Implementation

Start With Principles

Demand for space within each department combined with the availability of funding sources to support new initiatives will affect the phasing and prioritization of projects throughout the Campus. In concordance with academic priorities and availability of funding, general priorities for Saint Mary’s Campus as they pertain to the realization of the Campus Plan Concept are as follows:

• Prioritization of high-profile projects that enhance the image of the Campus;
• Development of projects that provide high-quality common space for students on Campus;
• Replacement of parking spaces lost to redevelopment through smaller "pocket" parking lots and structured parking;
• Development of the Open Space Network;
• Adoption of a series of Plans that will help guide campus development, including:
• A Facilities Renewal Plan;
• A Sustainability Strategy;
• An Accessibility Implementation Plan;
• Establishment of a Plan Review process for the Campus Plan.

Collaboration is Crucial

The following tasks can be initiated in the short term as deemed appropriate and necessary:

• Establishment of a Transportation Management Association with other Halifax educational and heath care institutions and establishment of a discussion forum with HRM and Metro Transit to improve trip management in the Peninsula;
• Discussions with the Halifax Regional Municipality to discuss potential changes to zoning; and
• Consideration of a design review process to assist with the development of new buildings.

Phasing & Project Prioritization

The Plan does not prescribe a strict timeline for the phasing of projects, but suggests a prioritization strategy to address the concerns and aspirations of the Campus Community, ensure continuous momentum from the Plan, attract funding and lay the ground for more ambitious long-term initiatives. These priorities must be coordinated with detailed programmatic requirements resulting from academic and facilities planning. The initiatives described in the document are divided into two separate categories. The categories are as follows:

Short-term Initiatives (0-10 years)

Projects in this category are already being considered by the University and in preliminary planning stages, address community concerns or create a symbolic image for the campus.

• Open Space Network - The University can begin to implement many aspects of the Open Space vision even before adjacent and surrounding buildings are developed.
• Buildings:
  • New Arena (NE-4) to replace the existing, deteriorating Alumni Arena;
  • An Atrium (C-1) and Global Commons to provide missing or inadequate facilities;
  • McNally Arrival Courtyards: to reduce the visual impact of parking and access routes;
  • Study Pavilion (C-5) and improvements to the rear of McNally: to address aesthetic issues with this area of the Campus and quickly add common space;
  • Gateway Building (NW-1): to provide parking and enhance the Northwest corner of the campus; and
  • The Library – improvements should be considered at the same time as the construction of the Atrium.
  • Smaller, "pocket" parking lots throughout the campus to replace lost parking.

Medium to Long Term Initiatives (10+ years)

• Continue implementing the Open Space Plan
• Buildings:
  • Burke Building replacement (C-2)
  • Stadium Building (C-6)
  • New Academic Building (NE-2)
  • 980 Tower Road Addition or Replacement (NE-3)
  • New Building (S-1)
  • Loyola Academic Complex Extension (S-2)
  • Sobey South Building (S-3)
  • Sobey West Building Addition (S-4)
  • The Oaks Mansion Addition (S-5) and The Oaks Complex (S-6)
  • Science Addition (NW-3) to replace the building at 5960 Inglis Street.
  • McNally Additions (NW-2): the symbolic entrance and animated façade of the campus.

Renovations to the Canadian Martyrs Church and the replacement of the Ancillary Church Building (NE-1) are contingent upon the disposal of the Church by the Archdiocese of Halifax. No timeline can be ascribed to this event.

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