Guiding Principles 

• Honouring History and Welcoming the Future

  Preserve and enhance heritage buildings and landscapes, and prioritize improvements to systems and efficiency within existing buildings before creating new ones.  

  Any new buildings, landscapes, infrastructure, or site features should incorporate high-quality and durable materials that showcase architectural excellence and sustainable design, while accounting for full-lifecycle costs.  

  Both current and future users should be considered in planning for new spaces, which should be welcoming, inclusive, and accessible and should respect the Catholic identity of the University. The Plan will include opportunities for the recognition of cumulative donor support through tangible and meaningful features—that honour their lasting contributions to the University.  

  Design should acknowledge the campus’ historical context, including its geomorphological history, previous land uses and built heritage, and those who were on the land before us. 

• A Common Landscape Language

  The grounds at St. Mike’s should contribute to a cohesive identity for the campus, including a common palette of site furnishings, light fixtures, signage, and materials. Spaces should encourage collegiality and social exchange among the University community. The campus grounds should be enjoyed by all staff, students, faculty, alumni, and guests of all abilities.

  Outdoor spaces should provide a variety of conditions and experiences, including different seating arrangements and levels of sun and shade, and should include a mix of programmed and unprogrammed spaces. The landscapes will incorporate elements to encourage use in all seasons.

  The campus outdoor spaces should exemplify innovation in sustainability by integrating improved habitat areas for pollinators, native species, and migratory wildlife. Traditional grassy lawns can be balanced with native and drought-resistant planting areas, and it is essential that all plants and trees receive optimal conditions to thrive. Water management should prioritize its role as a valuable resource and reinforce St. Mike’s commitment to be a “blue community”.

• A Home Away from Home

  St. Mike’s will be a welcoming and inclusive place where all students, staff, and faculty can see themselves reflected in their campus, and where they feel safe and secure. The St. Mike’s community should feel empowered to participate in shaping their campus and the image of the University, no matter their faith or background.

  Students, staff, and faculty should be able to access daily needs on campus, including healthy food, recreation and wellness opportunities, social fulfillment, convenience retail, and services to support their academic, wellness, and spiritual needs. A variety of residence types will help support students at all income levels, as well as visiting faculty, summer camp groups, and other guests. Spaces for study, gathering, teaching, and socialization should provide access to green space or nature views wherever possible.

  Students should have access to a variety of study and gathering spaces on campus, from small quiet spaces for individuals and small groups, to spacious and open venues for sharing and discussion. Study spaces should be comfortable, include access to power and Wi-Fi, and be located both indoors and outdoors.

• A Connected Urban Campus

  With planned development happening to the north, south, and east of campus, it will be essential to maintain the green oasis quality of St. Mike’s. The campus should continue to welcome visitors as it becomes an increasingly important green amenity in the middle of downtown Toronto.

  Clear gateways should be established to announce the campus’ presence. The campus should both invite people inward and reach outward to its neighbours through the treatment of its edges and corners, balancing fencing and access, and protecting key view corridors to and through the campus grounds.

  St. Joseph Street should become a signature campus street connecting the campus to the north and south. The street and its edges should highlight the University’s identity and become a vibrant place on campus, and include plantings and treatments to create a safe, multi-modal street.

• Rooted in Sustainability

  Development at St. Mike’s should prioritize adapting existing assets before building new spaces, including reconfiguration of building interiors, building system upgrades, and conversion to renewable and sustainable energy sources. Flexibility and future adaptability should be a priority when considering improvements to existing and new spaces.

  St. Mike’s campus should support ecological integrity by enhancing biodiversity, pollinator habitats, resilient plant choices, and water management, both within the campus grounds and on existing building rooftops. Any new development or landscape improvements should preserve — and build upon — the campus’ existing healthy trees.

  New spaces on campus should support the development of new, stable revenue streams. Opportunities to strengthen partnerships with the University’s business, alumni, and institutional partners through shared spaces should be explored. Considering upfront, full-lifecycle, and ongoing maintenance costs, as well as opportunities for circular economies and reducing embedded carbon will help build both financial and environmental sustainability on campus.

  The University’s sustainability initiatives should be visible on campus, and the St. Mike’s community should be empowered to learn about and participate in sustainability programs.