Revitalizing the Ryerson campus

If you notice some construction on Gould and Victoria Streets in the coming weeks, you may wonder what’s going on and why.

The work will be part of the Campus Core Revitalization project, designed to enhance the quality of safe, accessible spaces and implement infrastructure upgrades, resulting in a campus that’s greener, more easily accessible, pedestrian-friendly and connected to the community.

“As a key component of our Campus Public Realm Plan, this project really aims to create common outdoor spaces on campus where our community can come together and thrive,” said Deborah Brown, vice-president, administration and operations. “While addressing these needs, we are taking the opportunity to build accessibility into the design and to modernize our infrastructure. We want to create a defined campus core that encourages community connections and enhances the experience of being at Ryerson.”

Revitalization zone

From spring to fall/winter 2019, the revitalization zone will stretch along Victoria Street and Nelson Mandela Walk from Gerrard St. E. to 285 Victoria Street; and along Gould Street from O’Keefe Lane to Bond Street. Since those areas will largely be fenced off for public safety, a pedestrian pathway will remain available on the south side of Gould Street.

While these upgrades are in progress, you can visit the Campus Core Revitalization website for information on how to plan alternative access routes in this area.

Key upgrades

This initiative will enhance the campus in several key ways:

• Pedestrian-friendly: A permanent pedestrian-only zone will be established on Gould Street from O’Keefe Lane to Bond Street. Bollards will prevent vehicles from entering and cyclists will continue to be requested to dismount.
• Accessibility: Raising the street level to be even with curbs through the pedestrian-only zone and adding two new accessible entrances from Nelson Mandela Walk will make the area more accessible.
• Connection to community: Outdoor event infrastructure, including seating, and programming space will be enhanced to facilitate community gatherings and connections.
• Green space: Nearly 15,000 large shrubs, perennials and grasses will be planted in the project area. Diseased trees will be removed and replaced with a more diverse collection of native species. Trees planted in paved areas will go into underground soil cells, which allow for root growth, drainage and overall plant health.

To learn more, visit the Campus Core Revitalization website.

The Campus Core Revitalization 2019 project was made possible thanks to the generous contribution of $7 million in funding towards the overall budget of this project from the City of Toronto and tremendous support from Toronto City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam.