Ontario Tech expansion plans will add a new academic building, hundreds of student-residence beds and a major athletics complex to the university’s north Oshawa campus over the next three years.
Ontario Tech University announced the next phase of its Campus Master Plan on September 9, describing a connected series of projects intended to support enrolment growth and make the shared Ontario Tech–Durham College campus easier to navigate.
The first new residence, called The Ridge, is scheduled to open in fall 2027 with 450 beds in its initial phase. A second residence connected to the planned academic building could add approximately 400 more beds.
High-performance complex targeted for 2028
A Campus High-Performance Complex is expected to open in August 2028 at the institutions’ shared north Oshawa campus. The project will add more than 5,500 square metres—nearly 60,000 square feet—of new space and renovate more than 800 square metres, or about 9,000 square feet, inside the Campus Ice Centre.
Plans include basketball and volleyball courts, strength and conditioning areas, fitness facilities, study and lounge space and expanded food services. The existing two ice pads will remain part of the complex.
The university says the facility will serve varsity athletics, intramurals, fitness programs, campus events and community programming. Its location beside other student services is also intended to make the north campus a stronger Durham Region destination for sport and recreation.
New academic building planned for 2029
The centrepiece of the longer-term Ontario Tech expansion is a new academic building targeted for 2029. It is planned for the present Founders Lot 2 site and will contain flexible, technology-enabled space for experiential learning and collaboration between disciplines.
Moving parking toward the edge of campus would allow new pedestrian routes and public spaces to connect the building with Shawenjigewining Hall and the North Oshawa Campus Library. University officials say the project is meant to create a more recognizable campus gateway and a less vehicle-focused centre.
Ontario Tech’s multi-year budget planning sets aside $75 million over five years for a new academic building. The university has also said its long-range needs could include at least 300,000 gross square feet of additional teaching, research and study space as enrolment grows.
The projects remain phased, and individual schedules may depend on approvals, financing and construction progress. The announcement nevertheless establishes target opening dates and confirms that residence, academic and recreation construction will proceed together rather than as isolated projects.
Sources: Ontario Tech University; Durham Radio News
