Residence improvements certain to excite
By Drew J. Rankin
Lance Writer
September 19, 2007
 Entertainment, livability, and infrastructure updates are making progress behind the scenes during phase one renovations to Macdonald, Laurier, Cartier and Clark residences.
Many of the long awaited major renovations will be completed during the first phase of the two-year initiative, which began last May.
“The identified projects total approximately $26 million,” stated Diane Rawlings, department head of Facilities and Administration.
Phase one of the initiative is not intended to tackle the entirety of issues. Through refinancing their mortgage and debt, however, Residence Services has managed to free up $5 million for initial projects. In addition, a $5 million extension is possible through cooperation with Ameresco Canada Inc..
Ameresco is a consulting project management company that specializes in energy saving projects. Ameresco has been used previously by the University. Rawlings explained, “We hired them to do a study of the four residence buildings to determine the actual amount of renovations required.”
With Ameresco involved, the Board of Governors has approved Residence Services a budget of $10 million for phase one renovations.
To pay back the additional $5 million in funding, Residence Services will rely on the money saved due to reduced energy costs resulting from Ameresco’s suggested renovations.
“The [initial] $5 million allows us to address a lot of issues but not everything,” explained Rawlings. “As we are able to leverage additional money above the $5 million, it will allow us to continue some projects and allow us to take on new ones that have been identified.”
Details of the expected yearly return from energy savings are not available at this time as the benefits of the renovations are just now beginning to be realized. “Those energy savings are currently being calculated through the winter in order to use the energy savings money to borrow to do other renovations,” stated Rawlings.
The funding will be separated between the four residences with budgets of $1.8 million for Macdonald Hall, $1.6 million for Laurier Hall, and $715,000 for both Cartier Hall and Clark Residences.
Renovations in Clark Residences include new flooring, sliding glass doors, and balcony improvements, along with aesthetic and structure considerations.
Cartier Hall will benefit from updated heating and cooling, lighting, and electrical to improve service to students.
Laurier Hall has received new lighting and also a new elevator, while Macdonald Hall already has one new elevator and the second is awaiting renovation.
Macdonald and Laurier Halls will also see heating and cooling improvements, renovations to washrooms and kitchenettes, and significant improvements to their lobbies.
“We have done almost $1 million to residence buildings through the summer,” revealed Rawlings.
The construction of a new multi-purpose presentation theatre in the lower level of Macdonald Hall is a feature that is unique within residences province wide. The Macdonald theatre will serve as a facility for Resident Assistants to hold floor meetings, for students to practice presentation skills, and for social events like movie nights.
“The reality is that when we really needed [the money], it came through and we were able to make a lot of great changes for the students,” said Sandy Howe, Residence Manager for Electa, Macdonald and Cartier Halls.
Rawlings admitted, “There are always going to be some disruptions. The goal is to do as much renovation as possible throughout the year while students are here. We are working with the students to organize projects to produce the least disruption,” stated Rawlings.
“A lot of the renovations in our commons happen during the day when students are out at class,” said Howe. “When [the students] come back in late afternoon, the workers for the renovations are already gone.”
The renovations are bringing a new face to the residences and many of the added features and updated services are causing excitement amongst residents and administration.
Rawlings stated, “It is a big undertaking…and that certainly is something that we are very excited for.”
“It is definitely exciting and I’ve enjoyed watching the process happen,” agreed Howe.
“I think that there will be more pride in the buildings, when the students walk in and they see a brand new gorgeous lobby,” stated Howe. “I think that pride will translate up to their floors and I think that they will hopefully treat the entire building better.”
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