close proximity to this space
presents opportunities to elevate the spatial organization and
visualprofileofthiscorearea.
15.1 SITESELECTION
Whenselectingsitesforfuturegrowthandimprovement,theUniversity
should first focus on the utilization and intensification of its existing
landholdings, particularly those that are vacant, before pursuing the
acquisition of additional land to accommodate growth. This will ensure
theWaterloocampuscharacterasacompact,walkable,studentoriented
communityismaintainedandenhanced.
Asageneralprincipletoguidegrowth,ResidenceandAcademicBuildings
should both be sited within a 5 minute walk (400 metres) of the Quad.
The Quad is the core of the campus. Campus Parking Lots should be
withina10minutewalk(800metres)fromtheQuad.Students,Faculty,
Staff,andVisitorsshouldbeabletocomfortablywalkfromoneendofthe
campustotheotherwithin10minutestime.
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height fronting University Avenue, and three storeys in height

along the Balsam Street frontage. Up to four storey building
heightsarepermittedontheNorthdaleCampus.
Theclusterofbuildingsclosesttothecentreofcampus,apoint
between Little House and MacDonald House, range from three
tofourstoreysinheight.Thediscrepancybetweenthecurrent
densityandtherequireddensitytoaccommodatefuturespace
intheheartofthecampushasbecomeincreasinglyapparent.
UtilizationofLand(HeightandDensity)Althoughthecampusis
compact with close building siting, some land is not currently
utilizedtothefullextentpermitted.Manybuildingsaresetback
from the street up to 20 metres, minimum 7.5 metre building
setbacks from the street line currently apply. There are also
many surface parking lots that could be redeveloped for new
buildings. These priority areas identified as opportunities for
expansion.
SizeandUseofBuildingorSiteSomebuildingsaresmallinsize
andnotwellused.Theirremovalwouldpresentanopportunity
to consolidate the lands they presently occupy with adjacent
Universitylandholdingsforthedevelopmentofalargerbuilding.
Theusesfromthesmallbuildingwouldbeincorporatedintothe
largebuilding.
Overall Aesthetic Quality The expansion of some high profile

buildings, particularly those on major urban corridors, such as
the Athletic Complex would significantly improve the aesthetic
qualityandprofileofthecampus.
RepurposeBuildingsSomebuildingsmaybebetterutilizedfor
otherpurposes,asthecurrentoccupantsofthespaceoruseof
the space is no longer functioning at an optimal level. An
exampleisthecurrentLibrary.Thisbuildingcouldberepurposed
for use as instructional and office space, and faculty lounges.
Reclading the ground floor of this building to create a
transparentpodiumbasewouldalsobedesirable.Otherusesat
grade may include food services or an expanded art gallery or
displayspace.
Buildings occupyingaprominentlocationalong majorcorridors

along Albert Street, University Avenue and King Street, should
beexpandedtowardthestreettoreinforcethestreetscapeand
make efficient use of land. Recommended sites include the
Library, the Arts Wing and the Recreation Centre. A maximum
setbackfromthestreetof7.5metresshouldbeapplied.
ViewofthelowrisebuildingprofilealongUniversityAvenue,includingtheArtsWing
andPetersBuilding.
Manyofthecampusbuildingsareonlythreeor fourstoreysin
height. Buildings of one to two storeys in height include the
Seagram Stadium, Recreation Centre, Theatre Auditorium,
StudentServicesandtheDiningHall.
Currentpoliciespermitamaximum10storeybuildingheighton
themaincampusexceptfortheAlbertStreetfrontage,wherea
sixstoreyheightispermitted.Increasedheightpermissionson
the main campus provide the University the opportunity to
makemoreefficientuseoflandunderitsownership.
ThemostunderutilizedUniversityownedpropertiesadjacentto
themaincampusaretheformerNorthdale Schoolsiteandthe
formerSt.MichaelsSchoolsite,withbuildingsonlyonetotwo
storeys in height. On the former St. Michaels School site, the
Zoning ByLaw currently permits buildings up to six storeys in
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15.2 ACQUISITION&CONSOLIDATION
TheCityofWaterloohasestablishedaSpecialPolicyArea(SpecialPolicy
No. 57) encompassing the Waterloo Campus. Within this area all lands
have a dual designation of University and Major Institutional to
recognize both existing University uses and provide guidance for future
University growth. This Special Policy Area defines the land area where
theUniversitydevelopmentandexpansionmayoccursubjecttolanduse
compatibility with other use. For the purposes of the Campus Master
Plan, this area is referred to as the Academic District and specific
opportunities for land acquisition opportunities within this area have
been identified. The Northdale campus lands have been included in this
districttoreflecttheinclusionofallmajorUniversitylandholdings.
ThefollowingguidelinesareintendedtoassisttheUniversityinselecting
landswithintheAcademicDistrictforacquisitionforfuturegrowth.The
followingMapshowsthelimitsofthisAcademicDistrict.Lauriershould
pursuetheacquisitionof:
Lands located within a 5 minute walking distance or 400

metresoftheboundaryofthecentralcampus.
Lands located both to the south of University Avenue and

eastofReginaStreet,forthepurposesofaremoteparking
lotorstructuredparkingfacilitywithaccessfromUniversity
Avenue and Lodge Street. A structure fronting University
Avenue would be required to have integrated commercial
and/oracademicusesacrossthefrontofthestructure.
CMHCownedlandslocatedonthenorthsideofUniversity
Avenue, opposite the main campus for new academic
buildingsandagraduateresidencydevelopment.
Individual,privatelyownedparcelsfrontingSeagramDrive,
Albert Street, Lodge Street and Regina Street to facilitate
their consolidation with adjacent University owned lands
forfuturebuildingandparkingsites.
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Acquiretheremainingprivatelyownedparcelonnorthside
of Bricker Avenue, between King Street North and Albert
Streetonthecentralcampus.
Liaise with the City of Waterloo staff and members of the

Waterloo Parks Advisory Committee to review
opportunities for a joint venture/partnership for new
recreational/athletic facilities on the west side of Seagram
Stadium (a dual rink and indoor field house are University
priorities).
Explorepotentiallandacquisitionopportunitiesforparking
structure development on the Industrial Lands located to
the east of Regina Street. This initiative could also be
pursued in partnership with the City of Waterloo or the
privatesector.
15.3 PHASING
WhiletheCampusMasterPlanisintendedtoofferaflexibleframework
fortheevolutionofthecampus,apossibleforecastforthesequenceand
timing of implementation is provided in the following phasing strategy.
Thebuildingprojectssequencehasbeendeveloped onthe basisoffour
criteriawhichare:
Impactontheacademicplanandprogrammingpriorities;
logicalsequencingofconstruction;
availabilityoffunding;
Prioritizationofneed.
GrowthFactors
Multiple factors influence the need for both new and expanded campus
facilitiesintheshort,midandlongtermfutureattheWaterlooCampus.
SomeofthesefactorswereidentifiedintheCenturyPlan20052011:
Expansionofgraduateandpostgraduateprogramsoffered
Increasethenumberofgraduatestudentsby50%by2011
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Addition of new faculties (a Faculty of Education, a School of

PublicPolicyandaFacultyofLawarepriorities)
Steppeduprecruitmenteffortofinternationalstudents
Newresearchfunding
Add6newresearchcentresatadedicatedsite
Create a Learning Commons to provide additional space for
studying,clubsandcommittees,studentservices
The single most important long term factor is an increase in student

enrolment over the next 15 years resulting in a total FTE student
entrolment of 15,000 at the Waterloo Campus. Existing shortfalls in
various space categories, such as study space, library facilities, and food
servicesfacilitiesarealsoaddressedbythisproposedphasingplan.
ProposedPhasingofCampusMasterPlan
PHASE1:
The shortrange horizon represents a vision for the immediate future of
thecampus,overthenext5yearstotheacademicyear2012/2013.
Phase 1 accommodates a student enrolment increase of 1,390 FTE

students for a total of 12,485 FTE students. Approximately 474,000
square feet of new academic space and 1,025 new beds are planned.
Developmentinthisphasedoesnotrequireadditionallandsbeyondthe
existingUniversitylandholdings.Campusgrowthwillbefocusedprimarily
one the infill, redevelopment and intensification of existing University
landholdings,andtheacquisitionofindividualparcelsoflandcontiguous
with University landholdings to create larger land assemblies for larger
buildingprojects.
Removals:
TheCampusMasterPlanwouldbeimplementedinthreephases:
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St.MichaelsCampusBuilding
ToyotaSolarium
Existing Laurier Place Residence and Albert Street Buildings

(removalof258beds)
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BuiltFormPhase1,2009to2012/2013
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ConstructionProjects:
CampusLearningCommons(C1)
The Campus Learning Commons (CLC) would function as the
new studentcentred heart of the Waterloo main campus,
uniquely positioned as the internal interface between several
core buildings (the Fred Nichols Campus Centre, the Student
Services Building, the Dining Hall, Arts E Wing) and common
gatheringspaces,includingtheindoorConcourseandoutdoor
CentralGreen.TheCLCisanopportunitytochangetheimage
oftheWilfridLaurierUniversitycampusatUniversityAvenue.
of50,000squarefeetofnewinstructionalandofficespace.It
represents an important opportunity to strengthen Lauriers
presence at University Avenue and enhance the Universitys
identity through the use of lively and innovative architectural
design.
GlobalInnovationExchangeBuilding(N1)
As the first major development on the north campus, the
Global Innovation Exchange Building would be designed
primarily to house the School of Business and Economics and
wouldalsobecometheanchorforfutureexpansionsontheSt.
Michaelssite.
The Global Innovation Exchange Building would be an iconic

representation of the important part that Laurier has and will
continue to play in Waterloos development technology
industry.Thebuildingfaadeshouldbedesignedtoreinforce
the University Avenue streetscape through a total building
height of six storeys and terracing at the fourth storey to
maintain the pedestrian scale of buildings. The north side of
the building should be configured to frame a courtyard style
centralgreenspace.
NorthCampusResearchBuildings(N2,N3)
The parking lot at the north end of the St. Michaels campus,
oppositetheproposedGlobalInnovationExchangeBuildingisa
prime site for two new academic buildings. Special attention
mustbepaidtobothbuildingmassingandscalealongBalsam
Streetfrontagetorespectthelowdensityresidentialcharacter
of the surrounding neighbourhood. A pedestrian entry point
between the two buildings, aligned with Larch Street, would
lead to the internal courtyard green space. A series of
pathways would connect this space and the surrounding
buildings.ThisbuildingclusterisintendedtobetheLaurierhub
for technological research, business and innovation. This
parcel,toberedevelopedinthefirstphaseofthemasterplan,
is of sufficient size to permit the architectural inclusion of
underground parking, with the vehicular access being from
BalsamStreetandUniversityAvenue.
Thisbuildingwouldbecreatedbyinfillingtheexistingoutdoor
courtyard, between the Concourse and the Student Services
Building,theremovaloftheToyotaSolariumandtheaddition
of a terraced structure stepping down toward University
Avenue.At4storeys,thisbuildingcouldprovideupto150,000
square feet of new space. Below grade parking and service
vehicle facilities could be integrated into this new structure,
andtheywouldbebothaccessiblethroughtheexistingparking
lotinfrontoftheAirdBuilding.TheCLCwouldrequireabout
60,000squarefeetofthetotalbuildingarea.
The space would be programmed to accommodate a number

of functions, including student oriented space leadership
activity, lounge area, volunteer centre, clubs, societies,
gathering spaces, study space, research counselling and
instructional space. An atrium is recommended to bring in
naturallighttothecentralcourtyard,andanextensivenorth
facing glass faade will provide a visual connection between
passersbyonUniversityAvenueandthecampuscommunity.
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ArtsCWingExtension(C2)
ByextendingthefaadeoftheArtsCWingtowardUniversity
Avenue, an envelope is created for a prominent new building
between the Arts A Wing, Peters Building, and the Arts E
Wing.,thatcouldbothcomplementandbeconnectedwiththe
new Campus Learning Commons (C1). At a height of three
storeys,thisnewbuildingextensioncouldprovideuptoatotal
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131
LaurierSkywayBuilding(N4)
WiththedevelopmentoftheCampusLearningCommonsand
the Global Innovation Exchange Building on opposite sides of
University Avenue, the University would have an opportunity
to connect these buildings by a two storey bridge connection
over University Avenue with programme space integrated
withinthiscirculationstructure.
Thisbridgeconnectioncouldhousethoseprogrammeareasfor
facultiesstillresiding inthesouthcampus,thatwouldbenefit
from a close proximity to the School of Business and
Economics. It would be connected vertically by stairs or an
elevator to transit stops on University Avenue, to encourage
transitridership.Agreenroofonthebridgewouldmitigatethe
heatislandeffectofUniversityAvenue,whileprovidingahigh
quality pedestrian link that would support the walkability of
the campus. Lighting, artwork, signage and colour and
architecturaltreatmentwouldcollectivelyaddtothesymbolic
manifestationofthebuildingsintent.
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LaurierPlaceResidenceVillage(W1,W2,W3,W4)
TheUniversityhasidentifiedtheSunviewStreetlandslocated
to the west of the main campus as a site for redevelopment
and intensification for a new student residence cluster, or a
residence village. The University also owns three individual
AlbertStreetpropertiesthatadjointheseSunviewStreetlands.
The phased removal of the existing Laurier Place Residences
andotherbuildings ontheselandswillcreatesufficientspace
forfournew8storeybuildings,forover1,200newbedsanda
range of other uses, including food services, a convenience
store,fitnesscentreandcommonloungeareas.BuildingsW1
andW2willbeadjoinedbyaglassatrium.
Apartment style group accommodations would be created for

firstyearandseniorstudents.Apartments,300squarefeetin
size,wouldalsobeavailabletograduatestudents.Parkingfor
these buildings could be supplied through a combination of
belowgradeandsurfaceparkinglots,withroadaccessthrough
thesitebyanextensionofSunviewStreetouttoLesterStreet.
The buildings would frame a central quadrangle, in keeping

with the open space theme of the master plan. Wide
landscaped pathways would provide internal cyclist and
pedestriancirculation,aswellasdirectconnectionsouttothe
surroundingstreetnetwork.
This residence cluster would include the existing Waterloo

CollegeResidenceandwouldbenefitfromthecloseproximity
of the recreational amenities at Seagram Stadium and
Waterloo Park, and the planned Light Rail Transit Station at
SeagramDrive.
Library
LauriersAcademicPlanwillbecompletedin2010.Atthistime
the ultimate location of the library and its potential role as a
component of the Campus Learning Commons shall be
reviewedinternallyindetail.Itisstronglyrecommendedthat
futureplanningdecisionsfortheLibrarybemadewithplanning
decisionsfortheCampusLearningCommons.
There is an opportunity for the Library to relocate to the

Existing Arts C wing + Proposed Extension, which would be
adjacent to the Campus Learning Commons. The existing
Librarybuildingcouldberepurposedtohousetheexistinguses
intheArtsCWing(instructional/officespace).Ifthisisthe
case, the Phase 3 extension shown for the existing Library
Buildingwouldinfactbehousedwithinabuildingextensionof
thenewArtCWingBuilding.
InfrastructureandOpenSpaceImprovements:
Underground Parking below Global Innovation Exchange

Building
UndergroundParkingbelowLaurierResidenceVillage
CentralCourtyardatLaurierResidenceVillage
CentralCourtyardatGlobalInnovationExchangeBuilding
LandAcquisitions:
Nonerequired.
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PHASE2
Themidrangehorizonrepresentsavisionforthemoredistantfuturein5
to10 years, over the period between 2013 to the academic year
2017/2018.
In this phase the University will require additional property beyond the
Universitysexistinglandholdingsforcampusparkingspaces.Otherwise,
campus growth would continue to focus on infill and redevelopment of
existing University landholdings, with the acquisition of some individual
propertiescontiguouswithuniversitylandholdingstoassembleblocksfor
largerbuildingprojects.Phase2accommodatesanenrolmentincreaseof
1,300 FTE students for a total of 13,785 FTE students. Approximately
512,000 square feet of new academic space and 1,464 new beds are
planned.
MidCampusResidences(C3,C4)
Two new building sites are proposed to the west of Bricker
Residence.TheexistingUlrichLeupoldResidence,aparkinglot
andthelastprivatelyownedparcelonthemaincampusblock
would all be redevelopment as part of the construction of
these two new buildings. Apartment Style Residences are
proposedforbothofthesebuildingsites,andeachcouldhouse
up to 649 beds at 8 storeys. They would both benefit from
their close proximity to the Bricker Residence. Along with
AlumniHall,thesebuildingswouldframethewestedgeofthe
SouthCommonsanewgreenspacethatwillacttounifythe
buildingswithinthesouthernquadrantofthecampus.Access
to the building would be provided from the existing service
roadthatprovidesaccesstoAlumniHall.
ProposedConstructionProjects:
RehabilitationandSportsMedicineClinic/Centre(W5)
Anewrehabilitationandsportsmedicinecentreisproposedto
behousedwithinabuildingadditiontoSeagramStadium.This
building would displace existing surface parking. This two to
three storey facility would include weight training rooms,
rehabilitation clinics and provide new programmable teaching
spacefortheKinesiologyDepartment.Thisadditionshouldbe
linked to the existing Seagram Stadium through a glazed
atrium, and a landscaped colonnade or breezeway should be
introducedproposedonthenorthsideofthisbuildingtobuffer
theparkingarea.
The acquisition of several properties fronting onto Seagram

Drive, opposite this facility, would allow the University to
expand its existing parking around Seagram Stadium. This
satelliteparkinglotwillreplacethosespacesdisplacedbynew
buildingactivityonthemaincampusintheformofinfillingand
intensification. This expanded parking lot would provide
additional metered and permit parking for spectators,
students,faculty,staffandthecommunity.
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BuiltFormPhase22013to2017/2018
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AcademicBuildingsontheCentralGreen(C5,C6)
With the removal of the W.D. Euler Residence, Little House
ResidenceandMacDonaldHouseResidence,twonewacademic
buildingsiteswouldbecreated.Thenewbuildingswouldframe
the new Central Green. The first site is located between the
CentralCommonsandtheSouthCommons.Thisbuildingsiteis
important because the new building on it would anchor the
south end of the Central Green benefit from a prominent view
northtotheamphitheatre.Largegroundfloorwindowsopenin
the warmer months would create an attractive indooroutdoor
interface. The second site would be located between the east
sideoftheCentralGreenandChancellorDrive.Thebuildingson
bothofthesesitesshouldcontainusesthatbenefitfrombeing
located at the centre of campus life, such as large seating
classrooms, conference meeting space and public spaces
openingontoadjoininggreenspaces.
ConvocationHall(C7)
Centred on the newly realigned Chancellor Drive, a new
convocation hall would provide the largest venue on campus
for special events, including graduation ceremonies and fall
orientation,withseatingforupto3,000persons.Thisbuilding
would become a visual landmark because of its prominent
cornerlocationontheapproachintocampusalongChancellor
Drive between the University Avenue and King Street
gateways.Movablewalltechnologycouldallowthedivisionof
the larger convocation space to suit specific programming
needsforlecturehalls,conferencerooms,andmultipurposes
assemblyspaces.
A wide formal stairway at the front of the building with

enhanced wheelchair accessible entrances and traditional
architecturaldesignelementsreflectiveofLauriersbeginnings
in 1911 would make a welcoming statement and reflect the
symbolic importance of this building within the Laurier
community.
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ResidenceClusterbyAlumniField(C8,C9,C10)
UponremovalofWillisonHallandparkinglotsatthewestend
ofAlumniField,aprimesiteiscreatedoncampusforacluster
of buildings, organized around a new central green space.
Thesebuildinghavebeenpositionedtoalignpedestrianroutes
through the campus, including the Laurier Allee to the north,
and to preserve views of both the Central Green and Alumni
Field. Extensive use of glass on the east facing faade of the
eastern building will create an active interface between the
users of the building and those on Alumni Field. Outdoor
spectatorspace,bothelevatedandatgrade,toviewactivities
on Alumni Field should be integrated into the future detailed
designofthisbuilding.
AthleticComplexExpansion(C11)
Thecurrentathleticcomplexbuilding,atoneandahalfstoreys
inheightandsetbackapproximately15metresfromthestreet
corner represents a significant underutilization of University
Landsatoneofthebusiestandmostprominentintersections
withintheCityofWaterloo.Thiscornerisakeybuildingsiteas
thecampusexpandsandtheopportunityexiststoincreasethe
intensityatthestreetsedge,andcreateagatewaybuildingto
announcetheLauriercampus.
Anadditionofuptotenstoreysinheight,wrappingaroundthe
northeast corner of the existing structure would extend the
buildingouttothestreetlineandincreasethebuildingspace
availableonthissite.Thisbuildingcouldhousethedepartment
ofkinesiology,kinesiologylabs,otherteachingspaceandmulti
disciplinaryusesthatwouldbenefitfromthecloseproximityof
theotherathleticcentreuses.
Mixed retail/commercial uses at grade that could serve the

University and surrounding community. A landscaped plaza
areaisproposedatthisintersectionprovidinganoutdoorcaf
terraceinthesummermonths.
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ReginaandLodgeStreetResidences(E1,E2)
The University currently owns several buildings fronting onto
bothLodgeStreetandReginaStreet,whicharebeingusedfor
offcampus housing. With the acquisition of several adjacent
nonUniversity owned properties, a larger building site could
be created. These property assemblies could be of sufficient
size to accommodate two residence buildings. These
residences would provide sufficient undergraduate and
graduate housing to support projected student enrolment
increases.
Ateighttoelevenstoreys,thesetworesidencescouldhousea
total of 1,060 beds with integrated common amenity space
modelled after the King Street Residence. As an objective of
the master plan, residences are clustered to encourage social
networking and sharing of amenities and facilities. These
residences would share jointparking facilities, both below
gradeandsurfacespaces,andbeanchoredaroundacommon
green space or quadrangle unified by a series of linked
walkways.
VisitorsCentre(C12)
ThisbuildingwillassistindefiningtheKingStreetGatewayand
creating a welcoming presence to the main campus. It would
house an information desk, where visitors could obtain
information about WLU and take campus tours, exhibition
space and a public lounge with wireless access for students,
facultystaffandvisitors.Campustoursfromthislocationwill
begin impressive views of some of the best features of the
campus including Alumni Field, the Science Building,
ConvocationHallleadingtotheCentralGreentothewest.
Astonegatewaystructureadjacenttothevisitorscentrethat
incorporatesLauriersignageisproposedtosignifytheentrance
tothecampus.
CentralizedCycleCentre
Thiswouldbeasecureindoorfacilitylocatednearbythecore
ofcampus,andwouldaccommodateapproximately150bikes.
It would include an integrated shower/locker area and a
workshoprepaircentre.
NorthdaleCampus
The Northdale Campus property has is over 1.9 hectares (4.7)
of vacant land available for future campus uses. Given its
remotelocationfromthemaincampus,thissiteisenvisioned
asasatelliteparkinglot,withapedestrianwalkwayconnection
throughthesitebetweenColumbiaStreetandHickoryStreet.
The existing building houses the Laurier Movement Disorders
Research and Rehabilitation Centre (MDRC) and other
kinesiologyclassroomspace.Renovationsmaybeundertaken
toupgradetheexistingbuilding.
CentralCommons
SouthCommons
ThePromenade
Alumni Field Underground Parking and Resurfacing and New
SeatingonNorthSideofField
StreetscapeUpgradesalongKingStreet,UniversityAvenueand
SeagramDrive
LRTStationonSeagramDriveOperational
RealignedChancellorDrive
SatelliteParkingLotatNorthdaleCampus
ExpandedParkingatSeagramStadium
Removals:
Main Campus Residences (Willison Hall, MacDonald House,

LittleHouse,Leupold,Euler,Bouchaert)
LowRiseoffcampushousingonLodge/ReginaStreets
LandAcquisitions:
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16and18LodgeStreetand201ReginaStreet(eastcampus)
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University along Albert Street and create a more welcoming

entrance for students, staff, faculty and the community at
large.
77,8,85,89,91,95SeagramDrive(westcampus)
46BrickerAvenue(centralcampus)
PHASE3
Thelongrangehorizonrepresentsthetimeperiodof10to15yearsfrom
today,between2018andtheacademicyearof2022/2023.
During this phase, the University is expected to reach its ultimate

enrolmentofFTE15,000students.Toaccommodatetheacademicspace
needed for the campus, the University should pursue the acquisition of
land beyond its current landholdings for future redevelopment. A 1,215
FTE student enrolment increase in this phase will require approximately
511,000squarefeetofnewacademicspaceand495newresidencebeds.
ConstructionProjects:
New Residence/Academic Cluster by the Aird Building (C13,

C14,C15)
In the long term, the replacement of the Clara Conrad
residencewingswithanewclusterofresidenceandacademic
buildings would reinvent the space between the Athletic
ComplexandtheAirdBuildingandadapttheoriginalcourtyard
approach used for the Clara Conrad Residences to a new
outdoor common area. Set close to University Avenue to
improve the streetscape, a six storey residence building could
accommodate up to 767 beds. On the ground floor of the
buildingsfrontingUniversityAvenue,nearthemainentrances,
amenities such as coffee shops and lounges should be
provided.
NewAcademicBuildingsNorthofUniversityAvenue(N5,N6)
On the north side of University Avenue, opposite the Athletic
Complex and Clara Conrad Residences is a 1.9 hectare (4.7
acre)siteownedbyCanadaMortgageandHousingCorporation
(CMHC) that contains an older affordable housing townhouse
development. Acquisition of this property in the long term
would provide a suitable building site for campus expansion.
Two buildings are proposed, an academic building and a
graduate residence. An internal ring road from Beech Street
would provide direct access to rear entrances and a surface
parkingarea.Thebuildingswouldbedesignedtoframeanew
quadranglegreenspacecenteredinsidetheringroadandwill
frontontotheVeteransGreenParketteattheintersectionof
HazelStreetandUniversityAvenue.
Locatedwithin oneofthecitysmajorcommercialnodes,this
development site may be conceived as a mixed use
development, with retail and commercial uses on the ground
floorandresidencesofacademicuses on theupperfloors.A
landscapedterracebetweenthetwobuildingsandatthewest
street corner of the academic building, next to the parkette,
couldbecreatetoprovideagatheringareaforstudents,staff,
facultyandthecommunity.
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LibraryExpansion(C16)
A new building site is available to on the west of the existing
Library and fronting onto Albert Street, where a surface
parkinglotandloadingareacurrentlyexists.Anadditiontothe
library could be cantilevered over the existing parking and
loadingarea,tocreatenewspaceforcollectionsandarchives.
The opportunity to create an Albert Street entrance to the
buildingshouldbeexploredasthiscanchangethefaceofthe
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BuiltFormPhase32018To2022/2023
138
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Underground Parking below new Conrad Residences with a

capacity of up to 275 spaces and access provided from
ChancellorDrive.
Removals:
ClaraConradResidences
LandAcquisitions:
CMHCLandsonnorthsideofUniversityAvenueMapleCourt
andStateCourt(approximately5acres)
This area is currently occupied by a Canada Mortgage and
Housing Corporations veterans housing development. It is
expected that this use will continue to operate for several
yearstocome.However,itisexpectthatthissitewillbecome
availabletotheUniversityforredevelopment.Ahigherdensity
form would be appropriate due to its proximity to the
King/UniversityCommunityCommercialCore.
PhasingPlanSummary
ThecompletionoftheProposedPhasingPlanwillresultin1,497,000ft2of
additional new academic space, and 2,985 additional residence beds
accommodatedin847,000ft2ofnewresidencespace.
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IMPLEMENTATION
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16.0
16.1
IMPLEMENTATION
PLAN REVIEW AND MONITORING
As part of the implementation of the Campus Master Plan, an internal

monitoringprocessforthereviewofthePlanoverthenext25yeartime
periodwillberequired.
TheCampusMasterPlanshouldguidefuturedevelopmentandlanduse
decisionsatLaurierscampuses,andassuchitshouldhaveastatusasa
regulatory document. Therefore, The Campus Master Plan requires
adoption by the Board of Governors as a policy document designed to
facilitatechangeingrowthmanagementontheBrantfordandWaterloo
campusesoverthecoming25yearperiod.
TheCampusMasterPlanispresentedasalongtermvisionanddirection
for campus development. Implementing this vision will ensure that
sustainable,compact,vibrantcampuseswithdynamicandcreativeopen
spacefeatures.
WhilethePlanrepresentsthevisionforthecampus,itisacknowledged
that Laurier will need to respond to changing circumstances and
priorities over time, some of which may be related to government
funding,privatefundraisingefforts,amongothers.
To ensure that the Campus Master Plan intent and the vision is
maintainedoverthelongtermandaddresseslanddevelopmentrealities,
itissuggestedthatthefollowingreviewmechanismsbeundertaken:
1. AFiveYearUpdatewithyearlyreviewsshouldbeundertakento
determineprogress.
2. The review would be undertaken by a Development Review
Committee.
The office of the Vice President and Finance & Facilities in conjunction
withthePhysicalResourcesDepartmentshouldconductthePlanreview
annually to evaluate the ongoing development activities on campus in
accordancewithapredeterminedseriesofindicators.
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Led by the Physical Resources Department, this Development Review

Committee could include members of staff, faculty, graduate students,
and undergraduate students and other members from such
clubs/committees such as the Laurier Cyclist Club, Accessibility
Committee, Sustainability Committee, and other applicable committees
as determined by the University. The role of the Development Review
CommitteeistoensuretheimplementationoftheCampusMasterPlan
andtoacttheCampusMasterPlanner.
Consultation with this Committee would ensure consistency between

institutional policies and plans, including the Academic Plan, the
AccessibilityPlan,theSustainabilityPolicy,theCampusMasterPlan,the
policy on CapitalPrioritiesFromPlanningProcess,theproposedEnergy
ManagementPlan,SpaceAllocationStudy,andotherapplicableexisting
andfuturepolicydocuments.
It is also recommended that the Campus Master Plan (2009) is

coordinated with the Academic Plan (2010) when it is completed to
ensurethatthelandusecomponentscontainedhereinaremergedwith
thefutureacademic/facultyneeds.
In addition, an Open Space/Urban Design Review Panel be should

established for each campus to review the greening of each campus,
streetscape improvements, and new building projects at the campus
level.ThePanelcouldincludeinternalandexternallandscapearchitects,
urbandesigners,architects,andsustainabilityexperts,chargedwiththe
responsibility to review more specific design details of individual
projects.
Theimplementationoftheforegoingapproachwillbevaluableoverthe
next25yearsasthecampuscontinuestoexperiencestudentenrolment
growth. Lauriers fundraising and government funding programs are
suretocreateunanticipatedfiscalrealitiesthatwillrequireadjustments
toforecastsandoutstandingneeds.
To implement the Campus Master Plan, it is recommended that the

benchmarksandprinciplesoftheproposedEnergyManagementPlanbe
incorporatedinordertomeettheobjectivesofsustainabilityasoutlined
inthefollowingsections.
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16.2 SUSTAINABILITY
Introduction
The WLU Sustainability Policy (2009) defines the term sustainable
development as development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs (World Commission on Environment and Development,
1987).Sustainabilitynowisunderstoodastheneedforalldevelopment
andactivities,whichincludeuniversitiessuchasLaurier,tooperateinan
environmentally,sociallyandeconomicallyresponsiblefashionoverthe
lifeoftheCampusMasterPlan.
Alluniversitiesareentrustedwiththeroleofacatalystforchange,acting
as a source and champion of innovation in the development and
application of knowledge, technology and ethics. Laurier enjoys a high
quality environment within two midsized urban municipal settings
Brantford and Waterloo. As a major community leader, employer and
educator, Lauriers influence ranges from the local community to the
national scale. Therefore, the transformation of the university as a
catalystforenvironmentalsustainabilityshouldbeanintegralpartofthe
Universitysmission.
Lauriermustrecognizethatenvironmentalinitiativesnotonlyresultina
healthierenvironmentoverthelongterm,butcanhaveaneffectonthe
bottomlinewithinarelativelyshorttime.Forinstanceenergysavings,
asaresultofthereplacementoflightbulbswithpowersavingmodels,
canyieldsubstantialsavingsinoperatingcostsforlargerinstitutions.
Inaddition,sustainableinitiativesforthetwocampusescan:
Enrich the reputation of Laurier and serve as a recruiting tool

forfaculty,staffandstudents;
Increase opportunities for scientific research and information
sharing;
Assist to fulfill Canadas international emissions reduction
commitments;
Contribute to healthier campus communities and the local
environmentofthecitiesofWaterlooandBrantford.
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Laurier is taking sustainability into account in its development and

operationsinthefollowingmanner:
TherecentadoptionofaUniversitySustainabilityPolicy,which
outlines objectives to address improvements to infrastructure
and operations, incorporate sustainability into academic
programs, improve communication (both on and off campus)
andmonitorandreviewtheprogressofsustainabilityinitiatives
onaregularbasis.
The establishment of an Environmental Policy Group to
considersustainabilitypoliciesoncampus
OperationofanOfficeofSustainability
Being an active member of the Association for the
AdvancementofSustainabilityinHigherEducation(AASHE).
Taking an active role in the development of a new Regional
transitsystem.
The adaptive reuse of a number of existing buildings to house
Universityprogramming,activities,andstudentresidences.
Approach
For the implementation of sustainable guidelines to be effective, a
comprehensive, systematic and strategic approach must be pursued.
Thismeansthateveryprocessandactivityoncampusisreviewedforits
environmental impact, taking into account its social and economic
implications. The following components are suggested as part of this
approach:
ABottomUpApproach
The vision of a sustainable campus is the responsibility of all parties.
WhilechampionsareneededattheseniorlevelofWLUsadministration,
all parties on campus should be involved in carrying out this vision. A
numberofmethodologieshavebeendevelopedtoassistorganizationsin
thisregard.OneisTheNaturalStep,anapproachoriginallydeveloped
in Sweden for municipal governments. In The Natural Step, a bottom
upapproachispursued:insteadofchangebeingimposedfromthetop,
sustainabilitybecomeseveryonesbusiness.Workshopsareconductedin
every department to ensure that each employee is made aware of the
importanceofsustainabilityandempoweredtocontributesolutionsand
to implement sustainable practices on the job. Targets and
responsibilitiesareestablishedatthedepartmentlevel.TheBottomUp
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143
approachmustbecomplementedwithaTopDownapproachwhereby
senior management provides the leadership and initiative to empower
theorganizationtochange.
This strategy often resembles a "seed" model, whereby the ideas are
generated and noted by students and filtered up to the management
level for approval. At the beginning these ideas are small, but they
eventuallygrowincomplexityandcompleteness.Moreimportantly,the
ownership of ideas are the users rather than management or
consultants. The generation of ideas and implementation of initiatives
canalsobetiedtofutureacademicprogramsaspartofthecurriculum.
IncentiveSystems
Theimplementationofthepolicieswillonlysucceedwithasolidprocess
inplacetoensurethatjobdescriptionsandincentivesclearlyspecifythe
need for sustainable practices. Budgets must be revised to
accommodatelifecyclecostingandchangesinlabourrequirements.For
example, as droughttolerant grasses and ground covers limit the need
for lawn mowing and irrigation, the effective costs or savings of these
changesshouldbeaccountedforinthebudgetingprocess.
SustainabilityintheCurriculum
By integrating sustainability into its curriculum, Laurier can establish
itselfasaleaderinenvironmentaleducationandresearch,inadditionto
sparking new ideas on how to constantly improve its own practices.
Because sustainability has social, environmental and economic
dimensions, every discipline presents opportunities to include
sustainability in its curriculum. Students can be provided with
opportunities to work on long term projects that involve sustainability,
and research programs can be established to further advance the state
of knowledge in environmental science and education, with
opportunities for partnerships with internal and external entities
involvedinthedaytodayimplementationofsustainability.
The Sustainability Program can also constitute a source of oncampus

employmentforstudents,forexampleinrecycling,composting,manual
grounds maintenance and training others on campus as well as the
Waterloo and Brantford communities in sustainability practices. A
sustainable campus provides opportunities for outreach programs such
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as summer camps, training sessions, and local community outreach

programs.
AProactiveApproach
Laurier should pursue a proactive approach in collaboration with allied
institutions such as the University of Waterloo, Mohawk College,
Nipissing University, and local school boards, government agencies and
private firms to encourage the growth of a market for sustainable
products, services and practices within the Region, a prime example
beingpublictransit.
The Office of Sustainability should encourage the participation of

departments and administrative units in the sustainability effort by
facilitatingworkshopsandprovidingincentives,educationopportunities
and access to resources. The Office should assist departments in their
efforts,byconductingresearchasneededandsuggestingalternativesto
current practices. This includes identifying alternative suppliers and
products,evaluatingcompetingsolutionsandresearchingtheimpactof
alternatives. For example, the Office could recommend the use of
powersaving light bulbs, but point out their mercury content and
coordinatetheirdisposal.Animportantfunctionistotrainthetrainer,
which involves identifying and training departmental sustainability
coordinators who can propagate information and centralize questions.
TheOfficecanalsofacilitatepartnershipswithsuppliersandotherpublic
and private institutions to pool purchasing power and coordinate
requirements.
To facilitate the work of the Office of Sustainability and the

implementation of sustainability on campus in general, adequate
financial, human and administrative support is necessary. Some of the
savings resulting from the implementation of some recommendations,
such as improved energy efficiency, should be earmarked for other
sustainableinitiatives.Thecontinuoussupportofseniormanagementis
crucial to ensure the success of the Office of Sustainability and
sustainabilityinitiativesingeneraloverthelongterm.
PerformanceandMonitoring
Clearobjectiveperformancemeasureswillbenecessarytosustainability
initiatives without limiting to the universitys operations, practices,
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teaching, research, decisions, events, strategies, actions, planning and

constructionactivity.
Although different in nature, it will be also necessary for both the

WaterlooandBrantfordcampusestodevelopasetofcommonpolicies,
guidelines and principles with clear set of performance measures that
will guide future development based upon sustainable principles.
Monitoringsystemsareneededtotrackprogressovertimeagainstpre
established targets and to identify areas in which further progress is
needed. Over time, partnerships can be established with compatible
institutions to agree on a common measuring system to allow
benchmarking. Each year, a report should be produced to publicize
WLUs progress, inspire other organizations and encourage further
efforts. Senior management or an adhoc committee composed of
variousuniversitystakeholders,shouldbeaccountableforprogress.
ItisimportanttonotethataSustainabilityCoordinatorwillbeappointed
in January 2010 to coordinate all work related to sustainability issues
from energy, to recycling who will engage in and respond to
sustainability issues throughout the campus as well as within the
community. The coordinator has a key role in the development of the
centreincluding:
Collectingandorganizinginformationthroughsurveys,etc.
Organizingworkshops,movienights,discussiongroups,etc.
Writingshortnewsletteritems,andbriefreports.
MaintainingandstaffingtheSustainabilityCentreoffice.
Motivatingstudentsandrespondingtoquestions.
Developing contacts and ties with various organizations with
interestsinthethemesnotedabove.
Furthermore,theEnergyManagementPlan(finalreportisduebeginning
of 2010to confirm) will set clear baselines and targets for both
campusesintermsofperformanceandcanprovidefirststepforLaurier
to participate in The College Sustainability Report Card
(http://www.greenreportcard.org).
CampusSustainabilityInitiatives
The following section provides an overview of areas where sustainable
practices should be incorporated into the design and operation of the
WaterlooandBrantfordcampusesandtheirfunctions.
MasterPlanning
SustainableLandUseandDevelopment
Sustainablelanduseplanningcreatesoperationalefficiencies,savingsin
resource and energy use over a large area and the long term, lasting
aestheticsandadiversityofusesandactivitiesonacampus.
For example, Laurier should pursue mixeduse development on both

campuses whenever possible to efficiently use land and material
resources, maximize the building space on existing and new campus
lands, consider multipurpose buildings, and adaptively reuse existing
buildings where feasible to reduce the need for new construction with
theresultingconsumptionofbuildingmaterialsandenergy.
LifecycleCosting
An important step in the implementation of sustainability is the
consideration of lifecycle costs: the added cost of acquisition,
maintenance,replacementandoperationoverthelifetimeofanobject.
Therelevanceoflifecyclecostingtosustainabilitystemsfromtheroleof
energy in the operation of buildings, machinery and vehicles. Since a
premium is often attached to energy efficiency, it is important to
consider lifecycle costs and to coordinate capital with operational
budgets. Discussions could be held with funding organizations and
government representatives to explain the benefit of lifecycle costing,
especiallyaspartoffundraisingeffortsfornewbuildings.
In addition to lifecycle costing, external costs and benefits must be

recognized as much as possible. This means that external financial and
environmentalcostsareincludedinthedecisionmakingprocess.
TransportationandParking
Laurier operates a small fleet of vehicles and can easily ensure that
energyefficientmodelsareselected,thattheyareusedconservatively,
andfinetunedforoptimaloperationalefficiency.However,asignificant
amountofenergyisconsumedbycampususerscommutingtoandfrom
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145
the campus. Laurier should acknowledge its responsibility in

transportationrelatedenergyuse,andestablishreductiontargets.
Managing access to the campus is strongly related to the supply of

parking. The encouragement of other modes of transportation can
decrease the need for new vehicle parking spaces. Reducing or
consolidatingtheparkingsupplycouldresultinthefollowingbenefits:
Reduced encroachment on open space to accommodate

parking;
Encourage use of alternative modes of travel such as transit,
bikingandwalkingbyfacilitatingthemwithinthecampus.For
theWaterloocampus,giventheproposedLRTSystemandnew
SeagramStation,staffshouldworkwiththeWaterlooRegionto
review measures and to promote ridership on the new transit
system;
Reduced heat island effect in the summer (defined as the
localized increase in temperature due to absorption of solar
energyinflatpavingsurfaces);
Increased opportunity to plant trees that capture carbon
dioxideandenhancetheappearanceofthecampus;
Reducedasphaltuse;
Reducedpoweruseforlighting;
Reduceduseofsaltanddeicingmaterials;
Reducedsnowremoval.
Laurier should continue to encourage alternative modes of

transportation by restricting parking supply and encourage cycling and
transituseinWaterlooandBrantford,asoutlinedinthestrategiesofthe
CampusMasterPlan.
UseMicroclimateandEnvironmentallyResponsiveSiteDesignStrategies
Design individual facility and building projects to respond to
microclimate and environmental conditions. As such, the following
approachesshouldbeimplemented:
Locate trees and shrubs to support passive heating and to

complement cooling in outdoor spaces and buildings and to
createseasonallyappropriateheatsinksandnaturalventilation
corridors.
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Locate site features (plazas, patios, etc.) to take advantage of

seasonalsunangles,solaraccess,andsolarorientation.
Design the overall site to reduce heat island effects. Exploit
shading opportunities, and explore the possible use of high
albedo materials. Consider pervious surfaces for parking,
walkways, plazas, etc. Use permeable paving for roads with
infrequentuse(e.g.,fireroads).
Designsitelightingtoeliminatelighttrespassfromthebuilding
andskypollution.
InfrastructurePlanning
Integrating utility infrastructure into physical planning can enable large
scale efficiencies in resource use, and considerable energy and cost
savings over the long term. Energy and Water Efficiency, and waste
reduction should all be base line considerations for any new
development.
PromoteBiodiversity,UseNative,andDroughtTolerantPlants
Use vegetation on the campus that conserves water, reduces pesticide
use, maintains a sense of place, reduces plant mortality, and lowers
ongoing maintenance requirements. Carolinian plant material is to be
considered for all new developments on both campuses. The
development footprint should enhance the existing biodiversity and
ecologyofthesitebystrengtheningtheexistingnaturalsitepatternsand
making connections to the surrounding site context. Green roof
technologies should be used to create additional habitat and to
encouragebiodiversity.
DecisionMakingforNewConstruction
Existingbuildingrenovationandupgradingshouldbeconsideredbefore
the new building design process is initiated. With respect to space
planning, campus building use should be maximized during week days,
evenings,and weekends.Onlineanddistanceeducationcoursesshould
beencouragedandcouldprovideaviablealternativeinthefuturetothe
constructionofnewbuildings.
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Building
Procurement
Throughtheirconstruction,maintenanceandoperation,buildingscould
haveanimpactontheenvironment.TheLEED(LeadershipinEnergyand
EnvironmentalDesign)modelisthemostpopularemergingstandardfor
the design and construction of buildings. Laurier should target LEED
Silver for its all new building projects to provide a clear benchmark for
building performance. The LEED model also emphasizes human health
throughahealthyindoorenvironment,andiscomposedofthefollowing
elements,eachcontributingpointstowardsanoverallrating:
Sustainable Sites before considering new construction,

existingbuildingsshouldberenovatedorconverted(especially
attheBrantfordCampus).Newconstructionshouldonlytake
place on serviced and accessible sites with minimum
disturbance.
Water Efficiency water use and wastewater should be
reduced, both within the building and the surrounding
landscape.
Energy and Atmosphere energy use should be minimized,
withapreferenceforrenewableenergyuse.Ozonedepleting
chemicalsmustbeavoided.
Materials and Resources the quantity of materials used in
construction should be minimized (e.g., by reusing existing
structures), materials with minimal impact should be selected
(e.g.,renewable),andconstructionwasteshouldbeminimized,
recycledoradequatelymanaged.
IndoorEnvironmentalQualitybuildingsshouldbedesignedto
foster a healthy environment through improved air quality,
reducedindoorairpollutants,enhancedcomfortandaccessto
theoutdoorsthroughdaylight,views,andoperablewindows.
Innovation and Design LEED encourages innovation and
providesadditionalpointsforsolutionsnototherwiseitemized
withintheLEEDratingsystem.
RespectPrinciplesofIntegratedBuildings
The University should undertake a constructive dialogue with its
neighbours with respect to campus developments. Laurier should also
respectarchitecturalheritageonbothcampusesanduselocalmaterials,
brick,stoneandglass.
Procurement includes the sourcing of all products and services on the

Lauriercampuses.Byactivelymanagingitsprocurementpolicies,Laurier
can obtain products and services that can result in a cleaner
environmentatLaurierandwheretheyaremanufactured.Thefollowing
aresomeprinciplesthatshouldbefollowedintheselectionofproducts
andservices.
Repairandreuseexistingproductsbeforepurchasingadditional
products.
Selectproductsandservicesthatareproducedlocally,employ
local people and help perpetuate local culture and practices.
Evaluate the lifecycle cost implications of material options,
sincetheinitialcostofmoredurablematerialsareoftenmore
than their counterparts. This evaluation should compare the
initial cost investment, the service life, and the annual
maintenancecostsovera50yearlifecycle
Whenproductsfromdevelopingcountriesmustbepurchased,
chooseproductsthathavebeenproducedwithimprovedsocial
practices(e.g.,fairtrade,etc).
Use of recycled, salvaged, renewable, biodegradable and non
toxic materials to be considered first. Divert materials from
waste streams and minimize consumption of virgin resources
by specifying materials with some recycled content wherever
feasible.
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Social/EnvironmentalResponsibility
University Social Responsibility is a concept whereby a university takes
all necessary steps to improve quality of life for all its employees
together with their families, students, faculty, and the local community
aswellassociety.
ThefollowingprinciplesshouldbeconsideredforboththeWaterlooand
BrantfordCampuses:
Topromotethepracticeofsocialresponsibilityforsustainable
development.
To educate community residents of their social and
environmentalresponsibilities,andtopromotetheseprinciples
andpracticestoencouragepositivebehavioralchange.
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The university has a corporate responsibility to participate

actively in the environmental decisionmaking processes and
initiatives of the municipality to contribute to the stewardship
oftheregionalenvironment.
Toencourageandpromotecommunityaccesstotheuniversity
resources including but not limited to recreation facilities,
libraries,lecturesandemployment.
To act as a good corporate citizen, generating enthusiasm,
pride and partnership amongst our communities and
stakeholders
CoordinationandImplementation
1.
2.
To coordinate and implement the above action points, it is

suggested that the Office of Sustainability work with the
Development Review Committee on a continuous basis to
review the Universitys sustainable management procedures
andtheirperformance.TheOfficeofSustainabilityshouldalso
beliaisingwiththePhysicalResourceDepartmenttoassessand
reviewsitespecificprojects.
The Energy Management Plan, upon completion, will set

baselines, targets, implementation strategies and monitoring/
measurementtools.
16.3 COLLABORATION
Laurier occupies a prime location at the heart of City of Waterloo, in
immediateproximitytothedowntowncore,WaterlooPark,Universityof
WaterlooandthemajorcommercialnodeatUniversityAvenueandKing
Street.InBrantford,itscentrallocationinthedowntowncoremakesit
an important partner in the vitality of the community. Laurier is an
established and highly regarded midsize University, which attracts
students both nationally and internationally, and is a major local
employer. Given its mass, location and social, cultural and economic
importanceinthetwocommunities,WilfridLaurierUniversityhasplayed
an integral role in city building and should continue to positively
contribute to the realization of the longterm objectives of the greater
community.
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The Development Review Committee for the Waterloo Campus should

also play the role as a working and communication group to facilitate
ongoing dialogue with both City of Waterloo and Region of Waterloo
stafftoensurethatmunicipalandregionalplanningissuesofinterestto
Laurier, including the review and updates to the Citys Official Plan,
transportation and the Rapid Transit system, road widening and
streetscape improvements, and issues on adjacent lands (such as
Waterloo Park and the Northdale community) are discussed and
addressedproactivelywithacommonvisionthatismutuallybeneficial.
Inaddition,thegroupcouldalsoworkwiththelocalCouncillorsandCity
of Waterloo staff to investigate the new and broader vision for the
Northdale community to include a variety of uses such as residential,
bookstore,institutional,commercial,andothersuitableuses.
To implement the Campus Master Plan, Laurier will need to

communicate with the City of Brantford, as well as the Downtown
Business Improvement Area (BIA) and other organizations. The
University will need to define its future infrastructure needs based on
thegrowthprojectionscontainedintheCampusMasterPlan.TheCityof
Brantford needs to ensure that infrastructure required for campus
growth is provided in a timely manner. The Development Review
Committeecanplayaroleinthisliaisoninthiseffortaswellasactasa
working/communitygrouptoprovidecontinuousdialoguewiththeCity
of Brantford, Downtown BIA, partner postsecondary institutions, and
other organizations. The Post Secondary Committee and other forums
are available to address the integration of the Laurier campus into the
urban fabric of the downtown. Other matters that will need to be
addressed include streetscape and public realm improvements, the
developmentoftheDowntownTransitTerminalandParkingGarage,and
transitimprovements.
In both municipalities, the University should maintain its positive

relationshipwiththeirrespectiveCityPlanningDepartmentsbyengaging
thestaffinapreliminaryreviewofanyUniversitydevelopmentproposals
to ensure that external consultants and theUniversity achieve the best
possible design for new development that complements both the
Campus and urban environment. While such an approach could be
considered a courtesy on the Waterloo Campus, given its current
exemptionformunicipalsiteplanapproval,itservestomaintainpositive
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
IBI GROUP
town and gown relationships and recognizes the Universitys ongoing

roleasaCityBuilderinboththeCityofBrantfordandCityofWaterloo.
16.4 SUMMATION
The Laurier Campus Master Plan provides a clear vision for the future
growthofthecampuseslocatedinBrantfordandWaterloo.Theideasof
the University community and other stakeholders have been instilled
into a workable framework to manage this growth. This framework
addressestheorganizingelementsforbothphysicalcampusesincluding:
exterior boundary, gateways to create a sense of arrival, spatial
distribution of academic space and residence beds, building typology,
openspace,circulationpatternsbothtoandwithinthecampus,parking,
heritage considerations, sustainability, future development or
redevelopment areas, land acquisition and municipal/regional policy
objectives. The Plan also identifies the timing and sequence in which
bothofthesecampusescouldbedeveloped.
IBI GROUP
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
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1

The Wilfrid Laurier University Campus Master Plan was developed

CAMPUS MASTER PLAN

CAMPUS MASTER PLAN

THE NEED FOR A CAMPUS MASTER PLAN .........................................................................................................................2

THE MASTER PLANNING PROCESS .....................................................................................................................................2

B. BRANTFORD CAMPUS ........................................................................................................... 5

ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS ...........................................................................................................................................6

A HISTORY OF CAMPUS GROWTH .......................................................................................................................................7

THE SURROUNDING URBAN CONTEXT ...............................................................................................................................9

EXISTING CAMPUS CONDITIONS AND TRENDS ...............................................................................................................10

PLANNING FOUNDATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................12

CAMPUS GROWTH PROJECTIONS .....................................................................................................................................12

GOALS TO DIRECT CAMPUS GROWTH..............................................................................................................................15

STRUCTURING ELEMENTS OF THE CAMPUS MASTER PLAN ........................................................................................16

CAMPUS CONCEPT MASTER PLAN ..............................................................................................................................................21

BUILT FORM AND ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER ....................................................................................................................23

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENHANCED CAMPUS LIFE ............................................................................................................24

ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES ...........................................................................................................................................25

AREA SPECIFIC GUIDELINES ..............................................................................................................................................27

CAMPUS BUILDING TYPOLOGIES ......................................................................................................................................29

OPEN SPACE GUIDELINES ............................................................................................................................................................33

CAMPUS MASTER PLAN

PLANT MATERIAL .................................................................................................................................................................44

TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT ...................................................................................................................49

PUBLIC TRANSIT ...................................................................................................................................................................50

LAND TO ACCOMMODATE GROWTH .................................................................................................................................52

PHASING TO ACCOMMODATE CAMPUS GROWTH ..........................................................................................................56

C. WATERLOO CAMPUS ........................................................................................................... 59

ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR WATERLOO CAMPUS ..........................................................................................60

A HISTORY OF CAMPUS GROWTH .....................................................................................................................................61

THE SURROUNDING URBAN CONTEXT .............................................................................................................................63

EXISTING CAMPUS CONDITIONS AND TRENDS ...............................................................................................................64

10.0 PLANNING FOUNDATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................69

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11.0 THE CAMPUS CONCEPT MASTER PLAN ........................................................................................................................................76

D. IMPLEMENTATION .............................................................................................................. 141

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Wilfrid Laurier University has undergone significant transformations in

The magnitude of change occurring at Laurier and the need for an

To analyze the use of current space resources and scheduling

To provide design guidelines to improve the functionality and

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Throughout the project, presentations were made to the Steering

In order to implement a sustainable multicampus vision for the

Create distinctive, attractive and inspirational campuses with a

Utilize existing and new campus lands efficiently by pursuing

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Make land acquisition and development decisions that are

In Waterloo, the Campus Master Plan will address the challenge of

These guiding principles will be implemented through a series specific

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as well as academic partnerships with Mohawk College, establishing

The Laurier Brantford campus has been established through

Since the opening of the campus, Laurier Brantford has experienced

In 2009, the University presented a degree to its 1,000th graduating

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Laurier Brantford has grown though partnerships with the City of

Campus growth through adaptive reuse and new construction has

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The renovation of the old Odeon Theatre on Market Street provided

Recent increases in firstyear student enrolment have resulted in the

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