Rhonda's Corner | Campus Renovations in 2024 and Beyond

We gathered together on March 5 for my first town hall as president that was open to the entire Vic U community. I am grateful to everyone who attended and I loved seeing students, staff, librarians and faculty together to talk about our campus and the education sector in general.

While I was excited to update you on our capital plan, EDIA initiatives and health and wellness programs, it was also a fond farewell to be standing at the lectern in our iconic Victoria College Chapel. This may have been one of the last big events held in Vic Chapel before renovations begin to expand the functionality of the room and secure the longevity of the space—while preserving its historical charms. (Fun fact: 13 architectural firms expressed an interest in the Chapel renovations!) Work begins this May and should be finished by March 2025.

The Chapel renovations are just one part of our multi-year capital redevelopment plan that will also see: 

• Student counselling and academic advising services consolidated on the second floor of the Goldring Student Centre; 
• The creation of an Indigenous healing garden in front of Emmanuel;
• A major revitalization of the Birge-Carnegie Building to better serve students, staff and faculty; 
• And the exploration of a master planning exercise to help build a vision for the future of Victoria University’s lands. (More on that as the initiative takes shape!)

We’ll update you frequently on the renovations and the stories behind them. In the meantime, we have received feedback about the timing of future town halls. Please email Lindy Chan, director of the Office of the President, at lindy.chan@utoronto.ca to tell us what days and times work best for you.

Thank you,

Rhonda N. McEwen
President and Vice-Chancellor