The Trent Symons Campus Lands are a precious asset, rich in natural and cultural heritage, and vital to the resilience of Trent and our communities. Our vision is to create an inspiring, sustainable, and complete community to learn, live, innovate, and be active. In our care for and use of the land, Trent is demonstrating leadership in environmental education and stewardship, respect for Indigenous Knowledge, and thoughtful integration of the natural and built environment. | |
Trent and Peterborough communities invited to public information meeting October 24 to learn more about this future project | |
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To address increasing demand for electricity and to offset supply challenges, the coordinator of Ontario’s electricity system, IESO, has launched a competitive process to support projects that include battery energy storage systems. As part of its commitment to sustainability and the environment, Trent University is considering an agreement to lease a portion of its lands on the Symons Campus to Atura Power, a subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation, to allow for the creation of a battery energy storage system.
The project would add to a host of environmental initiatives, sustainability projects and research led by the University, and would advance affordable and efficient energy helping to advance Ontario’s path to a net-zero future.
If approved by IESO, the North-End Peterborough Storage system will be located on 10-20 acres along the hydro corridor on the East Bank of the Symons Campus. This location was selected due to its proximity to transmission infrastructure. This parcel of land was studied as part of the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan and was found to have low or no environmental constraints, and is designated for future University use. Atura Power will submit a bid to the province by December 12, 2023, and if selected, will engage in formal consultation with Indigenous communities, conduct environmental and archaeological studies, and obtain regulatory approval before the project can proceed.
Public Information Session
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Event Space, Trent Student Centre
Open House: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Presentation and Q&A: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
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Interactive new Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan website launched | |
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The Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan can now be explored through a new, interactive website: trentlands.ca
“The Lands Plan is our long-term vision for the future, aimed at protecting and advancing the 1,400-acre Symons campus lands while meeting the current and future needs of our students and community,” explains Julie Davis, vice president of External Relations & Development at Trent. “The new website makes this comprehensive plan more accessible, offering both snapshot and in-depth looks at the many projects underway, including the University Green Network and University-Integrated Seniors Village.”
Taking an innovative approach to land-use planning, the Lands Plan promotes land-based learning and discovery, enhances the understanding and health of Trent’s natural spaces, and models a new approach to community and Indigenous engagement.
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The newly located Trent Research Farm will see new construction, a new governance board, and an inaugural director, Dr. Karen Thompson | |
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A lot of change and growth is underway at the Trent Research Farm, now in its new location off Pioneer Road. With the Farm spotlighted in the Office of Research and Innovation’s Strategic Research Plan, an important first step in establishing the new location as a research centre has been to name its inaugural director, Dr. Karen Thompson. Professor Thompson is an associate professor in the School of the Environment and program coordinator of the Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems program.
"This is an exciting time for the Trent Research Farm,” says Prof. Thompson. “We're laying the groundwork for Trent University to become a leader in sustainable agriculture innovation and community-focused research. With a strong governance board and a clear vision, we're cultivating the next generation of researchers, farmers, and community leaders."
Prof. Thompson intends to establish a governance structure by 2027, with a framework centered on responsible land use. The governance board will oversee the Farm's activities, including the use of space by researchers, purchase of new equipment, and overseeing staff. The board will aim to ensure that any activity has a minimal environmental impact.
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Climate Change and Plant-Soil Interaction among research projects supported through funding from SSHRC, NSERC, and CFI | |
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Eighteen Trent-led research projects will receive $1.5 million in new federal funding as part of recent government funding announcements.
“The awarded $1.5M showcases how researchers at Trent are committed to engaging in collaborative research focused on complex problems in our active pursuit of creating healthy and sustainable environments and communities” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, vice president of Research and Innovation at Trent.
A number of the awards highlight Trent's research strength in climate change, sustainable farming, and green technologies. The following is a small selection of such recipients:
- Dr. Evan Bowness, School of the Environment, Building the Just Transitions in Food Systems Network, $200,000
- NSERC Discovery Grants & Supplements: recognizing the creativity and innovation that are at the heart of all research advances. Dr. Kira Borden, School of the Environment, Harnessing plant-soil interactions in agroecosystems to improve nutrient cycling and mitigate climate change, $30,000 Discovery Grant, $12,500 Discovery Launch Supplement
- Dr. Catherine Eimers, Water Sciences, From fields to waterways: The hydro-chemical implications of agricultural intensification, $35,000
- Dr. Magali Nehemy, School of the Environment, The hydraulic connectivity between transpiration source water and streamflow, $35,000 Discovery Grant, $12,500 Discovery Launch Supplement
- Dr. Andrew Tanentzap, Canada Research Chair, Climate Change and Northern Ecosystems, Ecological importance of organic matter in a warming world, $70,000 Discovery Grant, $14,000 Northern Reasearch Supplements Program
- Dr. Huy Dang, Chemistry, School of the Environment, Greenhouse gas stable isotopes for investigating the carbon cycle, $149,945
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Why did the Salamander Cross the Road?
Trent adapts curb infrastructure on campus to support local salamander population
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This summer, Trent University's Gzowski Way was the centre of a unique construction project aiming to facilitate the migratory movements of local salamanders.
Each spring, various amphibian species on campus, including the Blue-spotted salamander and unisexual Ambystoma, cross Gzowski Way on the east bank of the Symons Campus to reach their breeding habitat in the Archaeology Complex Wetland Nature Area.
To support their migration, the traditional road curbs on Gzowski Way were replaced with ones sloped at a 45-degree angle. This redesign enables salamanders to climb with ease and proceed to their wetland breeding site, while maintaining the curb's original purpose of controlling runoff from stormwater and snowmelt. Funding for the project was provided by an anonymous benefactor.
This initiative was sparked by the findings of Dr. Thomas Hossie, assistant professor in Biology at Trent and an expert in terrestrial ecology, in collaboration from the Trent Herpetological Society and the Society for Ecological Restoration.
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When complete, the new riverfront will improve accessibility and increase access to the water
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Work is underway to restabilize the West Bank of the Otonabee River between Bata Library and Champlain College. The work is necessary for the future safety of the campus community and infrastructure. Contractors will remove the existing gabions – chainlink wire baskets filled with rocks – and rebuild the shoreline with an armour stone wall. Work on the project is expected to be completed this winter.
“Not only will this work stabilize West Bank and the Faryon Bridge, but the final design also includes many features that will make campus more open and accessible. The addition of an accessible trail and stairs to the water will enable better access to the river for ceremony and recreation,” said Bruno Bianco, Associate Vice-President, Facilities Management at Trent University. “The armour stone will add much-needed stability to the shoreline, and the finished project will add to the beauty of the Symons campus and the Otonabee River.”
Retaining wall replacement will occur in phases, starting north at Champlain College, and working south to Bata Library. A ceremony for the land and water has been conducted by an Elder from Curve Lake First Nation ahead of work beginning. Contractors are accessing the wall from the water via barges (flat-bottomed boats moored adjacent to the shore). Landscaping and replanting will occur in the fall and spring, following the species list identified in the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan (TLNAP).
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Building a vibrant and inclusive intergenerational community to nurture well-being and connection | |
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The University-Integrated Seniors Village continues to make progress in its mission to create a vibrant, intergenerational community that integrates seniors and university life. Guided by the principles from the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan, the project aims to advance research and teaching opportunities while meeting local needs for seniors living.
Behind the scenes, several key initiatives are underway. Plans are in motion to create new trails throughout the nature area adjacent to the Seniors Village to promote physical activity and well-being for future residents, staff and neighbours.
To enhance safety in the area, the City of Peterborough is improving the Woodland Dr. and Water Street intersection, adding permanent traffic signals, pedestrian crossings and left-hand turn lanes. Upgrades will also include a pedestrian sidewalk on the south side of Woodland Drive between Hetherington Drive and Water Street. These additions will make this intersection safer for students and residents.
To bring Trent's vision for the Seniors Village to life, the project is beginning the process of finding a development partner. This process will be informed by the Trent Centre for Aging & Society (TCAS) report series, a foundational document outlining the project's vision and objectives. Philanthropic and government funding are being sought to elevate the project's standards in areas such as accessibility and environmental sustainability, reflecting the commitment to creating an innovative learning community.
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Trent remains an active caretaker of the land thanks to the generous support of philanthropists David and Patricia Morton |  | |
Following a long history of supporting the Trent University Nature Areas, philanthropists and environmental advocates Dr. Patricia Morton and Dr. David Morton have recently invested in upgrades to the boardwalk of the John de Pencier Walking Trail, equipment to keep the paths clear, as well as improving benches throughout the Trent Canal Nature Areas.
“We thank the Mortons for their ongoing commitment to Trent. Their gift helps us to be active stewards of the land,” says Sherry Booth ’98, associate vice president Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement. “Like so many others, David and Patricia greatly appreciate Trent’s Nature Areas and make regular use of the beautiful trails. Through their support, these opportunities will still be available to future generations.”
The Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan (TLNAP) creates a new standard in campus planning best practices and sets out a long-term vision for Trent’s Symons campus. The TLNAP has introduced the University Green Network (UGN) - a connected 868-acre system that includes diverse habitats, wildlife corridors, productive landscapes and green spaces that support ecological function and biodiversity and supports the University in achieving its commitment to maintaining 60 per cent of the Symons Campus lands as Nature Areas and green spaces. An important part of that commitment is to be an active caretaker of these lands, with actions informed by land survey and Indigenous Traditional Knowledge shared by Michi Saagiig Knowledge Keepers and Elders.
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Trent’s Kiiktaanaa Mash’ing Wetland Complex Deemed Provincially Significant | |
Wetland complex on the Symons Campus receives new official name alongside designation of provincial significance | |
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Celebrating the diversity of habitats and protected areas on campus, the provincially significant wetlands in the Total Loss Farm nature area have been officially named the Kiiktaanaa Mash’ing Wetland Complex. The name, meaning Spring Peeper Marsh, was provided by the Elders & Traditional Knowledge Keepers Council and was formally invested in a ceremony on April 25.
“Thanks to our extensive collaboration with the Michi Saagiig consultation liaisons, the Trent team determined early on how best to collect environmental data and Indigenous knowledge (IK) in order to effectively plan for the preservation of wetlands in our Nature Areas,” said Julie Davis, vice-president of External Relations & Development. “We’re pleased that the province has recognized the value of this wetland to the hydrology of the region, and that they accepted the name the Elders Council recommended for the wetland.”
Four season studies of the wetland complex have been completed, and baseline hydrological monitoring has been in place since early 2022 to allow for the advancement of the University-Integrated Seniors Village and non-profit long-term care facility while mitigating impact to the natural environment. In anticipation of the construction of this important community infrastructure, the Trent campus planning team has ensured that protections for the Kiiktaanaa Mash’ing Wetland Complex including development setback buffers to protect the flow and function of the wetland.
In response to the IK and environmental data collected as part of the planning for the Seniors Village, the University significantly expanded the boundary of the Total Loss Farm nature area from 13 hectares to 22 hectares, thereby preserving more green space on campus.
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