The McMaster campus is a hive of activity these days. Not necessarily academic activity, but tremendous growth with several projects underway. The athletics and recreation complex, the new Main Street entrance, MDCL and renovations to the Burke Science Building are all major initiatives that will greatly enhance the University.

Beginning July 5, 2005, work will begin on a new student residence. The 400-bed facility will be located beside Hedden Hall along the west side of the zone 1 parking lot. “The new residence will allow us to accommodate more students on campus and reduce the pressure for student housing in the local community,” says Phil Wood, associate vice-president, student affairs.

Hoarding will start to go up next week followed by construction trailers moving on site. Excavation of the site will begin later this month. Additional work will include the development of temporary parking spaces in preparation for the longer term planning for zone 1; and a temporary walkway will be clearly marked for the safety of pedestrians walking to and from the north end of zone 1. These will require the removal of some cedar shrubs. No major trees will be disturbed. A detailed landscaping plan will be implemented at the completion of the residence project. The new residence is scheduled to open by fall 2006.

The unfortunate impact of the residence project is the need to relocate approximately 200 permit holders to from zone 1 to other parking areas. The location of the new residence was determined through the Campus Master Plan approved by the Board of Governors in 2002. The site permits an extension of the existing residence cluster, and allows service and technical linkages available from Hedden Hall.

“I understand that as our campus continues to grow, it affects all members of the McMaster community,” says Karen Belaire, vice-president, administration. “I would like to thank everyone who has been impacted by the requirement to move to a new parking area. Your co-operation is greatly appreciated. The change will allow for the enhancement of the campus to better meet the growing needs of McMaster students and employees.”

Through July and August, several summer camp programs will be in full swing, which means additional traffic for drop-off (8-9 a.m.) and pick-up (4-5 p.m.), and lots of children on campus throughout the day. With an increasing number of construction vehicles accessing campus via the Sterling Street entrance, everyone is asked to take extra caution and ensure that the summer is a safe one.