Campus plan presents past growth, future opportunities

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/atrium.jpg” caption=”Construction of an atrium on the front of the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning & Discovery is one of several projects in McMaster’s campus plan. Photo credit: Matthew Carrier.”]An annual report of the Campus Master Plan was presented to both Senate and the Board of Governors last week.

McMaster's campus has been the focus of significant growth during the last year including: the addition of an atrium to the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning & Discovery; the commencement of construction of the Athletics and Recreation Centre; a new front entrance to be finished by the end of August; the continued renovation of Burke Science Building; and numerous smaller renovation projects.

Additional opportunities have arisen this year, which will result in two new campuses, namely a 37-acre Research Innovation Park in West Hamilton and a potential campus of new academic programs in downtown Burlington.

The plan also incorporates components to ensure campus is pedestrian-focused. The front entrance design incorporates numerous components to ensure a safe access onto campus by pedestrians and cyclists. In addition, the Alternative Commuting and Transportation Office has proposed a Cycling Network through campus to minimize potential conflict with pedestrians and motorized vehicles.

The setting and image of the campus also has been improved with the addition of a new shrub/flower gardens, including the medicinal garden behind the Institute of Applied Health Science and the grounds surrounding he MDCL. A tree audit is planned for this summer to ensure that the 3,200 trees on campus are maintained in optimum health while limiting the potential risk of hazard three to people and property.

Stewardship and responsibility also are listed in the document as essential. This refers to an environmental awareness that is promoted within the wider community and has specific ties between academic programs, best practices in environmental management and the implementation of the University's environmental objectives. One way this has been achieved it through careful choice of plant species that are disease and pest resilient. New recycling containers also have been installed across campus, as well as a campus-wide educational program and a pilot recycling project.

In addition, an energy renewal program will improve McMaster's aging physical assets, such as buildings, heating and cooling systems, and lighting fixtures. The energy reduction and facility renewal plan was co-developed by McMaster and Ameresco Canada.

A new McMaster Sustainable Building Policy will provide leadership in the conservation, protection, improvement and sustainability of the environment. LEEDS certification is part of this initiative. This ensures all new building projects include measures to conserve resources in both construction and ongoing maintenance, using native species and naturalized planting in landscape projects adjacent to natural areas, and employing measures to reduce waste and storm water runoff.

The University also has continued community relations efforts through the front entrance/Main Street project, the purchase of the Camco site, various Town and Gown activities, planning of a new downtown Burlington campus and working with the province on the drafting of the Rae report.

The opportunities and challenges for 2005 include a review of the site plan development for the new campus locations and the integration of the plans into the Campus Master Plan. As well, a campus-wide parking review is currently underway and the recommendations and actions resulting from this review will integrate with the planning principles of the Campus Plan. The plan provides for the development of up to two million square feet of building over 30 years. To incorporate this new space, it provides a foundation to enable decision-making regarding land use, the impact of land use changes and balance issues and sustainability with growing academic and research needs.

Decisions about land use will need to be reached, including options on how to resolve lack of campus space, such as moving departments from the main campus that are not directly related to teaching and research.