Campus Plan FAQ

From the perspective of Waterloo at 100, the Campus Plan will embody the university’s vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking future as it approaches its centennial in 2057. The Plan will make real the commitment to prepare our campuses for global challenges by developing spaces supporting interdisciplinary research, innovation, and collaboration while emphasizing sustainability, accessibility, and equity, to meet the university’s expressed priorities of our communities. 

Regarding the Provost’s Advisory Committee’s recommendations, the Campus Plan will address the critical infrastructure challenges identified. This will include modernizing aging facilities and enhancing IT systems to streamline operations and decision-making. The plan will also prioritize sustainability and provide new pathways for decarbonization, energy efficiency, and open spaces. The Plan is future-focused, without hemming us in by creating flexible, adaptable spaces and improving the university’s operational effectiveness. 

The recovery from COVID-19 and the shift to hybrid and remote work have highlighted the importance of balancing flexibility with maintaining a vibrant, collaborative campus community. At the University of Waterloo, the student experience remains central to everything we do. A defining feature of our institution is the opportunity it provides for students to interact directly with faculty, staff, and peers, both inside and outside the classroom. These interactions are foundational to learning, innovation, and personal growth. 

The Campus Plan will reflect these values by prioritizing spaces and infrastructure that leverage the value of face-to-face communication, collaboration, and connection.  

The Campus Plan is being implemented now precisely because of these financial realities. It provides an opportunity to assess and align the state of UWaterloo’s built environment with the university’s mission and long-term sustainability goals.

By strategically planning during this period, the University can ensure that resources are allocated to priority areas, balance immediate needs with long-term investments, and continue attracting top talent and students. Importantly, the plan enables investments today that will lead to future cost savings and revenue generation, positioning UWaterloo for continued success even in a constrained fiscal environment. 

Current financial pressures mean that the scope and scale of the Campus Plan may need to be adjusted to align with fiscal realities. The University will prioritize critical initiatives, such as addressing deferred maintenance, modernizing infrastructure, and meeting sustainability targets. While some projects may need to be phased or scaled down, the overarching ambition of the plan remains intact: to create a functional, forward-looking campus that supports teaching, research, and student experience. Strategic decisions will ensure the plan reflects UWaterloo’s long-term priorities while managing immediate constraints. 

Engaging a Prime Contractor allows the university to leverage external expertise to efficiently manage large-scale, integrated planning processes while maximizing internal resources. The Campus Plan is a comprehensive, multi-year initiative that requires specialized knowledge, tools, and capacity to ensure its successful implementation. Partnering with an external expert complements the skills of internal teams, enabling the university to deliver the plan effectively while meeting its fiscal and operational goals. 

The financial priorities of the Campus Plan focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability and functionality of the university. Key areas include addressing deferred maintenance, modernizing aging infrastructure, and ensuring that buildings meet the needs of modern teaching, research, and work. Investments will also support sustainability initiatives, such as energy reduction and green spaces, while maintaining student-focused principles like housing improvements and accessibility. These priorities are designed to align with the university’s mission and support its future growth and revenue-generation potential. 

Key areas of focus include: 

The Campus Plan will integrate Indigenous-led design and values to actively advance Indigenization and decolonization at the University of Waterloo. This will be achieved through collaboration with Indigenous scholars, knowledge keepers, and community members during the planning process to ensure that Indigenous perspectives are authentically represented. 

Key initiatives include prioritizing Indigenous wayfinding and placemaking, which will acknowledge the land’s history and enhance cultural awareness. This could involve the incorporation of Indigenous languages, artwork, and markers that celebrate and honor Indigenous contributions and traditions. 
 
Additionally, Indigenous design principles will be woven into campus spaces by integrating natural elements, sustainable practices, and cultural symbolism that reflect Indigenous ways of knowing and living. These spaces will be designed to foster connection, storytelling, and community, reflecting values of inclusivity, respect, and reciprocity. By embedding these principles into the physical and cultural infrastructure, the Campus Plan ensures that the university continues to support reconciliation and creates spaces that reflect its diverse and inclusive host community. 
 

Feedback will be integrated into the definitive version of the Campus Plan through multiple phases of engagement, including both in-person and digital platforms. The Consultant will utilize various tools and techniques to gather input from members of our communities, and this feedback will be circulated and considered throughout the development process. During the final phase of the project, an open house will be held to present the draft Campus Plan and gather comments. This feedback will be reviewed and incorporated before the definitive version is presented to the Board of Governors, ensuring that the input is reflected in the final deliverable. 

Progress on the Campus Plan will be communicated through dedicated channels, such as the Campus Plan website, which will include updates on milestones, designs, and project developments. Regular updates will also be shared via newsfeeds, reports, and engagement opportunities, such as workshops and open houses. 

Transparency will be maintained by publishing planning documents, timelines, and reports, ensuring that UWaterloo communities remains informed at every stage of the process. For the latest information, the university encourages stakeholders to visit the News and Events section of the Campus Plan website. 

The new regional hospital on North Campus is a significant element of the Campus Plan, aligning with the university’s mission to integrate academic priorities with broader regional needs. This project not only provides state-of-the-art healthcare facilities but also serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research and innovation in health sciences and technology. By situating the hospital on campus, UWaterloo fosters collaboration between healthcare professionals, researchers, and students, advancing health-related academic programs while addressing critical community health needs. The hospital also strengthens UWaterloo’s role as a driver of regional development, supporting economic growth and enhancing the university’s reputation for impactful research and education. 

The Campus Plan embeds equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into its framework by prioritizing the creation of spaces that reflect the diverse needs of the university's communities. This includes designing accessible pathways, inclusive housing, and spaces that foster belonging and collaboration. Indigenous-led design principles will be integrated into the plan, honoring the land’s history, and advancing reconciliation efforts. Additionally, community engagement ensures that voices from all equity-deserving groups are heard and represented, embedding EDI into every aspect of campus development. These efforts create a physical environment that embodies UWaterloo’s commitment to inclusion and ensures equitable access and participation for all.