Campus Development

Major Capital Projects

The purpose of a new capital project and major renovation is to support the goals of the university through fostering academic innovation, enriching student experience, strengthening enrolment, supporting research excellence, developing outstanding human resources, sustaining campus renewal, ensuring financial stability, and engaging our community.

Dalhousie University is strongly committed to the future and making positive improvements to facilities and infrastructure to ensure that Dalhousie remains one of the top universities in the country.

The university is taking significant strides towards improving the condition of facilities through a combination of new projects and the renewal of existing buildings. 


Active Projects

Dalhousie Event Centre

Expanded Arts Centre

A $38.5-million expansion to the Dalhousie Arts Centre is being built to accommodate the new scope of the Fountain School of Performing Arts.

Visit the Expanded Arts Centre page for details.

Budget: $38.5 M

 

Dalhousie Thermal Plant Renewal Project

Dalhousie’s 40-year old heating plant is at capacity. The university must replace existing equipment or invest in a new system capable of generating enough heating and cooling to meet the demands of a growing campus.

Learn more on the Dalhousie Thermal Plant Renewal Project web page.

Budget: $40 M

Killam Library Deep Energy Retrofit

The Killam Memorial Library is undergoing energy and water retrofits, as well as some infrastructure renewal to improve sustainability and building performance.

This includes the following work:

  • Ventilation, air distribution and controls improvements;
  • Energy-efficient lighting upgrades;
  • Plumbing fixture upgrades to energy efficient, touchless fixtures in washrooms;
  • Upgrading main air handling units in basement and 5th floor of the Killam building;
  • Conversion of heating systems from steam to hot water;
  • Maintenance and/or replacement of failed windows and glass on all floors and in the atrium.

The retrofit of the Killam Memorial Library is part of Dalhousie’s overall Energy Master Plan and sustainability and climate agenda.

The program of improvements will reduce overall energy usage and energy cost of the buildings by 55%, reduce water consumption by 59% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2,157 tonnes of CO2. The improvements will provide an energy-efficient building, with significantly improved lighting and thermal comfort. 

Several other upgrades will address building mechanical and electrical equipment and infrastructure, thereby improving the facility reliability and condition, and reducing maintenance costs.

In most spaces, the projects will range in  complexity from lighting upgrades, to air distribution and controls upgrades.  While some of the work will be done in service spaces and ‘behind-the-scenes’, there is considerable work to be done in occupied spaces throughout the facilities as well.

Location:  6225 University Ave, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2

Sustainability and infrastructure renewal partner: MCW Custom Energy Solutions Ltd.  

Construction Schedule: Summer 2023 to January 2026

 

 

Bicentennial Common (Planning)

Dalhousie's campus master plan (2010) calls for the 60,000 square-foot area at the top of University Avenue, adjacent to the Killam Library, to be re-designed into a vibrant and diverse outdoor public space. At the time of adopting the campus master plan, this space was only known as the Lower Quad. Today, the plan intends to link the space with Dalhousie's history - and is now known as the Bicentennial Common.

To learn more, visit the Bicentennial Common project page.